Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-12-28

ing wne-bibber one night, while merry
in his cup, he was induced to hazard mon
ey in game of Fdroi He lost his money
not only on this occasion, but on almost ev-
cry evening afterward. Still he persisted
in his recklessness and played deeper and
deeper in ruin, till on one Friday evening
he came into a room where several indvid-
uas and myself were seated at game OF
cards He offered to stake five dollars on
game, and being permitted, his money was
won from him. be then bet ten dollars,
which he also lost. Becoming excited, he
continued to bet, and, as matter of course,
where all were sharpers he was well suppli-
ed with liquor and cheated not only of what
funds he had, but forced to give check for
money thus won from him. He became
drunken and remained with the gamblers
during the night. The following day the
check was cashed, and portion of the mo-
ney used in keeping him intoxicated so that
he was kept away from his family several
days. Great excitement prevailed on ac-
count of his absence in the community
while his friends and family suffered painful
anxiety in regard to his fate. Twas seated at
a table playing with him on Sunday evening,
the third day since he entered the gamblers
den, when his family physician entered and
enquired of the unfortunate and inebriated
man, if he knew where he was, and if he
would not return to his stricken daughter
and distressed family
eyes, yes, Doctor, I'll be there pres
emily go and say that will soon be with
them" The physician left, but the poor
man continued the game and speedily for
got his promise. About half an hour pas
sed in this way when female rushed into
the room, and threw her arms around-the
neck of the gamblers victim-it was his
wife.
"Great God My husband what are
you doing here ?"
Beloved, my wife what seek you, and
why come to this place 2" said the man ben
ding his head and reeking with shame and
modification.
con, my dear husband, come home in
stantly, our poor child is dying Her only
prayer for two days has been for your well
fare. Come, dear husband, now Our
daughter may not live till our return
The wife, husband and physician imme-
dlately left the place.
A short time again elapsed when that de-
luded man returned, and composedly re-
sumed his seat at the gaming table. | in
cidentally inquired of him how he had left
his daughter.
ooh, God remind me not Of that, sir.
She is dead-she is dead, and died while
was seated here at cards | could not re-
main the tempter drove me back | could
not see her dead Oh, God | could no,
stay and see my child cold and lifeless
corpse"
While he raved and wept, his wife APP
peared the second time, and dragged him
from that pandemonium to his now hapess
home.
-Four years after this affecting circum
stance, while | was sojourning in the same
city, lecturing on gambling, received Wis
it from that unfortunate man. His appear.
ance before me recalled to my mind at once
the painful incidents just detailed, and in.
CURED what were his feelings when he Wis.
tied home and found his daughter a corpse
"Oh, sir, | left your table thinking it
was but ruSe to bring me home; but
cannot tell the horror that filled my soul
when realized that my child was dead |
clasped her lileless form in my arms and
| implored her to speak if but one word, that
! | might know that had not lost her forev-
| err? There came no response. | cast the
dead body from me and rushed out wild and
frantic, yet voiceless myself determined on
selfdestruction. felt that was her muir.
derer, and the terrible thought drove me
mad. Scarcely knowing what | did, bu
impeled by the foul fiend, found myse
in the street, fastening away to the whar
with purposes of fearful conseqnence-but
strange to say, that bright lamp at the door
of the gambling house diverted me from
watery grave and turned my feet into the
den ITSELF where | sat abstractedly, | have
no doubt, for | knew nothing until YOU
inquiry about my dead child restored me tc
consciousness. Providence instructed mt
in an awful lesson, and from that hour tC
the present | have never allowed cards il
my house nor played any myself abroad
nor touched the intoxicating bowl /; and
God help me, ! never shall"
This incident is sufficient of itself (,
show the consequence of ndulging in card
playing and gaming. We could sncerel,
wish that it might lead every one to serious
reflection, and induce return to the patti
of rectitude and honor, ere that terribl,
desolation follow which most certainly at
tends, as we know full well, the course o
the Gambler and Drunkard