, 1860-06-01
COurtshIp vs. the Rum jug.

N--N -~---
The substance, in part, of this true story,
l obtained from my venerable friend DR. j.
W. Dorey, of Maryland, aud the hero Of it
was a Lieutenant under the brave Commo-
dore Truxton. 1t exemplfes the influence
Of the rum jug in not only blasting moral
character, plundering the purse, destroying
health and happiness, and in the production
Of crime and wretchedness, but in debarring
men from accomplishing designs which
might eventuate in an increase of happiness
and respectability.
Lieut.. Granville belonged to the squad
ron Of Com. Truxton, aud braver man
never woke the thunders Of freedom on the
mighty deep Not only did be possess the
animal quality of bravery, but he was en-
dowed with higher attributes Of the mind
be was graced with talents that would have
shone brilliantly in the halls Of legislation
Of the councils Of the country. Elegantly
educated, and having what Horace calls
eacoLhes Loquendi, or itch for talking, he
would have distinguished himself in the
forum as well as in the icld-in the SeRate
as we'll as on the sea. T-c
But alas our hero contracted love
for liquor at very early age. We all re-
member the period when the custom Of
sweetening the morning dram was univer-
sal, and the youngest members Of the family
we're entitled to share. 1t was thus, in
childhood, that Granville had contracted
the habit, which grew with his youth, and
strengthened with his strength. His so
ciety was universally couyted, on account
Of bis droll way and humorous pranks, as
well as his witty sayings, by which be often
set the table in roar"
The Lieut.. was not wealthy, and he Of
ten said that the easiest way to acquire
wealth was to bear down and board some
rich craft-by which he meant to marry
some rich lady. He had made several at
tempts at courtship, but had failed, on ac-
count Of the unfortunate habit TO which he
was addicted.
1t was the delight of the officers on
board of the ship, when seated over a
flowing can at the evening hour, to listen
to the stories Of Lieut.. Granville's court
ships, which were related in so quzzical
manner, aud contained so many ludicrous
incidents, that all hands were thrown into
convulsive fts Of laughter, for he soon col
lected crowd around him.
"Wel, Granville" said the surgeon one
evening, when party Of officers were seat
ed together on deck, "you have never Civ.
en- US the history Of that courtship Of yours"
"Sure enough, returned Granville, with
a quiLzical leer of his eye, " and prettler
or more trim craft never ran alongside Of
in my life. Oh! but you had ought to have
seen her rugged out in her flying jib and
spanker, with her streamers flying, aud eV-
erything in shape; and you'd have longed
to come to and cast anchor alongside, as |
did.n
"But go on with your story" rOared
the surgeon.
"Well, you see, 1 obtained from the
Secretary of the Navy furlough to go %
the east Indies and, when l returned TO
Washington, resolved to cruise about in
hopes l might fall in with some trim built
craft, and take her as prize. Well, you
see, hadn't cruised long before l heard
of a rich young widow, who lived about
eight miles from Washington. Clear the
deck for action, says /, I'll board her at all
hazards So hired a horse, set sail, and
how far do you think got the FIRST day "
"To the widows house, Of course re-
piled the surgeon,
Devil bit Of it. Three miles brought
me to the tavern sign OF George Washing
ton, where / hove to, dropped anchor, got
drunk and staid all night The next morn
ing got up, and piped all hands to splice
the main brace ahoy, with little of the
Boston particular Well, you see, when
the landlord made bis appearance, took a
Sneezer, ordered my horse, put out again,
and in less than four miles run afoul of an
other tavern, the sign Of which was a good
woman with bad head-you know all
women are good without heads, or tongues
should say. Here l anchored, Of course,
slowed away my breakfast, and got drunk
too and there you see was one drunk on
top Of the other. Well, you see, about 5
o'clock took fresh departure for the
young widows, and in a long lane was
thrown overheard by a tremendous surge,
into the fence corner, where l lay at an-
Choir until morning When l woke saw
nothing but chimney. 1t had showed all
night l was covered about two feet, and
my breath formed this chimney"
well, what then p inquired one Of the
officers, laughing.