The
negroes, delighting in a service and occasion of the kind--in which,
by-the-way, they generally make the most conspicuous figures--though
somewhat sluggish as couriers usually, are now not merely ready, but
actually swift of foot. The place of worship and the preacher are duly
designated, and, by the time appointed, as if the bell had tolled for
their enlightenment, the country assembles at the stated place; and
though the preacher may sometimes fail of attendance, the people never
do.
The spot appointed for the service of the day was an old grove of
gigantic oaks, at a distance of some five or six miles from the village
of Chestatee. The village itself had not been chosen, though having the
convenience of a building, because of the liberal desire entertained by
those acting on the occasion to afford to others living at an equal
distance the same opportunities without additional fatigue. The morning
was a fine one, all gayety and sunshine--the road dry, elevated, and
shaded luxuriantly with the overhanging foliage--the woods having the
air of luxury and bloom which belonged to them at such a season, and the
prospect, varied throughout by the wholesome undulations of valley and
hill, which strongly marked the face of the country, greatly enlivened
the ride to the eye of our young traveller.
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