for Corunna’s celebrities. There Winthrop was introduced to the Reverend Mr. Fillock, the Presbyterian minister; to Mr. “Ham” Somes, the proprietor of the principal drug store; to Colonel Byers, in from his plantation a few miles outside of town to look up an express shipment, and the postmaster himself, Major Warren, who displayed an[146] empty sleeve and, as Winthrop’s guide explained, still never took a drink without preceding it with the toast, “Secession, sah!” [146] When Colonel Byers alluded to the missing express package the Major chuckled. “Colonel,” he said, “’taint another of those boxes of hardware, is it?” The Colonel laughed and shook his head, and the Major turned to Winthrop with twinkling eyes. “You see, Mr. Winthrop, the Colonel got a box of hardware by express some years ago; from Savannah, wan’t it, Colonel?” “Atlanta, sir.” “Well, anyhow, the Colonel was busy and didn’t get into town right away, and one day he got a letter from the express agent, saying: ‘Please call for your box of hardware as it’s leaking all over the floor.’” The Colonel appeared to enjoy the story quite as much as the Major, and Winthrop found their mirth quite as laugh-provoking as the tale. [147] [147] “And I have heard that the Colonel never got to town in as quick time as he did then!” “Morning, Harry,” said the Major, turning to the newcomer. “I reckon you heard just about right, Harry. I want to introduce you to my friend Mr. Winthrop, of New York, sir. Mr. Winthrop, shake hands with Mr. Bartow. Mr. Bartow, sir, represents us at the Capital.” “I’m honored to make your acquaintance, sir,” said the Honorable Mr. Bartow. “You are staying with us for awhile, sir?” “Yes, probably for a few months,” replied Winthrop. “Good, sir; I am pleased to hear it. You must give me the pleasure of taking dinner with me some day, sir. I’ll get the
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