Temperance > Autobiography and personal recollections of John B. Gough

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN B. GOUGH.
asked his permission to go to New York and learn a trade.
I sent off this letter clandestinely, because, hitherto, all
my letters home had been perused by my guardians be¬
fore they were despatched, and I did not wish their inter¬
ference in this matter. In due time I received a reply to
my letter. My father said that I was old enough now to
judge for myself. I might act according to the dictates of
my own judgment. Glad enough was I to have my fate in
my own hands, as it were, and on the 12th of December,
1831, I quitted Oneida county for New York city. It
may easily be imagined that I left my situation with but
very little regret, for although by some of the members
of the family I was treated with consideration and kind¬
ness, yet from those to whom I naturally looked for com-
Ifort and solace, I experienced treatment far different from
that which my father anticipated when he intrusted me to
their guardianship. • Here I beg to make a remark, which
’ is rendered necessary from the fact of it having been stated
that I have represented the family as dissipated and
drunken. Such a report never was made by me at any
time, or in any place; nor did there exist foundation for
such a rumour. Whisky and cider were used by the
family, but not to excess. In pure self-defence I make
this statement. I should not have referred to this sub¬
ject, had not a meddlesome fellow in New York city
busied himself about my affairs, impeached my veracity,
and imputed to me motives which I never entertained.
Whilst with the family referred to, a revival of religion
occurred in our neighbourhood. My mind was much
impressed, and I was admitted a member, on probation,
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
On my arrival in New York I had half a dollar only
in my pocket; and all the goods I possessed in the world
were contained in a little trunk which I carried. I stood