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4
Slept last night for the first time in 4 days, undisturded by mosquitoes and bugs. Up at 7. Breakfast as 8.
5
After breakfast Brother Cox, a leading member in the Methodist Church, took me in a buggy and gave me a very pleasant ride.
6
Albany has about 7,000 people. A R.R. center. Rich soil―fine fruit―grapes and pears.
7
Left Albany at 11:45 a.m. Reached Dawson about 2:30. Brother Whiting met me at the train. He is most gentle and sweet spiritual man I ever saw.
10
Dawson has 3 banks, 3 nice white churches, several good stores. Prejudice between Methodist and Baptist.
14
At 8:30 Alph. H. Wilkinson ("Donie") came to Brother Whiting's to take me to his home in Bronwood. After about a 2 hour pleasant drive we reached the small village of "Donie's"
15
"Donie's" home is unpretentious but neat and cool. His parents are very nice people, intelligent, honest, and kind.
16
By the way, "Donie", when he first went to the college last September, impressed everybody, teachers and boys, as a no account dude. But before long, he surprised all by his studiousness, brightness and blameless moral character. His parents are proud of him and well they may be.
17
Spent the whole afternoon in reading "Bufflo Bill", and exciting story.
21
A refreshing sleep last night.
22
Put most of the a.m. in reading "Bufflo Bill" with stops now and then to eat peaches.
23
Cool most of the morning. Left Bronwood for Dawson by 2 p.m. train. When I got to the latter place, went to Brother N.W. Dozier's house. Has a wretched afternoon there being no book or person to engage the mind in.
24
Brother Dozier is not only well known but much beloved. He is a very pious and kind hearted man.
25
Among the many and changeful fashions in the American female dress some are ridiculous. The so-called, "full-dress" is one. Suspenders are another. The ugliest sight, however, is to see a pair of long ribbons tied away up near the neck, and let down to the heels Red ribbons are worst.
29
Up and breakfasted at 6 a.m. Left Dawson at 8 rather gladly anitcipating the pleasure of meeting Brother Ellis and of being made to feel at home. When the train reached Richland. I fully expected to see Thom Ellis at the depot.
30
But I was miserably disappointed. No Ellis there. Waited for a while in the depot, but no one to meet me. "Is this the place." said I to myself sneeringly, "to which I looked forward with pleasure, before I came?"
31
Went to Miss Philip's where Ellis boards. The young lady coldly informed me that "Mr. Ellis had gone to Alabama." I was disgusted. The first impulse was to leave the town by the next train. But being told that my address had already been advertised I had to stay. Then I asked Miss Philips if I could board in her house a night. Her reply was that though she had a plenty of rooms she did not take transient boarders. Went to another boarding house with the same result. Finally found a room in the Richland Inn. Felt very indignant at the indifferent way in which Thom seemed to have arranged the matter for me. Slept until dinner.
32
At the table. I was introduced to Dr. Barnum, and old Emory boy. He said that Brother Ellis had requested him to look after me; but that he (the Dr.) had to be away to see patients. So I found that the neglect I met with this morning was not Brother Ellis' fault.
33
Spent the afternoon in reading "Maltese Cross" a detective story. There is nothing refining in it, but the story is exciting. The attraction of the book―and books like this―lies, at least for me, in the fact that redress of wrongs and punishment of crimes are prompt and thorough, while in actual life they are often slow and only partial.
34
Had a full house―very appreciative. After the exercise Dr. Ellid and Mrs. Myer offered homes for the night. They were very kind. But Homer Pearson a Sub-Fresh. classmate having come 7 miles to take me to his home, I had to prefer his hospitality to others.
35
Rode 7 miles in the moon light. I enjoyed the drive. Reached Homer's at 12 in the night.
38
Pearson's and Richland. My rest was much and very, very, disagreeably broken by the crying and yelling and whining to a spoiled boy. He kept up the racket for 2 or 3 hours without stop. He needs whipping infinitely more than humoring.
39
Brother Pearson, Homer's father, seems to be an excellent man He has seven boys and a pretty little girl. His home―only a log cabin of the better class―has the marks of honest poverty. Plain plank benches are used in the dining room. The biscuits are as large as my first and quite as hard. The chicken for the breakfast was fried so hard that it did not taste like meat. Am not finding fault―God forbia I record these simply as a variety of experiences.
