The Oskaloosa Herald

IN THE LAND O'COTTON

Mrs. Allen Tells of Pleasant Journey in the South.

Pine Bluff, North Carolina, Jan. 25, 1904.-Editor Herald:-Thinking you would like to hear of some of my goings and doings, and possibly some of my dear friends and the many readers of the Herald would be interested, since I bid adieu to many dear friends in dear Oskaloosa on the morning of the 30th of June last, in the delightful company of the Rev. McKnight and family, also Dr. Rodgers and family, and last but not least that good and most estimable lady, Miss Barton, the nurse. My trip was made most pleasant (except for the excessive heat) by the above mentioned persons from whom I received every attention possible; in fact, they seemed to vie with each other which should be the most attentive and helpful. We spent the first night in Chicago, the next on the train and the third at the Grand Central Hotel in New York City. On the morning of the 3d of July, I parted with these delightful friends in New York and took the train for New Milford, Conn., reaching my daughter, Minnie C. Botsford's home in time for dinner. My grand-daughter Lena was in waiting for me at the station and my long journey was at an end. Here I rested for six weeks, at which time I was called to my brother-in-law's, G. P. Allen's, in Woodbury, Conn., whose wife was very ill: near unto death as her friends thought. Thanks to our Heavenly Father, she is much improved at present. At the end of four weeks I myself was taken quite ill, so much so my friends became alarmed and sent for my daughter, who made haste to come to my bed side. She was with me six weeks, watching over me and ministering to my wants as none but an only daughter can. At last she took me to the very identical spot where I was born, where my only brother is living; here she left me when I was able to care for myself. I stayed there until the last of November, my native air acting as a tonic, my friends said. I felt better every day as I went in and out and breathed the pure, fresh air of those Bethlehem hills of my native land. While there I was reminded of so many, many things of my childhood: some very sad. When I beheld the great changes that had taken place in the immediate neighborhood, houses standing vacant, the inmates all gone, all have crossed the river it could not be otherwise than to arouse feelings of sadness. But all nature was the same: the dear old rocks and hills were unchanged: one rock in particular looked very familiar as I passed it: scenes of my girl hood were brought to mind. Sixty years and over have passed, but I was reminded of the many times when as school children on our way home we would stop, set our dinner pails down and play meeting: we would sing and preach. The very same steps which led to the top of the rock as though they had been cut for said purpose. Then, too, the whortleberry bushes just the same by the side of the road and in the fields. But the dear old chestnut trees were gone: been cut down. I was also reminded of the many times I would arise before any one was up in the house, get myself a bite to eat and start off alone with basket on my arm for nuts before light so as to be the first on the ground. Those were days of long ago. Then I went to the church of my childhood, "Congregationalist;" it, too, is changed, all made over, with stained glass windows and other changes, so that it was not homelike at all. I saw only four or five familiar faces. I also visited the graves of my ancestors as far back as grandfather. I spent with my brother his 88th birthday, in company with his children and some of his grandchildren and neighbors. We had a very pleasant time. He is a wonderfully preserved man for his age.

Well, I felt as the weather was getting quite cold I must bid adieu to the home of my childhood and get into winter quarters. So I returned to my daughter's and after the holidays, on the morning of the 5th of January, with the thermometer 16 below zero and good sleighing, she closed her house and we started for Pine Bluff North Carolina, (where all my friends will find me for the present.) The trip to this place was uneventful on our part. We were one hour late in getting into New York, which necessitated us to take a carriage across the city in order to reach the boat "Monroe" in time. "Old Dominion Line." The "Monroe" is a lovely, nice new boat and when once inside we knew nothing of the cold. It is 366 feet long with three decks: carpeted all over, steam heat and electric lights, and we were more comfortable than at home, in spite of the anxiety of the home friends; although the outlook was rather dubious, the boat was encased in ice and it did not look as though we could get out of the harbor, small tugs here and there fast in the ice, but when the time came we started and were soon out at sea. Soon after starting we betook ourselves to our state rooms for a rest, and after a refreshing sleep arose and dressed for a six o'clock dinner with a good appetite; and such a dinner! All the delicacies to tempt you, even to lettuce and ice cream. The vegetables were served in silver dishes. Had all colored waiters and when in your room all you had to do was to press a button and some one was at your door instanter to supply every want. I tell you, I think the boat is the ideal way to travel. I have never been a particle sea sick, so know nothing of that discomfort. The sea was very smooth all night, just motion enough to keep you sleeping. I had a good refreshing sleep and felt as good as new and ready for a good breakfast, which I assure you we had. After breakfast we put on our wraps and went out on deck. About nine o'clock the boat stopped at "Old Point Comfort" a few moments. We saw the large hotel there and the fort. It was a most lovely morning, bright and sunny, and the ice began to drop off the boat in large pieces. Well, all things have to come to an end, and so this trip must. At 10:30 we reached Norfolk, Va., and we had to leave the boat, although very reluctantly. On landing we took a 'bus and was driven to the "Atlantic Hotel" for a wait of nine hours. Spent the day very pleasantly in company of three others whom we had met on the boat. At nine p. m., we crossed the James river on a ferry boat and once again we took the train, the "Seaboard Air Line." At Portsmouth took a sleeper, went to bed and in the morning were at our destination safe and sound, in answer, I felt, to the many prayers that had been offered to the "Giver of all Good Things" in our behalf and for our safety. I think the Botsfords must be quite popular, for the first day we had nine calls, the next, five, and so on. We have been here a little over two weeks and it has been very cold some of the time; colder than the oldest inhabitants ever knew it to be; but last Friday, the 22d, we sat with windows and doors open. I could go on and describe our cottage, but I fear my letter is already too long and that our genial Editor Phil will not print it; but I will say we have a nice, new, plastered one and we are a party of ladies who occupy it, five in number. Now I would like to hear from any of my friends who care to write to me at this place.

Mrs. Abner Allen.