The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1879-09-18


tention, communications must be accompanied
by the true name and address Of the writer. Re
lected manuscripts will not be returned unless the
stamps are me- 70 IspaSS s1e I tbe
Views and opinions Of our correspondents nv,
All communications should be addressed to SD
itor Intelligencsrn and all checks, drafts, money
orders, &c. should be made payable to the order OF
LILLIPUTIAN HOUSEHOLD.
Tho Homo OF Gen. Tom. Thumb ut Mid
dleboro', Mass.
The Rev. W. 81. Adams, well known
in Charleston as the former pastor OF the
Circular Church, but now residing in
Massachusetts,, has written letter in
which he thus graphically describes the
home and mode of living of the world
renowned dwarfs, Gen. and Mrs. Tom
Thumb:
Charles S. Stratton, called by Barnum
'Tom Thumb" and dignifed by Queen
Victoria with the soubriquet OF "Gen-
eral," is, with his estimable wife, an at
tendant at the First Congregational
Church, Middleboro', Mass. His elegant
mansion, two miles from that town, was
built six years since on his farm of one
hundred and fifty acres, adjoining his
wife's early home, where her sister, the
gentle Minnie Warren, wife of "Major"
Newell, recently died. Last week, at the
Generals invitation, his pastor, Rev.
Nathan T. Dyer, and myself, with ladies,
visited his summer cottage, four miles
distant, on the shores of Assowompset
Pond. With its connecting bodies, Long
Pond, Great and Little Quittacns, it is
the largest collection Of water in the
State, Assowompset being seven, and
Long Pond ten miles in length. These
give the General opportunity to indulge
his taste for yachting, and in degree
crafty his propensity for travel. which
public life since he was four years old
has made inveterate. We were received
at the cottage by Mrs. Stratton with all
the grace and courtliness of truly re-
fined lady. We were Immediately won
by her afability, and charmed at the Dig
niiei ease with which, having seated her
guests, she assumed her chair Of ordi-
nary size, and, with feet reposiug on a
cushioned stool, entertained US with viva
cious and winning words. We could
even imagine from slightly magisterial
air-what she afterwards cenfirmed-that
she had once taught school One can
scarcely realize that he is not in fairy land
when converting with this gentle crea-
ture of but forty-three inches in height,
yet in full attire and with the appearance
Of woman. Soon Major Newell, in his
fishing garb, reaching the landing, ex-
tended cordial welcome. He impressed
rs pleasantly; a young man of rather
undersize, sprightly in conversation, and
of engaging address. Soon Mrs. Stratton
exclaimed:
"THERE COMES THE GENERAL"
whereupon his large yacht swept down
upon US in charge of the sailing master,
but with the General at the helm, his
little hands grasping the tiller, and his
body braced accordingly. With the
urbanity of Chesterfield he expressed
pleasure at our arrival, and, although
doubtless wearied by the afternoons sail,
insisted on our joining him in an excur-
sion. The party were soon embarked,
and the yacht with spanking breeze sped
over the beautiful lake, as anywhere but
in America this "pond" would be termed.
Mr.. and Mrs. Stratton sat opposite to US,
when he did not act as our Palinurus,
conversing freely of their public life; the
little wife now aiding her husbands
memory, or interpreting with piquant air
and silvery, almost childlike, tones some
bright remark. The General regretted
that he had never known childhood, but
introduced to the public at the age of
four-although represented to be eleven
years old-he was instructed in mannish
manners, restricted almost exclusively to
adult companionship, taught to smoke
cigars at seven, and performing even be-
fore that age in plays at French theatre.
Incidents were related regarding their
tour around the world; the curiosity of
even the heathen crowds; Mrs. Stratton's
preference of home-comforts and private
life, the probability of their departure
ere long on protracted tour, to crafty
her husband. Occasionally the gentle
face would be clouded, as with subdued
voice she spoke of "Minnie," "whose
death has taken from her half of her own
life" All the while the General was
TROLLING FOR BASS.
1t was engaging to see his mighty efforts
to haul in the line, hand over hand, and
the energy with which he, threw out
again the unsuccessful hook. After an
hours sail we returned to the cottage,
parting with our tiny hosts at the land
ing, having promised in q weeks time to
accept the hospitalities of their home.
The General, with his Leghorn straw hat
reaching up to our lowest vest button,
and well nigh concealing his brown linen
sack and little feet, as We stood around
him exchanging parting salutations, cor
daily repeated the invitation. Yester-
day we had that unique enjoyment.
Probably there is none similar elsewhere
in this world. The public are not ad-
mitted to their sumptuous home. Only
few favored friends, who its proprietors
are confident will appreciate the privi-
lege, are received. 1t is a three-story
wooden mansion, tastefully painted, with
piazzas and bay windows commanding
an extensive view of variegated scenery,
with the dome and spires Of Middleboro'
in the distance, and having the air of
luxury. A Scotch maid announced US,
who subsequently told one of the ladies
"that they could not help loving Mr.: and
Mrs. Stratton, who were always kind and
seeking to make them happy" The
General gave us hearty welcome, ere.
GREETING that we had not come earlier"
and ushered Us into
AN ELEGANT DRAWING ROOM,
adorned with Italian and Chinese paint
ings, and portrait of his father who
died some years since at Bridgeport,
where the family still reside. On the
marble centre table lay a large family
Bible alone. Chairs and sofas were all
adapted to persons of ordinary size, and
nothing in this story Of the mansion sug-
gested its owners wee-ness, save in the
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