Smyrna times., 1859-04-28
CORRESPONDEN CE.
Written for the Smyrna Tunes.
FAMILIAR SKETCHES.
THE FAV RITE SON.

TIL 4 A y X L . " N.
Richard D-s was really an interesting
bsy. At an early age. h s vivacity of spirit and
infante wit made him the pet and favorlte OF
all the family. The visitor at his fathers
house was soon attracted by his manly deport'
ment aud intellectual capacity, and every one
looked upon him as a promising child. His
mental abilities showed themselves to be of a
superior order. Quick OF perception and OIL
sound understanding, he outstripped all his
classmates and soon acquired the foremost posi-
ton in school. Being of a gentle and kind dis
position, yet of lively and active temperament.
h. was the universal favorite of his school
mates; and when, in the hour OF vacation, he
would reinqulsh his studies sufficiently long to
engage in game Of play, he was the acknow'
lodged champion. Making such rapid progress
ia literary attainments, at the age of fifteen ne
was deemed sufficiently qualified to engage IN
business. and was taken from school nd placed
ina mercantile esta tablishment. His father was
sfarmer, but this son preferrIng the store' his
will was readily gratifed. Active in this new
capacity and attentive to the interests and busI-
ness of his employer, he soon became the favo-
rite in the store, and was early promoted to the
position of ahead clerk"
Arriving at the age of maturity, he desired
to engage in business for himself His parents,
proud OF their son, encouraged his youthful am
bi,iou, and gave sufficient aid to enable him to
Opsn a respectable store in neighborlng VII
tge. Prosperity attended him, and success
seemed certain. Of handsome appearance.
agreeable in manners, lively and brilliant in
conversation, he was general favorite with the
ladies', and the mothers looked upon him as a
desirable match for their daughters. He mar
ried early, but the choice was uupropltous.-
Having been brought up a pet child. she lndulg-
a lin every fancied luxury and extravaganza.
Her husbands habits and principles of economy
we're sorely grieved, but, loving her supremely
he desired 10 CRAFTY her wishes. Parties and
fessts were frequent at his house. The "spark
ling wine " and " flowing bowl" were brought
ia. 10 facilitate the flow of wit and jollity. Al
master Of the feast, he was expected to lead II
the entertainment, aud was thus induced u
psriake freely of the sport.inspiring draught-
At the close of the entertainments he was ire
quently assisted to bed. victim to the drea'
influence of the intoxicating cup. Having &C
CURED an Unsuitable thirst for the exhlllratinl
liquid, he was induced to visit places OF amuse
inent hitherto looked upon by him with DISCUS
and contempt. The public treat, the horse
race, the games of chance were visited er
dgred and then embraced. Business was M
elected or entrusted in the hands Of carele'
clerks. His newly acquired habits, togeth'
with his wife's desire for display, brought upc
him burden Of expenses that far exceeded b
present incomes. Often, in his rejecting m
ments. would he weep over his situation, grle'
for his los, character, and resolve TO rcform.-
Bot the practices were not so easily relinquIs
cd as acquired, and the downward road was St
pursued. His friends forsook him and his ere
i,Ors, perceiving his manner of life, becsn
alarmed for their safety, and ordered the Office
10 seize his property. His embarrassed circu,
slances and pecunary downfall destroyed
las, remaining spark Of ambition, and he yie
ed In complete subiugaiion TO the inebriasi
cup to drown his troubles. Utter poverty a
restitution was the result. His wife was CO
pelled 10 seek home among her relation
while he became burden to himself. his frieI
and 10 society, q drunken sot, and filled
l dsuukard's grave.
Reader. the above is no imaginary or oy