Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-08-07
Selctted Stur y.
SCORCHING A SCOTCHMAN.


race is of hospitable fame, and right royalty
was the national reputation maintained by
the Richmond representatives Of that ancient
day. But, a generation ago, the glory OF the
great Scotch merchants had departed, with a
few exceptions. 1t may here be remarked
that the kindly Scottish heart not only
"warms to the tartan" but to the sound of the
home tongue as we'll. Scotchmen never lose
their clannish love for "brither Scot" what
ever else may be lost to them, no matter
where he may be met.
Among the genial-hearted Scotchmen in
Richmond, say thirty years ago, was John
Barr, wealthy and much esteemed citizen,
who was largely interested in coal property,
and carried on an extensive business in that
time. He was q w;dower, with two charming
and accomplished daughters, who presided at
his hospitable mansion.
1t will not do to omit mention of "Our
House, "public,' as Meg Dodds would
term it, famous for its fine liquors and general
good cheer-located on 18th street, and under
the charge of Charlie Thompson. Now, in
those days, at least, hot whisky punch was
considered the natural beverage, in modera-
ton, for full-blooded Scotchman. For that
matter, this is not altogether obsolete, even
now. And as Scotchman Barr owned the
building where Charlie Thompson dispensed
his liquors and savory Solids it was but natu-
raj that "Our House. should be the main
fountain at which the constitutional Scotch
thirst should be slaked, when the stomach
struck the right hour, say about eleven o'clock
a. m, for the first devotons. And so, in
very calm, orderly, uniform way, the days
and nights of John Barr moved on, without
even a ripple of unusual things, until one
eventful day, which came bigger with events
to the unsuspecting coal merchant than often
came down upon that moral and peaceable
city. 1t began without cloud, but there was
much hidden thunder in that sky.
One day, as good John Barr was slipping
his punch, in the handsome room where sour
House" beverages were dispensed and parta-
ken, his quick ear caught the pleasant sound
of a Scotch tongue, calling for the national
concoction at the bar. The party, upon whom
the eyes of Mr. Barr were instantly turned,
was large, imposing, well-dressed gentleman
of about sixty years. He was evidently a
stranger, no common person, and Scotch"
man-the last the best of all. He took his
drink like gentleman, paid for it like gen.
tleman, bowed like gentleman, and retired
like gentleman. Who was this gentleman !?
The next day, at about the same hour, this
now distinguished stranger again appeared at
"Our House." took his toddy, paid, bowed, and
went his way. Promptly on the third day
came the mysterious but most interesting gen.
tleman; but he was in less haste than before,
and rested himself upon chair, or whatever
was theseat at hand. That John Barr should
be eager to open chat with this unknown
brother Scot; that he succeeded in this; and
that they should take "a little something"
jointly and severally-was just inevitable
To say that the stranger proved to be very
pleasant man, would be unjust to the subject.
He was simply fascinating. Evidently of
much cultivation, he had also travelled ex-
tensively in many parts of the world, and had
that air of refinement and dignity, which indi-
Gated habitual association with educated So
ciety. And so, the ice once broken, there fol-
lowed daily chats between the two Scotchmen,
that soon partook Of intimacy; and it natur-
ally and easily ripened into this in short
time This charming human addition to the
social life of honest and unsophisticated John
Barr was named Campbell-of the pure blood
of that famous stock, which is the pride of ev-
cry true Scotchman. His business was that
of tobacco dealer; for the purchase of which
valuable vegetable he was now in Richmond,
in the interest of the large New York house,
of which he was the principal. He expected
to spend an indefinite time in Richmond,
which fact gave much satisfaction to Mr. Barr.
And so, without effort or study (apparentlyO
the two soon became close friends. In short
time, Campbell was frequent and familiar
lounger in the Office of Barr; and, finally, a
visitor at his house-where many an hour Of
genial comfort was passed by the twain.
The close friendship which we thus see es-
tablished was cemented even more strongly,
by an event which occurred, say some three
months after their first acquaintance. Now,
although John Barr was one of the most quiet
and amiable of men, yet he had nerves and
was sensitive. As Campbell was taking his
ease in Barr's Office one day. conversation en-
sued which will explain a certain important
matter.
whats the trouble, John? You are
fdgety, man. Anything gone wrong?'
"Wrong! why, 1 was to have received
drafts this morning, with which | was to pay
notes, and now I've got to 60 out to borrow
money ; and I hate to borrow"
"Pshaw! What's the use of fretting about
that?"
"Frettingw exclaimed John, now finding
vent for his irate steam. "Fretting! If you
hated to borrow money as do, you would
know, sir, what's the use of fretting." And
the coal merchant hoped to and fro, briskly:
"Poh! nonsense, man. How much will
you have to borrow?'
"Five thousand dollars, suppose"
"Is that all?"
Gail! And the excited gentleman paused
in surprise, at such question"
"Yes because I can let you have five thou
sand dollars-or fifteen thousand, for that
matter-ifyou want It,"
Now, our estimable friend of the black dia-
mond, neither considered nor cared whether
his dear friend Campbell had five dollars, or
five thousand. In that kindly heart, no such
selfish thoughts had intruded. The compan-
ionship had given him new and grateful pleas
ure, and he was satisfied with that. If, then,
Campbell came very near to his bosom as a
friend, how would he seem, when he not only
had five thousand but fifteen thousand dollars
to loan to his friend in need? The reader will
readily see how Campbell advanced in Barrs
regard, when he gave his check for five thou
sand dollars on the Bank of Virginia, with
the assurance that he was in no haste to have
the sum returned, as he was not buying very
heavily just then. The money was repaid
the next day; but the generous aid was faith
fully and gratefully remembered.
And, in this intimate way, matters pro-
pressed Camnbel attended all the great