Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-04-22


Nothing of much interest occurred after
leaving Louisville, until we landed at Smith
land, except that our boat formed familiar
acquaintance with the numerous shoals and
sand bars with which the Ohio is we'll sup
piled, even te water ish nifty low"
At Smithland several passengers came on
board, and among the number very digni-
fed and genteel- looking lady, apparently a
bout forty years old, and her daughter some
eighteen or nineteen. The latter was so
beautiful and bewitchingly interestingin ap-
pearance that, for my part, could not real
ize the fact that her home was upon this
broad earth, as connected with the children
of men; and yet, to the astonishment of all
these two interesting beings took a deck pas
sage, bound for the mouth of Red River
On the following morning the clerk, as usual,
went below to collect the passage money
The older lady informed him that she had
about as much money as would meet his de-
mand, but if he took that, she and her daugh-
ter would be placed on shore among strangers,
penniless. The gentlemanly clerk declined
accepting the money until he could state the
facts to the captain and receive his orders.
The captain, on hearing his statement, desi-
red the clerk to desist, promising to call on
the ladies himself; and in few hours did,
spent some time very agreeably in their COM
pany, and took occasion to repeat bis call
several times during the day. The day fol-
lowing, he also continued his calls, and made,
on one occasion, some advances toward the
young lady, which led her to believe that his
intentions were not of the most honorable
kind. Feeling keenly the insult, and re-
fecting upon her dependent position, she
was, for an instant, embarrassed, and uncer-
tain what course to pursue; but being poss-
essed of strong mind and quick perception,
she soon recovered her selfcontrol, and gave
the captain a signal of distress from a GER
tain degree masonic, sometimes given to the
wives and daughters of Master Masons. The
captain recognized the signal, stepped back
as if electrified, and with uplifted hands, be-
seechingly inquired, "In the name of heaven
where did you obtain that ?" She answered
with sweet-toned voice, and with all the
innocence of an angel. "From my husband,
father, and brother" This unexpected an
swer seemed to confuse the captain the more !;
for he certainly had not supposed she was
married lady. Upon inquiry he learned
that both herself and mother were wives of
Master Masons. Soon after the clerk was
seen gallanting the two ladies into the cabin,
and the porter following with their baggage.
The best state-rooms were assigned them: and
if the captain had been the brother or son,
he could not have been more devoted to their
comfort and happiness.
At the mouth of Red River, the captain
took the ladies to the only house then at that
place, saw them provided for, while waiting
for packet. Before leaving, he told the
elder lady that they might be longer detained
than they expected, and consequently incur
greater expense than she was able to meet,
and handed her hundred dollar bill. With
emotions of deep gratitude, she assured him
that though she was almost destitute she was
not an object of charity, and hence doubted
the propriety of accepting his generous offer.
On being informed, however, that the money
was rendered as loan, she said to him,
"Captain, l know not that I shall ever have
it in my power to see you again how, then,
can l return your money"
The captain assured her that her son and
son-in-law being Freemasons, they would
know how to insure his receiving it, when it
was entirely convenient to repayit, and bade
them an affectionate adieu. At this moment
both ladies we're overcome by feelings of
gratitude and tears, not words, responded to
his parting farewell.
My companions and myself continued on
the boat of New Orleans, not knowing that
it was better to proceed by sea from thence
to Galveston than by the Red River route
But after remaining some three days in the
city, we found a boat bound for Alexandria,
and determined to take passage on her, and
proceed as far up the river as we could, and
thence by land to San Philip d'Austin, on
the Steamer Lioness we had very pleasant
trip to the mouth of Red River, at which
point we took on among several other pass,
engers the heroines of my narrative. The
old lady soon recognized and sent for me-
Up to this period had not spoken to her
but from the intimacy which she had oh.
served between the captain of the other boat
and myself, she supposed me to be Mason,
adding, "If you are let me know it; for
have received so many favors from that source
unasked, that I desire to know all Masons
with whom I may meet" informed hel
that was young Mason-had never done
any good as such-and assured her that
claimed no credit for the favors she intima.
ted she had received from the captain; but
that whatever these favors were, the captain
hadrendered them as all good Masons would
do, with no other hope of reward than a
consciousness of having discharged his duty
~ presume sir" said she, " the captain
informed you of his generous and magnani.
nous conduct, on taking leave of US at the
mouth of the river?"
"No, madam" replied, "I heard the
captain speak in the most respectful terms Of
yourself and daughter, but in no way did he
| allnae To fauors aonn To either of pnn y