The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-02-17
FOR THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
EDWARD GORDON.

FOR THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
,ss ~ EDWARD GORDON.
A mind highly cultivated by that clas-
seal and polite learning which is consider
ed the greatest accomplishment of the
youth of the present age, a disposition
full of thatyiyacity which, though it some
times runs into error, is yet inestlmable,
when tempered and restrained by such
high toned moral principle as ne possess,
ed; and an exterior that insvmmetry ana
Edigni6ed appearance, seemed TO we WIN
the aforementioned internal charms,
were among the excellent qualities
which, together with few of the tra,ltles
of nature, made up the character OF the
hero Of our narrative.
Edward Gordon was the only son OF a
wealthy planter of South Carolina, and
the only child, save alovely and amiable
sister. to whom he was devotedly attach
ed; for The difference between their ages
being only year and a few months, they
passed their childhood together, sharing
each others sports and toils,-a circum.
stance which always strengthens natural
fraternal affection.
Gordon graduated at Princeton College
in the year 10. His return home gave
much Joy to his parents and sister, who,
on account of his lDng absence of three
wears, had become impatient to- see him.
Their Joy, however, was fully equalled by
the pride they felt, on being informed by
him. fhat he had taken, the first distinction
in his class: his prospects hal always been
suppressed in his letters, in order to make
this gratifying intelligence more agree
ble surprise, Sufficient breathing time
being taken after his collegiate campaign,
i he commenced the study of law, under
the supervision of an able attorney of the
town Of W, his native place. He
applied himself to study with such dill
penoe, that in a few months he was ad-
mitted to the BarWith great credit. HIS
health. however, being somewhat impair
ed by too intense application, it was deem
ed necessary, by the family physician, for
him to travel. In pursuance of this ad-
vice, his father and himself set off to the
Sulphur Springs of Virginia, for these
waters were particularly recommended.
They reached their destination just as the
season Of gaiety commenced, and Gordon
being fond of the society of f>ladies, felt
quite in his element there. The cn-opera-
ton of the pure mountain air, the effica-
cious chalybeate, and the, excitement Of
pleasure, soon comple eted the restoration Of
his health. Two months having elapsed,
marked bv no occurrences except the mo.
notonous routine Of idle pleasures, which
: 5ad now become insiPid, at his own pro-
position, they left the scene of dissipation,
to visit his uncle's family, then residing in
the county of --, in the northern part
Of Virginia,
The natural scenery around - town
Is somewhat mountainous, giving it only
such partial sublimity as is in perfect keep
ing with its pleasing beauty. Their last
DAYS Journey was finished little after
the sun had sunk to rest beneath the hori-
!, zon. after the performance of his daily
course. There is something in the sight
!, Of the lineamcnts Of distant mountain,
seemingly projected on sky softly lit up
with the last beams Of expiring day,
which appeals even to the most stoical
feelings; such then could not be nnappre-
ciated in the eyes of our sentimental hero.
With poetic enthusiasm, he continued
drinking in the scene, until the stopping Of
the vehicle told of his arrival. His uncle
met them at the door, anl after an affec-
tionate greeting, conducted them into the
parlor, where they were received by the
rest Of the family with equal marks of af-
lection. All expressed great pleasure at
seeing them, hoping they had come to re.
main for long time. had almost for
: potten to mention the name Of the worthy
Dr. Mcpherson, whose family then CON
: sisted, Of two very interesting daughters,
the eldest, Caroline, wa, theHin her
twentieth year. the youngest, Juliet, in her
-.