Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-08-09
Daily Aeauebef Sonrnal.
A WIFE WORTH HAVING.

William Writ, many years ago Attorney
General of the United States, and one of the
ablest and most eloquent lawyers of the
country, became, within few months OF
his first marriage, addicted to intemper.
ance, the effect of which operated strong.
ly upon the health and mind of his wife
who in a few months more was numbered
with the dead. Her death led him to leave
the country where he resided, and move
to Richmond, Va, where he soon rose te
distinction. But his habits hung about him
and occasionally he was found with Jolly
and frolicsome spirits, in bachanalian rev
elry His true friends exposulated with
him on the injury he was doing himself.
But he still persisted. His practice began
to fall off, and many looked upon him as
on the sure road to ruin. He was advised
to get married, with view to correct his
habits. This he consented to do, if the
right person offered He accordingly paid
his addresses to a Miss Gamble. After
same months attentions, he asked her hand
i'm marriage She replied:
..Mr. Writ. have been well aware of
your intentions for some time back, and
should have given You notice that your
visits and attentions were not acceptable,
had not reciprocated the affection which
you have evinced for me. But cannot
yield my assent until you make me pledge
never to taste, touch or handle any in
toxfcatmg drinks. -
Thisre to Mr. Writ was unexpected
as it was novel. His reply was that he re-
garded the position as a bar to all further
consideration of the subject, and left her.
Her course to him was the same as ever
his, resentment and neglect. In the course
Of few weeks he went again, and again
solicited her hand. But her reply was,
her mind was made up. He became in
dignant and regarded the terms she pro-
posed as Insulting to his honor, and vowed
it should be the last meeting they should
and seemed to run headiong to ruin.
One day, 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
scorching sun. She took her handker-
chief, with her own name marked upon it,
and placed it over his face. After he had
remained In that way for some hours, he
was awakened, and thirst being so great,
he went into the little grocery or grog-
shop, TO get a drink, when he discovered
the handkerchief, which he looked at, and
the maine that was ON it. After pausing a
few minutes he exclaimed:
Great, God who has left this with me /?
who placed it over my facet" No one
knew: He hastily dropped the glass, ex-
claiming. "enongh, enough"
He retired instantly from The store, for
getting his thirst, but not the debauch,
the handkerchief, or the lady, vowing if
God gave him strength, never to touch,
taste or handle Intoxicating drinks again.
To meet Miss G. again was the hardest
effort OF his life. If he met her in her
carriage or on foot. he would dodge
around the corner. She at last addressed
note to him, under her own hand, invit-
ing him to her house, which he finally
gathered courage to accept. He told her
if she still bore any affection for him, she
would agree to his terms. Hereby was
My conditions are now, what they
ever have BEEN * s rs "a fsss
Then; - said the disenthralled Writ. II
accept them.1 sea .4.4l-aas
They were soon alter married, and,
from that day he kept his word, and his
affairs brf ghtened, while honors and glory
gathered thick upon his brow. His name
has been enrolled high in the temple OF
fame. while his deeds, his patriotism. and
removing live alter him, with an lmperish-
able Mstre-, q How many noble minds
might the young ladies save, if they would
follow the example Of the heroine-hearteG
Miss g., the friend of humanity, OF hel
country, and the relative Of Lafayette.