Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/116

 108 Xonthern Historical Society Papers.

places, and provided for us upon this march. In addition to a very comfortable lodging place, Mr. Grin nan sent out to us a supper, consisting of eggs, bread and sorghum, which we relished very much.

1 2th. This morning Mr. Grinnan sent us some eggs for break- fast and, when about to start, a collection of pies and puffs, which was a most unexpected treat. After thanking this hospitable family for the great kindness they had shown us, we started for Buffalo Springs. After marching about a mile, we came to a Mrs. Cole- man's, who gave us about twenty pounds of meal and a pint of sorghum (which latter was exactly half of what she had). About two and a half miles further a Mr. Coleman (brother to the lady), gave us two quarts ot sorghum. At Mrs. Wm. Saunders', on Buffalo River, we were given a shoulder of bacon.

After passing this last-mentioned place, we had to ascend some exceedingly high hills, the climbing of which caused us to puff and blow considerably. From this summit a view of great beauty is presented the beholder. Below stretches a short and picturesque valley, through which the waters of the Buffalo distribute them- selves, looking like a huge snake lying at ease upon Nature's green carpet. Around, above, are mountains, in all of their grand and varied proportions, with thin cloud-capped heads rising high into the upper firmament. On each side were numerous beautiful residences, which completed the illusion that the scene was apt to produce upon the mind of the traveler, viz: that another Switzerland had sprung into existence in this New World of ours. As I gazed upon this picture, involuntarily a sigh escaped me, which was provoked by the thought that would thrust its skeleton head before me. "How soon may the hand of war, with all of its blighting influences, change the beauty of this scene into desolation and ruin." Turning aside from the contemplation ol this picture, we continued our journey. After going a short distance, we arrived opposite the residences of Dr. James Taliaferro and Mr. William Hill, to both of which places we sent foragers. From the former we obtained half of a middling of bacon, and from the latter, after much persuasion, a canteen of sorghum. We pressed on further, and came to the house of Mr. Taliaferro, who gave us about five pounds of bacon. About a half mile further, we obtained a canteen of sorghum from a gentleman, whose name we did not hear. At about 6 P. M. we arrived at Buffalo Springs, where we obtained sleeping accommoda- tions for the night, and by the kindness of Mr. Turner, the pro-