The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1888-08-22

Captain John Brown, who was known as
the first to suspect and denounce Bene-
dict Arnold as traitor, was member of
this village. He offered his cider-mill as
the best and largest in the town. We
had it thoroughly cleaned, new bottom
of wood set in, surrounded with an iron
hoop, and thus converted into a huge
cheese-press. It was fine afternoon
the crowd came in from all quarters OF
the county to Captain Browns farm.
Some wealthy farmers brought quantities
of curd, others only pailful, but the
offerings were poured into the cider
press. The mstrons then came forward,
mixed and favored it. The men stood
ready for the pressing. Then, uncover
ing their heads, all bower reverentiy,
while Elder Leland asked Gods blessing
upon their labor. They sang hymn,
the minister giving out two lines at
time, and the people singing them,
and social season followed until tEi-
Light dispersed the crowd. = ...,..H
When the cheese was ready to be
removed it was found to weigh sixteen
hundred pounds. The parish requested
their minister to convey it in person to
the President. It was journey Of five
hundred miles, but the sleighing at the
appointed time was excellent, and he
started. He was three weeks on road.
The people thronged to meet him IN
every town and village through which he
passed, for the news of the gift had
spread, and such cheese had never
been seen before. When Elder Leland
arrived in Washington he sent note to
Jefferson, VINO suggested that the mem
bers of his cabinet and of Congress, to-
gether with the foreign ministers and
other distinguished guests, should be
invited to attend and witness the presen-
tstion. In the midst OF this gathering
Elder Leland arose with great dignity,
and profered the huge Cheshire cheese
ss token Of the deep respect OF his
county. The President closed his court
eous reply with these words:
81 will cause this suspicious event to
be placed upon the records of our nation,
and it will ever shine amid its glorious
archives. I shall ever esteem it among
the most happy incidents of my life; and
now, my much respected reverend
friend, l will, by the consent and in the
presence of my most honored council,
have the cheese cut, and you will take
bsck with you portion of it, with my
hearty thanks, and present it to your
people, that they may all have q taste.
Tell them never to faiter in the princi-
Piles they have so nobly defended; they
have successful come to the rescue of
our beloved country in the time of her
great peril. I wish them health and
prosperity, and may milk in abundance
never cease to how to the latest pos
terity."
As arrangements had previously been
made, the stewart of the White House
came forward and cut the cheese. A
slice was presented to each guest. Every
one tasted and declared it to be as near
perfection as it was possible for cheese
to be.
Elder Leland was greatly delighted
with the whole enterprise. He spent
few days in Washington, and then left
for home. Another large meeting was
held at Captain John Browns. The
elder gave the whole occount Of his trip,
and the reception of their present at
the Capitol. One can imagine the eager
ness and delight with which the people
listened. Each one received small
piece of cheese, for the whole region
came to hear. This story is still treas
ured by those who received it from
parents or grandparents.