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ATHENS, GEOBGIa; THURSDAY HOBNING, MARCH, 24, 1887. AROUND LOWNDESVILLE. “HOW DEAR TO MY HEART ARE THE SCENES OF MY CHILDHOOD.” Attar Iftanv Tear* I Heintn w »r Native XIcatb-An Experience Sim* liar ta nip Van Winkle**—A His ,arte Old Neighborhood-Aft - Noted Tree and Famous noch—HI.. Nun. c. Maxwell—Tito Sod Story of Two Unmarked Oraret In an Old Field -True Patriotitn.' Lowndesvillb, "S. C., March ■ 18.— [Special Corretpondence.] -Perhaps it trill not he uninteresting to the Banner- Watchnan readers to he giren a de scription of a little town and of people to whom they are strangers; but in my let- ter to-day I will endearor to strip it of all incidents of such a character as to raise a remit among our patrons. If I over step these bounds, kind reader, only vis it in mind the scene of your childhood days and early struggles, and then see if you cannot look with charity upon the hatch of aged chestnuts that 1 am about to give you. “Lowndesville!’sang out the brake- mar, on the Srvannah Valley road, and as 1 marched from the coach with m y va lise and umbrella in hand, 1 looked around to see if 1 could locate myself. Had I fallen from a balloon in the heart of Africa, I could not have been more to tally lost or a greater stranger than I felt here in the tow of my birth, [ could not c til to mind any such spot as this near the o d Lowndesville that I knew, and where I went to sciiooi and over its every surrounding hill and vale have I played when a child. There were all around mo new laces. A young man ap preached and asked if ho could carry mo to the Mosely House. Mosely was the first familiar'word I heard: Then my old friend Jiin Latimer stepped up and spoke to me. I asked him where I was—to unravel me. 1 then discovered that 1 had often set bird traps on the very grou id where the depot stood, and had once gone to school within a stone's throw of tlie spot, to a minister named Davis. The town was about a quarter of a (pile distant, and concealed by a hill. I can remembog— when a child seeing the stakes set for the Savannah Valley railroad, and remember^ a grand torch-light procession thut' fhe towihof Lowndesville had nhcnthfi sur veyors got there, and that my furrier rode at the head of it on horseback. The scene is as vivid in my mind as if it had happened lust night A gr< at deal of money was collected toward completing the road, but it disappeared aml'the eti-~ terprise fell through Now after so many years 1 return to find the road in opera tion, and t aversing nearly the same ground then staked off. J hero is an old Baying that no railroad has ev.T been surveyed but it is some time built, ami this looks hke there is ground for the statement. m t ‘ But few changes nrc noticeable in the business part of old Lowndesville. A new town is springing up at the depot, and thor. is considerable rivalry between the two divisions of the place; but I pre dict that the history of Gainesville will repeat itself here, and the new part of ., . ill a. lull I...——.1 ml wrilll the town will soon he hill-boarded with notices of “For Rent.” Kind reader, did yon ever revisit the home of your boyhood after an ab sence of many years? If so you can appreciate the keen intorost with which I looked out for every inanimate object. That chestnut tree, now dead and bark less, I once fell from and . sprained my shoulder; in that little bed of sand in the road 1 had a fight with “Tile" Cunning ham and got badly whipped; from that „■ . tree I shot my first robbin; oh, the tire-1 Caulina, and from Which they would not some hours I have spent in that church let even a riding switch be cut l he my advent into this world, I fear that I shocked the good lady by remarking that I bad no recollection whatever of any such event. Lowndesville is a famous spot In the history of South Carolina, ana this sec tion of Abbeville district has given to the world John C. Calhoun, George Mc Duffie and Preston Brooks. It has Over been a patriotic neighborhood, too, and both in the Revolutionary and laat ware hersona were first to respond to the call of their country. My grandmother was nearly 90 years old at the time ofher death just before the late war, and was born and reared within a few miles of Lowndesville. Her father-and uncles figured in the struggle for independence by the American colr.Jsts, and the