The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-02-03

i
some of them in the following article,
which will be read with interest in
this section Of the State:
Before the advent Of the iron rail
and steam locomotive, the old town of
Hamburg was one Of the largest cot
ton markets in the Southern States.
Being at the mead of navigation on
the Savannah river it was for the i'll
land planter the nearest point of water
communication with the coast and
consequently cotton wagons came from
the up-ccuntry as far West as Ala
bama and Tennessee.
During the winter months the town
presented q lively and interesting
sight. The line of wagons resting on
the river extended for miles out on
the plank road. The stores were fill
ed with the sturdy, homespun Glad
farmers with their varied local char
aoteristics, while the newcomers
among the boys and negroes with
wide.eyed wonder took in themes for
many yarn around the plantation
fires. Never before had they seen so
much cotton or suoh big boat, "two
stories high, run with billing water"
AT night the white covered wagons
drawn up around the bright fires pre-
sented the appearance Of an army en-
campment.
On the far away plantations the trip
to Hamburg was the event Of the year.
All could not 60, but every one was
interested in what the return trip
would bring. A ''store bought dress
for the girls, gun or saddle for the
boys, were the subjects of many pleas
ing dreams and consultations. When
the time to start arrived several far
mers met and travelled together for
mutual assistance in time Of accident
or trouble.
The outfit consisted Of o large wood
en- axle wagon on which the bales of
cotton were piled and secured by
long pole fastened to front and rear of
the wagon. A good 'possum dog was
tied to the hind axle, for when camp
was hh1ea ecr The night cold Tige"
would often add to the fare as we'll as
the pleasure Of the journey. The can
vas covered frame was placed on top
of the cotton and beneath it were
stored the provisions for men and
team.
From foar to six mules were hitch-
ed to each wagon and there wss much
good-natured banter or rivalry as to
who had the best team. In these
sallies the negro drivers always took
o jealous and amusing part. Appetite
feature Of the equipment was a chime
Of musical bells attached to the har-
ness OF the lead mules, and this was
especially true Of the Tennesseeans,
who as rule had the finest teams,
and they no doubt ascribed the high
heads and proud step Of their 'noble
leaders" to the inspiring music Of the
little bells.
The driver was the most Important
member Of the party. for on him de-
pended the care Of the team and the
safety Of the top heavy wagon over
hundreds OF miles Of roads often in
bad condition. It required DO little
skill and care to guide his team with,
a single line over the difficult places
and make them all pull true and steady
with but little use Of whip or voice.
Such men were usually selected from
the best Of the plantation hands, and
as rule were faithful to the owners
interests, and he represented worthy
type Of the old South aud number
ed in proportion to the kind and con-
siderate masters. Now, alas like
the prestige Of old Hamburg, they
have gone where the wooabino twin
eth f
Some Of the boys of the family usu-
ally attended the wagons on horse
back. and many Southern youths thus
had taste OF life in the saddle and
around the oamy fire which they were
Afterwards to experience in 9 long and
desperate war.
The purchases made in Hamburg
! were conf ned to such things as could
not be produced at home. These were
chiefly iron, salt, sugar, coffee, and .
few pieces Of calico and other dress
goods for the ladies. The limited
outlay for dry goods does not indicate
that anyone at home WAS neglected.
In every household there was q spin
ming wheel and loon, ootton and Mool
were plentiful, and the women 4 wels