REV. DR. JOHN N. WADDELL.
Dr. Waddell is a man of considerable talent, but his prejudices are very strong against the North. He cordially hates a Yankee, and his poor distressed wife, who was a native of New England, was compelled to return to her home, where she mourns in virtual widowhood her unfortunate connection with a man who detests her land and people. Dr. Waddell’s sermons are very abusive. The North is the theme of animadversion in all the published sermons and addresses I have seen from his prolific pen. He has prostituted his fine talents, and his writings are full of cursing and bitterness. As President of La Grange College, Tennessee, he might wield a great influence for good—an influence which would tend to calm the storm aroused by demagogues, rather than increase its power. His memory will rot, for the evil which he has done will live after him.
MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM NELSON.
I met General Nelson frequently at his head-quarters at Iuka Springs, Mississippi. Though the General was quite brusque in his manners, yet he always treated me with kindness and marked attention. Once while seated at the table with him, several guests being present, the following colloquy ensued.
“Parson Aughey, I suppose you are well versed in the Scriptures, and in order to test your knowledge, permit me to ask a question, which doubtless you are able to answer.”
“Certainly, General, you have permission to ask the question you propose. I am not so sure, however, about my ability to answer it.”
“The question I desire to propose is this—How many preceded Noah in leaving the ark?”
“I am unable to answer, sir.”
“That is strange, as the Bible so plainly and explicitly informs us. We are told that Noah went forth out of the ark; therefore three must have preceded him.”
The General’s wit “set the table in a roar.” As soon as the mirth had subsided, I addressed the General: