Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1884-03-15

A LETTER FROM AN OLD FRIEND.
STRINeTowN, INDIAN TERRITORY, I
March 8, 1884,. :
EDITOR INTERCHANGEABLE years
of unbroken absence have not dlmmed
my recollection of the people of your
city and county. Certainly no more
steadfast or reliable people dwell in
any part Of our land. The changes
among you have, doubtless, been many,
both OF those that bring pleasure and
those that bring sadness. Death,
know, has been busy at his appointed
task. Alas! as memory calls the roll
of familiar faces that once added gaiety |
or dignity to your thoroughfares, after
too many l see the mournful record
absent: Miss Jane Long, the Christian
lady, the example of whose patient yet
energetic life was common benefac-
ton, and whose memory will inger, az
a precious moral fragrance, in the COM
munity ior very many years to come.
Col. James Young, tall of form and
noble in bearing, with sturdiness and
integrity of character that befitted q
| staunch disciple of Andrew Jackson.
Young William Wentworth, SO amiable
and beloved, cut of in the very fresh
ness of youth. A sad death indeed 4
His young spirit looking down from the
Home above. 10 doubt sees that the
good he might have done in the world
has been as e1ectuslIy accomplished
through fathers love, which this
grievous aff1iction has caused to flow,
like tile-waters from smitten Horeb, in
steady stream of Christian benefi-
cence. Genial "Uncle'' Zach Mitchell,
who bore the trials of life with such
quiet bravery; and Henry FIynt whose
heart was II perennial fountain of kind
" feelings. Those, with long list Of
others whose departure left hearts and
homes desolate, are, let us trust, an
swerng present to roll call in that other
city whose street is Of pure gold.
OF the vicissiiudes of my own ex-
perience during these long years this is
not the place to speak; but to your
private ear might pour tale of wan
derings with nothing epic about them,
to be sure, yet none the less full of trials
and perp!exities. All! my friend, how
many of us are included in the genera
tions Of those, who, Gin their day know
not the things which belong unto their
peace!"
Of all the institutions belonging to
Lexington, have watched the career
of the Inteligencer with most attention.
Having been n'some measure identified
with its origin, and having been for a
time honored with the control OF its
columns, l have felt personal interest
in seeing carried out the high aims for
which it was founded. And they have
been carried out. On all questions
either of local or general importance
the course e1 the paper seems ever to
have been manly, disimtersstsd, honest.
But:as | speak of the Intelligencer, IAN
awful vision, never indeed, long absent,
rises again i'll more vivid outline before
my mind-the vision Of Lafayette
Groves, with pale face Heavenward,
lying dead upon your Main street. 1t
were bootless at this late day to speak
with resentment. Poor Groves, pure
gentleman, his death yet seems to me
the most unaCcountable event of all my
observation. Judge Parker Of the fed
eral court at Fort Smith. inquired of
me particularly concerning his DEATH
Said he knew him we'll while located in
the practice of law at st. Joseph.
Spoke OF the exceptional purity Of his
character, of his nice sense OF honor
and equally nice sense of justice, COM
binsd with gentleness of disposition
which rendered it marvel to him that
,, his breast should ever have been made
the mark for murderous bullet.
OF living friends there is not room 10
speak, at least of all, for l hatter my
self with possessing a numerous roll
among your people. But it may not
be Oh, of place thus publicly to convey
sn expression of my high regard to my
esteemed and now Venerable friends,
Judge TUtt, Hon. II. c. Wallace, Judge
Wood and Col. John Reid, whose acts
= OF substantial kindness to myself will
ever be remembered with lively feel
ings OF gratitude. Nor must neglect
to speak OF my friend and whilom part
ner, William Young, Esq. hear but
e little OF him, but have no doubt that in
good time his calm judgment aud gen.
q era'lv clear head will cause him to be
e clothed III high Judicial ernine.
l With this much of personal charac-
:, ter, only calculated to interest acquain.
g tances, will risk word concerning
y the presidential question, which is be.
IS ginning to awaken general attention
The keen edge OF my zcst for polite.
has been taken of by time, but trust
never to arrive at state of Indifference
:, with reference to the great recurring
elections in the republic. Such indif.
=, ference is at the bottom of the most de
e structive evils that have infested tn,
administration Of affairs, state and ma