Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-08-18
The Lost Found and Restored.
A Sketch from Life.

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Yes he replied, Il have, and there was
circumstance attending it, which will make
It the most memorable event in my whole
| life :.
Indeed, what is that, my friendY
| 'Ah, it would take more time than either
you or | could now spare, said Manson, for
me to relate, and you to listen 20 the par
liculars; but will attempt a very brief
sketch Of the substance.
When | went to school in Connecticut,
had very dear friend and school mate,
named John Med He was one of the
brightest and most beloved pupils in the
school. He grew up paid his addresses to
beautiful and excellent young lady,a mem.
Der of the church. AT length he was mar
RED to his Mary, and they prepared imme-
diate'y after that event, in pursuance of
previous plan, to emigrate to a western
state The evening before the day we
were to separate, perhaps forever, had
tender interview with my BOSE m friend and
his lovely wife,
The next morning they departed, with
the atfectionate farewcls of many old friends
and neighbors in the town where they were
born and reared, with a handsome provision
made by the parents of both, who were in
competent circumstances. Ten years eIaps-
ed, during which / was called TO the Meth
odist ministry in distant places, as my lot
happened to be cast. Not word concern
ing them reached my cars in all that time.
The course of duty called me then to the
vicinity of the place where my friend had
settled, and resolved TO go out of my way
considerably to give John and Mary call
Arriving at the town, and enquiring for
their residence, | was told they lived some
distance from the centre village. At length
| found the place. AT the first glance, my
mind misgave me. The sight Of the mis-
cradle cabin made me sick and after hitch
ing my horse | scarcely dared to en,er.-
Knock | could not; there was no door
nothing but blanket stretched across the
passage. Removing this, alas what did |
behold? There was Mary sitting on stool
with an infant on her lap, and another child
in the corner on the ground, for the cabin
had no floor.
Oh, sight of woe How altered was the
lovely Mary T-nl
DO you remember me, dear Mary 2" |
said.
40, Mr.. Manson, is it indeed you? We
are ruined; John is lost, and and the chill
dren are starving here. We have not had
morsel to eat since yesterday morning."
"Grcat heavens" said |, and where is
John ?"
"He is at the store; he has not been here
for several days"
al must see him." | replied.
Better not, sir, he is savage now, and
will i'll treat you"
Il must and will see john" l replied;
and started Immediately for the store, ac-
cording to her direction There was no
time to lose, for was to be at the confer
ence, whether was bound at certain
time appointed. l readily found the store
and entered. The first sight disclosed four
men playing cards at table The next
glance discovered a man stretched out along
a whisky hogshead. The landlord was sit
ting by. but instantly hoped up and ran
behind the counter to wait upon me, sup.
posing was customer. Says l, ''Is John
McL-d here ?"
lucy aIl lOokcu aJ me on nearing the
question, as if had been the old one or the
sheriff
"What is that to you," he suddenly re-
piled.
81 want to see him." / answered. While
was speaking | took another sweep of the
room with my eye, and saw something like
a man asleep in the corner. ais that John?"
asked.
"None Of your business" answered the
surely bar keeper.
"lf it is that unhappy man you will find
it is some Of my business" replied. So
went to him, recognized him, though in this
shocking beastly plight, and began to wake
him. This was no easy job. and while l
was about it, the rumseller and his guests
demonstrated, telling me to 60 away, threat
ening chastisement, and showing violence
| had in my hand loaded whip, and am
not inferior you know, in point of wiry,
muscular power; and though man of
Peace, confess that in the whole twenty
seven years have been in the ministry, ! /
never ielt so strong disposition as at that
moment, to give four or five men thrash
ing. They were intimidated, and | sue
ceeded at length in getting John upon his
legs, ard trottng him off homeward. My
presence and the exercise so5ered him, so |
that when he reached his hovel he was in
his right mind.
forgot to mention that when | first
went into the house, the child upon the
ground strated up affrighted, running to her
nothing crying, "Is he going to carry us to
jail, mother, where father was % And
that poor mother sobbed upon my hand as
if her heart would break. Well / convers-
ed with them an hour--talked of old times
in Connecticut, the old village, and school
days. He was softened; his heart was
touched. Then urged the pledge-hs
wife put in her profoundly earnest, almost
frantic plea. She felt this indeed TO be the
hour OF destiny.
"Do you think can keep it?" said at
length the miserable man, once so promis-
ing, now so fallen. ais it possible for me
to be saved ?"
at is" said l with confidence and hope.
"You can keep it l know you can. In the
name of humanity and religion. try it, dear
John, and God will help you" Al last he
consented. We knelt down on the earth
There was no chair, no table in the house);