inci dents and information she gave about her section, relative to that memorableetrug- itle, wa« authentic, as it came direct to her from partfoa who knew tie truth in regard to the incidents that I Will ret late. Leasthan a mile from Lowndesville, on the old Bowman ferry road, stood one of the largest poplar trees I ever saw, that had a hollow commodious enough to accommodate a man on horseback, and that reached to its top. It was constantly cracking as if m the act of falling, and a tranger never passed it without whip- iing his horse into a gallop and oongrat- latinghimself on makings narrow es cape. This old tree was revered aa much by the people who knew ita histo ry *.s the Charter Oak of Connecticut, vnd while the timber around was cleared off it waa left un listurbed in its majestic and solitary grandeur. During the revo lutionary war, and wheu this section of Carolina was in possession of Cunning ham and his Tories, the hollow ef this tree waa used as a peat house for . three American soldiers who were afflicted with the small waa a moopligbt, summer evehing, aqd the scenes moat peaceful and And happy one. Two Tories, who were hiding around the neighborhood, had seen the Maxwell boys trudging home, and trailed them like Indiana. They sneaked with in easy range of the little family groupe beneath the tree. Two sharp cracks of the unerring rifle were hoard, and both young soldiers fell pierced to the vital! with leaden messengers of death. The Assassins made good their e«cape,andthe next day the gallant hearts, stilled in death, were laid side by side within few steps of the house to which they had hastened only a few hours before with such joyous anticipations. When relating their story jheoyea of Miss Nancy blazed with fire and vongeance, and aha would pronounce the most horrible mal edictions against the whole Tory race. She could not lolerate them down to the last generation. She has pointed out to me the very tree beneath which* the sad tragedy occuri-ed, and then tenderly showed me the spot where the two mar tyrs to liberty lie sleeping. I hear that this nld Held is new in cultivation, and eotton is raised on the mounds of two as brave men aa ever shouldered the knapsack and marched to the call of their country. While erecting costly monu ments over the graves of those wha fell in the late civil war, it seems to me that a more fitting display of national grati tude would be to rescue from desecra tion the soil that holds the ashes of such humble martyrs to liberty aa the Max. well brothers. Miss Nancy and Miss Jennie were closely relatedtosome of the beet fami lies in South Carolina, and they bad Ire quently been offered a homo' and every comfort, but preferred to lead their old life of appearent wretchedness but inde pendence. Miss Nancy told me that Ided to enlist in QUIETING DOWN. lay marning tho duel was all The Banner-Watchman was when her brothers decid of a Tory. The men recovered,and their descendants are atill living in Abbeville. I asked for this old tree, and was told that after standing the storms of centu ries, a few years ago it succumbed to the fury of the elements, and by its crash was split into tinder wood, so dry and thin had its crust become. On a hill just across the branch, three Tories were afterwards captured and hanged to a hastily constructed gibbet. I can re member when the ghosts of these men were said to haunt Pressiy’s hill, on the brow of which they paid tho penalty for deserti ng their country. Another noted spot, that even timo cannot obliterate, is a largo rock on Ihe Deupreo place, now owned by Mr. Bow man, and almost in sight of the depot From,behind this stone.a mu! ' his freedom by waylaying am a Tory leader. He knew thatthe Tory’s house was near there, and that ho would sooner or later traverse the path that ilace. Ho waited day and night for nearly a fortnight be. fore his victim appeared, when a well directed riflo ball penetrated his heart. This mulatto was said to be a very brave man, a id afterwards did good service in tho American army. There is not shadow of doubt about the truth of the above events, or the exact localities. I remember, when a boy, there lived near my grandmother's, probably miles from L .wndesville, two old spin ster sisters, said to bo nearly an hundred vears old, named Miss Nancy and Miss Jenny Maxwell. They looked like witch eB, were