Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-06-02
A Young Lawyers Downfall.

The New York Express has an account
OF the downward career of a young law
yer of New York, who created a sensa-
tion recently by sending challenge to
fight duel to Mr. Anthony Comstock,
secretary of the Society for the Preven-
ton of Vice. The young lawyer was
making disturbance in Mr.. Comstock's S
Office, and was elected by that gentle
man; hence the challenge. The story of
his early life is as follows:
About twelve years ago the New York
bar was greatly surprised at the wit, bril-
liancy and learning of young barrister
who had just been admitted to the legal
profession, having taken the highest
honors in college. a bright future was
expected by every one for the man,
whose jovial habits and high standing
and social attainments warranted his
friends in calling him " Henry" But
as time passed, it could easily be OBJ
served that Henry was not the same as
before. At times his wit was dull, his
voice husky, and his eye lacking in the
quickness that had formerly sparkled
there, and it began to be said that he
was too fond of the cup; and that his
nights were often spent in dissipation
and debauch. He was seen hanging
around Delmonico's, waiting for his
friends to come and ask him to drink,
and people made up their minds that he
was fast drifting away to utter ruin.
But the gossips seemed to be mistaken,
all at once Henry seemed to gain new
vitality and anewer and better life began
to open before him; his glad laugh and
hearty voice were heard again in the
court rooms, his clients multiplied, and
men Of double his years preferred to be
associated with him than to be opposed
to his dashing eloquence and brilliant
satire.
Rumor of course was not long in find
ing out the cause, and it was said that
his affections had been placed upon a
young and charming lady, and that for
her sake he was endeavoring to become
worthy of her love. His family were
delighted, and his friends gathered
around him cheering him back into the
paths of virtue with words of encourage
ment and hope. The reformation seemed
complete, the engagement was made and
the wedding day was fixed. 1t is said,
however, that on the morning when the
nuptials were to take place Henry met
several Of his friends and, elated by the
occasion, adjourned with them to a
neighboring bar-room, and his fall was
complete.
The beautiful bride, dressed in her
wedding attire, waited long and patient
ly, but the groom did not come. He
was, it is said, in the room of hotel
hopelessly intoxicated and cared for by
the gentlemen whom he had asked to act
as his friends upon his wedding day.
The next morning, sober and repentant,
he sought his bride that was to be- i'm
plored her forgiveness and one more
trial. The latter was given, but long
probation was imposed
He sold the house and furniture which
he had bought, and voluntarily retired
to a private inebriate asylum, hoping
thereby to eradicate the fatal tendencies
which he believed to be a durable dis
ease. 1t is alleged that he remained
there for two years. For year or so he
was sober, but at last, either from q
natural weakness or from a feeling Of
despair at having heard that the woman
Of his choice was to be married to an
other, he resumed his old habits, and
with few occasional periods of sobriety
became hopeless drunkard.