The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1881-09-08
MORE OF TIE VIRGINIA GIANT.

In a number of the Christian Ad-
vocate, Of July 8, 1881, published at
Nashville, Tenn, saw an article cop
led from Virginia paper, in regard
to Peter Francisco, the Virginia giant
I had no sooner commenced reading
the article than my recollection carried
me back to the days of my boyhood,
when l would listen with deep and
earnest interest to the adventures re-
lated by my grandfather, who was con-
temporary with John Randolph, Pat
rick Henry, Peter Francisco, and 9th
ers Of their day. Many of these stir
ring and exciting events have forgot
ten. There is one, however, should I
1--we to be one hundred years of age,
I'd not forget.
Peter Francisco was thought at that
time, to be the best man, not only Of
the State Of Virginia but in the then
thirteen colonies. A man by the name
af Harvey, who being in Kentucky.
and who was thought to be the best
man in that State, hearing Of Fran
ciseo's great strength aud powers Of
endurance, determined to beard the
lion in his den, so he quietly went to
work and prepared himself for trip
to Virginia. All things ready, Har-
vey, bold, restless, and Il man Of
great pride and hopefulnes sof c&arac-
ter as regards his manhood, mounts
his horse and og hestarts for Mr.. Fran
cisco's home in Buckingham County,
State of Virginia, and III due course
of time arrives at MIR, Francisco's
residence. He rides up to the gate and
halls. Francisco quietly walks to the
gate. "Mr. Francisco, 1 suppose, !"
says Harvey. ''At your service" re-
plies Francisco. "My name, sir, is
Harvey, and am thought to be the
best man IN the State of Kentucky:
hearing of your great strength and
power Of manhood, l have rode all
the way from Kentucky to fight you. +"
You will bear in mind that this was
before the day of railroads in our
country.
Francisco was somewhat astonished
at hearing of Harvey's business.
Recovering from his surprise, "AIr,
HaryeY,7 says he, I am man of
peace, and would prefer you aban-
ponipg the object Of your visit" "NIr.
Francisco" says Harvey, 81 bear you
no malice, no iuwill. I came only TO
decide the championship of the two
sister States: a fight 1 must have, as
I can never think OF returning to
kentucky without fight"
Fraucisco opens the gate. ride
in, BIr. Harvey; dismount, hitch
your horse 10 the rack; walk into
the house, it Is near my dinner hour.
Perhaps, afthr re have dined you may
change your mind as regards the
object eff your visit; if not viii ac-
Ic3mmodate you"
Dinner is announced: Harvey has
cheerfully and agreeably partake Of
the hospitality Of Franchises table.
The hour of business arrives: Harvey
reminds Francisco of the fact; the
gentlemen lock arms ard walk to the
gate, near where Harvey's horse Is
hitched. When near the gate, Fran
picks Harvey up, tosses him above
his head, and as becomes down catches
him in his left hand, casts him in
the air; as he again deseends, he
receives in his right hand and casts
him over the gate into the road.
Harvey aligh;s all right, on his feet,
head up and shoulders erect
'.Now be so kind, sir. as to throw
my horse over 70 me-.
Francisco quietly walks to the rack.
takes tic reins Of The bride from tEe
peg, turns them over the head Of the
horse, and over the horse goes TO join
his master!