40
Homer Pearson is one of the nicest boys in the College. He studies hard and knows it is not his business to be duding―which can not be said of many a poor boy. Homer will rise in life.
41
Watermelons, grapes, peaches―I enjoyed these luxuries very heartily this morning.
42
At 3 p.m. Homer and myself left his home for Richland―a hot, but pleasant drive.
43
Was put up at Mrs. Mayer's. Her home is one of the handsomest houses in the town.
44
To my surprise, some of the town folks got up a crowd in the church to hear me again in the night. Called on so unexpectedly that I was somewhat at a loss. Gave a short talk as a sequel to my address last night.
47
Buena Vista. At 9 a.m. took the Columbus Southern train for Columbus. Reached there about 11:15. Called on Brother Johnstone. Found him not very far from what expected―quiet and rather slow. Was glad to meet Brother Henry Trawick, a Vanderbilter.
48
After having made arrangement for next Monday, left Columbus at 4 p.m. for B. Vista. When I got there Clarke Wooten, an Emory graduate of 1892 met me at the train. Went to his residence.
49
Mrs. Wooten, Clarke's mother, is a strong and sensible woman. Her house and all its appointments, though not elegant, are substantial.
50
Clarke tried in every way to make my stay pleasant. He is exceedingly pleasant―but not very individual in character.
53
B. Vista. Attended the morning worship and heard Brother Clarke preach.
54
Stayed at home all the day.
55
At 6 p.m., went to Mrs. Law's to take tea. She being the sister of Mrs. Curtwright I was delighted to meet her.
56
Though the weather threatened a little the church was nearly full.6.00.
57
Went back to Mrs. Law's for the night.
58
I can be silent in company; but I can't be at ease in silence. This ought not to be.
59
Mina. the youngest girl of Mrs. Wooten, is ugly enough; yet she is ruder than ugly.
60
B. Vista is a pretty little town on a higher location than Columbus.
63
Columbus. Left B. Vista with all its kind and hospitable friends at 9 a.m. Reached Columbus about 11:30.
64
Spent most of the day in the parsonage (St. Luke's) in reading "The Pathfinder".
65
In the evening Miss Wooten, a pretty and lively girl whom I had met in La Grange F.C. came to see me with several other girls. I was very much honored by this kind visit.
66
Brother Trawick took me to the North Highland Part―the favorite resort of Columbians. The park is new; yet it promises to be a very pretty and attractive one. Supped at Dr. Tigher's. His home, wife, daughters and table―all are elegant.
70
West Point. Left Columbus at 9:30. While waiting for connection in Opelika, Ala., called on Dr. Maugum, the Meth. pastor. He promised me an audience for Thursday night.
71
Leaving Opelika at 2 p.m. reached West Point about 3:15.
72
Went to the parsonage; but Brother Foote was away. Most intensely did I wish for some water to bathe my face and hands but I couldn't see any chance. Mrs. Foote showed no sign of intention of giving me a room where I could rest my weary mind and body. I felt I was in the soup. But relief came and that from a quarter most unexpected. John Poe, an Emory boy who happened to pass by the parsonage, saw me and invited me to spend the night in his home―Heaven bless him for this kindness.
75
West Point. Mrs. and Mr. Poe are a worthy couple. Their home commands an extensive view as it is situated high above the town.
76
Began reading St. Elmo in the morning. Spent most of the day very enjoyably by playing the game of Authors with Miss Mary P. and another young lady. Miss Mary's face is not very pretty at the first sight; but the more you see, you can not help loving that pair of clear steel blue eyes, full of intelligence, determination and meaning, lighting up her fair complexion and well cut features.
77
Though a show interfered, there was a goodly crowd out in the church.
78
Spent the night with Arthur Baker in his fine home.
81
Opelika, Ala. After breakfast in Baker's home, Arthur and myself rode up to J. Poe's. Played the game of Authors until 9:30.
82
At 10 a.m. left West Point for Opelika. Got to the destination at 11:30. Went to the parsonage straight from the depot.
83
Read St. Elmo all the afternoon.
84
Had a fairly large audience in the S.S. room. All seemed to enjoy the talk.3.85 (!) an illiberality that might shame to stingy crowd of Trinity Church, Savannah, under Rev. Jarrell.
