In the first, the writer says: "It has now been nearly two years since I left the Franklin Home.

I had been a drinking man ten years, and it got such a hold on me that I could not resist taking it.

I had tried a number of times to reform, and at one time, was in the Dashaway's Home, in California, where they steep everything in liquor, but when I came out I still had the desire to drink, and only kept from it for nine months.

I again commenced, and kept sinking lower and lower, till I lost my friends, and felt there was no hope for me.

On the 31st day of May, 1873, I came to the Franklin Home, and have never tasted intoxicating liquor since, which is the longest time I was ever without it since I commenced to drink.