Smyrna times., 1857-10-28
Original Article
Written for The Smyrna IimGs
LEAF FROM my ARY.

IN the early part of my professional career
it was my lot to meet occasionally in the social
circle many of my acquaintances, and on such
occasions, at some OF the places, among other
refreshments of the evening came the wine, all
bright aud sparkling, and to the taste no doubt
pleasant. Among the company, on such occa-
sIOus, were the young men and women who, of
course, were to be the parents Of the present
generation. Being a married man at the time
myself, aud having the confidence Of the com.
munity, was of course brought more intimate
ly INTO relation with many of the families Of
the nelghborhood, and often on other occasions
would hear the merits and prospects of respec-
tive parties discussed. In a community like
ours 1t would have been strange thing that
match should not occasionally have been made
up between some of the young folks of the
place. Such was the case at the time referred
TO- between young gentleman of the neigh
bOrhood and the daughter of one of our most
substantial citizens. Suffice it to say, she was
a young lady of refinement, intelligence and
Plety,-a favorte of all who knew her, and no
doubt devotedly loved by her afianced. He
was man of good business qualities and easy
circumstances; had pleasant address and was
generally considered a pleasant companion.-
The match, of course, was C nsidered q suita-
Bile one by most who were acquainted with the
parties. BY most, did | say! Yes, by most,
but not without some misg wings by two who
were most interested. Reader, are you a pa
rent !-if not, you know nothing of the solici-
tude which fills a parents heart then. She
who had been tende:ly nurtured, whose mind
had been carefully cultivated, and whose heart
had been deeply imbued with the spirit of
Christianity, was now to be the companion, the
wife, the partner for life of another. 1t was
not that he could not make her comfortable and
supply her even with the luxuries of life, so far
as the body was concerned. The young lady
hoped, however, and her friends hoped, and
even her parents hoped, that it might be long
and happy union,-and many were the congra-
tulations on the occasion of celebrating the
nuptials. So far as appearances went all SEEM
ed fair. The bridegroom took social e lass on
the evening IN question, as formerly, and on
many succeeding evenings during the season.
The taste became ultivated-deVeloped, and
an occasional drink was usual during his busi-
ness hours. The developed taste occasionally
became imperious, and nothing less than good
supply would satisfy the demand. Being a
man Of business. and frequently thrown in con-
tact with others who, like HIMSELF had a
cultivated taste, what more natural than
that 1t should be gratifed! His pleasing ad-
dress and generous nature gained him many
friends, and after awhile he was chosen to
public office. Here he was thrown more into
public life, and his time more occupied with the
duties of his Office than with the affairs of his
family. His sons, however, (for he had two, !
seeing his habits, and his position and popuIari-
ty, would naturally wish to be as much like
him as possible, and would Of course desire to
initiate his example,-and they did only a little
more so. The taste, which in him had been
developed, in them became master and led them
bllndly whittier il would. The father remon-
strated with them, the mother persuaded and
plead with them, all to no purpose, as they
were in the hands of relentless master, until
at last broken-hearted at seeing her companion
occasionally drunk and her sons ruined, she
was buried beside her departed parents. The
sons continued reckless and profigate, until at
hst the earnings of their father were spent,--
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