The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1853-09-21

him, which consisted Of shirt, panta.
looms, and round jacket, all half cotton
goods, was all he had. l endcavored
to dissuade him from his purpose.
told him that it was then both raining
and slecting-besides, it was one Of
the coldest, if not the coldest night
had ever felt; and that if he attempted
to perform the trip that night he would
beyond all questions freeze to death
before he got half way his journey
That if he would not attempt to go,
we would all present write to his en-
ployer, and state to him that it was
by our advice and persuasion that he
had remained. At this, the little fel-
low (still in tears) shook his head, and
said, 81 must go; if LIDO net, shall
lose my place, and then my mother and
sister will starve; so don't tell me any
more not to 60"
"About this time, the carrier, who
the lad was looking for, arrived. Up
on entering the room he threw off a
large bear skin ovcrcoat, he drew near
the fire, and swore he was froze through.
Said ], "Friend, ifyou are froze through
whilst warmly clad rs you are, what
will be the fate Of this poor boy, thin.
ly clad as he is, who has to ride twen-
ty one miles before day, and carry inc
mail you have brought with You -
Gle will not live to get over the
swamp that is just ahead, and four
miles wide," said he.
When | found that nothing would
discourage him from making the effort,
| went to the landlady to purchase d
blanket or d quilt rs covering for
him. She replied that she could not
spare anything Of the kind. "Nladam,'
said ''let me have this half worn
blanket for the child; will give YOU
four dollars for it," ''No, Sir" said
she, "you will all find before morning
that have no blanket to SELL" Upon
my return to the room, found the
poor boy still in tears, but preparing
to GO. The carrier who had arrived
was still before the fire. "Sir," said T.
"will you sell me your overcoat for
this boy ?"
Yes, said he, "ifI can get cost for
it," =. 81
"What is the cost?" said j. g;igss $50
Light dollars, was the reply. z sss'' 4
= handed the tcarrierfhe money! for
the overcoat, and gave It to the boy,
who lost ilo time in trying it on. He
was delighted with the gift, dried up
his tears, appeared cheerful and start
cd upon his journey with apparent Joy.
sin short time after this, retired
to my room, and here, for the first time,
! was broght to'renect upon my own
condition. | was then among stran-
gers, at country tavern, one hundred
and thirty-livc miles from home, ard
but % cents i'll my pocket. After re-
ilccting a short time, | concluded to
remain the next morning till after
breakfast, then to call for my horse.
place my saddle bags on my arm, then
to shake hands, aud bid farewell to
every one about the house, in order to
make my departure as notorious as
possible, that if should be reminded
of my unpaid bill, would make my
situation known, and promise to send
back the amount as soon rs arrived
among my friends in Carolina.
'lhe next morning | carried out my
previous plan to the letter. Nothing
was said about my unpaid bill, and |
rode slowly of. had another cold
days ride of thirty-fivc miles, which
brought me to the mansion of farm,
or that gave abundcnt evidences of
comfort and plenty. Upon inquiry, |
was told that | could stay all nj ght.--
| was very cold, and before got com
tortably warm, tea was announced -
Before the plates were turned, the gen
tleman asked a blessing. His manner
ofdoing this, and other evidences, con.
vinccd me that was among n religious
family.
Shortly after tea, servant, with.
out previous orders) placed the stand
with the Biblo and hymn book before
her master. 'Sir," said he. 81 presume
that you arc fatigncd from your days
journey, and wish to retire early. 1t
has been my practice for many years
past, before retiring to rest, to call my
family together and humbly beg for
givcncss Tor past offences against our
heavenly Father, and to implore his
protection and care during the night,
and will be glad fyou remain few
minutes"
10 this request ! gave a cordial as.
sent. My manner of doing this, or
something else, caused him to ask if |
would lead the prayer. ] replied that
| would. Whcreupon his scat was
kindly and politely rendered me. AZ
ter prayer tho old gentleman asked if
| were minister? Informed him
that | was, and was then on my way
home circuit. The next
morning before breakfast, the old gen
tlcman addressed me thus: "Iriend, ,
said hc, "we do not belong to the same
denomination Of Christians. You are
Methodist, and | am Presbyterian.
1t is, ] day say, with the ministers of