Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-11-07

one hand, and the border ruffians." as was
the obnoxious epithet bestowed upon the
other. had at the outbreak of the
war reached such degree that little
the rushing river. On the Missouri shore
every Northern man was looked upon
with suspicion, as was, in fact, every nom
STAKEHOLDER, whether of Northern or of
Southern origin. There was an outside ap-
peacance of civility and neighborliness,
tbut il was the civility with which the lamb
regards the fox, not knowing how soon
open warfare may be declared.
Nestled in among the bluffs was little
hamlet composed of settlers mainly from
the older Southern States. Every shade of
opinion was to be found among them as a
matter of course the pro-slavery sentiment
predominated. 1t was expected at no dis
tant day to see a large and thriving city oc-
cupying this bend of the river. MY father
who was the leading physician in the ham,
Aet, was among the first settlers. Born in
Virginia, he had no anti-slavery prejudices
yet he felt the system to be detrimental to
the white race. Before coming West he
had emancipated himself by disposing of
his negroes, reserving only couple of
house servants. Even this shade of disap-
prevail in the then state of public feeling
was construed into a hostile sentiment.
On a certain spring morning this remote
spot was astir with the reverberation of the
guns of Fort Moultrie. Now there could no
longer be any doubt where my father stood.
He declared Internationally for the Union.
Our house had-what many of the ruder
structures had not-a cOmmOdiOuS cellar
and here at night knots of Union men held
their secret meetings. When at last Gov
ernor Jackson disclosed his true attitude
and called upon the State militia to repel the
invasion of Federal troops. the pent-up
feeling found expression in wild speeches
from the incOnSiderate of both parties.
Lyon Was preparing to move against Jeffer-
son City, and recruiting officers were busy
mastering troops for both sides of the con-
fict. LawlessneSs was already rampant
born Of the free frontier spirit which is al
ways ready for reckless, daring adventure.
Our household consisted, besides the serv-
ants. OF only my father and myself. Among
the suitors tor my hand was Raymond Ken
meth, a young. bold, daring Carolinian. In
physique, he was the perfection of manly
vigor, handsome and courteous in bearing
and Il warm partisan in favor of secession.
My father had deprecated the growing at
tachment, and | gave heed to his cooler
judgment against RaymOnd'S hot-headed
rashness and violent temper. When he be-
sought me to put my faith IN him into prac-
lice, by conscnting to be his wife, my
fathers warning withheld the wished-for
answer.
Our homes were adjoining. In the gar
den renee was Il little wicket. through which
we had always exchanged neighborly cour-
tesies OF the most friendly sort. Since it
was known that my father looked with dis
tdFot upon an diiidilce' tlle leenHp peuWeen
the two families had become somewhat con-
strained: still we went in and out of the lit
tie wicket as before.
One night as was sitting alone, my father
gone to visit a patient. old Maria. a house
servant OF the Kenneths, came hurriedly in
with her baby i'll her arms. Mis- Jessie,
lis please write letter for me, honey" she
said. quick as you kin. can't stav min
Tute. Jis write to my ci.iilun back in ole
Virginny. Mebbe I nebber git anodder
F" chance"
You must ask your mistress to write"
was fearful that my assistance, should it be
: granted, might be misc construed.
20, lawsl Miss Jessie. ole missus can't
write more'n kin. Please hurry and do
this. Miss Jessie. I'll pray for We. honey,
deed will"
What is the trouble. Maria? I must know
more about it. "
'Well. We see, old Massa John done brung
man around to dinner dis mornin. ann I