disgustingly filthy, and their only dress, both autnmor . and winter, wore wretohed old gowns formed of rags. They lived in a cabin where the water poured through the roof and you could have thrown a dog betweon the cracks in tho wall. Yet these old women were far from being mendicants, for they owned a largo belt of tho,finest lands in listening to along sermon! These and a hundred other long forgotten little inci dents of my boyhood days crowded my thoughts and awoke sometimes a sigh of regret and sometimes a smile o! pleas ure. I could hardly take time to partake of an excellent dinner at the Mosely House, when I started out to explore the town and see what changes time had wrought; On every hand I met rtrange faces. Out of the entire population of the place I did not see a half dozen per- sons I had known when I lived here. As famine" lel spot *to" another, I felt but .would only dispose of their P r " 1 “®* like a modem edition of Rip Van Win- to soldiers or soldiers families, would kle. Rip did find the same old sign, only the bead of Washington torn substituted for that of King George; but oven the post had disappeared whore so long swung the announcement of “Bell’s Hotel." Major bell, too. who waa el- ways kind to me, like his sicn, baa also disappeared from the face of tho earth. Peace to his ashes! I walked arrund to ng walnut timber alone on it would have made thorn rich, if sawed into lumber. In the veirs of tho Misses Maxwell, too, [lowed the bluest of blue blood, and two moro loyal or patriotic hoarts never animated the breast of woman, or man either. They were bard working old women, and on little patches around titeir house grew plenty of provisions to do them. Besides, they had large flocks and herds, that brought them in consid erable money for people who had so few wants. All during tho late War they sold corn, wheat, bacon, wool and cattle, accept only Confederate money, and sell at prices thet ruled in times of peace. They charged only ten cents a pound for bacon, 75 centa for wheat and 60 cents for corn, when these articles were selling for ten and fifty times these prices. They finely consented to let a large belt of their cherished wood land be cleared and worked, that they might ha** A Cacti lO PIS ■sues i a N MI Baeva eta • un« »V w»u --“I — ~ v , ** ... the school house, where 'Squire Giles I the more previsions for the ■oldiere. once taught this young idea bow to Both these old women havo been called shoot. Another teacher now occupies from a hard and self-denying life to that his desk, and another generation of chil- land of peace and rest, where their little dren are sitting on the same benches and frailties will be blotted out with oblivion playing on the same ground the aarne old and only their noble deeds remembered, pies that once I indulged In. The old Mias Nancr Maxwell,.who was the ruling school house fa unchanged, and looks aa | spirit, waa a young girl during the Revo- frowningly dark and gtoomy to-day as it Intionary war, and I uaed to del ght in ’ did thirty years ago. I imagined that I sitting on the steps of her cabin and discovered the same pane of glass that I bearing her recount the thrilling inoi- ebattered with a ball, an 1 that caused me dents of those time- ^he knew, the so much mental atony, through fear of gsnealygy of ovary faurily In that district «po"iire. *1 wandered for acme lima Snd exactly how “uch rory Woodeonrs- areand tho .pot, and from the looks of ad in their veins; the children peeping through the win- i too, worse than death, and surely she dows, I judge that they thought I waa up to no good. "** [ cause for this bittern®!*# Within a The moat notired change, few steps <“f. her 1 >®“* 11 U f ** f ,J Ur ^* however "was in mv old home. The ground of the Maxwell family. ine however, waa in Jf ««« it h „ j Saves ware enclosed injnde rml pens. needed new clothes and there waa not a yard of cloth in the house and none to be had. But the same brave spirit that ani mated the boys was also inherited by the Maxwell girls. With her own hands Miss Nancy went out into the pasture and caught and sheared enough sheep to supply wool to make two suits of clothing whilo the other girls Bpun cotton into thread ana got ready the loom. By day light they had cardtf, spun, wove and aewed into garments two full suits ef clothing, and had them packed ip their brother's