Arrived at the landing, Daddy Bob and
Harry, full of cares, are hurrying several prime fellows, giving
orders to subordinate boatmen about getting the substantial on
board,--the baskets of champagne, the demijohns, the sparkling
nectar. The young beaux and belles, mingling with their dark sons
and daughters of servitude, present a motley group indeed-a scene
from which the different issues of southern life may be faithfully
drawn.
A band of five musicians, engaged to enliven the sports of the day
with their music, announce, "All on board!" and give the signal for
starting by striking up "Life on the Ocean Wave." Away they speed,
drawn by horses on the bank, amidst the waving of handkerchiefs, the
soft notes of the music reverberating over the pine-clad hills.
Smoothly and gently, onward they speed upon the still bosom of the
Ashly;-the deep, dark stream, its banks bedecked with blossoms and
richest verdure, is indeed enough to excite the romantic of one's
nature. Wild, yet serene with rural beauty, if ever sensations of
love steal upon us, it is while mingling in the simple
convivialities so expressive of southern life. On, on, the barge
moved, as lovers gathered together, the music dancing upon the
waters. Another party sing the waterman's merry song, still another
trail for lilies, and a third gather into the prow to test champagne
and ice, or regale with choice Havannas. Marston, and a few of the
older members, seated at midships, discuss the all-absorbing
question of State-rights; while the negroes are as merry as larks in
May, their deep jargon sounding high above the clarion notes of the
music.
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