Maryland free press., 1867-02-14
Reformation OF william Writ.

Reformation or william Writ.
!. A TRUE INCIDENT IN HIS HISTORY.
The distinguished VIM. Writ, within
elk or eight months after his FIRST mar
1age, became addicted to fhtemperance,
tho effect Of which operated strongly on
the mind aud health of his wife, and in a
few months more she was numbered with
The dead Her death led him to leave
the country where he resided, and he
moved to Richmond, where he soon rose
30 distinction. But his habits hung about
him, and occasiohly he was found with
jolly and frolicsome spirits in bacchanalian
fevelry. His true friends exposulated
With him, to convince him of the injury
he was doing himself. But he persisted.
His practice began to fall off, and many
looked on him as on the sure road to ruin.
lie Was advised to get smarried. with
view Of correcting his habits. This he
consented to do if the right person offered
lie accordingly paid his addresses to Miss
Gamble. After some months attention he
asked her hand in marriage, she replied
''Mr. Writ, I have been we'll aware of
-FOUR attentions for some time back, and
Should have given you to understand that
Jour visits and attentions were not ac-
ceptable, had I not reciprocated the affec-
zion which YOU eviuccd for me. But 1
cannot yield my assent until you make
pledge never to taste. touch, or handle any
Intoxicating drinks" This reply to Writ
was as Unexpected as it was novel. His
reply was that he considered the PROPOSE
tion as q bar to all further consideration
On the subject, and he left her. Her course
towards him was tho 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 insnit-
ing to his honor; and vowed it should /
the last meeting they should ever have
He took to drinking worse and worse, and
seemed to run headlong to ruin. One,
Gay, while lying in the outskirts of the
city. near little grocery. or grog shop
dead drunk, young lady, whom it is not
necessary to name, was passing that way
to her home, not far off, and beheld him
With his face upturned to the rays of the
seorch 'ng sun. She took her handkerchief
with her own name marked upon it, and
placed it over his face. After be had re-
inaincd in that way some hours, he was
swaksned. and his thirst being SO great, went
into the lissls grocery and grog shop to get |
q drink, when he discovered tie handker-
shief. at which he looked, and the name
was on it. After pausing few minutes,
10 exclaimed-' Great God! who left this
with me! Who placed this on my FACET
No one knew. lie dropped the glass ex-
slAitning-'enougb enough" He retired
instantly from the store. forgetting his
thirst. but not his debauch, the handker-
chief. or the lady, vowing, if God gave
him strength. never to touch, taste, or
handle intoxicating drinks.
To meet Miss G.. was the hardest ef-
Fort of his life. Ifhe mot her in her car |
riage. or on foot, he popped round tho
nearest corner She at last addressed him
, note Under her own hand, inviting him
to her house. which ho 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" "Then," said Writ, II ac-
oept theta"
They were soon married, and from that
day he kept his word, and his affairs
frightened. while honors and glory gath
cred thick upon his brow. His name has
been enrolled high 10 the temple of fame,
while his deeds his patriotism and renown
live after him with impe rishable lustre.
How many noble minis might the young
ladies save. if they woi!i follow the ex-
ample of the heroine hearted Miss G., the
friend of humanity, of her country, and the
tslati o Of La F.ue.