Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-04-25
For the Standard.

Mr.. HOLDEN: In these exciting political times,
perhaps it may be well, once in a while, to pause
little from the strife political, and contemplate on
more pleasant things-the beauties of this lovely
season. Spring. and its concomitant pleasures, such
as delightful little rural excursions, Pic Nics &c
If the noble cause in which you are engaged will
not suffer any detriment by sparing room in your
columns for this, will endeavor to give some
count of a Pic Mic party which assembled on the
romantic banks Of the Haw river (caled in the In
dian dialect Saxapahaw,) at place called the High
Rock. This place is so called. from high sharp
rock which juts up perpendicularly from the bank.
There is a mill there: and nearly mile off is q
large and handsome dwelling, called the High Rock
Hotel the residence of Gen. Simpson, who used to
represent the county of Rockingham so acceptably,
and formerly Guilford. There used to be also
Store and P. o. here, but they are discontinued.
If you refer to Wheeer's History, you will see
that Gen. Greene dated one of his communications
to Congress from this place. recollect Of hearing
an old Revolutionary soldier speak of company's
assembling at this place to join Gen. Greene's army.
One circumstance recollect. He said, that in i'll
specting the arms, gun accidentally went of, and
shot one poor fellow through the head
WE'LL the Pic Mic party assembled here on Easter
holiday, bringing with them an abundance of good
things, which their good mamas had fixed up for
thcm or, perhaps should say that the young ladies
themselves had the credit of preparing such nice
collation. understood beforehand that they were
to appear in calico, but am sorry to say they did
not Mr. Editor, l am a great admrer of calico.
They may speak of silks, satns, founces and such
costly trappings, hut admire the "girl with the
calico dress" The ladies would do we'll here to
make note of this
There were also in attendance number of ad-
mirng swains, who endeavored by their attentions,
their conversational powers &C., to win the smiles
of the fair creatures. The day was spent in various
ways,-some in fishing (but in this they had very
poor luck some in conversation on the logs on the
bank, &C., &C. One young man reported to me an
interesting conversation he had with the miller on
the art and science of making good meal &C. TIIe
must have some idea Of going to housekeeping.
was informed that the young ladies were going to
carry "frying pan" to fry the fish, and give the
young gentlemen specimens of their skill in the
cient and honorable of cookery but they did not
catch enough fish for this. Thus was lost to them
an opportunity of displaying one of their accomplish
. ments: though, in these latter degenerate days,
hardly know whether they consider it an accom-
. plshment, or whether they are ashamed to have it
known that they know how to cook. l would rec
: omlnend the dear creatures to besto~ more atten-
ton on this branch of education for if they should
ever be so fortunate, Tor unfortunate hardly know
which, as to have husbands to take of them,
!, (or to be taken care of by them hardly know
which, I would say to them that the music of the
pots and kettles, and the frying pan is more agree
able to the Lords Of creation" frequently, than the
most melodeous notes of the piano. guitar or harp
There was proposition for dance, but as the
!. enlivenng strains of music were wanting to make
them supple, and to regulate their movements, they
K had to forego this pleasure.
!. MIR. Editor, did you ever reflect how ridiculous
and absurd it would be to attempt to dance without
music?
As the time was drawing near when night would
draw her sable curtain the earth, the company
dispersed to their homes well pleased with the
scenes of the day.
AN UNPRETENDING FARMER.