85
Dr. Maugum is a pleasant and well read man. He enjoys fun and (therefore) life.
86
From 10 in the night, I read St. Elmo on and on.
89
Opelika, West Point, La Gange. Continued reading until 4:30 this morning. Finished the book. Certainly St. Elmo is a very interesting book. The characters, especially Edna, are over drawn. At one time I thought Edna was the most hardhearted creature in the whole book, sacrificing every interest, friendship, love and Christian charity to selfish ambition and pride. Save me from a woman whose piety refuses a marriage by which a mother may be comforted, a sinner may be saved, friends may be reconciled and benefactors may be requited.
90
Left Opelika at 8:30. As soon as I reached West Point, went up to John Poer's home with Ben Freeman. Played the game of Authors until dinner.
91
Mrs. Poer is an excellent wife, mother, and friend. She trains up her children in the fear of the Lord. Temperance, kindness, religion rule in the family. None of her children is spoiled. What a contrast with the home training in which Scott and Arthur Baker are brought up! Mrs. Baker is a fine looking lady. Unfortunately from her mistaken idea of parental affection, she so pampered with the whim and caprice of her boys that, as bright as they are, they are spoiled beyond measure. Too much money, too much meaness―Mr. Baker, Arthur's Pa, is a kindly, active, business man.
92
Read a letter from Miss Lucy F. of Griffin.
93
At 2 p.m., with a very great reluctance, left the hospitable home of John Poer, likely, for ever.
94
Took the 2:55 train for La Grange.
95
Jim McClure met me at the train. Came to his house direct from the depot. Mrs. McCure―that charming and loveable mother of Jim―welcomed me as an old friend only could.
96
Took a nap from 5 p.m. till supper.
97
After supper, with Jim, went to the church to attend the first Epworth Leauge meeting, Leon Smith, an Emory graduate of 1892―led the meeting. There were twelve persons present―6 girls and 6 boys―besides the leader. The subject was temptation. I gave a minute or two talk.
98
Went to bed as soon as we got home.
101
La Gange; Newnan. Spent the morning in reading some and writing some.
102
About 11 a.m. Brother Leon Smith called on me and both went to his home. Played until dinner.
103
Leon is an Emory graduate of 1892. In and out of the callings, he maintains a pious character.
104
At 3 p.m., left La Grange for Newnan. When I go there.
105
I was disappointed at not being met; for of the few places I had the foolishness enough to expect cordial reception from, Newnan was one. Fortunately met O. Waltom, an Emory Sophomore. After seeing Mr. Y. Thompson and letting him know of my arrival, went out to Waltom's home about 6 miles from the town.
106
Found Waltom's father an excellent man, cheerful, kind, simple and clever.
109
Newnan. Spent about two hours very pleasantly in singing with Mr. Waltom.
110
The honest old log cabin is cheered and lighted by two pretty girls whose attraction made me wish to stay in the country longer.
111
The country folks about Newnan seem not, judging from their houses, as well off as those in Virginia, whom I saw last summer.
112
At 6 Waltom and I drove to town. Reached Newnan just in church time.
113
Was rather agreeably surprised to find the large church full to overflowing. Judge Turner made a neat little speech before collection.
114
Was delighted to meet Miss Mary Allen.
115
Went to Virginia House, as a guest of Dr. Johnson, an old Emoryian.
118
La Grange. Up early. At 7, called on Miss Mary Allen at the aunt's. Miss Mary received me far more corially than Misses Bonnell did.
119
Left Newnan at 8 a.m. better satisfied than I had feared. Reached La Grange about 10:30. Jim met me at the depot. Came to his home.
120
Though Mrs. McClure is an elegant and sweet lady, thought Jim and others try to make everything pleasant, the absence of sweet Hortense is sorely felt.
121
La Grange is a nice and substantial little town. The handsome residences lining Broad St. on both sides are a good comment on the wealth and taste of the owners.
124
The Rock Campmeeting. After a pleasant stay of a week under the hospitable roof of Mrs. Annie McClure, I left La Grange for Griffin at 9:30 a.m. Had to stay over in Newnan more than 5 hours to catch the train for my objective point.
