following, your grandfather took us to Mobile and settled
us for the winter. Soon after which we returned home, by way of the
eastern cities, for the purpose of purchasing his stock of goods for
the next spring.

After again taking leave of the dearest objects of his earthly
affection, he pursues his solitary way. From "Charleston, Dec. 22nd,
1847," he writes:

"My Dear Daughter: To redeem my promise to write alternately to
you and dear mother, I date my first to you from this City of Palms. I
wrote from Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, last, sitting in the
Senate chamber, which was beautifully adorned with curtains, and
furnished with rosewood desks and rosewood and damask velvet cushioned
chairs; everything having the air of majesty--the majesty of the
sovereign people. Since which time, I have been compelled to descend
from my lofty flights to the real democracy, as I have had rough
traveling, and the roughest kind of fare. After two and one-half days'
hard traveling (night and day), I arrived her yesterday afternoon,
completely worn out, and determined to lay over one day at this place.
Having slept soundly, and removed the lamp-black and dust, I feel this
morning quite well again, and shall leave to-day for Wilmington, North
Carolina, by sea, in a fine steamer. The weather is very fine, and I
think I shall have a quick and pleasant journey."

"I had the honor of traveling with Maj. Gen. Quitman and family
from Montgomery to Augusta, George, where he was invited to remain and
receive the congratulations of the citizens. The General, accustomed
to command, could not well put up with the little deference paid him by
his fellow-travelers, and was much annoyed that they were not
restrained until he and his family were provided for. He is expected
here to-day, and all the military are ordered out to receive him.
General Shields has been here for several days, feasted and honored by
this city, and the capital, Columbia, where the Legislature have voted
him a splendid sword, the use of which he has so well practiced in
Mexico."

"This is really a very beautiful and pleasant city, and has much
of a business appearance. The streets are wide. It has a fine
market-house. The Citadel is an old-fashioned fort, now used as a
military school; for you must know that South Carolina is, or claims to
be, the most chivalrous State in the Union; and her great men--Mr.
Calhoun, Preston, McDuffy, and a host of others-