The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-02
Daniel Bryan's Oath.

Most of the temperance stories of the day
are week and washy dilutions of the pre-
ceding ones; but the following has startling
vigor. Daniel Bryan, as appears from the
context, had been lawyer Of eminence,
but had fallen, through intoxication, to beg.
gary and dying condition. Daniel Bryan
dad married, in his better days, tile sister
of Moses FELTON,.
At length all hope was given up. Week
after week would the fallen mau be drunk
ON the floor, and not a day of real sobriety
marked his course. doubt if another such
case was known. lie was too low for con-
viviaity, for those with whom lie would
have associated would not drink with him.
All alone in bis Office and chamber he
continued to drink, and even his life SEEM
ed tho offspring of his jug.
1twas early spring. Moses FELTON, had
call to Ohio. Before he set out he visited
his sister. He offered 10 take her with him,
but she would not go.
"But why stay here!" urged the brother;
Syou are faded away, aud disease is upon
you. Why should you live with such
brute?"
Hush Moses, speak not" answered the
wife, keeping back her tears. IL will not
leave him now, but he will soon leave me
for he cannot live much longer"
AT that moment Daniel entered the
apartment. He looked like wanderer
from the tomb. He had his hat on and
Jug in his hand.
"Ah, Moses, how are youa' lie gasped,
for he could not speak plainly.
The visitor looked at him for few mo-
ments in silence. Then, as his features as
sumed cold, stern expression, he said with
a strong emphasized tone:
"Dauiel Bryan, have been your best
friend but one. Ny sister is an angel, but
matched with demon. I have loved you.
Daniel, as l never loved man before: YOU
were noble, generous and kind; but hate
you now, for you are a perfect devil incar-
nate. Look at that woman She is
my sister; she might now live with me in
comfort, only she will not do it while you
are alive; yet when you die she will come
to me. Thus do pray that God will soon
give her joys to my keeping. Now, Dan
ieI, do sincerly hope that the first intelli-
gence that reaches me from my native place,
after have reached my new home, may be
-thatEyou-are-dead"
"stop, Moses, can reform"
"You cannot-it is beyond your power.
You hare had inducements enough to have
reformed half the sinners in creation, and
yet you are now lower than ever before
Go and die, sir, as soon as you can, for the
moment that sees you thus, will not find me
among the mourners."
Bryan's eyes flashed as he drew himself
proudly up. "Go," he said, with tone
of the old powerful sarcasm, "go to Ohio,
and rllsend you news. Go, sir, and watcl,
the post. will yet make you take back
your words"
Never Daniel Bryan, never!"
"You shalt I'swear it'll"
With these words, Daniel Bryan hurled
his jug in the fire place; and while yet a
thousana pieces were flying over the floor
lie strode from the house. Mary tainted on
the floor. Moses bare her to the bed. and
then having called in a neighbor, he Lurri-
ed away, for the stage was waiting.
For month Daniel moved over the brink
ofthe grave, but be did not die. 2 -at
,issone gill Of brandy will save your said
the doctor, who slew that the abrupt removal
ofsiinulaeta from the system that for long
yegshad snbsisted on almost nothing else,
was nea!lyisure to- sprovefatal. ny on can
sHrsly, take 9 gilland not take any lnore.ps
AYE gssped The poor man, a.take a
sig and SbrakA Amy oath. Moses Eslton shall
never hear thai brandy or rum killed me,-1
. II the psnt pt II Killed me; then let noe die
BsEI.xoa't dis ]; Hlf li.s 5nntil Noses Fsi.
ton shall sk is wossls !: I; 3 S.; 4
~ diai6ss9 Al 'itop u,il sosqusssd
The rSAssosS Stsof death sentLDapisl Bly,