Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-02-28
Reformation OF HYIIiam Writ.
TRUE INCIDENT IN HIS HISTORY.

The distinguished William Writ,
within six or eight months after his
first marriage, became addicted to in.
temperance, the effect of which opera
ted strongly on the mind and health
OF bis wife, and in few months more
she was numbered with the dead. Her
death led him 10 leave the country
where he resided, and he moved TO
Richmond, where be soon rose to dis
tinction. But his habits hung about
him, and occasionally he was found
with jolly aud frolicsome spirits in
bacehanalianrevelry. His true friends
expostulated with him, to convince
him of the injury be was doing him.
self But he persisted. His practice
began TO fall off, and many looked on
him as on the sure road 10 ruin. He
was advised to get married, with o
view Of correcting his habits This
he consented to do if the right person
offered. He accordingly paid his ad-
dresses to Miss Gamble. After some
months attention he asked her hand
in marriage, she repiied--"Mr Writ,
! have been well aware Of your atten-
tions for some time back, and should
have given you to understand that
your visits and attentions were not
acceptable, had | not reciprocated the
affection which You evinced for me.
But | cannot yield my assent until
you make pledge never 10 taste,
touch, or handle any intoxicating
drinks" This reply to Writ was as
unexpected as it was novel. His re-
ply was that he considered the propo-
sition as bar TO all further consider
alton on the subject, and he left her.
Her course towards him was the same
as ever-his, resentment and neglect.
In the course of few weeks he went
again and solicited her hand. But
her reply was, her mind was made up.
He became indignant, and regarded
the terms she proposed as insulting to
his honor; and vowed it should be the
last meeting thcy should ever have.
He took to drinking worse and worse,
and seemed to run headlong to ruin.
One day, while lying in the outskirts
of the city, near a little grocery, or
grog shop, dead drunk, a Young lady,
whom it is not necessary TO name, was
passing that way to her home, not far
on, and beheid him with his face MP
turned to the rays of the scorching
sun. She took her handkerchief with
her own name marked upon it, and
placed it over his face. After he had
remained in that way some hours, he
was awakened, and his thirst being
so great wen. into the little grocery
and grog shop TO get drink, when
he discovered the handkerchief, at
which he looked, and the name was
on it. After pausing few minutes,
he exclaimed-"Great God who left
this with mel Who placed this on
my face p No one knew. He drop
ped the glass exclaiming-"cnoughl
enoughw He retired instantly from
the store, forgetting his thirst, bot not
bis debauch, the handkerchief, or the
lady, ,vowing, if God gave him strength,
never TO touch, taste, or handle intox-
icating drinks
To meet Miss G., was the hardest
effort Of his life. II he met her in her
carriage, or on foet, he popped arolnd
the nearest corner. She at last ad-
dressed him a note under her own
hand, inviting him 10 her house, which
he finally gathered courage enough TO
accept He told her if she still bore
affection for him, he would agree TO
her own terms. Her reply was: my
conditions are now what they ever
have been" "Thcn," said Writ, IL
accept them"
They were soon married, and from
that day he kept his word, and his az
fairs frightened, while honors and glo-
~ gathered thick upon his brow. His
name has been enrolled high in the
temple OF fame. while bis deeds, his
patriotism and renown live after him
with imperishable lussre. How many
noble minds mighi The young ladies
save, If they would follow the exam
pie Of the heroino-h hearted Miss G., the
friend Of humanity, Of her country,
aud the relation Of L. Fsve;te.