with the compliment paid to me and my distant country, by Captain Strode, now here on a visit from Fayette-Ville, who entrusted to me, though a perfect stranger to him and all here, an unsealed letter full of cash for his lady, to whom I was requested to forward it by the first safe conveyance. "Before my marriage," said the captain, "I had a splendid carriage and a pair of the finest horses in the world, given me by a friend, but now gifts are few and unwanted." He seems to love his old mother-country, and says, "I think king, lords, and commons to be the best system of government for old England, if the commons were but good and faithful."
Arrived at fair Camden at six o'clock, p. m.[12] First and again crossed the Wateree river, in the stage, on a flat. Called on I. K. Douglas, Esq., who was not at home. Took a hasty view of this good and growing town, sacred to revolutionary blood and battles, and where my uncle Henry, the loyal British colonel, lived, loved, fought, ran away, and lived to fight another day.
Sunday, 16th.—Called a second time at the {55} mansion of Mr. Douglas; not at home. I thought myself slighted, but found, on meeting him at the Presbyterian church, that I was mistaken. He had called at my hotel, and waited at the church-door for me, where he kindly engaged to drive, or find guard, horses, and carriage, to conduct me, to his and my late uncle's friend, General Cantey. From two gentlemen present, I learned many anecdotes of my uncle, Colonel Rugeley. He was a favourite royalist, but often hesitated; yet, by the advice and reasoning of his friend, Colonel Chesnut, (lately
