Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-02-08
The Olden Time.

The old Cape Fear region in former years
was the seat of generous hospitality. The
planters on the river, noble race OF men,
proud, high-spirited, yet benevolent to an
extraordinary degree, seemed to vie with
each other in the cordial welcome rendered
to the stranger who by accident or 1nten-
ton, CHANGED to visit them. He was warm
ly greeted, and by pleasant and unoficious
attentions relieved of all embarrassment.
Thenceforward, for days or weeks, SO long
as he chose to remain, he was the honored
guest of the plantation. The horses were
his-the servants, the dogs and guns-hls
every wish was gratifed. Did he hunt A
party was proposed for the morrow. Did
he fish ? The lines and bait were procured,
and he was shown the deep pool hidden al
most from sight by ancient trees and moss,
wnere UeGuoe- old logs. whose iaegnd nnds
projecting from the water, oft formeda seat
for the "terrapins to rest on, he was
pointed out the precise spot where the
perch and trout were playing. The favor
tie horse was his, the pleasant paths were
shown him. Did he dance =? After the
tables were moved, the old fiddler was sent
for, and thenceforward reels and scamper-
downs.
What memories these of glorious time,
that have come down to us, but which we
have not seen. The state of society through
out the whole Cape Fear region in those
days of old-fashioned, genuine hospitality
was of the first order. The ladies were fail
and brave,-the gentlemen of a class we
may not see again. The picture of Cape
Fear gentleman of the olden time, is a re
presentation of pride, courage, generosity
hospitality and good feeling combined.
One of the favorite amusements of the
times of which we speak, and one that was
INDUCED in to great excess, was horse
racing Matches were frequently made
and for considerable amounts, between par
ties who prided themselves upon the pedi'
gree and speed of their respective horses
We remember hearing of one race in par
ticular, which caused good deal of merri
ment at the time, and as it is an illustration
somewhat of the manners of the Older
time, and the way things were done In thos'
days, we proceed to lay it before our read
ers, hoping it will be more agreeable thai
the everlasting subject of politics.
Among the early settlers on the Cap
Fear, was Colonel A, a gentleman o
means, and passionately addicted to thu
sports of the turf The old Colonel he wa
well stricken in years at the time o
the occurrence was about six feet II
height, thin raw-boned frame, an ey'
like an eagles, and a mouth indicating
great firmness and decision of character
His hair was very thick and very white, AM
he wore it brushed back from his forehead
and fastened in cue behind. He was al
inveterate tobacco chewer, and strongly ad
dicted to the habit of profane swearing
The old gentleman prided himself upon tn
fieetness of his Horseshoe in particular,
black horse which, from its vicious dlspo
sition, he called Belzebub, and which III
swore could beat his namesake, the dew
himself, in three mile race. A neighbol
of the ColonePs, it seems, owned grey
mare which he thought could beat Belize
bub, and as he was willing to back hi
Judgment, match was soon made for fiv
hundred dollars aside. The day appointe'
for the race arrived, and the course wa
crowded with spectators all eager for tn
sport. When the time for starting ar
preached, the rider of the ColoneIs hors
"a little colored boy) was taken suddenl
Ill; SO i'll, in fact, that he could not mount
much less ride the horse. The old gentle
man was in great perplexity; no other bo
could be had, and, unless rider could b
found, the purse would be delivered to tn
owner of the mare. Never was q man i
such distress as the Colonel; he raved Xix
one demented, and ground the Tobacco
savagely between his teeth. The word wa
given to mount ST have no rider" shoute
the Colonel, furiously. every sorry" sal
one OF the judges. "Unless your hors