The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-02-11
LETTER FROM WILLIAM.
EAST Texas, Jan. IS, 1890.

Charles A Smith, known in East Missis-
sippl as Charlie Smith, and had many
vicissitudes of life. / had known Charlie
in days gone by. had heard him in his
happiest efforts / had listened TO his best
sayings l had wondered at his marvellous
memory 1 had enjoyed his friendship and
many scenes and impressions of my first
days in Mississippi, came rushing upon me
as stood by that mound of earth Charlie
is buried in Henderson, Rusk county
where his wife and children live His son,
George w. L. Smith, named for the re-
nOwned Cock Smith" who figured so ex-
tensively in Mississippi politics in 1851,
was married four days ago. He is prom
ising young man of twenty-four years, and
owns the telegraph line from Henderson to
Overton.
Charles two daughters are married, and
live in and near Henderson. l dined with
one of them the day l stood by her fathers
grave Poor Charlie, he had a sad end,
but, when be breathed his last, there sunk
to rest one of the most gifted, but unhappy
of men.
met, also in Henderson, Mr.. Dodson,
formerly of KosciuskO, and at the Post
Office, son of Col. o. S. Holland, formerly
ofthe Enterprise Star. There are several
other Mississippians in Henderson, as there
are everywhere l have been in Texas In
meeting these old friends and the children
who linger around the graves of dead par
ents in a strange land, [ call to mind the
words of Aeneas. as he saw the picture of
Trojan affairs at Carthage: "Quae regi0 in
terris nostri non pIena laboris f'
This is the timbered portion of the State
of Texas, and is much like Central and
East Mississippi Henderson and Tyler are
| the principal towns Last season there were
/ % 900 bales of Gotten sold in Henderson
The town is located in Rusk county, fifteen
miles from the International and Great
Northern Railroad, and has built
branch road to the trunk line. There
/ is an immense wagon trade coming from
the counties towards the Sabine River.
To be in Central and Southern Texas, one
! would never think OF such country
| this. The population Is more like the old
States than any | have seen, and 1t is really
the most inyitIT section in Texas for small
accustomed to plenty of timber and run
ming water. The sudden exodus OF Il large
number of negroes from this section will
make lands cheap and to be had on easy
terms. Lest may be supposed to contra
dict my previous declarations, | again give
it as my opinion that a laboring man can
make living easier in Waller, Grimes or
Austin counties than in any other count ry
have ever seen. | sometimes wish | were
a farmer that | might have the luxury of
making a crop on such land. This section
however, Is what East Mississippi was in its
early history.
The exodus mas taken many negroes from
the Brazos bottom, and much good land can
be rented there. That is the most fertile
soil on the continent. Let me say again,
though, that if a man has home in Missis-
sippi he had better stay there and improve
that home than to move to Texas TO any
kind of land. | am here, and here to stay,
but would not advise Others to come, unless
they are out of heart and home Here they
can possibly take heart ayain.
Nv friend, Elk Gov. Flanagan, told me
this evening that Judge George had been
elected United States Senator, to succeed
Bruce. As every one knows, l favored the
election of Mai. Barksdale. / had not re-
garded Judge George as being in the contest,
but since he is elected without my looking
for it, IN the place of my friend, / am glad
to say for Mississippi that there will be few
ADLER men in Washington than J. Il. George.
. The election is over, and | may not live
+ until another Senatorial contest, and never
f can be where | can serve Maj. Barksdae, or
he can very materially serve me. l there
> fore put it on record, if you will permit it,
! that in my humble but not uneventful life,
: ! have never known man more singularly
E true to every trust and every conviction
| than Ethel Barksdale, and l have known
few men of more commanding ability.
pray that good fortune may always attend
I him, and that the happiness of his domestic
. life may compensate for the loss of that
\ high public trust which he would have Sc
= much adorned.
: Gen George has earned the distinction
e he has received, and there can be no doubt
e that ne will justify the expectations of his
D most ardent admirers.
[ have read the biennial message of Gov
: Stone, and regard it as worthy of the sigma
e ture Of any Governor in the Union. You
= Governor is demonstrating the proposition
that he is the modest possessor of great
5 ability, as he is the unfinching friend o
r ripht. and the humane gentleman and brave
t soldier. Mr.. Jones predicted years age
: that Gov Stone would rise to distinction
e and truly has the prediction been verified.
j This letter is written from new home IL
n a strange community, and by hand tina
e will never take yours again, but the hear
h that moves it will ever beat quicker at tn,
: mention of Mississippis veal, and at the
elevation of Mississippi's distinguished citi
zens. Coeluaa non animum nutant gun mar
transient.
| see Bro. David Johnson is in the Senate
What of the fish-trap
. WILLIAM.
p. S-Since I saw you | met Rev. DR.
I McInnis, of your State. | have seen NJ
other face that gave me so much comfort