n many instances, are thrilling. But as we are writing
our own recollections, I shall only notice in a few cases what I have
been told by others.

CHAPTER VII.

MANY CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

It is pleasant to me that I can take a retrospective view of the past
and note the many changes that have taken place within my
recollection. Many sad changes have taken place within the past fifty
years. Dynasties have arisen, lived and have had their day; they have
fallen, and are known as things that were. But four of the companions
of my school-boy days are living, and it is only now and then that we
meet with one. The Rev. R. H. Jones, of Norfolk, is the only one that
we have seen or known away from Suffolk. The honored landmarks of the
town are few, and soon must be less. Benjamin Riddick, the present
mayor of the town, is perhaps the oldest citizen in it. Judge P. B.
Prentice, the polished gentleman--his manly form can be seen on our
streets, as he, with intrepid steps, passes along; he is the oldest
native citizen and possesses a mind as active and vigorous as when
young. John Hoffman, Esq., is another of the landmarks of the town. He
has lived nearly his four-score years. Whitmill Jones, Esq., is
another of our old friends. His steps are feeble and trembling. The
last of the old pioneers of Suffolk whom we shall notice is James B.
Norfleet, Esq. He is perhaps more generally known than any man who has
ever lived in the place. He conducted for many years a very extensive
mercantile and lumber business, but fell a victim to his generous
impulses. The cypress that was known as the "apple tree," which stood
in the Lake a short distance to the left of the "Lock," has been blown
down or washed up with its roots, and in a short time nothing will be
seen of it. The house which stood not very far from the western shore
of the Lake and occupied by a family known as Draper, has been washed
away and nothing left to show that a human habitation ever had any
existence there. Before the late war a pleasure boat was kept by the
company for the accommodation of parties that wished to visit the
Lake, and it was customary for several parties to go in early Spring,
commencing about the first of May, that being the most pleasant time
and nature about to put on her coat of green. But few parties now
venture in, owing to the inconvenience that attend, and when they do
go they have to get in the best way they can. The pleasure boat and