The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-05-30

library which President Ieacoch h"0
gathered at Greensboro Female College,
| CHANGED upon a book that | had never
seen before written by Mrs. Royal, on
her travels through North Carolina in the
early part of the century.
The following extract, comprising Mrs
Rovalrs account of her visit to Raleigh,
was kindly copied from the book by Miss
Leila McGirt, the capable and rapid
stenographer of President Peacock. All
Raleigh. people will read the picture Mrs
Royal draws of Raleigh of the olden
time:
Next morning we arrived in Raleigh to
breakfast, a pretty, coolish morning, too,
by the way, though the gardens were
green and trees putting out We had
handsome view of the State House, as
we approached the town. For more than
a mile the road, which is as straight as
line. comes up Immediately in front OF
the capitol most superb building.
put up at the stage house, splendid
tavern. kept by Mr.. Guion, an intelligent,
friendly man, quite a gentleman, ana
generous as prince.
Though Raleigh has not escaped the
general deluge of missionaries and tracts,
which in all cases comprise the lower
class, or the ignorant, yet the majority
are an intelligent, hospitable and friend
Iy people.
| had been but short time in the tay'
ern. before | was, as usual, surrounded
by crowds of the citizens, who gave me
a cordial welcome to the capital of the
State From these visits, and the various
calls made during the week l stayed in
Raleigh, | spent my time very pleasantly
and formed an extensive acquaintance.
The Governor of the State was absent,
so also, was his Secretary.
Mr.. William Robards, Secretary of the
Treasury, however, was in town. He is n
gentleman of settled age, a tall, spare
figure, with a thin. wan face, mild blue
eye and keen, intelligent countenance
His manners are meek and affable, and
MS conversation chaste, and take him
every way a pleasant man.
While sitting in his office | was struck
with the entrance of a fine, noble looking
man, far advanced in years. Pleased with
his appearance, l requested an introduce
ton. This is Col. Hunt, of the Revolu-
tion," said Mr.. Robards. | was almost
sure of this from his age, and fine, manly
look He was in the battle of go. and sew
eral other engagements in the revolution.
His face was one of the finest in the
world, fair and smooth, with large mild
eye, and open countenance. He was stout
and active, and conversed upon the con-
fiicts of the revolution with all the fer
vor of youth. | was sorry | had not time
to learn more of his history.
James Grant, Esq, is a young, tall
genteel man, with a bright blue eye, an
oval, thin, compressed face and very
pleasing, sprightly manners.
John G. Steadman is rather a small
man, and spare make, with a thin, pale
round, fair face. and an eye and counte-
finance of uncommon sweetness. The ben
evidence of his heart IS painted in every
feature of his face.
Thomas Cobb Esq, is a young, good
looking man, of common height, slender
make and round, freckled face, with a
fine -ye-benevolent cast of counte
nance and polished manners
II. G. Scott, the postmaster, is one OF
your whole-souled men, gay, generous
hospitable and accomplished; he would
fill any office with honor. He is a noble
fine figure with large, good features
lively black eye, and sprightly manners
l met with few men in Raleigh superior
to him. They pour in upon me so fast
that my pen can scarcely keep pace with
them. In the postoffice | met with seve-
raj respectable gentlemen, mostly from
the country; but | was particularly at
tracted by Joseph Ross, Esq, an aged
man, and DIR. John Y. Young, with
several others. Mr.. Ross, one Of the bes,
of men, is lively and active, open and
candid in his manners, with a set of the
finest features, and a mild blue eye, as
soft as charity, and his countenance is
benignity itself Bending alike with
years wealth and honors, Mr.. Ross is
the delight Of all who have the pleasure
Of his acquaintance.
DR.. Young was from Wake Forest, an
other true souled man. His person is no
BILE and commanding, and his fine, ami
mated black eye is at once the mirror
Of genius and great benevolence. He is
one of natures best.
DIR. Wheaton is tall, black-snakish.
religious-looking man-keep me from such
monsters. Suppose these look mad, to
brighten away the ID, as he is always in
chase of them. He did not call on me-
oh! no, he was too much like the priest
and the Levite of old, but made the best
of his way ahead, but not without my
seeing him, however.
James Litchford is one of the finest
figures in the world, with interesting
manners, fine eye and good features.
Isaac Partridge, Esq, is also one of
the highly favored; his eye is black and
sparkling. and his manners soft, graceful
and winning.
At this place, I likewise saw the son
Of my friend, Mr.. Lemeasure, of Peters
burgh, Va. He has a strong resemblance
to his mother, but lacks her good sense.
Mr.. William r. Hill is a young man,
common height, polished manners, and in
every way an agreeable and pleasant
man.
Here. too, I met with a novelty, Uni
tartan Presbyterian! Who ever heard of
such a thing? His name was Peck, who
was reformed out of Nthe postoffice, to
make room for Mr.. Scott. That was a
good move; he had too many religions.
never met with one worth having. A
gentleman who heard me make the re-
mark said there were so many religions
nowadays, that the right religion was
lost"
My portraying was now arrested by
the entrance of my chambermaid, who
came in to repenish the fire. asked her
what church she belonged to. She was a
deuced black woman. Il longs to nun on
'um," said Alice; ida breaches too much