The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-03-14
Tlnrod's hast Days.

COLUMBIA. 8. O., February 20, 1879. 4;
To tho Editor. Of The Bost0st Adrer.iser: I.
Z. have been greatly gained by observ-
ing that among the notlcs5 Of the poems
Of the late Henry Timrod, emansting
from $ the Northern press, there have
been few, if any, which, have not touched
with peculiar emphasis upon the mourn.
full fact that this gifted son Of genins
should have died in want-some, indeed,
having gone so far as 10 state that he
died Of starvation; and the exceptions
have blen very few where some ungene.
rous tRunt has not been thrown upon the
stricken, and where Henry Timrod lived.
wrote aud died, and the crushed State
which he loved go we'll. Believing that
garbled truths and unfair statements
seems 30 generally to prevail in regard
ready been ruthlcssly torn aside from
the sacred scenes of tho freside and the
death-bed of this sweet singer of the
South, I venture to ask you to publish
few facts in connection with his history,
which are directly within my own know.
ledge.
In 1867, there was famine in South
Carolina, and the utmost horrors which
that word can convey it was then our
fate to know. will not trespass upon
your columns for space enough to relate
the causes which induced this calamity; /;
suffice it to say, it was here In our very
midst. One cold. raw afternoon. the
snow falling heavily, my father, a clergy
man Of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, had Just returned from visit to
family, once one Of the wealthiest in
the State, the mother Of which had
burned her cradle to make light and heat
by which to watch her dying child, when
Gen. Wade Hampton called to see him,
and the following conversation took
place:
II have just heard," said the General,
''that among tho most necessitous cases
in the community is Timrod's; he is sick
and unable to work, and the only man
in housefnll of dependent women. 1t
is very delicate case, but something
must be done for his relief. You, my
dear sir, in virtue of your holy Office,
can best undertake it, so have brought
you a SUN of money to be appropri-
ated for his comfort as you may think
best"
My father replied: II will go to see
him nt once, and what can + will do
most gladly, but all his Surroundings
make it most embarrassing mission
However, when he knows the motives
which prompt me, he cannot be offend
cd"
Immediately he set out for his visit,
and returned in about an hour Acous-
toned as he, an old and experienced
minister, was to suffering. lie appeared
completely unnamed. II have had O
most distressing interview" he began.
II found the poor fellow looking very
sick, but up. He came into the parlor
to meet me, and showed some surprise
at my visit. After talking few minutes
on different subjects. asked after the
bealth of the family. He told me there
were several members OF it sick. Then. -
said I, Sin these trying times, and in
your feeble health, you must find the
burden of their support very heavy, and
some of your friends desire the privilege
of assisting you, They beg that you
will accept the enclosed sum-" The dark
blood mounted to his forehead, and the
hectic burned fiercely on his cheek as
he exclaimed: II cannot think of &C.
cepting it. shall be quite we'll again in
day or two and able to work for mysel.
aud family" "Come, come" I answer
ed, "don't feel badly about it; you know
| NO SodICAEtdLGo AofO uOLulu& 10 de
ashamed of in our poverty, and nt least
take it us loan until you arc able to
work again, and then you eau pay il
back to some of Gods poor" Never
shall forget the look with which. catch.
ing both my hands, he in broken voice
exclaimed: '"Oh, sir, vii! tell you the
truthl God himself must have sent you
here. and will take the money as from
Him, for without it. do not know what
would have become OF u.s." Shaking
his hand heartily, replied: SWELL, take
it, then, as from the Master, and remem
Der it is only loan, and you are to pay
it back to Him double when you finish
that great poem you are going to write
md become rich man."
Naturally, after such beginning, my
father was acquainted with all Timrod't
circumstances, and that he was never in
want again, is q matter beyond doubt
On the contrary, the remainder of hi.
life was sustained and soothed by every
care and comfort that kindness and
friendship could devise. That he was
in want ut all, was the misfortune of the
people among whom his lot was cast. HI
had staked all and lost oil but honor fol
L.. .s-ts i