246 TITE TIM BUNKER PAPERS. 



Hookertown, that never dismissed a man before, could 

 not stand it any longer. 



Then it is a bad thing for morals. It begets a great 

 craving for stimulating drinks, and very generally leads 

 to their use, and when a man gets to drinking, he is in a 

 fair way to do almost any thing else. What right have I 

 to endanger the morals of my neighbor, even if I could 

 smoke with entire safety ? 



Then I have got children and grandchildren, and I think 

 the best inheritance I can leave them is a good example. 

 John would smoke if I did, and I should have more fears 

 of his pipe in the army, than from all the bullets of the 

 enemy. If he dies now, I am certain he will die sober, and 

 without one vicious habit. What right have I to pollute 

 the faces of my grandchildren with the stench of tobacco ? 

 I want them to have pleasant memories of their grand 

 father s home in Hookertown, and I should not feel sure 

 of it, if I scented myself and my house with tobacco. 



Then I am the husband of Sally Bunker, and I think she 

 has the right by marriage vows to a decent companion in 

 life, with a clean mouth and shirt bosom. What right 

 have I to make a nuisance of myself in her home, to scent 

 her bed with this unsavory perfume, and to befoul her 

 spit-boxes with quids and stumps ? I am a little too 

 proud to do that. 



And lastly, and to conclude, as Mr. Spooner would say, 

 I expect to give an account of myself hereafter, and if I 

 were to be charged with the use of this weed, I should 

 not know exactly what to say. That fifty dollars a year 

 burnt up and wasted, I think would weigh against me. 

 If I gave it for Sunday schools, or for any good cause, I 

 should not be troubled about an answer. 



Then as to raising this crop, it is a bad thing for the 

 land, affecting other crops injuriously, so far as I have ob 

 served. But if this were not so, I could not tempt my 



