The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-06-02
Reformation of Writ.

The distin2 u:shed " Writ, within six or
seven months after his marriage, became strong
ly addicted to intenl perance, the effect of which
operated strongly on the mind and health OF his
wife and in lew months more she was numbered
with the dead Her death led him to leave the
country, aud he removed to Richmond. But
his hab is hung about him, and occasionally he was
found with the jolly frolicsome spirits IN bac-
chaualian ravelry. His true friends expostula-
ted with him to convince him of the injury he
was doing himself But he still persisted. His
practice began to fall off, and many looked on
him as on the sure road to ruin. He was adj
vised to get married with a view of correcting
his habits. This he consented to if the right
person offered. lie accordingly paid his adj
dresses to Miss Gamble. After some months
attention he asked her hand in marriage. She
replied:
Mr. Writ, have been well aware CT your at
tention some time back, and should have given
you to understand that your visits and attentions
were not acceptable, had | not recipfocatcd the
affection which you evinccd toward me. But
clnnot yield my assent until you make me a
pledge never to taste, touch or handle any in
tOzicating drinks"
This reply to Writ as unexpected as it was
novel. His reply Was that he rCgnded tat
proposition baI TO all further consideration
of the subject and he left her. Her course to-
wards him was the same us ever-his, resentment
and neglect.
In the course ola few weeks he went again
IN solicited her hand But her reply was tAat
her mind was made up. He became indignant
aud regarded the terms as insulting to his honor,
and avowcd it should be the last meeting they
should ever have. He took to drinking worse,
and sccmoG t. run hcadonS to ruin.
One Jay, while lying on the outskirts Of the
city near little grocery or GroS shop young
lady, whom It Is not necessary to name, WIS
passing hat way to her home not far off, and
bchcld hun with his face upwards to the scorch-
Ing sun She took her handkerchief, with the
name marked upon it, and placed it over his
fIcc.
After he had remained in that way Tor some
hours he was aw, kencd, and his thirst beng 50
great, he went into the little grocery and grog
shop to get drink, when he discovered the
handkerchief at which he Looked and the name
that on it. After pauoinG he exclaimed:
Great Goa. who Let this with uc? who placed
this On ny face
No one knew. Eo dropped the gas, ez-
claiming.
Enough! Enough"
lie retired instantly from the store forget
ting his thirst. but not his debauch, the hand
ke.ch,f or the lady, roWing, that, if God gave
HIN strength never to touch, taste or handle III
to2icAt.n;g drinks.
To meet Miss Gamble was the hardest effort
of his lie. If lie met her in her carriage, Or OH
foot, he popped around the nearest corner.
She at last addressed him note under her
hand, inviting him to her house, which he
finally gathered courage enough to accept. He
tod her il she still bore affection to him he would
agree t. her own terms.
Her reply was
My conditions are tie same now that they
have been
Then said Writ, 4 except them"
They soon married; from that day he kept his
word, and his aiflirs frightened while honor and
glory gathered thick upon his brow.
lis name has been enrolled high in the temple
Of fame; while patriotism and rcnown live after
him with imperishabc lustcr.