Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-09-17
Tie mpera &c.

BY A SON OF TEMPERANCE.


was summoned, some time ago, to the dying couch
of the early and much loved friend of my youth. We
had been separated for years, and for some time
had not heard ofhim. After leaving school, we chose
different business and embarked in different direc-
TONS 1t was cold night; heard rap at my door,
and arose to answer the call. When ] heard the
name of my early friend fastened to follow the con-
ductor, and after minutes walk, entered dim
ly lighted chamber. approached the bed, and there
beheld all that remained of the proud, gifted, and
noble Charles Hamilton. Dclirium tremcnS, the aveng
ing angel had overtaken him, and there he lay in all
the agony of the body and mind, which is the CON
slant attendant upon this desperate disorder He did
not recognize me when entered, as paroXysm was
upon him, and he was writing in mental anguish
The visions of his early youth passed before him. He
called again and again for his mother and sister, those
whom knew had fondy doatcd upon him, and had
fancied that his high destiny. He called my
name; but his soft voice had so changed since had
first known him, that the harsh sounds chilled the life
blood in my veins. He was calm for few moments,
and then again his maniac screams filled the room.
He spoke the name of one who in childhood had loved
him ardentIy, and who in girhood had not iorsaken
him, She forgave him his alterations from the path
of rectitude, and fondy hoped that he grew older
he would see the of his course and yet learn to
curb his wild spirit But in this she was disappointed
Long ere this she has heard of his inglorous fate If
tears over the folly of misguided youth would avail
anything towards washing away guilt, his spirit will
be cleansed by the weeping of his aged mother, his
desolate sister and his berothed bride.
After few paroxysms he became calm, and APP
preached his side. He turned himself-our eyes met
he recognized me-be raised his bony hand and drew
me towards him. His look was wild and agitated-
At length he spoke, but emotion almost chokcd his
utterance. My presence brought the recollection of
the past to him. He spoke of our childhood and our
brilliant prospects, and how utterly his were all blast
cd. He told me how he had given way, in an evil
hour to the tempter and that by degrees had over
powered him. until he was its 'victim" When he
spoke of his home his voice altered and tears bahed
his sunken cheek He spoke of his mothers love, and
with what care she had reared him in his boyhood,
and said, 80 how have | repaid her toll and suffer
ngm He told me to tell her that he was gonc but if
possible, to hide his fate from her. lie bid me sever
lock of his auburn hair and carry it to his sister, He
then opened his breast and drew out the miniature of
young and beautiful lady, and told me to give it back
to her who had loved him, and who would still pre-
serve his memory
He had no more paroXysm5 after this; he was calm
and easy. But his constitution gone his strength
was wasted, and it was impossible to raise him. He
was that his life was fast ebbing lie murmur-
ed not, but submitted calmly to his fate. | watched
by his couch till his struggle over-tl the last
spark of life was extinct He told me with his last
breath to "beware of the monster-that was deceit
full and that it would steal upon us unperceiyed like
the shades of pleasant dream When looked upon
his emacated form, and his sunken eyes, now swim
ming in death; said to myself, "Oh Charles, what a
change few short years have made in thy appearance
and prospects," closed his eyes in DEATH sraighten-
ed his limbs for the grave and followed him to his last
long resting-place. When saw his coffin lowered
found their way. When looked upon the "yctim Of
the cup" my heart bled for my species, as reflected
that it had for its apoogst the legislators of our coun
try, the church and the State. There, amid the ST.
lence of the tomb pledged myself anew to "ota alb
stinence"
Oh how loahed the demon and his apologist, when
looked upon the wreck of Charles Hamton with his
hopes blasted and his aspirations crushed Had moi
been for their unhallowcd influence, he would, to-day
be of the brightest stars in the glorious galaxy
our literature, But ali he is gone-hs short life
done; gladly would we draw the curtain between us
and his future destiny. Alas! he fills drunkard's
grave!
Oh! how many of our young men await the same
doom, who are fast nearing the opening grave, and
who, if not saved soon, must fall and meet dunkards
reward.
Cliaton Co. Ohio, dly 1916.
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