Voices; Birth-Marks; The Man and the ElephantHolt, Mathew Joseph
History
Voices; Birth-Marks; The Man and the Elephant
Holt, Mathew Joseph
Kentucky -- Fiction; Kentucky -- History
The night that Martin and his family spent at Jenkins’, John passed at
St. Asaph’s Plantation, in the most comfortable and commodious house he
had seen since leaving Jackson River. It was the home of General
Benjamin Logan, to whom his father had sent a letter introducing his
son, who was very cordially received. The two men had been friends when
both were officers in the Virginia militia. The General came to Kentucky
in 1775 and founded Logan Station; to which place he brought his family
from Holston, Virginia, in 1776.
He found the young people of the Station assembled at the house, and
participating in their amusements, soon became quite a favorite.
About 8 o’clock some negro musicians were called in and the company
started dancing. John attempted to withdraw from the room, but they
insisted that he join them and would listen to no excuse. He was led out
upon the floor and a daughter of General Logan was assigned as his
partner. The head musician’s name was Gallagher; and some of the crowd
called out: “Let her go, Gallagher.”
Then John making a sign for silence, stated: “I am licensed for the
ministry and it is my habit when I enter upon any unaccustomed thing or
business to ask the blessing of God upon it. As I am placed in an
unexpected position I ask permission to implore Divine guidance.” He
sank upon his knees and offered an impassioned prayer.
Several of those present began to weep, his partner among them,
declaring they would never dance again. They insisted that he talk to
them about their souls’ salvation. This he did and after he had finished
all sat together singing old and familiar hymns, led by John and
accompanied by the negro musicians. When the party broke up all agreed
that they had enjoyed the evening more than if they had spent it in
dancing.
John borrowed a horse from General Logan on which he rode to Danville,
arriving October 30, at eight o’clock in the evening. Inquiring the way,
he rode directly to Captain Fairfax’s house. Dismounting he knocked upon
the door, which after a moment was opened by Mrs. Fairfax.
“Good evening, Mrs. Fairfax. I have come to see Dorothy; she wrote that
she and her father were leaving for Boston on the first.”
“Come in, John, I am glad to see you. You are looking well. How are your
father and mother? Take that chair. I am so sorry, but Dorothy and her
father left yesterday morning and are by now at Limestone: from which
point they expect to travel up the Ohio and Monongahela to the head of
navigation; then over the mountains to the Potomac; thence by boat and
schooner to Boston.”
“But she wrote they would not leave before the first.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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