The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-03-21
Trim TO Laurans and Back.

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small, unto that reading public which stands up
permost in their thoughts on all occasions. Ac-
cording to that usage, and because We have wit
messed scenes of mingled interest and sadness du-
ring recent jaunt we purpose scribbling some
thing about what saw and heard during short
absence from the sanctum. This much, by way of
apology, and we begin.
Friday morning last, in company with an es-
teemed friend, (J. L. H.,) we started for Laurens
{. H. by railway Nothing of interest occurred i
except that admirable breakfast one always enjoys
at McGEE's, until we arrived at Ncwberry, where,
as every one ought to know, passengers bound ior
Laurens must change cars" Having short
interval TO while away, We sought the Consercatst
Office and were much pleased to meet with Its ac-
complished editor, Capt. J. D. NANCE, with whom
we exchanged an agreeable cht-chat for few mo-
ments. We were glad to know that the iCOnserrnfst
was meeting that success which its decided merit
so richly deserves.
Back to the depot and aboard the Laurens train
VIC were rapidly speeding our way, and in due
time reached the destined point. Reader, did you
ever travel over that Railroad? Most generally
and especially a few years since, travellers abused
It, writers DETAINED its accommodations and faci-
ties and witlings amused their friends with mirac-
ulous accounts OF voyage from Newberry to
Laurens. But for one, we have always made al
lowance and exercised charity towards the instiu-
ton in fact, we disposed to believe that there
are worse roads, mearer accommodations, aAd Ger
tainly less-obligirg officers. The gentlemanly Su-
perintendent and courteous Conductor are not ex7:
cclled in their respective stations. "The Governor,
as ne was once fanliarly styled knows exactly the
information you desire and chcerfully assists you
in any manner whatsoever. So much for the Lau-
rens r. r. once derided, but now "above sus-
picion.'
Saturday morning we we're on the qai rire to wit
ness the parade and drill Of the State Guards"
an excellent Rifle company under command of our
worthy friend, Capt. B. c. GAnblxcroy. At eleven
a. m. the "Guartls assembled, and for an hour
or two vent through various ovolutiOns with the
skill and precision Of thorough-drilled soldiers.
1t is no fatcry to thus eulogise the "Guards; ?"
their firm, cyen-trcas ard sci.lieriy bearing indi
Gated that they were untring and constant in pre-
pairing for actua, service, should they be needed to
defend the action of our beloved State. The
sGuards Z" belong to the Third Regiment of Vol
unteors, having promptly responded to the call
made two months since.
| Aside from this incident, nothing occurred du-
rim. the day to disturb the unusual dullness of
the village. But at early nightfall the dreaded
cry Of Fire Fire! - alarmed the citizens. Rush
Ing to the square, in the direction indicated by the
alarm, we discovered tie flames Just beginning to
Issue from the third story of SIMMONS Hotel, a
large wooden building. In an instant it was deci-
lcJ from the rapid progress Of the flames before
discovery that there was no possible chance to
saro s,e building and efforts were directed to re-
moving the furniture and preventing farther de-
struc,icu Of property. Through the timely energy
and activity of the citizens the furniture and other
articles were reinorcd But the flames could not
be arrested thcrc. Another house, not occupied,
and formerly used as Il hotel, which stood just
across the street, was Totally consumed, together
with kitchens, smoke-houses, stables, &C., on both
premises This uncccuped house was the proper
ty of Mr. ]. Cagws, whose store was opposite on
another street. ard which very narrowly escaped
destruction This was also the case with the ex-
tcnsive grocery and hardware establishment OF
AoXxw, KYLE & FISHER, or the corner opposite
Simmons Eocl. But for the unccasng efforts of
the citizens, the entire square might have been
laid in ashes. At length the devastating element
was arrested, and By midnight the town had re-
sumcl its wonted quiet
Our space will not permit an extended descrip-
tion Of this lamcntabc occurrence 1t was such
sight rs re care not to witness soon again-leav-
ing the village without hotel and large number
without n home.
The total loss must be near $4,000. The Hotel
in use was owned by Nh JOHN SIMMONS, the lnnd-
lord and one Of The most popular caterers for the
travelling public in The up-country. lie had oc-
cupicd the house for the last 90 years, and after
patient toll and economy for that lengthy period,
he witnessed the total destruction of his valuable
home There was no insurance. 1t is hoped that
Mr. Sl:lmo3s vii. rebuild at once, great incon-
venicncc wl arise from their being no hotel in the
place The well-known hospitality of Laurens
will sinsurc visitors against the possibility Of
g camping-out."
The Herald Office, which was in dangerous prox-
Unity 10 the fire. always receives visit from "
when scjourning for q time among the good people
of old Laurens. Its proprietor has lately become
editor of the paper and We are confident that our
old and valued friend, Dir. HoLLINoswoRrH will
become as popular in this capacity as he has ever
been in others Tie Herald is fourishing, to our
certain knowledge and is warmly supported in that
section. We are under many obligations, "JIN, u
for your cousidsrate attention and generous hos
pitality.
We remained at Laurens until Tuesday morning,
when, bidding adieu to many endeared friends and
relatives there, we set our face homewards. The