manhood, just before eating to take a toddy,
made of the juice of the Cider Berry, prepared in this county, and is
the only medicine used in my family. The farmers of this county have a
peculiar way of preparing it, and everybody that has used it speak of
the good qualities which it possesses. Some say that its use, when you
feel badly, will cause you to feel good, and to use it when you feel
good will make you feel bad. It always makes me feel good, and I am
remarkably fond of it. The oftener you take this medicine the better
you will like it. There is sugar and honey; a little of either added
will make it much more palatable, as honey is soothing and acts well
for the lungs. I will try the honey." This being disposed of they
proceed to supper, Colonel Ridley leading the way to the supper-room,
and on entering found the family all standing, waiting. They were soon
seated, and on the table before them was placed a good old-fashioned
Virginia supper. Addressing himself to Mrs. Ridley, Col. Godfrey said:
"Madame, I fear that you have, on this occasion, put yourself to some
unnecessary trouble on my account." "Not in the least," graciously
responded that lady. Then turning to Col. Ridley, Colonel Godfrey
said, "You were quite right, Colonel, when you said that the 'juice'
would make one feel good; it has had that effect on me already, and I
feel that I can do ample justice to this fine supper." "I am glad you
think so," returned Colonel Ridley; "nothing pleases me more than to
see my visitors eat heartily; help yourself, it does appear to me that
one who has been riding all day would not require any artificial means
of inducing an appetite." "Colonel," said Mrs. Ridley, "I suppose this
is your first visit to the county?" "No, madame," replied Col.
Godfrey, "I passed through a portion of it several years ago to locate
some lands on the Nottoway river, and as there appears to be some
dispute about the titles, I am on my way to look after it." "Yes," she
said, "I heard you were coming and am truly glad you made it
convenient to come this way, and besides you are on the direct road;
do you apprehend any trouble?" "Not the least; my papers are
authenticated, and I have only to present them." "I hope," she said,
"that you will find it as you have stated." Supper being over they all
repaired to the sitting-room. Colonel Ridley had a daughter whose
husband, a colonel of infantry, had been killed in the war of the
Revolution and lar