Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-01-04

!
and Surroundings A Touching
Scene.
Correspondence Of the Union and Dispatch.
GAINESVILLE, Dec. Both, 1SG7.-Hav-
/ ing been written to frequently for informas
ton in regard to the condition and pros.
poets Of the Tennessee Orphan Asylum, l
aVailed myself Of an invitation from the
lady managers 10 attend a Christmas festi-
val Of the children at the institute on
Christmas day, that / might, by personal
observation, be able to give an accurate
reply. On the afternoon of the 25th, ac-
companied by friend, l rode out. We
were met at the door by two very neatly
dressed little girls, who conducted us into
the chapel. There we found assembled
quite a number of ladies and gentlemen
who had gone out to participate in the fes>
] tlYiiies, to gladden. the hearts of the chill
dren by their presence. We were then
introduced to the teacher and matron and
found them highly intelligent ladies, and
we thought well qualified for the positions
they occupy. The chapel, which is a large
room in the centre of the building. was
decorated with evergreens in a most taste
full and charming style. Here the family
have morning and evening devotion, and
on Sabbath, preaching and Sabbath school.
Just before dinner their beloved teacher,
Mrs. Mckenzie, conducted all of the chill
dren into the chapel to receive and be
formally introduced TO their guests. The
boys in their new uniform suits of gray and
the girls in their dresses of gray and tidy
white aprons, looked very sweet and at
tractive; indeed, we have seldom seen
set Of more intelligent or handsome chill
dren. They wore, also, upon the occasion
new boots and shoes and hats, a present
from Mr.. Watson NJ. Cooke, of Nashville.
So well-timed and well selected was the
donation, it seemed really a gift from
Heaven. They had prepared some songs,
etc, for the occasion, and being called
upon, they sang several, among them "The
Orphans Christmas Song" written for the
occasion by Mrs. w. b. Mumford, the ac-
cemplished Corresponding Secretary, and
set TO music by Mr.. J. F. Conover, of this
city, as follows:
God bless our friends all over the land
From mountain top to oceans strand,
They have sent US gifts both rich aud rare
And gave the orphan child their care.
Cborus-God bless the ladies of Tennessee.
God bless, o bless the ladies Of Tennessee
Could the dear ones look from Heaven above
And see as here in this home of love.
They would wait a blessing so sweet and true
To rest, dear ladies, upon each ofyou
Chorus-God bless, etc.
God bless our friends far west by the sea.
Oh happy and blest may she ever be,
May she soon return from that distant shore,
To leave the Orphans Home.nO more.
ChorUs-GOd bless, etc.
Dinner was hen announced, and we
were invited to partake of the repast. The
children took their places in a most order
ly and becoming manner, eVincing to all,
by their quiet ease and genteel department,
that the matron and teacher had fully dis
charged their duty.
Gen. j. q. Hornberger (who was an in
vited guest being called upon, invoked
Heavens blessings on this feast for the
orphan, which the kind matron, aided by
our generous citizens, had spread for them
indeed feast of good things-which
were highly enjoyed by all. We were most
pleased TO observe the abundance of fresh,
sweet milk and tempting yellow butter,
supplied from their own dairy. Children
of wealth in towns and cities are not al
Ways lHuulBtu WITH THIS luxury.
Mrs. Chapman, the widow of one of our
gallant soldiers, has charge Of this depart
ment we think deserves special commeE-
dalton. Dinner being over the children
took recreation, and we in company with
others examined the whole institution, and
must say we we're both surprised and de.
lighted at the result Of the labors of the
noble ladies of Tennessee The dormito-
ries, kitchen, parlors and dining room were
all in perfect order. We will say here
that the farm steward, Mr.. Davis. il COM
Quoting the farm very satisfactorily, and
thinks by the next year he can almost
provision the establishment. We then re-
turned 90 the chapel and found thechildren
reassembled and we're entertaining the
company by reciting some speeches. Two
little girls, Mary Roach and Mary Alex
ander, repeated the orphan girl" and
received as premiums book each, theone
a copy of Beulah," the other a copy of
the Wide, Wide World" A little boy,
Tom Wiley, repeated the orphan boy aud
received a new book as a reward. One lit,
tie boy just four years Old attracted special
attention. His name is Franklin Alex
ander, of Cannon county, Tennessee, stood
out alone and sung, unaided, the Christmas
song, having had only two rehersals.
They all then joined in with him, and
sung it again with such feeling that it
touched the hearts of all present. frankie
was overwhelmed with kisses and caresses,
and the whole class were presented each
with book from Mrs. Hornberger, as a
token of her regard for them.
We then took leave, and must say we
have seldom passed a happier Christmas
than the one in the Orphans Home in
GAINESVILLE. TIE whole affair, we are
happy to state, passed ofin a manner most
gratifying 10 all who were present.
We would like TO mention, in this con-
nection, also, fer the information of all
who are interested in this cause, few I'M
teresting facts, given us upon that day by
one who is fully informed in every respect.
The Tennessee Orphan Asylum Society
has only been organized about twenty
months. In that short period, and with
very seant means at their command, they
have raised over $4,000. They have pur-
chased the Home at cost of $24, 1000, and
have paid for il lacking few hundred
dollars, and hope very soon to entirely dis
charge the debt. They have obtained a
AtAdANtA atnhs utl nave lINtll near
furnished the house and stocked the farm,
and have all the while borne the burden
of family seldom numbering less than
thirty; have promptly paid the salaries
Of ell officers and employees Of the estab-
lishment, and begin the new year with
abont one thousand dollars in the treasury
20 meet current expenses.
Now suppose this large sum had been
scattered broadcast over the land, what
would have been the result? We feel safe
in saying that the class we have so greatly
benefited would have been no better off
than had it never been given. As il is,
we have very comfortable home, and
very nice, dear children, who are being
well trained, and will become useful menu
bers OF society. We say, God speed our
noble ladies. With the presentation of
these facts, this question should come
forcibly 90 every citizen Of the State.
Shall we, after so much has been accom-
plished, abandon the enterprise, or shall
we, 10y our kind words and liberal aid.
enable the ladies to make this a noble
Orphan Home, and ornament TO the STATE.
and the proudest monument We could erect
TO the memory Of her fallen sons. Let not
my name be written upon bronze or mon,
umental marble, but upon the loving,
HNfaa.A l. z