Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-12-22

| for we youngsters were sent 10 Deu
early under Nanny Judy's care.
Dear old nanny, who bathed and
cuddIed us while making dire threats
about Santa Claus who "sholy would
bring muffin to little chillins dat didn't
drap dey haids lax Ill white lilies and
90 to Sleep" You remember after we
were all tucked in bed how we kept
wondering how Santa Claus could come
down that big chimney while that big
fire was burning, and how you ask
ed the question and the dear old
black face with its towering head
handkerchief, bcnt over you and SAID,
little chiilun must not ak no ques-
tions. spec he wor some kind OF
cloes dat don't burn. Now you go to
sleep honey" " and while tidying up the
room she would Groom some quaint
melody which must have been soporllic
in its effect, for you were soon in the
land of dreams and did not see or hear
a certain blue-eyed angel that floated in
and looked like mamma, as she kissed
each rosy cheek and smoothed the hair
from each snowy brow, breathing a
fond blessing all the while.
Christmas morning. Oh, the excite
ment was deliciousl Before daylight
we were awakened by the sound OF
many feet and laughing voices outside
on the lawn. After hasty toilet with
our well filled stockings hugged close,
we ran down to the great hall to see
dear white haired grandpa handing out
the apple toddy and eggnog, both OF
his own brewing. Each member OF the
family must take tiny glass, just for
luck, you know.
Then the hall doors were thrown
open and myraid voices cried out,
"Chrismus gif ole Mars and ole Miss,
merry Chrismus to everybody. Oh
those Joyous shining black faces wer"
so full of love, happiness and lhanksaS
each one wa, bountifully supplied with
all sorts OF comforts and good things.
Not child down to the latest picka-
ninny arrival was forgotten. As look
back now over the years that have
flown, l think grandpa must have look.
ed like grand patriarch, as he stood
their surrounded by his people, rels-
tiyes and bondsmen, all loving and re-
specting him.
After this came breakfast, aud such
a breakfast. / can almost taste 1t yet
/ can see grandpa's bowed white head
as he gave thanks for all blessings and
that no vacant chair was there.
No vision of warfare bitter and de-
vastating rose up TO tell him that some
day this ideal life would end and bis
loved sons and grandsons would be
sleeping on some battlefield, meath
the sod and dew, awaiting the Judg-
ment day." And that the happy darkies
would be scattered all over the land.
Nol thank God he was spared thai
sight. After breakfast all went to the
little village church whose interior had
not been forgotten, for its walls were
hidden almost by wreaths and garlands.
while over the chancel in beautiful
evergreen letters was the angels proc
lamation OF centuries ago;
"Glory be to God on high and
peace on earth, good will toward men,"
After the simple, but impressive,
services we're over, there we're meetings
and greetings, then home again.
followed by score ormore OF relatives
and friends. Dinner over, festivities
commenced which we're to last until
the new year dawned.
Oh those merry dances With gallant
young beaux and lovely maldens, the
latter arrayed in the simplest attire,
wearing no Jewels, save their bright
ewes and sweet modest manners. Old
and young joined in the merry making
for no ones feet could keep still when
Bob and old Ezra began to play on
their yiolins-tunes so familiar yet to
many OF us.
The evening closed when grandpa
gallantly led grandma out to lead the
Virginia reel. No dark spots OF DIS
sension. jealousy or mean gossip put
blot on that beautiful time. Alas
those days have passed away.
Like fog on the mountain,
Like dew on the heather,
Like bubble on fountain
They have gone and forever.
A black storm cloud swep over the
scene. the lightning OF battle, the thun-
der of cannon broke up this elysian
life. and today we see in many places
only the blackened walls OF the old
mansion stand sentinel-like on the
spot where all this beautiful home life
was lived
Grandpa and grandma have long
been sleeping in the quiet graveyard
meath the hill. Their children have
long grown up and scattered-some
in the far west have built new homes
and formed other ties. The darkies
sing no more by the old cabin door.
In their hearts were sown seeds OF dis
trust and hatred toward those they
once loved so dearly and they wander
now restlessly. no man truly their
friend.
Yet as long as life lasts, when we ALL
kinsman and one-time slave, now
weary of toll ard strife, OF the base
and untrue, our minds will revert to
those peaceful yet joyous days which
surround the Christmas time IN the old
south.