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


A AILLlPUTIAN HOUSEHOLD.
The Homo OF Gen. Tom. Thumb at aIid
dleboro-. Mass.
The Rev. w. II. Adams, we'll known
In Charlestan IS the former pastor of the
Circular Chu, h, but now residing ir
Massachuaett5, has written letter In
which he idus graphically describes thu
home and mode Of living of tho world
renowned dwarfH, Gen. and Mrs Ton
Thumb:
Oharles s. Etratton, called by Barnun
"Tom Thumb" and dignifed by Queer
Victoria with the soubriquet of "Gen
eral," 10, with i.'s estimable wife, an at
tendant at tLs First Congregations
Church, MiddleDoro', Mass. His elegant
mansion, twF, miles from that town, was
built six years since on his farm Of one
hundred and fifty acres, adjoining hi,
wife's early home, where hes sister, the
gentle Minsie Warren, wife OF "Msjor'
Newell, recently died. Last reek, at the
Generals invitation, bis pastor, Rev
Nathan 7. Dyer, and myself, with ladies,
yiaited his summer cottage, four miles
distant, on the chores OF Assowompset
Pond. With its connecting bodies, Long
Pond, Great ap1 Little Qui.tacns, it Is
the largest collection of water in the
Str ~, .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 70.
fined lady. We were Immediately won
by her adability, and charmed at the dig.
nified ease with which, having seated her
guests, she assumed hor chair of ordi-
nary size, and, with feet repoaing ON q
cushioned etool, entertained US with viva
cious and winning words. We could
even imagine from slightly magisterial
air-what nhe afterwards cenfrmed--that
she had once taught schooIi 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 O woman. Ec)u Major Newell, In his
finhing garb, veaehing the landing, ex-
tended ecoHiisl welcome. He impressed
tls pleasanHy; young man of rather
undertake., sprightly in conversation, and
OF engaging address. Soon Mra. Stratton
exclaimed:
.'TKERE nnMEs TIE aEMRnALL
whereupon his large yacht swept down
upon us in charge Of the calling master,
but with the General at the helm, his
little handle grasping the tilIer, and his
body brau1d accordingly. With the
urbsnity 2f o Chesterfield he expressed
pleasure ct onr arrival, and, although
doubtless wearted by the afternoon's snii.
inslsted on our Joining him In an exour-
sion. The party We're soon embarked,
and the ya5ht With spanking breeze sped
over the be8utiful lake, as anywhere but
in America this "ponda would be termed,
Mr- and Mrs. Stratton sat opposite 10 us,
when he did not act as our PalinuruB
converting freely of their public life; the
little Eifo esss.=s-- aiding her husbands
memory, or intnrp0 ing with piquaht all
and silvegy, almost ehildlike, tones come
bright FeInagk. The General regretted
that no had never known childhood, but
introduced 70 the public st the age oi
fol1r-salthouSh represented to be eleven
years ola--h he was instructed In niannieh
ninnners, restricted almost exclusively 10
adnlt companionship, taught to smoke
oigaTs at seven, end performing aven be.
!, fore thAe age In plays at 9 French theatre.
Incidents were related regarding, SShIie;s
\ toElF around the world the curiosity OF
8 even tho heathen crowds : sAIE1 E5t9atson:n
preference OF home comforts and rFivnta
/ life, che probability Of their denastura
ero long Oh 6 protracted tour, to crafty
her husband. OccasioneilySthe gentls
fe9e isn,..ssss rbe clonded, as with enbdned
!, !. AGE 5she spoke OF "Aiinnfa,p awhose
death; has taken from her half of her own
life9 AL the willis the Genefal wAa
s,5si ,:5 trRo oLLINa ron nAds.
Il Tss &C &c a5t nc 3 Ms mighty efforts
to haul In the line, hand over hand, and
tho energy with which he threw out
again tho unsuccessful hook. AfteE an
honrB asil w9 returned to the cottage.
parting with our tiny hosts at, the land.
ing, having proniiged in q weeks time 10
accept the hospftalities of their home.
Tho General, viii his 1leghcsn straw hat
reaching MP 10 cur lowest vest button.
and we'll nigh conrealing his breyssn linen
Bsck and little feet, as We stood around
him exchanging parting aalutations, cor.
daily EaEsasssd tie Invitation. Yester-
day We had that unique enjoyment.
Probably there 10 nons simiiae eiss ssshGre
in this sTesld. The SpubIic are not nd
mitted to their Sunapsuoas home. Only
g few avesed friends, who its prcpsi
are confident vail sppreciase the privi-
Ieges are received. e ie 3 :. q: =: ressstoET;
woodesy nanaior tast efslly painted, with
piRyEas and bay Rinlo com nniandinR
an extensive view OF vaf:eg gated scenery,
with the d0rae and spires Of NJ dlatofI
in the distance, and having the ar az
luxury. IL Scotch maid 1{Liiflor ficei1 tia