The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-28


lacks OF rheumatism, his wrinkled face
and still abundant grizzly hair showing
from under q broad brimmcd straw hat
his pipe now in hand and then back in his
mouth. His costume was an neon
gruous mixture-the Generals bag
gy trousers were surmounted by an
ancient dress coat, which was too short
wasted for him, its swallowtail almost
lost sight OF in the amplitude of cloth be-
low This coat he had probably pre-
served most carefully for years, only bring
ing it out for ceremonial occasions. but by
slow stages it had come at last to daily
duty among the watermelons, and resented
its changed fortunes by bursting forth at
the armholes. II was singular that the
dignity of q equality" negro OF the old re-
gine always seemed TO lend itself TO an
ill'ftting secondhand garment, inspiring
certain respect rs Il part oil the wearer, 80
that garb which would have rendered
any white man ridiculous did not even
provoke smile when worn by colored
person OF good reputc; 1t was even quantity
pathetic in its suggestion OF other days
and former wearers.
"lloP on dor! Look out, You Billyl
You drappin' dat CHS. Zelle' TO the
sleepy negro driver, git down heah
and help tote it; it too heavy for dem
chilluns"
''Unclo Mercury" said Mrs. Randolph,
81 wouldn't try to move that chest; it's
too far gone to be mended even; sec, the
back pieces OF the drawers are falling out.
I'll let you have an old bureau up in the
garrett to keep your things in.
Deed, Miss Sally, nobody can't part
me from dis heah chs" protested the old
man, vehementy. at belong to Pmona's
mother TO she war BORN" aud with eager,
trembling fingers he fastened to pick up
| the knobs and bits OF mahogany that fell
from II. The chest OF drawers had been
handsome IN its youth, and would be
handsome TO him as long as asiragment OF
IL was left.
There was n look in Uncle Mercury's
face, quivering in his hands, us he slowed
away his things in an uncertain, shutting
fashion in that wagon, which betrayed
reluctance 10 this proposed move, linger-
ing tenderness over the belongings OF half
a century, us II even the exposing them to
outside light were PROCLAMATION.
''lle gittin' childish" Flora whispered
TO Mrs Randolph rs her father carried
handful OF china cups and saucers and de-
| posted them loosely in large basket in
the wagon, where they would certainly be
broken ut the first start OF the mules.
"Never mind, father; let me do it''--fx-
ing them after him.
Then he pegged by her with his cane
into The house, aud after short time
came out with long blue bandbox, which,
minus cover, revealed u bent, moth.eaten
beaver hat Of majestic proportions.
The lady, glancing ut il, said: "What
on earth are yoC going TO do with that
hat, Uncle Mercury? IL isn't fit Tor any.
body but q scarecrow 10 wear. The Gen
eral has a great deal better one you can
have"
"What, dat hat, Miss Salyl" indignant
~ lifting the insulted hat out OF the box
and holding il up for US TO look at, as
though to let It speak for itself. 81 amt
wantin' TO war il; | wants 10 keep II. Dat
was Marse Williams hat; he glib il 10 me
When lac 90 tode Mexican wah. blceged
| to hol' on 10 dis hat while dc brcfs in desc
old bones" Then lac gave IL sort OF hug
before placing the valued relic by the side
OF POmOna's mothers chest. In a position
where the danger was imminent OF its be-
ing speedily crushed into n noncntity II
the latter should tumble over
Next he came ont Juggling picture in n
SNOWY gilt frame. expected to see Lin
coln signing the emancipation proclami-
ton, or Sumner speechilying before the
United States Senate, and was surprised
10 recognize the Characteristic figure on
horseback Of the Confederate hero Stone.
wall Jackson.
"Why. Uncle Mercury" | could not
forbear exclaiming, "how is ii you haven't
got Lincoln's picture there instead Of
JacKsOn's?"
GLOW come daiP Why Gin'l Jackson
war ole masters man, 80 he be my man,
but | always speaks 'spec'iu o Marse Abe
Lincoln touching his hat. Then he
drew long breath after he rid himself OF
the burden, and said, ENORMOUSLY, as he
wiped his face with the back OF his hand:
81 'clar 10 God Ills moyin' am mighty
pestorin'. De ole place II do for Merc'ry;
lac done LID hcah, an P'monc lib henh,
and she die heah. an II good enough for
Merely TO die in, ! reckon; but Flora
She"
go long, father you knows ] needs
mo- room, now | Is clcar-starchin' and
ironin for 80 many white folks down at dc
town, LET lone dc family nj dc mansion
whar always wash for. You'll like dc
new cabin after yo' gets settled, an faint
much farther from dc Gin'fs watermelon
patch den We Is hcah."
Uncle Mercury pulled himself together
and assumed an air OF importance, as
though gralihcd at the mention OF n field
/ wherein his services were still indispensa.
| bic.
IL ain had no chance 10 look after
| dem waieImiiOns dis blessed dny. Dem
ripscallions from dc town u get EN- ef
dcy don see the comm. Dcy was pretty
peari yesliddy; giltin' on finc, Miss Sally,
cl dc sun II STAY out hot"
Zeko and ths mule wcro needed else
where before long. 90 II was decided 10
leave the beds aud few other necessary
articles until tomorrow; they would sleep
one more night In the old house. After
a festive evening az the mansion, where
tho spirit of the ancient hospitality shono
a. brightly ns ever, II It's material part was
less redundant, | noticed from my cham
Der window about midnight light still
burning in Uncle Mcfcury's room; all the
Others IN the servants quarters were ox-
tinguishcd. Then, although Il was early
In September, one Of those swift, unac.
couniabU changes peculiar 10 the Atlantic
coast, both North aud South, came over
the air. and the morning that followed was
crisp and cold.
"rhore mus, have been hail some.
where" the General remarked at break
fast; and nllerwafd, when he started Tor
his daily tour Of the premises, hc said, 81
hope that cabin is thoroughly dry for
old Uncle Mercury 10 20 into: IL would be
| bad for him 10 get another spell OF rhpu.