Litchfield enquirer., 1853-04-14
FIELD, (coNN,) THURSDAY. APRIL IA, ls5;

son parted In anger, never to meet RgaIn, and when the former dled, the latter shared no portion of his wealth.
 l Again thrown upon the world by his own misconduct. tho young man tried his hand in field common to young men. and wrote several poetical pieces and articles in the magazines. These were SO well received that he was al- most tempted to believe that he could obtain living by literature. But his old habits returning, he dispaired of success in his new avocation, and enlist ed as a private soldier in the army He was soon recognized by former companion in the military academy. and great interest began to be felt for him among the officers. It was proposed to buy commission for the talented and handsome young man but just as friends began to rally around him, just as their plan seemed about to prosper, he desor- ted.
 For more than two years the world knew nothing of his whereabouts, and 1 it may be had almost forgotten him.
 In 1883, however, the proprietors of a magazine offered two prizes for the best I poem and tale which should be suitable to .teir pages. Numerous MSS. were sent for competition. and day was ap> pointed on which the arbitrators should meet to juoge of the merits of the vari- ous productions. Almost the first man uscript that was opened claimed atten- ton, from the remarkable beauty and dis.inctness of the hand writing. One of the arbitrators read page or two and 1 was charmed. He called the attention of his friends to the tale, and they were SO much pleased with it. that it was read aloud from beginning to end, and all ad. mitted that it was worthy the highest prize. The confidential envelope was opened-a Latin motto was discovered. No other tales were read. and the award was immediately published. But where to find the author that the prize money might be paid /? The publishers and arr btrators had not 10 wait long. In the evening following the announcement, a young man came to the office to claim the prize. He was pale and thin. even to ghastiness. and his whole appearance bespoke dissipation want and illness. A we'll worn coat, bu.toned up to the chin |, concealed the want of shirt, and I'm perfect, wretched boots discovered the want of stockings: but he looked a gen. ,leman nevertheless: for his face and hands. though hagga'd and attenuated, were clean and spotless, his hair was well arranged. his eye was bright with intelligence. and his voice and bearing those of scholar The publishers and a,bitrators were interested extremely.- They inquired into his history, and final ly offered him employment on the mag azine for which the tale had been wrt> ten.
 A little money judiciously applied soon altered the appearance of the young man. and in short time he took his post as second editor of monthly magazine. with the means and position of a gentle man.
 Now here was an opportunity of re- trieving his lost character. Here were friends ready not only to overlook the past, but to assist in making his future calm and free from care. Here was pub- lie ready to listen to his teachings. and patrons ready to rewa'd his labors.- For little while all went on well, and those who knew him began Co congrasu- late themselves upon the happy change. Ttose who before admired his genius were beginning to respec. his integrity He was happy and successful in his new vocation. He married young and beau- tiful girl. his cousin he found for him. self cottage. which the care. economy and gentle temper of his wife converted into a HOME, and he was beginning 10 be a happy man. It would be well if our story ended here but alas for human frailty alas for good resolutions made without prayer to God alas for princi- ples in which He assists not! The young husband of that fair young wife fell back again into tue abyss, and forfeited the res pect of employers and the sympathy of friends, through his devotion to tho bottle.
 It were a weary tale to tell how often h. repcnied, and was forgiven; how he passed from the ediiorship of ono mag azine to that of another; how he went from State to State. and from city to city hard working. aspiring. sanguine. tal- ented man, bearing about with him the curse of irresolution never consiaat bu to tn, |" seductive and dangerous besei' ment" of strong drink how friends ad vised with him. and publishers remon' strated hew at one lime he had 80 fa' conquered his propensity as to call him, self. in a letter to friend a "model ol temperance and other virtues ," and how at smother he forfeited the occupation which wns the sole dependence of his It. ,le family by frequent reIapses into his old. disgraceful habits how he commits ted. under the excitement of intoxication, faults and cxcesses to which no gentle