The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-06-14
MISCELLANEOUS.
Reformation of William Writ,
TRUE INCIDENT IN HIS HISTORY.

n TRUE INCIDENT IN HIS HISTORY.
The distinguished VIM. Writ, within
six or seven mounths after his first mar
riage, became 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 in which he resided, and
he moved to Richmond, where he soon rose
to distinction.-But his habits hung about
him and occasionally he was found with
j lily and frolicsome spirits in bacchanaian
.rovelry. His true friends expostuated
with him TO convince him of the injury
he was doing himself But he still persis-
ted. His practice began to fall off, and
many looked on him as on the sure road
to ruin. He was advised to get married
with view Of correcting his habits.
This he consented to do, if the right per-
son offered. He accordingly paid his ad,
dresses to Miss Gamble. After some
months attention, he asked her hand in
marriage. She replied:
"Mr. Writ, have been well awcre Of
your attentions some time back, and
should have given you to understand
that your visits and attentions were not
acceptable, had | not reciprocated the affec-
ton you evinced for me. But cannot
yield assent unit! you make me pledge
never to taste, touch, or handle any intoxi-
eating drinks"
This reply to Writ was as unexpected
as it was novel. His reply was, that he re-
garded the proposition as a bar to all furth-
or consideration on the subject, and he left
her. Her course toward him was the
same-his, resentment and neglect.
In the course of q few weeks he went
again and solicited her hand. But her
reply was her mind was made up. He
became indignant, and regarded the terms
she proposed as an insult TO his honor.
and vowed it should be the last meeting
they shoLld ever have. He took to drink
ing worse and worse, and seemed to run
shoadlong TO ruin.
One day, while lying in the outskirts
'of the city, near little grocery or grog
shop, dead drunk, young lady whom il
IS not necessary to name, was passing
that way to her home, not far off, and
behell him with his face turned up to the
rays OF the scorching sun. She took her
handkerchief 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 little gro
Gerry or grog-shop to get drink, when he
discovered the handkerchief, at which he
looked, and the name was on it. After
pausing few minutes he exclaimed;
"Great God who left this with me?
Who placed this on my facelr
No one knew. He dropped the glass
exclfming--
Enough enoughw.
de retired instantly from the store, for
getting his thirst, but not his debaucb,
the handkerchief ~ or the lady, yowing. Il
God gave him strength, never to touch,
tast, or handle intoxicating drinks.
10 meet Miss Gamble was the hardest
efforts Of his life. Ifhe met hescarriaee
or on foot he popped round the nearest cor
ner. She at last addressed him note
under her own hand, inviting him to o>her
house, which lie finally gathered courage
to accept He told her if she still bore
affection to bin he would agree TO her own
terms. Her reply was:
my conditions are now what they ever
have been"
Then" said Writ I accept them"
Ihey were soon married, and from that
asy be kept his word and his affairs
frightened, while honors and glory gather.
ed thick upon his brow. His name has
been enrolled high in the temple Of fame;
while patriotism and renown live after him
with imperishsble lustre.
How many noble minds might the
young ladies save, If they would follow the
example ofthe heroine-h hearted Miss Gam.
p'c, the Siend Of humanity, other coun.
try, and the relation Of LaEayettei