knapsacks. Had I space, ^1 could recount many such events connected-with this aeotion of Abbeville county. I give them be cause I think they will prove of general interest, «*>d P®™*r» >*» time serve to ——frqnpbliiien by redasiw- to-v*-****, facts relative to the part that my native county played In the memorable struggle for American independence, that I think worthy of preservation in the archieves of history. I will have to postpone my Greenwood letter for to-morrow, when I will give some information that our readers are more directly interests! in. T. L. G. The Affair of Honor Probably Am-. Icnbly Settled' In Angnata. Yostcrda; tho talk, 'i scoured for news and pretty soon the is sue was exhausted. Tho wires were worked for latest information and the noonday papers eagerly scanned.'* These issues contained but little new save the announcement that a board of honor waa in session in Augusta and that it waa believed the matter would bo amicably adjusted. ~ It is but fair to Mr. Tom Cobb to aay that he did not anticipate the torn which the affair has taken. Hia challenge was proffered upon-tho idea that the usual moating under Queensbury rules Would follow. Whan the alternative of weap ons was chosen by his antagonist, how ever, he promptly accepted -the condi tions, It may also bojjust to Mr. Chisolm to conclude that having already engaged in one fisticuff with Mr. Oobb’a younger brother,ha preferred to change the scene of conflict to more neutral ground,and to continue the contest under more decisive regulations. There is a matter touched in the print ed reports and telegrams sent but from Augusta which should be corrected. The trouble did not arise from any charge about “cheating in examinations" aa those accounts declare. Bo fares « e can learn there waa some discussion between Mr. William Cobb and Mr. Chisolm about the latter’! being prompted in, hia law recitations by a fellow-student. Mr. Cobb waa chaffing him and Mr. Chisolm admitted that a companion bad suggest ed an answer to an oral question in class, but denied that he had availed himself of such aid. It waa from this we learn that the trouble arose whioh culminated in the fight on the campus. Examinations, aa tho Augusta Chaoni- ele has correctly stated, are conducted in writing under strict pledges of honor, and a hint might be accepted in class which would not be tolerated in these reviews. This explanation we get from the University studentaand the correct ness of the statement we do not ques tion. PERSONAL AND MINOR ITEMS. THE LATEST OF LADIES MISSES AND CHILDRENS CALL EARLY AND SEE THEM, Broad Street, Athens, Ga. Stbkxt Car Driveis at Loooer- I1BAD8.—Tom Gann ani Grilfeth, both drivers for the Street tail way Company, are at loggerheads witheach other. Tom aaya that Griffeth maybe a*Christian and a brother, but he lon’t believe it, Griffeth, on the other hind, aaya that a meaner man don’t live tian Tom Gann. It was expected the: a difficulty would take place Tuesday figlt, but for cause or other it aid lot come off. All is quiet between the toys, and the only ' -n of unpleaaantnea is their injured lance wheu the cat pass by. * Both men are good drivers, and are popular with the railroad patres. An Intant PniNoxoNON.—Sunday night a Mr. Suddath vho lives on Mr. Pat Lester’s place nearjhena, had born unto him a son whost Weight waa be tween ten and eleven )unds. Twelve hours after the child's hth it could turn over on the bed and e closest watch had to be kept upon it tprerentit from rolling off. Though to days old the youngster waa so muscur and athletic that he could roll or three or four times. The infant is tharender, of tha neighborhood, and it foot definite! settled yet whether it la I be John Sul livan or Pat Kelley. A Brother Bitej A>thir.—Two colored men, brothers, w] work for Mr. Staucil Berwick at the caty farm, got into a fight yesterday mojng, and, as usual with negroes, bit anshewed each other in S very bad menu Out of the participants bit tha upperj of the other almost entirely off. earns to the city immi Dr. Lowry to dress hia were vary painful. Ha disfigured tor tha rest of trium|ltiaotly announces ’ in the ring. Returned Homs.—Potman Whit ney and family, of Chicaj who have beep wintering at the Comrdal Hotel, in this city, leave to-day fificir .home in the Northwest Whltnfraa one of the policemen wonndtd in ( Haymar- ket riot in Chicago. Ha tuhtirely re- caverad from hia wound, ah in excel lent health. He made mafrienda in Athens during his stay hey A Ladt Palm.