The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-02-17
The Home of Calhoun--1ts Present Con-
dition.

fCorregpoldence OF the new 1orh I'oiui-e @o''']
PEND1EToN. 8. c., January 3O.-Ihe ROAD
from, Greenyille to Pendleton is a most Deautl-
fnl and romantic ride, commanding at many
noints fine view of Table Rock, Whltesides,
Chimney Top, and several other noted sum
mts of the Blue Ridge. could not forbear
stopping several times to gaze upon tnis
scene. spread out before me and forming q
picturesque background to the scenery OF
the country. The sun had already SET Wnen
arrived at the village Of Pendieton. ia9uia- raa
ing for my friend, I easily found his residence
was warmly welcomed and made comtorta.
bic for the night. The next evening, | set
out to view Fort Hill, the former residence
of John C. Calhoun. 1t is still owned
by his family, though repi atediy aaVel- over
tised in the district papers to be soia Ior ua3'
The last time General Canbys order, estaDlisn5 a5
Il from the hands of the auctloneer, and now
it is supposed that it will remain ID sae pos
session OF the family. MIR. Calhoun left con-
siderable property, but the estate owning
large number OF negroes, and great amouIC
of money having been invested IN Conleuera.s a;oS
to those who bear his name but for General
Canby's homestead law. In former times, !
am told, Mr.. Calhouns family were accustomed
to receive many visitors, who came from lar
and near to view his residence, and were al
WAYS received and Hospitality entertained at
his table. Perhaps it IS not generally known
that MIR. Calhoun left at his death five sons
and two daughters, all grown up. OF these
only the eldest daughter is now living; four
sons died of consumption within short Pc
Rod Of each other, one daughter OF fever,
and the eldest son (then mlddIe-aged
many died during the war OF .apopiexy.
The family residence ls now the nome
and comfortable residence, pleasantly embow-
cred in trees, and commanding q beautiful view
of the mountains. Around it liz large and fer.
tile fields Of meadow land, in high state OF
cultivation, stretching along the banks OF the
Seneca. I am told that MIR. Calhoun, during
his lifetime, was accustomed to superlntend
the culture Of this farm with the greatest care
and interest. Near TIE dwelling house, and
shaded by beautiful oaks, stands his library
end etudy, with Z portlco winch commands an
extensive view Of the country. From the top
of the hill on which the house stands one
can trace the windinge Of the river for several
miles. Several gentlemen's houses, all en-
powered in trees, can be seen from Fort
Hill, to each belonging many hundred acres
OF rich river land. These dwellings, in former
DAYS were the summer residences of rich and
aristocratic families, generally from the low
country. TO each belonged so many fine
horses, carriages and servants, that living at
distance of six or eight miles from the greater
part Of their neighbors did not effect any iso-
for keeping open house and entertaining visit
ors night and day. Now most Of the families
who remain In these dwellings, are almost lso-
lated from others. It has become difficult for
all classes to make subsistence. The cotton,
which these planters expected to bring them
from twenty to thirty cents per pound, only
brings twelve and half to fifteen cents, and
in many instances they bear up against an en-
tire failure of crops. With debt and anxiety
hanging over their heads little disposition or
ability remains for eayety and visiting.
I suppose it will occasion astonish hment to
hear that Mr.. Calhoun's library was lately sold,
with some other personal property, to satisfy
were knocked down for from four to six dollars
o shelf. AS have said, the sale OF the house
and land ware tnen advertised to take place,
and expected to follow that of the library and
furniture within short time; but Gen. Canby's
order, reserving to every family house and
twenty acres Of land, will for the present enable
this widowed lady and her children to retain
their home.
Pendleton was ulce summer resort Tor the
wealthy low-country families Of the State
Now there are few remaining but the plain
country people whose home the plaza has al
ways been. In circuit Of half mile there are
now fourteen houses shut up and empty. Yet
amid the general desolation take pleasure IN
recording one instance OF success and pros
perity in business. My friend, Mr.. Smith,
came from New England some time before the
war; his means were so limited that himself
and family were employed as hands in one Of
the factories Of neighboring village. Some
fortunate speculations, Of which the proceeds
were immediately and judiciously invested,
enabled him to acquire wealth very rapidly.
He now OWNS over fifty thousand dollars worth
OF property, lives in pleasant residence not
far from the village, and is doing business
which bids fair rapidly to increase his wealth
and re esources.
One melancholy instance Of the decline Of
Pendleton met my view. During it's prosper
ous days four churches had been built. Some
time ago all the place managed to support
but one will probably leave for want Of sufti-
cient salary.