Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/87

 me. I wrote a few notes, expressive of my gratitude, and of my most sincere desire to return all their kindness.

I now re-entered the wilderness, in which both myself and guides were several times lost; but, at length, found my destination, the lone log-house and plantation of my cousin, Major Rowland Rugeley, eldest son of the late Colonel H. Rugeley. He was not at home, but his wife, a young thoughtful woman, with two babes, received me kindly, and, in a patriarchal style, found food for me and my guides, and provender for our beasts. The house has only three rooms; no chambers nor any windows of glass. To my hostess I was quite a stranger, and kept myself so a considerable time. I merely said, that I supposed her quiet was seldom disturbed by the approach of a strange guest like me. "Strangers," said she, "sometimes call for refreshment, because this house was once open for their accommodation." "Where," said I, {61} "is Mr. Rugeley?" She artlessly replied, "He is gone to the bank at Columbia, to get money if he can; for he is unable to sell the crop of cotton, and is therefore much harassed for money." "Where lives Mr. Henry Rugeley?" "He, sir, lives near; both families have long been accustomed to drink at the same spring." I felt delighted with this primitive simplicity; it seemed to carry me back to the beginning of time. I now gave her my introductory letter from her aunt, Mrs. S. Rugeley of Potton, in Old England, relict of the late Rugeley, Esq. high sheriff of Bedfordshire. She read it; the secret was now out; I was no longer a stranger; she seemed highly pleased, and said, "How happy will Mr. Rugeley be to see you!"

22nd.—Major Rugeley, during the last night, returned; and this morning he received me, a welcome guest. He