The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-07-21
The "uld settlers. >.

Just before the recent pleasant re
union OF the "Old Settlers" at Shady
View Park, in this city, Colonel John
G. Mccoy addressed invitations to
many OF the older and moreprominent
citizens of tho State to DO present.
Among those invited was ox.Gover-
nor Throckmorton, who acknowledged
tho receipt OF the invitation In the fol-
lowing letter, which will be read with
interest by all:
MCKINNEY, June 20 Colonel John Q. Nc
Coy, Dallas Texas:
MY DEAR SIR: In reference to yours
OF the 205n instant, regret to say that
/ will be unable TO meet with the old
settlers of Dallas and Northern Texas
ut their reunion on tho 10Th and 10th of
July. Since the lst of February |
have been confined to my room, and
two-thirds of the time to the bed with
some Illness. have been clear OF
fever now for two woeks, tho longest
interval at any one time since l was
first taken down. / shall start next
week TO Eureka Springs if nothing
prevents, and will DO absent
at the time OF tho re
unlOUg dAu lOI EullO illllO alAhTMhIus
know oil nothing that would be more
gratifying to me than The opportunity
10 meet the early pioneers OF Northern
Texas and no. ding social intercourse
with them for few days. 1t would
indeed DO an occasion Of delight AZ
well as graf eful satisfaction TO miugls
with the survivors of them and recall
the early scenes and "Reminiscences
that occurred while this lovely land
was being reclaimed from wilder
ness and tho savage foes that desolated
IL. While many pleasL mt recollectiens
would be recalled, many Incidents of
suffering and bitter sorrow would TO.
cur, The memories of the true and
brave men and women whose
lives were sacrificed in tho
struggle, would come back
to us and bring WILDLY 10 mind the
bloody graves and narrowing tortuos
OF some of our early comrades and
friends. Their sacrifices aud tho in
domitable perseverance, of tho survi-
yors prepared tho way to make this
garden spot Of earth what 10 Is to-day.
cannot write these lines without tho
tear OF sad remembrance falling as |
recall the precious names OF those who
fell by savage hands, and others who
persisted from exposure and disease,
and those who have dropped by the
wayside since.
II Is with heartfelt gladness that /
recall the names OF the survivors who
still linger to enjoy the rich rewards o.
their early prlvations and tolls,
To those still living nothing
can present more pleasing pic.
, $40 than the surroundings Of to-day.
Instead OF an pnrocl.,mv~ wilderness
OF SURPRISING beauty, q land OF flowers
and ripping waters, pleasant groves
and woodlands, rolling plains rich In
yerdure,' countless thousands Of wild
animals, the Indian wsrwhoop and
burning cabin, the ghsstly remains OF
tho murdered dead and the tramp Of
mounted frontiersmen In pursuit. All
this IL changed, and now on every
hand we behold the lightning speed OF
Geographic information anu sSiephon-
10 conversations carried on between
widely distant points; the iron arter-
les OF commerce passing In our midst,
connecting the two great oceans, the
cities and lakes Of the North, East and
West with the waters Of the gulf and
every section OF the South; grand cities
alive with the busy marts Of trade and
n Thousand industries; beautiful
towns and villages, and vast cultivated
plantations, farms, gardens and fruit
ful orchards, with homes of plenty
where generous hospitality roigns, In
terspersed everywhere with churches
academies and school houses, show
ing the attainment of that higher
grander and nobler civilization 4
which the fathers OF this God.favoret
section, In their early longings ant
conceptions, believed was its destiny
thank merciful providence tina
80 many OF us have been spared q
witners the full realization of Tn,
grand vision that was pictured to us
forty years ago.
Several times during my long Illness
have felt that | was browsing
along near TO tho skores of the
unknown river, and now, with
some returning strength, ! an
admonlshod 10 throw physic TO The
dogs and seek some healing and life
giving waters that may restore me K
health. Nothing ESQ would prevent
tho satisfaction OF being with you al
tho reunion. / thank you most sin
cerely for the tender OF the hospital.
ties OF your home for the occasion ano
FOR the kindly expressions OF your
sympathy and regard. Be pleased te