American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-09-08

the ravages of disease have rendered little bet
ter than an idiot. Charles has sustained US both
and firmly believe that his strong desire tC
procure sustenance for an aged mother and {
feeble brother, induced him to commit the theft
for which he is now in prison.
You seem, remarked the gentleman, mot al
ways to have been in the situation of life in
which you are now placed
The Mother.-I once was prosperous, once
was happy. But for many years have drain
ed the cup of sorrow to its very dregs re-
ceived tolerable education, and possessed a
small property. In an evil hour married the
object of my affections. | say an 'evil hour,
for, alas! my husband soon became dissipated,
and squandered the means that brought him,
and left ME to struggle with poverty as best
could, while he pursued his dssoute and vi
cious courses. His example has been the ruin
ofhi children. Edward followed the footsteps
of his prohigate father, rather than the coun-
sells of his unfortunate mother, and strayed far,
far from the path of recttude and honor
Charles was of gentle, amiable disposition; but
possessed less intellect than his bold and desper-
ate brother; while Nicholas has been rendered
! by disease, an helpless object of pity, and inca
pable oftaking care of himself Such good sir,
is the sad story ofmy family. Such is brief
picture of my position and misiortunes. And
therefore it is, that | implore your clemency
and assistance in behalf of my misguided child.
| believe that he is not naturally vicious, know
that he has always treated his mother with af-
| fiction, and for years has generously shared his
scanty pittance with her. | do not mean, sir,
to attempt any justification of his conduct, in
the matter for which he has been arrested But
it surely admits Of some pallation, when all the
facts are taken into view. hope, sir, that you,
animated by some consideration for the mis-
guided and the needy, will regard him rather as
an object of administration titan OF punish
ment. The article he took was ofsmall value,
and it was the first time that he ever appropri-
ated to his own use what belonged to another.
am old, penniless and wretched. | have no
ether dependence than this, my unfortunate
child. If he should not be discharged from i'm
prsonment, have no alternative but the aims
house. Surely, sir, public justice has already
been satisfied by the punishment that Charles
has endured, and you may interfere in his be-
half, and with pIopriety. Once released, and
he may reform and, oh! my dear sir, it is that
hope alone, which renders life all object worth
possessing. Could but see my child restored
could but feel convinced that his feet were
once more in the path of recttude and virtue,
would thank God for his goodness, and look
! forward to death and the grave with resgna-
tion.'
Some further conversation took place, and
the gentleman, touched and melted by the APP
peal of the mother, promised to make due in
quiry into all the circumstances of the case
and if he should find them to correspond with
her statement, to exercise all his influence on
behalf of her son. The result was favorable
The story of the poor woman was fully verified
Charles was discharged, and was restored to
the arms, the heart and the home of the parent
who had chung to him with so much tenacitY
The meeting was most affecting. The mother
wept with excess of Joy; while tears also
streamed profusely down the cheeks of her son.
Some time after, Mr.. Thompson, the gen
tleman to whom we have referred so repeatedly
in the course Of this brief SKETCH again met the
mother in the street. She was deCently and
comfortably clad her countenance was cheer
full, and weight of sorrow had evidently been
taken from her heart and brow. She mani
tested the liveliest satisfaction at this meeting,
was eloquent in her thanks; and in commenda-
ton Of the conduct OF her son.
Charles, since his res grafton, had been
steady, industrious and temperate. He was,
she hoped and believed, fully reformed He
was not only able by rigid frugality, to support
himself and mother, but to minister to the ne
cessities and comforts of his afflicted brother
And here she again broke forth in thanks
'Mr. Thompson had not only saved her boy
from life Of infamy and wretchedness, but he
had frightened as with beam from heaven, q
house that was dark and desolate.'
A tear trembled in the eye of Mr.. Thomp.
son, and shaking the hand of the grateful
mother,l The mentally thanked God for the hap
Ply result.
"Speak kindly to the ening
Thou yet may lead them back,
With holy words and tones of love,
From misery's thOrny track;
Forget not thou hast often snned,
h And sinful yet must be-
I Deal gently with the erring one,
Il As God has dealt with thee!'