The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-03-21

ing very obliging and well disposed, he became
a favorite among the soldiers and was noticed
also bv the officers. When he grew to be a
man. he was proposed to the office of Corporal; !;
soon he became a Sergeant, and after that a
Captain.
About this time the British Government was
extending its claims and cntargng its territory
in Inda as an incentive to taithtulneSs and
energy, share of the booty was offered to the
soldiers and officers. In this way the poor
Scottish youth, now man, which, while his
brother soldiers squandered theirs, he invested
in England His whole life abroad was honor
able and upright He never married, but de-
voted himself to the interests of the army and
after he had reached middle life, was promoted
to colonel. This was an unusual step i'll
the British army, as tie highest stations arc
generally filled by the sons of the nobility
But virtue, bravery, and enterprise raised him
far above many a reckless youth of rank and
wealth.
One beautiful summer evening, just before
the setting Of the sun, Il plain, but elegant
equipagc stopped before the principal hotel in
Elgn. A middle aged man, with military
air, but in plain citizens dress, aighted and
engaged lodgings for himself and servant. He
made enquiries for the old Cathedral, and while
supper was being prepared, he bent his foot
steps thither unattended. Tie appearance of
the stranger excited the curiosity of some pas
sers by, who, looking in at the entrance few
minutes after, saw him bending over the old
font, bathed in tears. They withdrew, greatly
wondering why a stranger should be so deeply
moved in such Il place.
In the morning, the strangers carriage stood
before the door of the provost or mayor, and
he was ushered into the presence of the magis-
trate. His noble appearance was sufficient
introduction ; his stately bearing, his high brow
and slightly slvered locks, commanded the re-
spect of the provost before either his name or
business was known. He made enquiries about
the town and its various interests, which were
all answered He then asked concerning the
ruins, and in reply the magistrate told him its
history as fa- as it WAS known, and repeated
many old traditions connected with it.
"And what of the old tout!" asked the stran-
ger.
"Ah, sir" replied the other 'there is con-
nectcd with that a tale of truth, far more
touching than the improbable traditions OF by
gone ayes" And he repeated to the stranger
the story of the 'pur daft Iassie, and the BARN
she Graded in the font of the wall.
'Sr," said the stranger, calmly, 81 am An
derson, the child of the cathedral. \ desire to
see the ruin has brought me from the land of
my adoption, where would gladly end my
davs. knew the story Of my birth. but you
have given me particulars which never heard
before owe Il heavy dehtot gratitude to the
town of Elgin, and have come to pay it. My
poor, v,gr;lnt mother, the only being who ever
truly loved me, was kindly fed and sheltered
here They who bad mercy on US are gone,
but there are, 40 'o"bt, poor people here and
for Them will provide a h"mc which will be
an ornament to the town.
Invitations To dine with Col. Anderson were
sent out next day to the Mayor and leading
gentlemen of E!gin fl then Informed them
that he had amas>cd fortune abroad and had
returned to reward the town of Egin for the
charity he had received at its doors. "LcarlI-
ing that You have no orphan asylum" he CON.
timued, "and no home for the aged poor, | in
tend to found an institution for these classes.
have reserved a competency for my old age
DuI tuC Duih VI ny I'olSi's 10 a' "u' ''"i'Et'
for that purpose. IL may be called by my
name, if you choose, for | am not ashamed of
my poor mother, nor of my owly birth"
4 site was soon chosen. and the building of
the splendid Anderson Institute commenced.
The hand which was once held ont at every
door for a crust, was now rePayinga hundred
fold the charity it had received.
Upon the front Of the building, in bold relief
is a group of figures cut in stone, as large as
life. Most prominent stands Col. Anderson,
with his stately mcin, his fine head uncovered,
extending both hands. At the right is an aged
man bending over his staff and receiving a loaf
of bread from his brneiactor; on his left is
little group of children, to whom he is holding
out book, beautifully signitying, "Brcad for
the aged, and knowledge for the young The
building is an ornament to the town, il blessing
to the poor, and Il proof Of wha, great things
God can do through the humblest means. Col.
Anderson has long since died but while that
building shall stand, and long after the old
Cathedral shall fall to the dust, the story of
the ''datt lassie and her puir BARN" will be re-
peatcd to the children of EIyin.