The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1908-03-12

Dear Free Lance:
Ii Is always peculiar pleasure for a
wSnderer to go back TO his native state
and meet friends of his boyhood or
earlier manhood. Though sometimes
our DO, hood reputation fingers too
long Que good lady told me that
when she was troubled about her bDVs
IL was a comfort to her To remambar
what | had been.
am not Tar heel enough TO claim vvs
were
First at Bethel;
Farthest at GettsburR.
Last at Appomattox'
la all the noble achievements and
high herOism of the "incoinparahls
army OF those days there was nlorv
enough Tor all, and none will DENY that
the soldiers OF the Old North State were
VA no whit behind others in valor and
endurance from Bethel to Appomattox.
0~e Is reminded in this historic centre
ui the Declaration of Independence
made 10y the ScOtch-lrish. OF Mecklen-
bufg. before Jefferson penned his i'm
mOrSsl document; that these men vvars
luueed a hornets nest, to Cornwallis
and IarletoD; that at Kings Mountain
they turned the tide OF the warand helm.
ed largely to bring the glorious consum-
nation at Yorktown.
When my wife aud reached Charlotte
We were guests at the hOspitable home
ot Mrs StOuewall Jackson The multi-
tude Oi her friends will be pleased 10
know how gently the years are dealing
with her Not only in Charlotte Is she
easily the "hrst lady of the city. on ac.
count oil the lame OF her illustrious hus-
band aud her own gracious Character
but also hoids the same place In the aI.
ltctiOn and honor Of the whole south
Many visitors from the North, as well az
rom the South. 20 TO her home to pay
their respect and go away charmed witt
her kindness, her cordiality and graci.
Gus manner.
Charlotte is prohibition city. and nv
the testimony OF her real estate ana
business men closing the saloons has
not hindered. but greatly advanced th,
financial interests ana progress. There
Is no doubt large lug trade" hut
several young nen have spoken of th.
heip ana blessing To them la the removal
oi temptation by closing the SALOONS. |
nave been all winter in the midst of pro
hibltion movement, aud though | have
never been an ardent advocate of pro-
hibition, especially by State enactmen,
have been deeply Impressed bv the
lacts presented herr; many are saved
from temptation ana instead OF Satur.
day night and Sunday orgies ana the
usual Monday list before the Mayor's
court, tae laboring man spends his
money Tor bis family and his nights al
home; the police court does not have it,
usual docket, and " men are drunken
they can only blame their own appetite.
Inc sabbath sentiment Is too strong
Z al to l.
many uf oar Southern cities are.
Many OF the streets are torn up now
In order To give BE- tier water. better
streets, etc. Still we already have much
spring beauty in the budding trees and
the blooming violets and hyacynths.
One must see Charlotte in the spring to
see it at it's best.
lt Is an inspiring sight to see the
throngs oi people pouring from the dii-
ierent churches on Suncay. DIR. McDan-
lei is now holding special services in the
First Baptist church, and because he has
so recently beenin fredericksburg want
to hear him aud meet him. While this h
largely a Presby terian city, all the de.
nominations have strong churches and
strong preachers.
Owing TO my enforced absence from
home, am now supplying the Second
Presby terian church, which has 1.l94
members on the roll and fine body of
officers. The number OF young men who
attend Is very unusual, and adds ire
mendously to the Importance. as well as
the attractiveness, OF the field. There
are about 100 in the primary grade of
the Sabbath school and a large meme
class, the two most important parts OF
the Sabbath school work.
l have promised to preach at Steele
Greek church, the largest country church
in the South, and | look forward with
pleasure to standing before that audience
oil one thousand members before | set my
face toward 'Ole Virginny." about the
first of May.
While on visit recently to New York
| dined with Mrs. Virginia Terhune.
Marian Harland" She asked many
questions about fredericksburg people
and was gTieved TO learn of the death of
Rev. DIR. Howison, whom she Knew well
and admired greatly for his varied gifts
OF mind and genial spirit. She said she
considered the request to write the epi
taph Tor the monument to the mother OF
Washington the greatest honor ever
paid her" The two hours spent with
her and her daughter, Mrs Herrick, were
most delightful. Her culture and a cor
dig irginia hospitality made charm
ir ombination.
a bright particular spot in New York
is the sweet home Of Mrs Annie Fleming
smith, where | also dined, and had NV
heart warmed by her big hearted wei
come and by remembrance. Of her
mother, whom every body in Fredericks-
burg nOnors and loves
Sunday was a bright, balmy spring
day and great congregations made
preaching to them privilege and great
responsibility.
Then. whom quiet had fallen on the
city, read the last two chapters OF Rev
elation, telling US of the glory OF that
great city above. .undefled by sin, though
flied with sinners saved by grace, dwell
ing 10 love and felicity eternal. MAY we
all reach there at last.