The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-11-24
MISCELLANEOUS us.
5THELOsr FOUND AND RESTORED.

5si'ag s&A KETciH FROM LIFE.
3'"sYou have just returned, friend Manson
shave you not" said Livingston, "fron
yotr western journey?" 4 "
"Yes,"I i replied. 81 have; and there
was q circumstances attending it which will
make to me the most memorable event in
my whole life."
.slndeed; what is that. my friend?"
,aiaa "Ah, il would take more time than either
you or ! could now spare" said Manson
y 'sfor me to relate, and you TO listen to the
particulars; but will attempt very brie
sketch Of the substance. When | went to
school in Connecticut, had very dear
'Rfrisnd and schoolmate, named John Nc.
He was one Of the brightest and
most beloved pupils in the school. He
grew up, paid his addresses to beautiful
and excsllent young lady, member Of the
church. At length he was married to his
Mary, and they prepared Immediately af.
\ ter that event, in pursuance Of a previous
plan, to emigrate to a western State. The
evening before the day we were to separate,
perhaps forever. had tender interview
with my bosom friend and his lovely wife;
il was deeply affecting 10 us all. The
a nexi morning they departed, withthe affec-
I ton ate farewells OF many old friends and
ipeighbors in the town where they were
born and reared, and a handsome provi.
sion made by the parents Of both, who
were in competent circumstances. Ten
years elapsed, during which was called
10 the Methodist ministry in distant places,
- my lot happened to be cast. Not
word concerning them reached my ears
lin all that time. The course Of duty call.
ed me then to the vicinity Of the place
swhere my friends had settled, and I re.
solved to go out Of my way considerably
to give John and Mary call. Arriving
atthe town, and enquiring for their resi-
dence. was told that they lived some dis.
tance from the centre Of the village. AT
length found the place. At the first
glance my mind misgave me. The sight
fof the miserable cabin made me sick. and
after hi,ching my horse, scarcely dared
70 enter. Knock, | could not; there was
no nothing but blanket stretched
across the passage. Removing this, alas!
what did behold! There was Mary sit.
ting on stool with an infant on her lap.
and another child in the corner on the
ground, for the cabin had no floor.
!, 20, sigh: of woe! How altered was the
lovely Mary T----n!'
10! Mr.. Manson, is il indeed you?-
We are ruined; John is lost, and the chill.
dren and are starving here. We have
not had morsel to eat since yesterday
morning"
"Great heavens" said i, ."and where is
joint"
"lIe is at the store, and has not been
here for several days"
53eI must see him." replied.
"Better not, sir, he is savage now, and
will i'll treat you"
+ II must and will see John"
d III started immediately for the store &C.
cording to her direction. There was no
time 10 lose, for was to be at conference,
whittier was bound, at certain time ap-
pointed. ] readily found then store, and
entered. The first sight disclosed four
men playing cards at table. The next
glance discovered a man stretched out
along 4 whisky hogshead. The landlord
was sitting by, but instantly hoped up
and rarrbehind the counter to wait upon
me. su,posing was customer. Says |,
.Is John Mold here?" \ II
They all looked at me. on hearing THAI \
question, as If had been the "old one,'il,
or : Aisriff. IN
..What is that to you!' he sullenly reAtl
Piled \
al want too see him." f
"While was speaking. took anotheS
swssp sisthe room with my eye, and SAW
so6Hihing like man asleep in the corners |
"is that joint" al
None Of your business" answered they
ausley sbar-keeper. ~
ss,If Il is that unhappy man you willfnd
Nstyss 81 my business" 2 n
49, went 10 him, recognized him,N
though Ia this shocking, beastly plight, and \
bsganjto try to wake him. This was ND 4
easy lob; and while | was about it. the
and his guests demonstrated, I
telliDk ne TO 60 away, threatening chas-
lisemtnt and showing violence. l had IN
~ hand aloaded whip. and am not infe-
riot 1ou know, in point Of wiry, muscular
Sewsr; and though man Of peace, ] con-
isvs fhat the whole Of the twenty seven
ysarSl have been in the ministry, never
lSltso strong disposition as at that mo.
ynent, to give iour.or five men q thrashing.
They were intimidated, and | succeeded |
E,'i 4, getting John upon his legs. and trotting
him off -bomswprds. My presence and
the exercise sobered him. 80 that when he
reached his hovel, he was in his right |
i i5orgot % mention that when ! first went
inlo IN house the child upon the ground
started up Affrightened, running to her
mother crying: sIs be going TO carry US
6 I'LL. mother, where father vast" L
icfIc,fthat y, S,thnr ankhad tlnon INV hand II