The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1879-09-25
From our Own Correspondent
On the Wing.

A slow ride, with genial company,
landed me upon the historic grounds OF
Kipgville. a fast ride, and no COM
pany brought me to Columbia. At this
time Columbia looks real business like.
Cotton is coming in rapidly, and thrifty
merchants with full hands stand ready
to welcome it. In fact, I am impressed
with the spirit of business that psrvades
this city just now, and it is gratifying
to see the spirit Of cheer that belongs
to all.
Of course the duty Of your humble
correspondent was not to buy or sell.
TO Get advertisements and subscriptions,
ETC., and to seek Executive clemency
for poor convict was his work. Our
columns will attest to the success OF the
former, while work not yet done: but
hoped for, must bear me out in The lat~
ter. I visited the penitentiary to see
the unfortunate Debruhl, aud to obtain
from Col. Lipscomb recommendation
to His Excellcucy, Gov. Simpson, tor
communication. While there, l saw
many of the convicts from Kershaw;
and, of course, the far famed Turnage.
Poor fellow; his pinched and haggard
look, his shrlveled limbs, his cold, sharp
and wild eyes quickly impress you with
the fact that he knows full we'll that the
sunlight of liberty nc longer shines tor
him, but that the sentinels pace and the
watchmans turnkey is to be his future
existence with this earth. | could but
feel sympathy for the iriendless crea>
turo as I shook his clammy hand, and
as he in accents q believe him express
ed his delight at seeing ME. Whatever
may be said of him, he has one trait in
his nature, sometimes not found in those
free from his crimes-I mean gratitude.
1t was a source of pride and gratlti-
cation to hear Col. Lipscomb speak OF
the department of the unfortunate man
whose release vas trying to procure. Il
have no hesitancy in saying" said the
colonel, "that he is one Of the most
trustworthy inmates Of this institution,
aud I shall take pleasure in accompany.
ing +AeGQyernor in his behalf.
We went to Governor s::-"asou, but his
Interchangeable rule that he would delrh.-
pardon, respite or commute was strictly
adhered to, unless recommended by the
Judge. All Of our talk amounted to
nothing, and I was forcibly struck with
thcssiact that when he says "no," he
means no. While courteous, mild,
calm, dignifed, you fail to see in him
that gushing, manly sympathy Of heart
for poor faller man which 20 strongly
impressed you with the character of
Governor Hampton. But, indeed, it
takes generations to produce such men
as Washington. Lee, Thornwel and
Hampton. The Governor is looking
well, and seems bright and cheerful.
Here let me speak Of the excellent
discipline and beautiful condition of
the State Peniteutiary. There is scarce
" ever an occasion when the more rigid
rules of discipline are enforced. The
cleanliness Of the prisoners and the
yard is really surprising. Everything
moves like clock work, and do believe
that the day is not far distant when
this institution will be source of rev.
euue to the State. To Col. Lipscomb,
too much praise cannot be given.
My prosy letter is already getting too
long, and the remaining portion of my
trip T will give you next week. l leave
to night for Augusta, where | expect
to meet many old friends.
cannot close without saying to the
good people of Kershaw that if they
wish comfort, good eating and every
thing else IN that line when they visit
Columbia, that COL Rodgers is the
place to go to. He is indefatigable in
f.sss sssttslsiHns, and keeps first class
nonse; e-a-.sl is doing we'll, and
it made me feel quite az 1noss--4A- have
his kind attention. Elegant table ana
nice rooms are to be found at the Ma,
tional WATEREE