The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1869-02-05

ant chat about Hartford, which carried me
back ia Imagination to the days of my boy
hood, aud probably superinduced the series
of letters | am now trying to write.
There was Church in process of erection
when left, or rather building for the dol-
Bile purpose of u Church and Masonic Hall =
1t was stone building in rear of the Court
House, and completed Ipresume, in course OF
time. The enterprise was mainly started by
old Mr. Mckinney and Daniel Wann, and the
stone were hauled by Charles Gorsuch. There
were two resident Presbyterian ministers in
Bel Air-Messrs. Reuben Davis and George
Morrison, who Jointly presided over the Aca-
deny. The former was very austere man.
and noted fol, his success in whaling knowl-
edge into his pupils with rod the scars
from which, by microscopic examinations
might, dare say, be found upon the backs of
some OF his pupils to this day. Mr.. Morrison,
though not wanting in sterness and fidelity,
was less passionate and pugilistic, and more
disposed to pacific means for imparting knowl-
edge. The Court House was used as a COM
mon place OF preaching, until John Robinson
hxed pin with point up in the cushion of
big arm chair which the Judge or preacher
occupied, as the order Of business happened
to be law or gospel. John put that long
wicked pin there for the purpose of pun
ishing Peter Miller, venerable colored
preacher, against whom he had grudge.-
Ascending the platform one Sabbath morning
for the purpose of preaching to white con-
gregation, peter didn't love to preach to ne
groes,l he very gravely took his seat, but un-
eXpectedly to everybody but John, rose again
in rather more haste than was his custom, as
it is more than probable he never before sat
upon as long and sharp pin He bore the
lnnlction without the contraction of wrin-
kfe upon his brow, and very deliberately sat
the chair to one side, where he kne n it would
receive number of occupants as they came
in, and be'ore the close of the services he had
the satisfaction Of seeing dozen or more
take seat in it, every one of whom rose
from 1t IN less than half the time it took them
to be seated.
Once after this attended preaching in that
old Court House. 1t was on the occasion of
the fist perhaps only visit of the Rev. Mr..
Bascom to that part of the world He was
Then young man, occupying the position of
Chaplain in Congress, and had just flashed
upon the world like a strange and brilliant
meteor. His fame had preceded him, how
ever, and so large was the audience, that
many were compelled to stand outside, catch
ing as they could, his rich and ford caden-
ces, as they tloated out on the cold winter
air. The discussion of his subject occupied
near three hours, during the whole of which
time not person left the house, and those
on the outside seemed chained to the SPOT.
although the earth was covered with snow.
Excuse me, Messrs. Editors, and bear with
me If you please, for, when begin to study
up incidents, they rush upon me so thick and
last, scarcely know where to begin or where
to end. Another one or two, and will con-
clude this letter.
Little Philip Coale, of whom 1 spoke in a
previous letter, was character in his day.
lie was very small man, and consoled him
self for his diminutive stature, by saying that
valuable goods We're always done up in small
parcels. He was a man of many eccentrici-
ties, quick wit, and ready at repartee His
ruling foible was his susceptibility to the
charms of the gentler sex, and never did
lady greet him complaccntly, that he did not
tumble over head and ears in love with her.
His menner of testifying his passion, was by
pinching or pulling the hair of his charmer,
and the harder he loved, the harder he would
pinch Or pull. He had an uncomfortable
aversion to mutton, had no respect for those
who could eat it, and thought that sheep were
fit for nothing upon earth but to produce wool
to make shoe-ttread. Although he literally
lived upon horseback, died upon horseback,
could beat Gen. Grant at horse talk, and told
all his love secrets to the beast he was riding,
yet he had no more knowledge of the charac-
ter, Qislosltloh, properties OF treatment OF
horse, than he had of a kangaroo. He was
an honest, inoffensiye man, and would almost
go into spasms at the report of gun or
peal of thunder
There are several other characters would
like TO crowd into this letter, but its length
admonishes me must defer them to another.
In my next, shall recall to mind few of
the ladies of Bel Air, with whom was more
intimately acquainted, all of whom Ipresume,
are married-if not, it was because they pre-
ferred to remain single. If they are living
l am sure they will pardon me-if not, my
reference to them will not disturb them in
their bright and happy abode.
Yours, Respectfully, G. B. G.
| SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA, Jan. 1859.