Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1849-11-01
REFORMATION OF VIM. WRIT.

The distinguished William Writ, within
six or eight months after his marriage. be-
came addicted to intemperance, the effect of
which operated strongly on the mind and
health of his wife, and in few months
more she was Numbered with the dead
Her death led him to leave the country
where she resided, and he moved TO Rtch>
mond, where he soon rose TO Distinction
But his habits hung about him, and occa-
sionally he was found with folly and frOlic-
some spirits in bachanalian revelTy. His
true friends expostulated with him, to con-
vince him Of the injury he was doing to
himself. But he still persisted. His prac-
tice began 10 fall of, and many looked on
him us on the sure road 10 ruin. He was
advised to get married, with view Of cor
recting his habits. This he consented to
do, if the right person offered. He accOr-
dinghy paid his addresses to Miss Gamble.
After some month's attention, he asked her
hand in marriage. She replIed-A!I. Writ.
have been well aware OF your intentions
for some time back. and should have given
you to understand that your visits and at.
tentions were not acceptable, had not re-
ciprocated the affection which you evinced
for me. Bat cannot yield my consent I'M
til you make me pledge never to taste,
touch or handle any intoxicating drinks.
This reply to Mr.. Writ was as unexpec-
ted us it was novel. His reply was tina, he
regarded the proposition as bar to all fur
Their considerations Of the subject, and LETT
hei. Her course towards him was the same
as ever-his, resentment and neglect. In
the course of few weeks he went again,
and again solicited her hand. But her le.
ply was, her mind was made up. He be-
came Indignant, and regarded The terms
she proposed as insulting TO his honor, and
vowed il should be the last meeting they
should ever have. He took to drinking
worse and worse, and seemed to run head.
long to ruin. One day, while lying in the
outskirts of the city, near little grocery
or grog>shop, dead drunk, young lady,
whom it is not necessary TO name, was pass.
ing that way home, not far off, and beheld
him with his face uplurned TO the rays of
the scorching sun. She took her handker-
chief, with her own name marked upon it,
and placed it over his face. After he had
remained in that way for some hours he was
awakened, and his thirst being so great, he
went into the grocery or grog- shop to get
drink, when he discovered the handkerchief,
al which he looked, and al the name that
was on it. After pausing a few minutes
he exclaimed God who left this
with me? Who placed this Oh my face
No one knew. He dropped the glass, ex-
claiming-"E Enough! enough" He re-
tired Instantly FROM the store, forgetting his
thirst, but not the debauch, the handker>
chief, or the lady, vowing, if God gave him
strength, never 10 touch, taste or handle in-
loxicating drinks.
To meet Miss G. was the hardest effort
Of his lite. If he met her n her carriage,
or on foot, he would Dodge round the near
est corner. She at last addressed him a
note under her own hand, inviting him TO
her house, which he finally ga.he ed cour-
age enough TO accept. He told her If she
bore affection for him, he would agree 10
her own terms. Her reply was" My
conditions are no as they ever have been. ="
Thea" said The disenthrasied Writ, 81
accept them"
They were soon married, and from that
day he kept his word, and his affairs bright
ened, while honors and glories gathered
thick upon his brow. His name has been
enrolled high in the temple Of fame, while
his deeds, his patriotism and renown, live
after him with imperishable lustute. How
many noble minis might the young ladies
save, If they would follow the example of
the heroine hearted Miss G. the friend OF
hu mainly. Of her country, and the relA ton
Of Lafayette.