Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-06-19
Inherited peculiarltles-.A Sad Story.

Inherited Peculiarities--A Sad Story.
In one of the New England StatesI know
lad, now about twelve or thirteen years of
age, whose condition is most remarkable
demonstration of the natural law that in eve
ry case, the child s q very faithful copy Of his
parents.
The boy is natural drunkard. From his
birthday to the present moment he has given
allthe outward indications of being deeply
drunk and yet so far as know, or think it
probable, he has never swallowed drop of
ardent spirits in his life. Though in good
sound health, he has nevor been able to walk
without staggering. His head is always upon
his breast; and his speech is of that pecu-
liar character which marks persons in very
low stage Of into1ica!ion. If, nevertheless, in
the midst of his mutterings and reelings,
something is said to him in way to pass
through the thick atmosphere of his intellec-
tual being, and penetrate his mind, he at
once rouses, like y colnnlon tipp!er, and gives
proof enough that he is not wanting in native
talents, however his mental faculties are en-
shrouded. His disposition, also, seems to be
extremely amiable. He is kind to every one
around him; and, l may add. he is not only
pitied for his misfortune, but in spite of his
lameutablc condition, regarded with ulcom-
mon interest. lie is looked upon as star
OF no mean magnitude, obscured and almost
blotted cut by the mist in which he IS doom
ed to dwell, till he shall pass from the present
state of existence to another.
Now, as / understand the law OF heredlta-
ry descent, there is nothing unnatural in the
boys case. Every in6iv dual ever born is
governed by the same principle, which caused
them to be What be is Prior to marriage,
Lis father lad been secret but confirmed III
ebriate and when the fact became known 10
the gcntle and sweet spirited being, who, hut
q few moments before. had become bis wife,
the revelation was made suddenly, and in
way the most impressive and appalling. One
night, when ne was supposed to be the most
u,,impaachable Of husbands, he staggered
home, broke through the door of his sleeping
apartment, and fell down on the iiocr in
state OF wretched inebriation. For weeks nc
wallowed in misery. Daring the next SIX or
seven months, seeihg that his domestic repu'
taiion had been forfeited, hc kept up almost
continuous scene et intoxcation. w hen at
the crd of this period, it was told HIM that
he was {" the husband of mother" he recled
and staggered on withoutabatement. Months
passed away; but there occurred no chanse
in the habits of the poor inebriate. 1t was at
once discovered, however, that there was
something singular in the appearance OF inc
child. When it was three months old, aie ,e
began to be some strange speculations res.
pec,nc it among the people. At the age OF
six months, thcse speculations had settled
down into very general opinion, but not a
word was said to the disconsolate woman,
who had also bsgun to have her own fore
bodiugs. At last, a she was one eVeMng
looking upon her child, and wondering what
cosld be the reason of its strange conduct
the terrible idea flashed upon her soul" MY
child is a natural drunkard!" She shrieked
aloud; and her husband, who happened to
bc withia hearing distance, came to her,. One
fell upon hi. neck, and exclaimed, Dear
husband, our little George is born a.;
She could proceed no further, but swooned
away in her husbands arms.
From that hour the father of the boy never
tasted o drop CT spirits. The sight OF his
ewes and the heayings of his heart entirely
cured him of bis habit. He seldom looks
upon his unfortunate little George without
shedding tear over that sin which entniled
upon him ;;fe of obscurity and of wretch
edness. He has lived, l rejoice to add, so as
to redeem his character; and he is now the
father offve children, all of whom are bright,
aud beautiful and lovely, excepting only the
one whose destiny was thus blasted.