Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-07-12
From the Southern Literary Messenger.
VISIT OF LAFAYETTE TO Mr.. CRAW.
FORD IN WASHINGTON.

wished TO meet nltn-aS Qear ana long
esteemed friend. He therefore invited him
into the country, and fixed on morning for
his breakfasiing with him in a social and
domestic manner.
The only company invited to meet him
at Mr.. Crawford's house, was family living
on the adjoining farm, intimate friends, as
well as near neighbors. Judge A.,
the Comptroller, was to bring Lafayette
out in his carriage, while his son and pri.
vate secretary were to follow in another.
When these arrangements were made
known by Mr.. Crawford to his family,
some difficulties were started. "We have
but one parlor, and that we must breakfast
in." "That is of no consequence" re.
piled Mr.. C.. "The company can sit with
me in my chamber until breakfast is rea.
dy."
"But it is so small it will not mold one
half the company"
"Well. the weather is delightful they
can sit in the piazza, or walk about the
grounds"
"But, papa," observed one Of the daugh.
tiers, we have neither our plate or china
here; nothing but our Liverpool set"
"Far more suitable, child, for this house,
than the china or plate would be-"
"La, papa, | do not believe Gen. La.
favette could eat with steel forks.
"Tre," answered Mr.. Crawford; 81
do believe YOU must send into the city for
our silver forks. Ibelieve they arc indis-
pensable."
"And the silver dishes and waters,
papa
"Pshaw!" interrupted the father, '" all
that would be nonsense"
"But," observed the neighbor lady. who
happened to be present, 81 presume you
will send for Il French cook"
"Indeed, l will do no such thing said
The good lady Of the house. My fine
fried chicken, and corn bread, are better
in themselves, and will be greater rarities to
HIM, than any dishes the French cook could
prepare"
MIR. Crawford sat smiling at the prolong-
cd discussion, on similar points, between
the ladies, but settled the matter by saying,
..Mv dear, let the breakfast suit the house !;
the pIainer the better. Lafayetteis is coming
70 visit his old friend,-not the Secretary
of the Treasury"
And plain the breakfast was, as any
American farmer need to give; but at the
same time as excellent and abundant as
anv Virginia planter could desire. And
every one knows what Virginia break
fast IS; of what variety Of meats, (ne.
yer forgetting fried chickens and ham) and
bread and cakes of all kinds, that are made
Of wheat, Indian meal, or rice. | scarce
" believe Scotch breakfast, or a
French dejeuner a Ia .fourcheRe, can ex'
ceedit.
The morning was rs bright rs uncloud-
cd sunshine. blue sky and green earth
could make it ; the atmosphere was almost
sparkling, and the spirits were exhllaratcd
by its freshness and elasticity.
The little company, consisting Of MIR.
Crawford's family, and that Of his neigh.
Dor friend, were sitting in the piazza, en-.
loving the morning air and the scene, when
the barouche and four and the attendant
carriage, drove into the grounds. Mr.. C..
advanced to the steps Of the piazza, with
his wife and eight children close around
him, and received Lafayette, not as the
guest of the nation, but as his old familiar
friend. The General threw his arm:
round Mr.. Crawford's neck, pressed him tc
his bosom. and, a la FuncalSe, kissed hi:
cheeks. Mrs. Crowford and the children
were then introduced, and individually an(
cordially greeted, when general lntroduc
ton followed.
MIR, Crawford led. the way into his cham
Der, and took his old easy chair. An arm
chair was offered Lafayette, but spying
ont \ tow nursery chair that stood by TIT
hearth. he drew it close to Mr.. Crawford
and sitting down by his side on his low seat
took his hand, and looked up in bis face IL
fond, familiar manner, which only thos'
who have seen Lafayette with his much be
loved friends, can form an idea of-so ca
rcssing, so affectiona,e.
The mistress and her female friends
withdrew to the breakfast room; the cen
tlenlcn walked out in the piazza and the
friends were left to enjoy tcte tctc, afte
their long and cventlul separation.
The breakfast was served, the COMPANY
surrounded the hospitablc board. "Now,
.hourht one Of the ladies', who kept di
ary, snow shall hear conversation wortl
recording | shall have an almost sublime
at least an interesting page to my dia
w." She not only opened her ears, bu
her eyes, that she might drink IN tho sens
ofeverv word that fell from the great man
!;ps, Wen, and wha: did she hear! No