The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-01-06
Reformation of VIM, Writ.
A TRUE INCIDENT IN HISTORY

The distinguished VIM Writ, within
six or eight months after his first mar.
riagc, became addicted to intemperance,
the effect of which operated strongly
on the mind and health Of his wife,
and in few months more she was nun
bered with the dead Her death led
him to leave the country where he re
sided, aud he moved to Richmond,
where he soon rose to distinction. But
his habits hung about him, and occa-
sionally he was found with jolly and
irolicsome spiritin baechanalian reyelry
His true friends expostulated with him,
to convince him Of the injury he WIS
doing himself. But he persisted His
practice began TO fall of, aud many
looked on him as on the sure road to
ruin. He was advised to get married,
with view Of correcting his habits.
This he consented to do if the right
person offered He accordingly paid
his addresses to Miss Gamble. After
some months attention he asked her
hand in marriage; she replied" Mr.
Writ, | have been well aware Of your
intentions for some timc back, and
should have given you to understand
that your visits aud attentions we're not
acceptable, had | not reciprocated the
affection which you evinced for me
But cannot yield my assent until you
make a pledge never to taste, touch, or
han lie any Intoxicating drinks" This
reply to Writ vas as unexpected as it
was novel. His reply was that he con
sidered the proposition as bar to all
further consideration Of the subject, aud
he left her Her course towards him
was the same as eyer-his, resentment
aud neglect Ia the course ola few weeks
he went again aud solicited her hand
But her reply was, her mind was made
up. He became indignant, aud regard
ed the terms she proposed as insulting
to his honor aud vowed it should be
the last meeting they should ever have.
lie tock to drinking worse and worse,
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
1t is not necessary to name, was passing
that way to her home, not far off, aud
beheld him with his face turned up to
the rays Of the scorching sun. She
took her handkerchief with her own
name marked upon it, aud placed it over
his face. After he had remained in
that way some hours, he was awak ened
aud his thirst being 50 great, went into
the little grocery aud grog shop to get
a drink, when he discovered the hand
kerchiet, at which he looked, aud the
namc was GU it. After pausing few
minutes, he exclaimed-"Great God
who left this with me Who placed
this on my face 2" No one knew. lie
dropped the glass excaiming-"euough!
enough" lie retired instantly from
the store, forgetting his thirst, but not
his dcbauch, the handkerchief, or the
lady, vowing if God gave him strength,
never to touch, taste, or handle intoxi-
eating drinks.
To meet Miss G. was the hardest eff.
fort of his life. If he met her in her
carriage, or on foot, he popped round
the nearest corner. She ut last ad
dressed him Il note under her hand, in
yiting him to her house, which he
finally had courage enough 10 accept.
He told her if she still bore affection
for him, he would agree to her own
terms. Her reply was: "My cond,
tionsare now what they ever have been I"
"Then," said Writ, ii accept them"
They were soon married, aud from
that day he kept his word, and his af.
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 impcrishable lustre. How many
noble minds might the young ladies
save, if they would follow the example
Of the heroine hearted Miss g., the
fricud of humanity, aud Of her country,