Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-05-06
MEMPHIS.


EnfiafsOn-Hoa- Jacob Thorn PsOn-
Sounds from the Arkansas Traveller.
Correspondence sof the Union and American.
MEMPHIs, May 4, 1ST4.-I arrived in
Memphis.
AS the above stands, it is not notable;
but when consider the 'scapes by field and
food of my journey, regard being able to
write the fact of getting here as noteworthy.
From Nashville to Memphis, via the
Northwestern Railroad, so much water is
encountered that one is led to think it only
needs few salt mackerel and Goldfish to
make the region a sort of Pacific Ocean; the
waters are quiet and wide, and they only
need the salt and smell.
found the ''Father of Waters very full
quite too much for the head of the fami-
ly-but, thinking it a good time to
interview him On imitation, /
boarded the steamboat Quielzstep,
under the escort of Capt. Milt. Harry. We
glided down the broad expanse as the set
ting sun threw back veil of silver and
gold that darkened into purple over sky
and water. The Mississippi says it is for
imitation just now, without bounds of
banks or levees. sCrops must be moved"
it remarked, sand if they are so completely
moved that the planters never see them, or
their proceeds, while houses, fences and
stock follow suit, it's only carrying out in
fation, you know" Having obtained this
view of dilution from the diluting fluid
itself, l turned into the cabin, where found
Hon. Jacob Thompson, a national legisla-
tor for a score of years in ante Mobilier
times, when honesty was az least an as
sumed virtue. Now he naturally distrusts
politics and confines himself to his planta-
tions. 1t is exceedingly pleasant 10 renew
acquaintance with the courtly, old time
gentleman, whose honors have ripened. /
was much impressed with the broad, dis
passionate views of Mr.. Thompson, who,
from the force of habit, keeps the current
of events under his eye.
Some fifty miles down the river we met
the Phil Allen coming up TO which / was
transferred, and thus became subject to the
rare courtesies of the very prince of cap
tains, Capt. Stacks Lee. / found the cabin
bright ablaZe with light, band was play
ing and a set were dancing, while just be-
yond discovered one of our most urbane
and gallant citizens who sports gray, well
waxed moustache and an evergreen heart,
evidently under tuition in the sweet art,
with one of the real gems of Memphis so
ciety as his preceptreSS. naturally drifted
into the enchanted circle, became a dis
tracted subject to the witcheries of the oe-
casiOn. Allow me to remark that when, as
in this case, a handsome mother "a widow
with lovely daughter, educated at Wards
school, brings into the cabin fine blonde
Memphian, blackeyed daughter Of Ar
kansas, merry, delightful, fascinating
little Louisianian, susceptible travellers de-
string to retain their peace of mind
had better retire TO the
hurricane deck. Capt. Lee set forth a SUI
perb lunch in the taut little pantry, and
gradually, reluctantly and very late We
sought our state-rOOms. When / awoke
Sunday morning We were at the wharf in
Memphis, and going on deck whitfield the
war-laden breezes from Arkansas. The
air buzzed with belligerent BIS. From
out the trees that mark the line of the in
undated Arkansas shore l saw a solitary
canoe emerge. / watched it with strange
interest as it neared our side, driven by the
powerful strokes of the occupant. 1t touched
the wharf, and out sprang tall, lank indi-
vidual in grey jeans and SLOUGH hat. His
features We're distorted with ferocity,
though the lines of his weather-beaten
countenance seemed trying to keep up
good-humored expression. From out the
bottom of the canoe he brought dilapi-
dated fiddle, only one string of which held
its place, while the others, broken, dangled
about as if writhing in anger. Ny voya-
geur struck the one string with his
clenched fist, and l recognized the
discordant note of war, and at the
same moment saw that il was the Arkan-
sas traveller who struck that note. "Unhap-
~ country" / CALCULATED, show soon is thy
bucOlic music turned intOrIde alarums, the
sure precursors Of bloody war, by thy self
iSh peace-makers-peace-m makers, fOrSoOth,
rather peace-deStroyers." The changed
traveller disappeared for a moment, but
soon returned with a cargo Of whisky and
gun powder. "Hast thou bullets?" / asked.
"No.' he Numbered back. My fears of
blood shed slept.
By way of peroration must tell about a
promising young journalist, whilom Of
Nashville. Standing yesterday convenient
ly near lamp-post, the stiff uprightness of
which was IN fine contrast with the graceful
indulationS Of his manly form, he was ap-
preached by a lady, seeking aid FOR some
charity, when the following conversation
ensued:
Lady-"Sir, pray you -"
JOurnallSt-(tTldent thinking the lady
a crIlsader) MADAM, allow me to correct
you, I'm not saloon. There's a saloon"
pointing to one near.
Lady-''I fear you are intoxicated, SIR"
Observation-Disclosures again, Madam;
I'm'Only perplexed. You see the water is
so very high just now poor editor can't af-
ford to use it, and l can't drink coffee, and
am temperance man. What'mi TO do?"
The lady passed on.
While speaking of journalists, am con-
strained to report the suggestion made to
the Committee on humiliation here. They
reported too much water in the river. This
coming to my ears, and being DESTROYS of
extending them a helping hand, l told
them if they would import the local editor
of the UNION AND AMERICAN he would
pump the thing dry in a day. What &C
ton they will take in the premises, L am
not yet advised. RAMBLER.