Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1859-11-19
G9t Stanoatb>

VISIT TO THE HOME OF GERRIT SMITH.
We subjoin the concluding portion of a highly
tbe New York Herald. who recently visited the
home of Gerrt Smith, at Peterboro', Madison conn.
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very little enquiry amongst such citizens as I
Glanced to meet convinced me that the excitement
here has been intense and the interest deem seated
in all that relates to the Harper's Ferry affair
whoever asked the question found but one an.
sver-the men Of Peterbo-o' could necer eonsent
that Gsrrit Smith should je taken to Tiroinia.-
Thsy rould resist the officers Of the Msc, first to
the ertent Of their pouer. But the most absurd
ideas prevailed. BY some was assured that Gerrit
Smiths house was watched by volunteers every
night in the fear that Southern mob might carry
him off in the night, after the fashion Of Kansas
border rufiansm in the days of old Ossawattomie
Brown By others l was seriously informed that
the apprehension was not so much that Gerrt might
be arrested as that he might be -assassinated
by some emissary of Gov. Wise. Mr.. Smiths
neghbors evidently believe that the Southeners re-
gard him as terrible and powerful enemy. and
have no idea that he is only looked upon by every
sensible man as crazy, but honest abolition fanatic
soon discovered that poor Mr.. Smith is about
as excited and as mistaken as his friends. Indeed
/ am quite convinced that the agitation consequent
upon the Virginia outbreak has not only impaired
bis health but likely to seriously affect his excits
BE and illy-balanced mind He Il a Gerry different
MIN to-day from chat he soas t,ceire months since
His calm, dignifed, impressive bearing has given
place to hasty, nervous agitation, as though some
great fear was constantly before his imagination
His eye is boodshot and restless as that of a start
led horse. He has lost flesh, and his face looks as
red and as rough as though he had Just returned
from one Of old Browns Kansas raids It NAV be
that he chafes and ets at the silence and inactivity
imposed upon him by his friends rather than breads
any responsibility for the past; but however this
may be, he appears an altered man, and his true
friends must deeply regret an affair that can 50
agtate and so distress him.
Mr. Smith views as to the Sabbath are as pecu.
liar as are his political sentiments He follows rath.
er the Jewish doctrine, and makes Saturday his day
Of rest he is therefore, always visible and ready
for business on the Sabbath. Having been apprised
this fact, sought interview with him on Sum-
day, armed with letter from y near relative. l
found this unnecessary, however. as Mr. Smith at
once recognized our former slight personal acquain-
lance His family proper consists at this time only
Of HIMSELF his wife, and son about twenty wears
old His daughter, the wife of Col Miller, lives on
the opposite side of the green, however, and is .
constant visitor with some of her interesting chill
dren at her fathers house. There is also Just now,
considerable commotion about the premises, and =
CONSTANT food of visitors-lawyers, relatives, advi-
sers. and some mysterious individuals-who come
and 60 on business known only to themselves Mr..
Chas. B. Sedgwick and Mr.. Timothy Jenkins-Mr.
smiths legal advisers in this afair-together with
Mr. Fitzhugh, of Oswego, Mrs. Smiths brother, and
several others, ladies and gentlemen were guests at
the house yesterday. The two former gentlemen
have been cOnstan: visitors at Peterboro since the
date Of the outbreak at Harper's Ferry.
A few words sufficed to convince me that any at
tempt to obtain from Mr.. Smith any information as
the actors in the Virginia invasion, or his con-
nectlon the, ,ewith. was useless. frankly avowed
desire to hear his sentiments upon that subject.
',Slr," said Mr.. Smith, starting like frightened
deer, "l can't say a word-not syllable, even to
my most intimate friends" "But" argued, ~
% not, Of course, desire any disclosures or any
one" ny
u can't speak about it at all, replied Mr.. s., "I
am going to be indicted. If any man in the Union
taken, it will be me- 1t would not be proper to
ay word about it fought not to say one word.
am advised not to approach the subject at all I
sm gong to be indicted, sir, indicted! You must
not talk to me about it"
dropped the subject as matter of course. It is
EVIDENT that the family of Mr. Smith are much
Nsfmed' and in constant state of agitation; for
snen approach the house, a stranger to them, an
::ppIehenslon-a dread painful to see-was evident
ne anxious countenances of his wife and daugh-
sS , ~noGere on the piazza at the moment of nv
, subsequently conversed with near relative and
Se adviser of Mr.. Smith, and expressed to him
s1e 10 obtain some statement that, while doing
INJURY to none, might on the other hand, remove
%S Impressions and lay facts before the public
,n.l DR. ne said, Mr.. Smith does desire to make
st. statement himself and can scarcely be re-
:.ed d. from doing so. But if he should, he would
~ ~ ~ MS own manner and strike the thing square
s,.a .ae face let who might be injured He Is, how
nos;, strongly advised not to do 50 in the present
nd" Of affairs, and has agreed to abide by the
;."s"ent Of his counsel. When he does ten his
IT will be found that many now only partially
Rnt Re'ed are more implicated than he himself is
present ne will say no word to any person."
sn,s %aae ssS some inquiries about Capt Brown, and
.nat ne was here last spring for several weeks,
eoest at Gerrlt Smiths house. and that while here
osr OF the most prominent leading republicans
him k'0 nam, and acere for days in consultations viM
IN, an evidence Of the excitement that exists IN the
pls e. and the constant apprehension of the peo-
the ,;,,s furnished in my own case Ny arrival in
no. lage on Sunday, stranger, and the careless
ures made in reference to Mr.. Smiths residence
ths the popular sentiment on his connection With
A.t 11arpers Ferry affair, created the impression
osS;. was In some way connected with legal pro-
ham, growing out of that event-an officer, per-
seause oHme to steal away his prisoner l was sub
pess."y the observed of all Observers to an un-
y nt ". ~ eegree could not move without feeling,
Lvva., flckwick II felt in the Office Of Mr. Bardelis
nvsts, mat the people were "twigging" me- One
ssns .u individual after giving me various secret
bera snd motions, followed me out Of the room and
,su,;oy asked me if he could be Of any service"
Il all s me that he did not sympashize with Gerrit
saaIg %at Igenteman's spies. Shaking nv head mvsts.
dauS,I, told him not at present, md left hin.
md nsa to dream Of requsitions, arrests, rescues
'un up my experience At Gsszit Smiths home
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