The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-08-13
The Dinner at Robinson's Spring.

On Friday last, as we eturned from William.
ston, we availed ourselves of the opportunity Of
| attending a fine Barbecue given at the Spring
ofMr. Samuel Robinson. hich is only a short
distance from our Brancl, Railroad, and but d
few miles from the Village These dinners are
annual affairs. and being occasions of much
mirth. good feeling and innocent enjoyment,
are looked forward to with eager anticipation
by young and old.
a party of US. consisting among others of three
candidates for the Legislature, (Dr Wardlaw.
Gen. Perryman, and Col. Hnrper,) got off the
cars at the residence of Mr. David Robinson,
and after partaking of .some excellent cider,
for which we were indebted to the kindness OF
the esti,unble lady efthe house We directed
our steps to the point of attraction. AS We
were inf formed that it ~as near by, we suppo
sed that we should reach it in few moments.
But after travelling mile and getting into q
fine perspiration, we came to tho conclusion
that we had either mistaken the road. or that
our informant, had a peculiar way of compu-
ting distance. We were soon however, greeted
with sight of the smoke curling gracefully
above the forest trees. and the merry sound Of
music ard the dance, with which the young
people were RECALLING themselves. Although
it was 4nite early, party had already assem-
bled. Some were dancing, others were quietly
seated under the spreading oaks. whilst seme
were inspecting the culinary operations. o yer
which Mr. Archibald McCord was presiding
with his accustomed skill. Other vehicles
came rolling in from far and near, and by 10
of y
bled to join in the amusem.nts of the day.
The spot selected for the Dinner is one of
the most delightful groves IN all the country
around, and this account it has long been
the site of fine school which is now taught
here by Mr.. Israel Holt. The large forest
troes afford cool shade whilst the refreshing
breezes. find free circulation in the open
grove. Near hy, at the foot of steep decliv
ity, is a bold spring, whose clear gushing
streams of icy coldncss. excite the admiration
of all. Upon the brow Of the hill stands the
school house aud this was the chief point of
attraction to tue young people. and here du-
ring the day. The dance was kept up, to the
merry sound of the violin and the tambourn.
Without was dense company of eager specta.
the crevices Of the building. whilst within was
a tbrong equally close. some standiug. and
some sitting pressing upon the dancers, aud
civ ing them but little space and circulation.
These however, in the enjoyment Of the mo-
ment, seemed to be perfectly eblivious Of the
heat aud tho fatigue, but their dripping checks
and soied garments, served pretty good
Of hat
one whether he had been participating in the
dance. as his appearance saved the trouble of
the enquiry.
In the mean while the outsiders under the
trees were enjoying themselves if not more
pleasantly. at least more quietly and cooly
A pleasant breeze. was circulating through the
grove. and We had all the appliances Of keep.
ing cool-ice cream. iced-lcmonadee. cool
luscious water melons. and the clear .mrid
draughts from the spring at the foot of the
hill. Thus the morning hours passed off very
pleasantly. About ! o'clock. Mr.. Washington
Russell, the President of the feast. announced
that Dinner was ready. and that the gentle.
after which the others would participate in
due course. The table was neatly arranged
and bountifully suppled with choice variety
of meats and vegetables-the tendercst. and
fattest mutton, nicely barbacued pig, smoking
hash. Irish potatoes. beets, &c. and bread 10
profusion. The dinners here are proverbially
good, and this would compare with tile best of
them. 1t is needless to say that we all did full
justice to the various delicacies Of the feast
We can speak for ourselves. and if our eyes did
not deceive US can testify ss TO the perform.
anees of some of our friends.
After dinner the dance was resumed BY the
young people but the larger part Of the com.
pany seemed more disposed to quietnesS. if not
to somnolency. The necessity of meeting the
cars to the Village, compelled Us to leave be.
fore o'clock, but we learn that tho evening
passed off pleasantly. and that the company
dispersed quietly. The dancers adjourned af.
ter dinner to more pleasant room at Mr.. viii.
liam McCord near By. where they kept up the
amussments. even to the twilight shades.