The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-03-16
Notes OF n vIsfa 10 Oakland Coli
IeEe.
STEAMER BELLE LEE, near vicksbuIg,I

1t was in the winter of 1857, that we had
last taken passage with Capt. feathers, on
the steamer Natchez; and as the lapse of
time had only added to his reputation as a
steamboat commander, his craft was selec-
ted ON Tuesday evening last for trip to
Rodney. If we mistake not, the Natchez of
thirteen years ago, was destroyed in the
Yazoo River, in 1862. The present boat of
that name is truly magnificent floating
palace. Aside from the elegance Of all its
appointments, the comfort and safety of
passengers seems to be carefully consulted
in every detail. The state-rooms are large
and supplied with every convenience
There you have the preservers, to re-
mind you that steamboats, some times go
dewn, and sometimes blow up, and printed
card tells you that the doors so hang On
their hinges that they can be readily de-
tached. These are pleasant things to read
and dream about, as you go floating along
DER the Father of Waters. The two meals
served us on board, elected one unqualified
appreciation OF the culinary department.
Capt. feathers is man of fine physical pro-
portions, has a kind face and a generous
heart, and is immensely and deservediy
popular. In the Office we found several
good-natured gentlemen, one of whom took
our V with smile so gracious, and handed
US the key to No. q with bow so polite, we
felt quite satisfied in exchanging the cur
rency tor the courtesy. Had he not located
my clerical companion over the boiler. the
prayers of good man in his behalf might
have been added to this complimentary re-
ference. Our companion aforesaid objects
to being steamed-deeming it a process
wholly incompatible with the effort to in
dulge in "tired natures sweet restorer,
balmy Sleep" Steamboats, should adopt
hebarber-shop rule, slightly modified: first
come, best served. Better luck next time,
Bro p.
We had another friend along-Capt. w.
NJ. Gillaspie, of Jackson, whose converse
ton is always interesting-esp specially on
matters of insurance. Weights f. Gibbs of
Columbus, and Livingston Minis, of Savan-
nah are not the only men in their depart
ment who believe that insurance companies
are great blessing to the community, and
that they should be fostered by the powers
that be, rather than taxed out of our terri
tory. Capt. Gillaspie has made the matter
o. life and fire insurance study, and as an
"adjuster,r has established the reputation
OF an expert. He was then en- route for
Port Gibson, to adjust a recent loss sustain
eddy the Planters Insurance Company-a
company which, by the way, has sustained
AMI satisfied losses in Jefferson and Clai
bone counties alone, within the past two
oIN1
dollars. This is not the "Planters' Insur-
an,e Company" located at Memphis, or
Ri,hmond, or New York, or at some other
remote point, where distance might lend
enhantment to the view of insurers, but it
is he one located at Jackson, with Thos. f..
Hem as President, and NJ. A. VanHook as
Secretary.
The NatcheZ, although advertised to leave
at P. NJ, did not get off until three hours
latr. Her schedule is somewhat governed
bythe number of bales of cotton on the
landing. On her previous trip, she took in
upwards of five thousand bales to New Or
LEAFS.
Wednesday morning found us at Grand
CUT, sixty-one miles below Vicksburg. A
railroad connects this point with Port Glib
SOC A short train of cars, discharging cot
tor looked like business.
lodney is eighteen miles below, and we
reached the landing at ten O'Clock. The
laiding is about mile below the town-a
! bar having formed in front of the latter. A
large warehouse, with dozen well furnish
ed rooms in the second story, afford comfort
able quarters for persons awaiting the pack
cts. Messrs. Vaughn s. Hunt, the proprie-
prietors, deserve we'll of the public for the
enterprise displayed in establishing this
warehouse-hotel.
s'Our carriage" not meeting us, we drove
into Rodney in a more independent style.
1t was our first visit, and, therefore, astrang-
err; but our clerical companion seemed to
be recognized and cordially greeted by per-
sons of every age, sex and previous condi-
tion.'' We found much consolation in being
in such good company, for strangers are
not looked upon very charitably of late.
No wonder that our friend felt at home.
We passed by the little red church where he
preached his first sermon, and where for
many years he broke the bread OF life to
that community. For long period he was
the only pastor in the place, and loved
and honored one he must have been, judg-
ing from the hearty salutations that met
him at every step.
The commercial glory of Rodney seems
to be departing. A sand-bar obstruds its
front and a terrible fire destroyed it, best
buildings some two years ago. Thee are
quite number of well filled stores in Rod
ney, and goods are sold very reasonably.
A drive of five miles takes us to
OAKLAND COLLEGE,
an Institution which we had visited three
years previous, when we took occasion &c
give some details of its early history. The
Rev. G. S. Roudebush is at present in chaige
with competent Faculty. We took dinner
at his hospitable board. At night, and du-
ring the remainder of our stay, we enjoyed
the inequalities of Dr. III. c. Snodgrass anC
his kind household.
At the assembling of the College Trustees
on Thursday morning, we had the pleasure
of meeting with Rev. DR.. Palmer, of New
Orleans; Rev. t. r. Markham, of the same
city; Rev. DIR. Stratton, of Natchez; Rev
r. Price, of Vicksburg; Rev. w. F. V. Bsrt'
lett, of the College; DIR. G. G. holland DIR
H. C. Snodgrass; Capt. VIM. l.. Harper anc
Jas. Nj. Watson, Esq. The Board continued
in session during the day, AID adjourned to
meet again at Commencement in JAY
lowing to the retired location of the College
the attendance of students is not very large
but those who are there certainly enjoy the
very best advantages for acquiring an edu-
cation. Order, discipline, and application
to study, are the governing principles al
Oakland. / should not be surprised If al
no distant day, measures will be Inaugural
lied for the transfer of Oakland College tC
lsome such point as Columbus, Holly
ISprings, Meridian, Canton or Jackson
much depending on the local inducemet:
to be offered. This College has been in op-
Grafton for forty years, and has furnished
many honored names to the Church anc
state 1t is under the fostering care of the