The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1910-09-13
THE FARMER AND MECHANIC

him to New Bern. This was done and
his journey was a perfect ovation
everywhere he went. Among other
attractions, a ball was given him at
the CASTOR House, and the dancing
and merry jests continued until lawn.
John Simpson, q son of the sturdy
old Gen'l. John. who had done so
much to aid the Revolution, took a
severe cold from sitting on the piazza
in the cold wind blowing from the
river, and died after a few days i'll
ness.
l found a letter from Genl. Blount
in the same attic to which | hdNe
before Iluded on the back in pencil
were the twelve toasts drank on that
occasion. Although SO many years
nave elapsed. the writing is perfectly
legible. And from the same source,
q few months ago, was found IN d
red leather case, a lock Of auburn
hair, a Wedding ring and the marriage
certificate OF Penelope McllVain. dated
1885. | am much impressed IN traV-
cling over this part of the cOuntry at
the number of country graVeyards-
every large plantation had one. | can
but hin that GRAY had them in his
mind when he wrote his 'Elegy.
Letter II.
Dear Children: And now ! have left
the dear old room, and am seated on
the piazza IN an arm chair, which is
so ancient, I fail to remember. and
look out upon the beautiful Muse
from my bamboo and v~ine-covered
corner, and watch the launches with
gay crowds go by, and think of the
Olden times when the Indian canoe
danced gaily upon Its waters, and
later, when Teach, the dreaded pirate,
roamed up and down at his free will
and buried his treasures at wen-select-
ed places upon its banks. Retribution
overlook him as it usually does those
who sin and he was captured in Pam
leo Sound his head severed from
his body and hung on the bowsprit
of a vessel.
| look at the wall built of brick
brought from England. which en-
closes the yard, at the huge Sycamore
in the corner, under which the IN
dams held Council before committing
savage depredations upon the innocent
| people, and l think what a story the
silvery leaves could tell Of by-gone
days. as / watch them bloom and fail
ear after year.
Every piece Of furniture in the
house is connected with a sentiment
of some kind, some period Of self
denial, the memory Of some loved one.
Something in the desk, and Bible and
pictures too, bring up sweet thoughts
| Of the past. Each tree in the yard
has a history. the honey-suckle, whose
perfume / breathe, now covers an oio
cedar tree that has been the home OF
a hooking bird for years; the mimOsa
Grape myrtle, c have a tale to tell;
the wild cherry tree, with its crimson
blossoms. grew from a seed dropped
by a bird in passing. and 10 now as
tall as the roof and as I look up the
walk, I see a curly headed boy with
his dog. Rollo. coming to wish me
goodnight, and I feel nat life has
been full of good things for me, In
! spite of the awful war and its attend
ing miseries. I could go on forever,
dear Children. with these memories Of
the past and hopes for the future, but
the twilight is approaching, the
noon and stars Will soon be reflected
In the silvery water, the bells are call
ing for worship in the dear old
church, SO wishing you all the bless
ings Of this life, I will cease my Recol-
! lectiOns of Dixie.