—Yi s well known lady was al stops of Mrs. Howell Co' While talking with soma har balance and was paiz falling t# the ground. It one time that she waa sei She was taken into Mrs. where every attention waa Any Small Boy With a Ac—Can kill a. tiger, is the tiger haU to bo found when only a tittle cube con sumption, that deadliest and q feared White beans and peas at Pittman’s. The street force are still pegging away at Prince avenue. News from tha duelists was at a pre mium yesterdny. The city court was in session yester day fora short time. at ‘•-Augusts has been good &*(• the laatday or Judge Jackson, of Watkinaville, was in the city yesterday. Capt. Jere Hitch, of Jackson county, was in the city yesterday. A stiff wind made yesterday a rathe*- rather uncomfortable day. Mr. J. H. Fleming left yesterday for an extended country trip. Mr. Gantt, while still suffering from a sprained wrist, waa out yesterday. Mr. Jesse Daniel, of McNutt, was in the city yesterday for a few hours. Mr. T. W. Rucker, ef Birmingham, Ala, is in the city for a few days. Tho sick professors have all recovered and are hearing their classes as usual. Just received a new let of . handsome flowers at Hirschfleld ft Blumentbal’a. COSTUME VIGOGNE! Plain,Skirt, bordered with deep band of Flush, Lon.'; J'aliller of Vigogne, J*** 1 -' n **p**7i -aGiaotNiaB AfrA Cn*,,,, ' I’lu-li i: V..r-, 1 'o!hr. Epaulets and Pari-meuta. • HAT OR BONNET TO MATCH. TRIMMED IN THE NEW SHADES. EUCALIPTDS, AUBUSSON & V1EUX ROSE, TO BE FOUND ONLY AT • MICHAEL’ BROS., BROAD ani JACKSON 8T„ ATHENS, OA. ROB RICHELIEU, PARIS. marchlSilam. ssas&sai Baler pointed out the idantieal corner in war, and how tiiev hiad denorteuJJtwn- Which stood the bed on which I mad* selves and upheld tha family quored and e’a “Golden M* oyed early. Very few people were ir. the city yes terday, and but little trade waa done. There waa ice again yesterday morn ing, and a heavy frost along the water courses. Don’t forget to call and see Hirsch fleld ft Blumenthal’s handsome stook of imported flowers. Conductor Hutchins, of the fast train, makes hie runs regularly now. Hia health is much improved. The number ef the street care has not been reduced yet, and the public are cor respondingly happy. j Be sure and call at Hirschfleld ft Blu menthal’s and examine tha prettiest flow ers in the city. Very littlo water can be had a|. tha mineral spring now, owing to the wM toll ed condition of the pipe. The coatnue of the colored ebildre n whoattend the public schools ta to say tha least very picturesque. Mr. Daidrich Winter, on* of tha pro- [reaaive merchants of Wintarville, waa in Athens on avi.it yeatordar. Burke’s April eheetnnt cards are im- mcngely popular With tho boys and girls already. Go early and gat one. Tha “FsvSHte Preaeripton" of Dr. Pierce cores “female weakness” and kindred affections. By druggists. Monday la the opening day at Bireeb. field ft Blnmenthal’i, where the prettiest fiewers aver seen in theeity win be dis played. The trucks and horses were out for an airing yesterday afternoon, but the cold wind prevented the tiller scat from being occupied. Mu BiU Beusac has slot of chickens who will catch grains of corn thrown to tbam in their nswtfei. JThia is something unusual for ehickt4fC^))o. Mr.TomHudiotfjdoeaitot frelirre all the fruit hat beefi killed. Ha aaya he has never known this to occur in Mi The weather baa bean dry, whioh prevented extensive damage. If yon wish to got the very best meat the market affords be certain to call and examine my meat before yon buy else where. Yoo 'w!!! not oiuy be likely to cetbattvmeat but will also save money by doing so. Alex Nabors. The base ball game between the Flrat Junior!and Sophs waa too one-sided to be interesting. The gems waa aa un even aa tha grounds. Two of the beat falls from the LIGHT AS A FEATHER,” THE UTESt STYLES OF PICNIC HATS, TO BE 1 FOUND ONLY AT IUP0UTKB8 Of FOREIGN FL.O WEhS & HATS. This week we will put on Exhibition (ho Prettiest Line of Flowers ever brought to this market. Wo give yon a-cordial invitation to come and see them. H R8CHFELD 4 BLUMENTHAL. uar20dftw3m. No. 14, Broad Street, Athens, Ga. Cl HP, JEWELER. FEED -FOR- BEST MADE—TRY IT! We are heavily loaded on Corn, Flour, Oats, AT- ROCK son