My Diary: North and South (vol. 2 of 2)

My Diary: North and South (vol. 2 of 2)

Friday, June 14th.Last night with my good host from his plantation to the great two-storied steamer General Quitman, at Natchez. She was crowded with planters, soldiers and their families, and as the lights shone out of her windows, looked like a walled castle blazing from double lines of embrasures. The Mississippi is assuredly the most uninteresting river in the world, and I can only describe it hereabout by referring to the account of its appearance which I have already givennot a particle of romance in spite of oratorical patriots and prophets, can ever shine from its depths, sacred to cat and buffalo fish, or vivify its turbid waters. Before noon we were in sight of Vicksburg, which is situated on a high bank or bluff on the left bank of the river, about 400 miles above New Orleans and some 120 miles from Natchez. Mr. MacMeekan, the proprietor of the Washington, declares himself to have been the pioneer of hotels in the far west; but he has now built himself this huge caravanserai, and rests from his wanderings. We entered the dining saloon, and found the tables closely packed with a numerous company of every condition in life, from generals and planters down to soldiers in the uniform of privates. At the end of the room there was a long table on which the joints and dishes were brought hot from the kitchen to be carved by the negro waiters, male and female, and as each was brought in the proprietor, standing in the centre of the room, shouted out with a loud voice, Now, then, here is a splendid goose! ladies and gentlemen, dont neglect the goose and apple-sauce! Heres a piece of beef that I can recommend! upon my honour you will never regret taking a slice of the beef. Oyster-pie! oyster-pie! never was better oyster-pie seen in Vicksburg. Run about, boys, and take orders. Ladies and gentlemen, just look at that turkey! whos for turkey?and so on, wiping the perspiration from his forehead and combating with the flies. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 68126
Author: Russell, William Howard
Release Date: May 19, 2022
Format: eBook
Language: English
Publisher: Bradbury and Evans
Publication Date: 1863
Publisher Country: United Kingdom