“Mr. R. I came to tell you that my cow you gave me has died.”
“What did you say, my good woman?” asked Mr. R., who was quite deaf.
The woman repeated in a louder voice, “The cow you gave me has died. And she died because I didn’t have anything to feed her with.”
Turning to us, his countenance full of compassion, he said: “I ought to have thought about that, and should have sent the food for her cow.” Then speaking to the woman: “Well, my good woman, I will give you another cow to-morrow, and send you plenty of provision for her.” And the following day he fulfilled his promise.
Another incident occurs to me, showing the generous heart of this truly good man. One day on the Virginia and Tennessee train observing a gentleman and lady in much trouble, he ventured to enquire of them the cause, and was informed they—the gentleman and his wife—had lost all their money and their railroad tickets at the last station.
He asked the gentleman where he was from, and on “what side he was during the war.”
“I am from Georgia,” replied the gentleman, “and was, of course, with the South.”
“Well,” said Mr. R., pulling from his capacious pocket a capacious purse, which he handed the gentleman, “help yourself, sir, and take as much as will be necessary to carry you home.”
The astonished stranger thanked him sincerely, and handed his card, saying: “I will return the money as soon as I reach home.”
Returned to his own home, and relating the incidents of his trip, Mr. R. mentioned this, when one of his nephews laughed and said: “Well, Uncle R., we Virginia people are so easily imposed upon! You don’t think that man will ever return your money do you?”