The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-03-07
Reformation of William Wirt.
A TRUE INCIDENT IN HIS HISTORY.

The distinguished w. Writ, within six
or seven months after his first marriage,
became addicted to intemperance, the
effect of which operated strongly on the
mind and health Of his wife, and lew
months more she was numbered with the
dead. Her death led him to leave the
country where he resided, and he remov,
ed TO Richmond. But his habits hung
abou, him. and occ asionally he was found
with jollv, frolicsome spirits in Baccha-
nalian revelry His true friends exposta-
lated with him to convince him OF the IN,
ljury he was doing himself But ne still
persisted His practice began to fall or
and many looked on him, as on the sure
road 10 ruin. He was advised to get mar
red with view of correcting his habits
This he consented to do, il the right per-
son offered He accordingly pss>his ad'
dresses to Miss Gamble. Alter some
months attention, he asked her hand IN
marriage. She replied:
mir. Wir,, | have been we'll aware OF
|vour attentions some time back, ana
should have given you TO understand mat
your visits and attentions were not acceP-
table. had not reciprocated the affection
which you eyinced towards me. But
cannot yield my assent until you make
me pledge never TO taste, touch or nan
idle any intoxicating drinks"
This reply to Writ was as unexpscted
as it was novel. His reply was, that ne
regarded that proposition as bar to all
. further considerations of the subject, and
he LET, her. Her course towards him was
1.-THE same as ever-his, resentment and
neglect.
In the course Of few weeks. he went
again and solicited her hand. But her
reply was that her mind was made up
el lie became indignant, and regarded the
). terms she proposed as insulting TO his
honor. and avowed il should be the las
+. meeting they should ever have. de tool
;. To- drinking worse and worse, and seemet
e to run headlong to ruin.
Il Ono day, while sying in the outskirts o
!. the city. near little grocery or grog shop
e drunk, young lady. whom it is not ne
IS cessary to name, was passing that way II
}. her house, rot far off, and beheld hin
1t with his 'ace upwards to the rays OF tn
,tl scorchinc sun. She took her handker
d chief, with her own n anne marked upon II
Il and placed it over his face.
otl After he had remained in that way 10
,e some houss, he was awakened, and HI
,g thirst being SO greet, he went into the !,
IS lie grocery and grog shop to get drlni
when he discovered the handkerchief,
all which he looked, and the name that We
lis on it. After pausing, he exclaimed:
he "Great God! who left this with mt
! yNLa 4 .d Tho on mt f6ceI''
n. No one knew. He dropped the G las
ng exclaiming:
he "Enough! enough!'
he He retired instantly from the store, 10
getting his thirst. but not his debsuch, Il
.at handkerehief, or the lady, vowipg, that
. God gave him strength, never TO toac
.ss taste or handle any intoxicating drinks.
Ia. To meet Miss Gamble was the harde
n o effort of his life II he met her in h
is carriage, or on foot, he popped aroul
YER the nearest corner.
rer She at last addressed him note und
her own hand. inviting him 10 her hou'
IN. which he finally gathered courage enou
the 10 accept. He told her if she still be
y affection to him. he would agree to
No. own terms. Her reply was:
!, in "My conditions are the same now I!
ted they ever have been"
ms, "Then," said Writ, II accept then
all They soon. married; from that day
kept his word. and his affairs brighten
= while honor and glory gathered tn
be upon-his brew.
lied His name has been enrolled high in
>. temples Of fame; while patriotism and
g to nown live after him with imperishs
los lustre.