Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-05-18
miscellaneous.
From the Toledo Blade
THE TURNING POINT.

1 BY scIo.
Do You remember the tine when in almost
every fashionable drawing-room, there stood
beautifully carved mahogany side-board,
on the top of which stood a group of cut-glass
decanters filed, or partially filed with choice
liquors, and hemmed in with clear, shining
stem-glasses
Do you remember too, how when company
came in, the little stem-glasses were turned
up, and the ladies and gentlemen drank COM
pliments and healths, and how we children
were allowed s'taste," and the privilege of
eating the sugar left in the bottom of the
! glasses And do you remember how very
ungenteel and puritanieal lady was consid-
cred, who dared, in the face of universal Gus
tom, to have party and not decorate her Ia
bic with wines and brandy, and her parlors
with card-tables and all the requisites of po-
| lite gaming
| If you do not, thank God that you have
escaped that day but if you do remember
these things as connected with your yonth,
you will perhaps better appreciate my story.
Henry irving was a native of eastern Vir-
ginia. His only Inheritance warm heart,
medium intellect, a sociable nature, fine per-
sonal appearance and a liberal share of that
peculiar feeling conceded as experienced BY
none but descendants from the first families
of the old domain.
At the age of twenty-four he left his ma
tive State, and in the fall of 1929, engaged
as salesman in the largest dry goods house in
P, a tlourishing town on the Ohio riy-
er. Having acquired liberal education, a
cultivated taste and gentlemanly deport-
ment, he soon became a fayorite in the social
circle.
Although possessed of some Of the private
and social virtues of human nature, Irving
was not free from its vices he loved the
wine cup and the card table-vices not then
as reprehensible as now. Custom, the great
sanctioner of human error, at that day recog-
nized these as the bonds of fraternai brother
hood and public sentiment has not yet ele-
waited the standard of social morality above
Them consequently, lrving's fondness for
these vicious pleasures instead of operating
against his popularity served as an introduce
ton to the highest circles.
His companions were of that wild, reckless,
whole-souled, pleasure seeking class Of young
men who throw care to the dogs, and with
mirth, wit and jollity, drift smoothly, yet rap
idly, down that stream, whose source is
crowned with choicest flowers and perfumes
of sensual pleasures, and-with dark and
wailing surge, plunges into eternity. His
most intimate and confidential friend was
John Hawkins, young lawyer of promising
talent and pleasing address, but destitute Of
correct moral principle; was an avowed inf
del, and entertained what he considered a
manly contempt for virtue and piety, was
fond Of whist, euchre and good brandy, and
was withal what the world denominated a
'clever fellow
1t was about year, think, after Irving
came to P, that Emma Carson return
ed from Philadelphia, where she had been
sent to complete her education - one too,
that had well developed her natural strength
of mind she now stood ready to make her
debut with credit alike to herself, her teach
ers and friends. With fine form, express
sive features, cultivated mind and most
bewitchng hazel eye, it was not strange that
Emma soon became the envy and admiration
of society, nor that Irving, before many
months, paid frequent visits to Mr.. Carson's
An intimacy was formed, which, on Irv-
ing's part, soon ripened into strong attach
ment. Emma was made conscious of the
fact by his marked attentions, and hints thrown
out by some of her friends; it was to her,
under the circumstances, a source of deep re-
and kindness, received his visits in q cour-
teous friendly manner but nothing more, and
however much she might admire his CONVEX
sational powers and agreeable manners, a re-
cent knowledge ofhis general character would
prevent her from desiring to encourage his
newborn feelings. What course should she
pursue Ii was not long until she and Irving
met al a party. Irving escorted her to the
tables and requested the pleasure of drinking
glass Of vino with her Sue politely, yet