125
Reached Griffin about 6 p.m. Paul, his sweet sister, Miss Luch Flynt met me. To my great surprise Miss Lucy informed me that Brother S. had left the town that morning without any direction whatsoever concerning me. So I, indignant, but happy to have seen Miss Lucy, went down to Baruse. Thence, bought a ticket to Thomaston. When I reached "The Rock" station, learning that Nath. was in the campmeeting, I thought it best to get off there.
126
Sick all the day with dull head.
129
"The Rock"; Thomaston.
130
Having stayed two days and two nights on the campground, I came down here with John Lewis, an Emoryian, to spend a day or two at his goodly home. A few wandering remarks on the campmeeting.
131
1. It was a novel sight―the plank tents all around the "stand" ―the strawed floors―the bright and smiling girls coming in and going out of the "tent" as white doves.
132
2. Oh the Sunday so many people came from all directions that some said there were 1500 or 2000. A large number of this crowd did not even pretend to worship―their sole purpose being, to have fun and see the sight.
133
3. The crowd under the gopsel tent once behaved so disorderly that the preacher had to remind them of the fact that they would be arrested for disturbing public worship if they didn't do better.
134
4. As the country becomes denser settled, campmeeting naturally enough goes out of fashion. Well it may, for, as a religious gathering campmeeting as it now appears, is a failure.
135
5. Four services everyday―From 8 to 10 a.m., 11-1 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 8-10 in the night.
136
6. The Rock is a small country village with a store and a depot.
137
On the whole, I was not much captivated by the campmeeting.
140
Griffin. Had a pleasant week in Thomaston, two days with John Lewis and two days with Nath. Thompson.
141
Came to Griffin last Saturday evening, Slept in the parsonage.
142
1. Nath's home, under the management of his stepmother, is the most well kept home I have visited during the summer. Everything is clean, and plentiful.
143
2. Brother Sasnett's home, the parsonage, is the worst kept home I have seen in my travel this summer. The room where I was put up was the smelliest I have ever seen. The dining room is in a most repulsive condition for an American home. A fork stuck deep in butter, the unwashed glasses and cups, the untidy table cloth, the dusty floor, the smells of all sorts from the bed rooms, from the well, and from rags make the dining room very uninviting. Nothing but ham, biscuit and coffee and batter cake.
144
The study (in which I slept) has a goodly number of books, but none of them seemed to be much used. The fence is all down in the back part of the house. The kitchen and the regions thereabout are terribly dirty. The children are spoiled. No wonder, Brother S. tries to be off, on every possible opportunity.
145
Brother S. is a clever man. But the neglect to which he has abandoned his home is simply astonishing. This may be largely the fault of his wife, who, by the way, is a sister of Will Burke, now in Shanghai.
146
3. Had a nice audience, in spite of the campmeeting now going on at Mt. Zion.
147
4. Last Monday, I made up my mind to quit smoking altogether under T.R. I do not think it sin to smoke. But when I was in La Gange, I not only connived at Jim's smoking cigarettes against his parents' will, but also I almost encouraged him by buying tobacco and pipe for myself. This was wrong on my part. So away with smoking!
150
Griffin, Mt. Zion, Thomaston. Got up at 4:30 a.m. Gladly went out to the fresh morning air from the very sickening room in the parsonage. Walked out to Miss Lucy's home. Was very happy to see her. Breakfasted at her house.
151
Left Griffin at 9:55 a.m. for the Mt. Zion campground. Nath, was with me. Got off at Voughn and walked 3 miles to the campmeeting. Mt. Zion has much finer ground than The Rock. Gave a talk at 3 p.m. The people were very cordial, many―more than a hundred, shaking hands with me. They gave me7.95.
152
Came down to Thomaston to rest a night.
155
Thomaston and Greenville. Spend the a.m. in Thomaston. Took dinner at John Lewis' home. Left Thomaston at 12 for Greenville. The Bermingham and Macon road is such a poor concern that it took 3 hours to run 27 miles. Had to wait 4 hours in Harris City (a small station) for the Greenville train.
156
Reached Greenville about 7:30. Lowrie Ellis, an Emoryan met me at the depot and took me to his home.
157
Lowrie's father is a very good merchant in the town. His house is small but neatly and comfortably kept. His sister, (Lowrie's aunt) Miss Arvilla, is a cultured, affectionate and charming lady. She is perfectly devoted to her brother and to Lowrie.
158
Found letters from Mrs. McClure and Miss Mary Allen waiting for me.
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