Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1869-01-08

MARYLAND, FRIDAY,
were valuable. Lam sure that FIVE dol
lars would scarcely have paid for the mos
inferior. Each seemed to give satisfac
tiqn, and a more happy, joyous set OF ser
wants never was. ssg4ai ,iia
The remainder Of the day was spent ii
general festivities. Good things were
provided by the quantities. and the white
family was expected tesyisit each cabin te
taste of the Christmas cheer. At night
the negroes gave bal, using as dane.
ling room large barns which had just
been completed. 50 49, sg,. g..
To me the grotesque appearance of the
black faces, and gaily dressed forms of the
black women, were most amusing, and
their smiling countenances showed how
Intensely they enjoyed Themselves. =.
Musical foudness is one Of the. chiei
elements of the negro Character. Each
plantation had its musician. and night
dancing invariably followed the days
work.
The supper that night prepared entire
|ly by, the negroes. would have put to
shame one of Delmonico's chef deuures.
Whole pigs were barbecued. lordly
turkeys, which two days before were the
pride of the poultry yard, rested crisp
and brown upon the table. Chicken pies
and salads were among the entrees, and
cold ham and pickles made excellent rel
ishes. True, they had 40 ice-cream, but
cups of golden custard we're far more ac-
and syllabub and jelly relieved
the heaviness of the beautifully spread
cake table. 1e....a -. -.
''Do you make SO much of Christmas
Eyes, massa," answered q very old ne
gro. "We alway hab bsmonstrous good
time ebery Christmas, chen in ole massa's
time, and he warn't nigh so good to we
'uns as Mars Harry. We don't do muffin
now till New Years day, and den we goes
to work like de mischief"
Nearly week insensibly elapsed be-
fore I could find it in my heart to tear
myself away from my kind plantation
friends, but I knew it must be done, so
with regret bade them sdieu, and start
ed for the next settlement, some twenty
miles distant .
The journey should have been made in
half day, but owing tosthe terrible state
Of the roads and my onlypartial acquain-
tan tanes with them At 5fg!g3 Ssnea sgsgs %g
of affairs, thought I, for II ew Years Eve
After cropping about in the woods for two
hours, without succeeding 10 even finding
the sign of habitation, I threw the bride
on my horses neck, and determined to
trust to luck and brute instinct for lodg-
ing-place that night, and soon my patience
was rewarded, for I saw t'light ahead"
Down in valley almost completely
hidden by hills was large mansion. I
could see the size of the house, for every
window was illuminated, and laughter
and music greeted. me as I reached the
gate, which was quickly opened by ne
gro, who at once assisted me to alight,
evidently thinking me one of the invited
guests to the party in progress in the
house, called for the master, explained to
him my unpleasant position, and told him
who and what I was. To my gratifca-
ton he was we'll acquainted with my house
in New York, and at once ordered my
saddle-bags to be taken to room, telling
a boy to provide me with refreshments
and everything needful, and, politely re-
questing me to come down to the parlor
after resting, he left me.
Feeling very much fatigued, I hastily
drank cup of hot coffee, and barely tast-
ed of the delicacies brought me. I then
threw myself upon the bed, intending to
sleep few moments before joining the
happy crowd below.
: ! fell asleep and dreamed. .......
[ seemed to be in the same house, for
I recognized the elegant surroundings Of
my room, and I distinctly heard the mu-
sic, (which gradually changed from the
joyous dancing glee into a sad, sweet
strain.
My door unclosed softly. and most
beautiful vision entered the room, which
came directly toward my bed, and stood
by my side until the form and features
fully impressed themselves upon my mind.
The figure was that of a young girl,
exquisitely lovely, but clothed in the ha-
biliments of the grave. Upon her head
was wreath of orange flowers, and in
her hand she held an Episcopalian prayer
book. opened at the bridal service. She
looked at it moment with smile, sadly
shook her head, and then turned to the
beautiful, service of the dead. I raised
my hand to my face, and when removed
it. the vision had vanished, and very soon
[ awoke. ....-...--,-...i
Looking at my watch, found it was
eleven o'clock the music seemed to in
vite me to join the dancers, and 1 obeyed
the call. My new friend met me at the
door, and at once introduced me to his
wife, very handsome, stylish lady. As
we stood conversing, and watching the
joyous throng, my eyes rested upon the
face Of one I felt to be the lady of my
dream. @ - : = a 49,
"For Gods sake" I said, grasping the
arm of my hostess, tell me who that
girl is" ....e a3 r. .-.--<..-
She was much surprised at my vehe.
mence, but she politely asked which one.
as there were many girls in the direction
I appeared to he looking.