Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-05-11


Of the noble Frenchman during his
stay. The speeches ended, through this
living avenue Lafayette walked to his
temporary residence. To Francis K.
Huger, in recognition of his noble risks
generously hazarded to liberate the
Marquis de Lafayette from his long
imprisonment-when immured at Oh
mutz-even though fruitless, was ac-
corded the honor to walk by his side in
the day of his majesty, through the
street Of the proud capital Of Huger's
own state. They were in front. La
Fayette, limping in his gait, leaning on
Huger's right arm, proceeded slowly
down the ranks. A cannon rolled out
it's sonorous reports in the distance,
feux de joie were continually echoing
along the line, and little girls, in holi-
day attire, threw bouquets under his
feet, thus literally strewing his path
with flowers. Behind him came the
two, arm in arm; a most imposing
spectacle. I, in virtue Of my rank
stood three PAGES in front Of the rank
and file. Next to me was Major Moore,
of Winnsboro. AS Lafayette approach
ed, saw, every now and then, some of
the officers on either side, shake hands
with him. Coveting, too, the privilege,
I whispered to Major Moore to shake
hands with him when he came up. II
WILL" he replied in the same tone; and
when Lafayette got to where we were
stationed, the major advanced a pace,
put out his hand, and, as If acknowl-
eding the grand introduction Of the
splendid pageant-for there was no
other-said II am happy to be made ac-
quainted with you, SIR" Lafayette
grasped the proffered hand, bowling and
repeating the phrase all the time on his
lips, coming, doubt not, straight from
the heart, "very happy" stood next,
in silence, and held out my hand, and I
never received more cordial grasp and
shake, accompanied by the words
very happy, very happy" All, who
would not have been happy on such
had listened to the dictates Of his noble
heart, and came from foreign land to
a bleeding country. Forbidden by his
government, admonished by his friends
and giving up the delight of home and
the endearments Of young and beau
tiful wife, he aided people struggling
for freedom, and on their battlefield Of
poured forth his generous
blood. Now, the nation, one of the ma
tions of the earth, greeted him with
shouts Of undying love and gratitude;
and Carolina, proudest Of the land, in
JOY and love, strewed roses under his
feet and wreathed immortelles above
his head.
An amusing incident relieved the in
tensity of feeling without marring the
effect, as it might have done on a less
grand occasion. To DR.. James Davis
and Professor Henry Mott, had been
assigned the duty Of going about twen-
ty PAGES in front Of the procession to
see the path clear and all in fitting or
der for the tread of the august person.
age to follow. Some mischievous boy,
at cross street, threw in an old gan
der. Of course the serried ranks gave
no outlet for the intruder. for behind
the military companies were a great
multitude, no man could number. To
try to catch the goose was out Of the
question, as it, Of course. would create
confusion and unseemly mirth; so he
in solitary dignity, poking out
his neck from side to side, stopping
now and then to give hiss at the men.
The doctor and professor, hats in hand,
were fain to wait his movements, now
and then venturing a mild "shew!
shew!" and giving a gentle flourish of
their hats to accelerate his movements. |
The gander would give a "quaw!
1uaw!" in return, not improving his |!
pace, but merely resuming the even
tenor Of his way, and so he led the van
to the end Of the line.
At last Lafayette entered the house.
Here everything was arranged most
perfectly for his comfort. Judge Motifs !
Did Harry a servant renowned in his
lay, throughout Columbia, for his su-
oeriority in every good quality, was as
signed as his body-servant. Judge De-
Saussure and others had their most ac-
house servants to attend in
waiting. Cut glass and silver stood |
around in profusion, contributed by the
citizens for the use of the occasion.
Two sentinels, with fixed bayonets on
heir guns, were posted at the door to
the entrance Of intruders. Of
icers, however, were all allowed to en-
ter unquestioned. The insignia of Of
fee shown by my feather and sword,
obtained my admittance. In the pass
age, I met General Bradley, Of Chester
an acquaintance. With him I went
INTO the room where Lafayette held a |
kind of levee, and was presented by
name. Again had the honor Of press
ng my hand to that of the generous
whose nobility of nature,
far above that of birth alone, had been
accounted worthy Of the friendship,
even of our Washington.
After the introduction, and my TAX
ing with Lafayette a glass of wine,
for servants in attendance filled bump
ers of sparkling champagne, which all
but he quaffed to the bottom-he mere
" performing the courtesy Of touching
the glass to his lips-I withdrew to
The farther side Of the room from where
no stood and stationed myself near the |