The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-03-01
azOo Democrat.
WILLIAM 5. EPPERsoN, EDIT OR
The PEN and Ink, or Spice OF the
NIOnOmlMIa.

NOmOEmslMIa.
1t is not very often that we meet with farm
er laboring under turn of the blues. Only oc-
casionally is it that we happen to encounter
such one The business Of a husbandman is
opposed 10 any thing Of the kind ; for, If devoted
to his occupation, he finds so constant employ
ment that there is no great chance for mental dis
ease to get hold of him. His heart is generally
cheerful; and even "although the fig tree shall
not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines.
the labor Of the olive shall fail, and the fields
shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off
from the fold, and there shall be no herd. in the
stalls" yet with the prophet does he say-"l
will rejoice. / will still conide in Providence
In the morning, after having well refreshed
himself in the bed, the husbandpan rises in good
time to his business, engaging Justify in his vari
Gus concernments, as the season of the year. re-
quires. First of all, and at all times, he sees to
his cattle while his good housewife sees to the
breakfast, for no attentive farmer will be neglect
ful of his stock. He has PRIDE in their both
doing well, and looking well, and often will en-
terrain a friend; who calls, with the story Of
their breed, their education, and their peculiar
excellency.
Through the day he is here and there, and it
may be everywhere, upon the premises, as occa-
sion may require for he is boss and head, OF his
own domain. Should his business require his
attention abroad, he neglects not to see to it.
This constant engagedness tends to keep his
mind as well as his body from rusting. from de-
spending, from stupor and ennui. You will
never catch him Ioafing or lounging how then
can the fidgets get hold of him. They flee the
busy, active, and alert. Such being the case. the
farmer is generally safe from their attack never
theless sometimes we meet with an exception
as in the following case. which is somewhat sin
gular.
had occasion to call in at farmer Heartly's
He.was a most worthy man. In some little mat
ters, to be sure. he was thought to be rather &c
centric, and varying from the generality of opn-
ions; bui in the main he was about right Show
me, if you can, this side ofheaven the one that
is fau!tless. Hearty. in his dealings, was sure
TO abide by his undertaking. There was no need
o fear that he would back out, or, as the law
yers call ii enter plea of cr0'ol-of. In short
he was called, in common parlance, down
right upright citizen. such as all would like for
neighbor. There was no thistles or thorns al
lowed to grow on his premises, and no words
of contention or cross questioning were heard
in his domicile. But alas he too had to wres-
tie with trouble as well as thousands Of others
AsI Twas saying, Ihad occasion to call at far
mer Heartly's. On entering the house say pen,
ink and paper, upon the table, concluding that
some one had been using them. AS he took me
by the hand he appeared to be in a state of agi-
tation and, calling to his daughter judith
said he, q be kind enough to take away your sta
tionery," and he then addressed me thus, " Ny
friend, you may think me very odd, but, really,
| sometimes am much afflicted with sort of by
drophobian dread of pen and INK. 1t arises from
my once having used them 10 my serious cost
and almost ruin, and on the return of its ami
versary am sorely troubled with strange parox
syms which | cannot prevent.
Il had sufficient education in my youth for
farmers boy, aud indeed, was proud Of my pen
manship. could turn a scroll OF cut flourish
in those days superior to any of my schoolmates.
However, for such employ ment had no partic-
ular need, as to handle farming implements was
to be my chief occupation through life Com
ing of age | went into business for myself upon
a farm given me by my father. endeavored to
give all required heed SO my concerns, free from
let Or hindrance and it is enough for me to say
that was fortunate and doing we'll in my vo-
cation, keeping clear of all incum brances, till,
in an evil, hour, consented to use the pen and
INK, for the special benefit of one whom ]
thought to be friend, but who turned scoundrel
absconded, and left me to supply his lacks and
deficiencies.
This cost me about all was worth, and ]
had to begin the world anew. Alas in my chi
rography had made an unguarded turn and cut
one flourish too much l felt, like the famous
Bishop Cranmer. as though was ready to de
stroy the very hand that did the fatal deed. A
levy upon my farm and buildings were the sad
consequence, aud they just about paid the de-
mand for which was held responsible. I made
no attempt to redeem it, but, with my true, kind
and faithful wife, two little ones, and what few
chattels remained. left the place and pitched
my tent once more. Here have made stand
and thanks to Providence. who has seen fiji again
to smile upon me and favor my endeavors to
amend my condition, have indeed been pros
porous.
g But the circumstances of that pen and ink
business, that sort of meme, meme tetel upharsin
yearly affects my mind, and holds upon me like
an incubus, so that am totally unnamed, and
have not the power to shake il off, But, sir
why should recount my troubles and tell of nv
rlI;s o,,d ,,,,etaIres2 Sufficient for tha IA :