Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-07-26
4 Wife Worth Having.

William Writ, many years ago attorney
general Of the United States, aud one Of the |
ablest and most eloquent lawyers Of the coun-
try, became, within q few months Of his FIRST
marriage, addicted to intemperance, the effect
of which operated strongly upon the health
and mind Of his wife, who in few months
more was numbered with the dead. Her
death led him to leave the county where he
resided, and move to Richmond Va, where
he soon rose to distinction. But his habits
hung about him, and occasionally he was found
with jolly and trolicsome spirits, in bachana-
lian revelry. His true friends eIpostulated
with him on the injury he was doing himself.
But he still persisted His practice began to
fall of, and many looked upon him as on the
sure road to ruin. He was advised to get
married, with veiw to correct his habits.
This he consented to do, if the right person
offered. lie accordingly paid his addresses
to Miss Gamble After some months at
tentions, he asked her hand in marriage.
She replied
MIR. 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
ltNipiOSAlcd kuC ahoShiOh 1Ou uhNt
evinced for me. But | cannot yield my
assent until you make me plegde never
to taste, touch or handle any Intoxicating
drinks"
This reply to Mr.. Writ was as unex-
pected as it was novel. His reply was that
he regarded the position as bar to all fur
ther consideration of the subject, and left her.
Her course to him was the same as eyer-his,
resentment and neglect In the course of a
few weeks he went again, aud again solicited
her hand. But her reply was, her mind was
made up. lie became indignant and regard
ed the terms she proposed as insulting to his
honor, aud vowed it should be tho last meet
ing they should ever have. lie took to drink.
ing 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, young lady whom it is unnecessary
TO name, was passing that way to her home,
not far off, and beheld him with his face up
turned to the rays of the scorching SUI. She
took her handkerchief, 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 drink, when he discovered the
handkerchief, which he looked at aud the
name that was on it. After pausing a few
minutes be exclaimed
Great God who has left this with me
who placed il on my face ?" No one knew.
He hastily dropped the glass, excaiming,
Enough, enough J"
He retired instantly from the store, forget
ipg his thirst but not the debauch, the
handkerchief or the lady, yowing 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 car
riage or on foot, he would dodge around the
corner. She at last addressed note to him,
under her own hands inviting him to the
house, which he finally gathered courage to
accept. He told her If she still bore any af-
fecton for him, she would agree to his terms.
Her reply was
b" Ny conditions are now, what they ever
have been"
" Then,' said the disenthraled Writ, Z" |
accept them"
They were soon afterward married, and,
from that day he kept his word, and his at.
fairs frightened, 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
renown live after him, with an imperishabe
luster. How many noble minds might the
young ladies save, II they would follow the
example Of the heroine.hearted Miss g., the
friend of humanity, of her country, and the
relative Of Lafayette.