The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-06-17

her heart from her breast, yet she wisely
concluded that if William loved whisky
better than he did her 1t would be best to
leave him to his cups.
No enc can call her selfish for this step,
for we have too often seen young women
marry men who were strongly addicted
to drinking liquor, in hopes that their
influence after marriage would be suffi-
cient TO make their husbands forsake the
evil habit: but, to the lifelong sorrow
of many woman, experience has shown
that if this influence before marriage is
not sufficiently strong to turn their dear
ones it will never be afterwards.
William called at the printers house a
day or two after Helen's interview with
her parents. She received him pleasant
ly but sadly William endeavored by
smiles and animating conversation, to
drive away the soberness of his darling 4:
but, though smiled family at times, yet
during his call she appeared to be absent
minded, and to take but little interest In
what he said.
At last he rose to 90 and Helen follow
ed him silently to the door. They paus-
ed at the threshold, and he passed his
arm around her waist and drew her to-
wards him.
"W hat has made you wear so sad face
tonight, my love-and what has made
you appear SO strangely? Surely some
thing must be wrong"
Helen bowed her head for a moment
and wept; but this gush of tears seemed
to give her strength, and then she brush
ed away the drops that were gistening
on her cheeks and frankly repeated all
that had been told her, and also her par
ent'S wishes
William was struck dumb for moment;
his bosom heaved and his temples throb-
bed as the truth of his present degraded
position flashed upon him.
"Oan it be that | am as low as this ?
Gracious Heavens! What have l been
about"
He drew Helen passionately to him,
pressed burning kiss upon her lips, and
with trembling Good bye" rushed
from the house. Helen, almost too weak
TO stand, tottered backed to the parlor,
and finging herself upon the sofa, gave
vent TO her feelings in a food of tears
After her burst of grief was over she
became calm, and offered up prayer for
the redemption of her lost lover.
William Curtis came forth from the
house of the printer changed man 1t
,ook him but short time to form his re-
olutions and, once formed, they were not
easily changed Honor and wealth he
could see far ahead, but almost insur-
mountable difficulties and impossible bar
riers besrewed the pathway , and to climb
such Jagged cliffs, to swim such boiling
streams, and to breast the stinging air of
public sentiment, made his brain wbIrl in
doubt and discOuragement at first. But
life's happiness was at stake, and he would
make himself worthy to claim Helen, or
die in the attempt.
Loud over the Northern land swelled
the voice Of war, as the heroic bravery Of
Sumpter's little band was beralded thro'
every city, town and village; and thous-
ands of patriots, we'll worthy of their rev
olutionary sires, focked under rhe loved
banner of our Union, aud swore TO defend
it even with their lives.
Among the first to place their names
upon the lists was William Curtis, he
enlisted as private, and when bis regi,
ment was organized, armed and equipped,
it was sent flying over the iron rails to
the seat Of war
l will not stop to detail the hearty re-
ception that the regiment met with in
every place through which it passed, but
stride over few weeks to the disastrous
battle of Bull Run Here the regiment
in question was engaged, and no soldier
stood more bravely up to his duty than
did William Curtis; but he escaped un-
harmed, though many of his brave com.
rades fell beneath the CALLING fire ef mus
ketTy and cannon balls.
The Sergeant-M Major was killed, and
our William, having been noticed By the
Colonel, was appointed to I'll the vacancy.
During the long winter that followed he
attended diligently to his duties, and the
Spring campaign opened, and the regi-
ment found themselves in front Of the
defences in front of Yorktown
Our hero had displayed so many mill /
tary qualifications ard repeated evidences
Of his ability to command, that he was
for and obtained second. !
The battle of Williamsburg followed |
our entrance of Yorktown; then Fair
Oaks; afterwards Charles City Crossroads
and Malvern Hill; and the protecting
providence of God shielded Lieutenant
Curtis through all Of these.