Yorkville Enquirer

For the Yorkville Enquirer.
CHRISTMAS AT FORT MILL.

TIRZAH, S. C., Dec. 31, 1875.

That we might enjoy a short respite from the cares of home, by special invitation we left for Fort Mill on the morning of the 25th, taking a circuitous route via Rock Hill. Tarrying in that sprightly town a short while, we resumed our journey in the direction of Moore's Ferry, which we soon reached; and after exhausting our patience, waiting for the tardy ferryman, that functionary at length appeared, and by him we were safely borne to the opposite shore. In the afternoon we arrived in Fort Mill, and divesting ourselves of our traveling habiliments and partaking of some refreshments, we were ready for any festive scenes that might be presented.

Soon the town was all aglow with excitement, in view of the masquerade ball. The hour to which many had looked forward with eager anticipation arrived, and youthful hearts beat in anxious suspense for the dance. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens and winter flowers, entwined over and around the walls, interspersed with appropriate mottoes, all brilliantly lighted up by an elegant chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The masqueraders, in a variety of costumes, soon appeared upon the floor, and then

"hundred hearts beat rapidly, and when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell."

Those en masque monopolized the dance for awhile; but at length the costumes being dispensed with, all present had the opportunity given them of joining in the dance. Your correspondent, however, did not participate for want of a partner, but was content to feast his eyes upon the gay dancers and fascinating beauties of the ball-room. Having enjoyed ourself until enjoyment ceased to be a pleasure, we returned to our room, where sweet sleep and pleasant dreams soon took possession of us.

The next morning we were aroused from our slumbers by the noise of fireworks, announcing that Christmas had come. The day dawned dark and gloomy, threatening rain; yet a considerable number of people had assembled in town, and were in the height of their enjoyment, until suddenly the cry of "Fire!" was sounded. Through the prompt action of the Hook and Ladder Company, and the timely aid of a colored bystander, the fire was soon extinguished, with no further damage than the loss of a few old shingles.

Nothing further occurred to mar the festivities of the day, until late in the afternoon, when a street fracas occurred. One of the combatants, however, doubtless calling to mind the old adage of "he who fights and runs away," &c., fled precipitately and the row ended. Another fight, occurring soon after, closed the pugilistic encounters of the day.

Next morning being the Sabbath, every thing wore a different and more peaceful aspect than characterized the day previous. We had the pleasure of hearing a splendid sermon, appropriate to the commemoration of Christmas day preached by Rev. Mr. Mack, who is soon to take charge of the Presbyterian Church at this place. Monday being the day for the installing of the officers of the Masonic Lodge, by the invitation of friends, we had the pleasure of enjoying a sumptuous dinner given on the occasion; after installation ceremonies. This being over, those present, who had not been initiated into the mystic order, retired to the base-ball grounds and witnessed an exciting game of this manly sport.

The evening closed with a repetition of the gaieties of the ball-room of Christmas Eve, the gallant beaux and dazzling beauties once more assembling for the merry dance.

Thus ended a season highly enjoyed and long to be remembered by many; and Tuesday morning, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, we bid adieu to our friends, and were soon on our way through mud and slush, until dark overtook us. Calling a halt, we stopped with a friend for the night, and next morning were once more on the road for home; but on reaching a neighboring farm-house, we were cordially invited to stop and participate with some social friends in a Christmas dinner, which invitation we accepted, prolonging our stay until next morning, when we made another start for home, arriving that day, and feeling considerably improved in mind and body by what we had seen and enjoyed.

G.