Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-04-22
bursting into tears, she retired to her state

bursting into tears, she retired to her state
room.
Our passage up the river was protracted
one, in consequence of the low stage of
water, and I occasionally enjoyed the socie-
ty of the ladies, and often spent an hour very
pleasantly, but no further allusion was made
to the captain.
At Alexandria T was informed that the
boat could not ascend the river any further,
and we were all forced to take our chances
by land conveyance. My companions agreed
to take charge of our baggage, leaving me
at liberty to give my attention to the ladies,
and see them provided for. took charge
of them, was about to descend the steps of
the boiler deck, when the young lady re-
memberered to have left small package in
the ladies' cabin. I Immediately fastened
back, and, on my return to resume my
charge, I was taken aback by beholding a
man rather roughly clad, of tall stature,
spare built, having long rough hair, sunken
eyes, large mouth, and of general swarthy
complexion, actually embracing the innocent,
beautiful, tender younglady whohm the mo-
ment before I had left beside her mother,
and anon seizing an occasion to give the old
lady an afectionate salute. The hustle and
excitement of such meeting being over,
the young lady turned and introduced me to
her husband.
He seemed at once to divine my position,
and began in courteous and gentlemanly
manner, little to he expected from such an
unprepossessing figure, to tender me his
thanks for my attention to his family, and
expressed a desire further to cultivate my
acquaintance. We were detained at the hotel
several days in providing horses, arms, &C.,
for the further prosecution of our journey, and
I embraced the opportunity of knowing more
about the gentleman, and so far from finding
him repulsive and disagreeable, he proved
to be in all respects the very reverse, a
gentleman of highly cultivated mind and
polished manners. During my short inter-
course I learned his entire history.
His father was a wealthy and influential
citizen Of Kentucky, who had spared no
pains or money in the education o: this, his
only child. The young man lost MS moth
er when he was about nineteen years Old
At the age of twenty, his father PUT him to
the study of medicine. At the age of
twenty-four he obtained his diploma from
the medical school of Transylvana Univer-
sity, KY, and returned home only in time
to see his father die. He then determined
to leave his native State, and endeavor to
rise in wealth and usefulness in new and
growing country, and advertised his large es-
tate for sale-except about thirty choice
hands-on six and twelve months credit.
About this time he made the acquaint.
ance of, and fondly loving this beautiful
young lady, married her About two
months afterwards, he took his thirty hands,
and leaving his wife with her mother, start
ed for Texas, for the purpose of opening a
farm, and providing some comforts for the
location of his family. Before leaving, it
was understood that his wife and mother-in-
law were to collect the proceeds Of the first
notes due, or sufficient amount to defray
their expenses, and meet him in Natchito-
chas by given time. At the appointed
time he repaired to that point but they
learned that no boats could ascend higher
than Alexandria, and hence he proceeded
to the latter place. His wife and her moth
er had used every means in their power to
collect the money spoken of, but entirely
failed, and the old lady, having On hand a.
bout forty dollars, determined tc keep her
promise, by taking the chances Of success,
and placing full reliance upon that Provi-
dence who had never forsaken her, she
started on her journey. Said she, 81 thank
my heavenly Father, that in this enterprise
I had the clearest proof of the fulflment of
all his promises; and I may further add,
that another opportunity has been afforded
me of witnessing the magic powers of Free
masonry"
I have only to add, that the hundred dol.
lars, together with the full price of passage,
were soon placed in the hands of the boats
agt mt at New Orleans. The captain is still
living, and is the owner Of one Of the finest
palaces that floats upon the western waters,
and has an interest in several others. Ihave
met him often, but he never alludes to the
foregoing incidents, unless the subject is
called by another. He has assured me that
he has received every dollar due him; and
more than he would have charged the ladies
under any circumstances.
1 have not given this record Of facts, be-
cause I thought there was anything remark
able or thrilling in it; but mainly for the
purpose of showing that the Masonic history
of America has certainly its romantic aswell
as its prosaic side.
SOUTHERN CoNGREssMEN.-The Journal
of Commerce, in "photographi, view" of