The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
as earnestly strove to quiet Judge M.'s
uneasiness, by assuring him that he had not understood the remark as
offensive. In their eagerness, the one to apologize, and the other to
show that no apology was necessary, they interrupted each other two or
three times: at length Mr. R. effectually silenced his friend, by
saying, "I know the goodness of his heart too well to have supposed it
possible that he could have intended to give me pain. Sir, I believe,
that like 'My Uncle Toby,' _he would not even hurt a fly_."
A visiter in Richmond during the Convention, being at the market one
morning before sunrise, saw the Chief Justice of the United States, in
the blue-mixed woollen stockings and the plain black suit (far from
superfine) which he usually wore, striding along between the rows of
meat and vegetables, catering for his household; and depositing his
purchases in a basket, carried by a servant. But it was his frequent
custom to go on this errand, unattended; and nothing was more usual,
than to see him returning from market at sunrise, with poultry in one
hand, and a basket of vegetables in the other. So beautifully, by a
simplicity which pervaded his words, his actions, his whole life, did
he illustrate the character of a republican citizen and magistrate!
No man more highly relished social, and even convivial enjoyments. He
was a member of the club, which for 48 summers has met once a
fortnight near Richmond, to pitch quoits and mingle in relaxing
conversation: and there was not one more delightedly punctual in his
attendance at these meetings, or who contributed more to their
pleasantness: scarcely one, who excelled him in the manly game, from
which the "Quoit-Club" drew its designation. He would hurl his iron
ring of two pound's weight, with rarely erring aim, fifty-five or
sixty feet; and, at some _chef-d'œuvre_ of skill in himself or his
_partner_, would spring up and clap his hands, with all the
light-hearted enthusiasm of boyhood. Such is the old age, which
follows a temperate, an innocent, and a useful life! We extract from
the American Turf Register of 1829, the following entertaining account
of this Club.
During a recent visit to Richmond, in Virginia, I was invited to a
"Barbecue Club," held under the shade of some fine oaks, near
"Buchanan's Spring," about a mile distant from the town. I there met
with about thirty of the respectable inhabitants of Richmond, with a
few guests. The day was a fine one, and the free and social
intercourse of the members rendered it peculiarly pleasant.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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