Mid-afternoon the next day, Martin drove up to Jenkins’, and was received with great friendliness.
“Well, I expected you yesterday. Young Campbell told me you were coming, to make ready the feast and kill the fatted calf. This has been done. Get out; the place is yours.” And they were entertained in Jenkins’ best style.
John was the chief subject of conversation, each telling the other such a tale as suited his fancy and both vieing to make him the greater hero. Jenkins told how young Campbell had saved his life, having put to rout a band of robbers, of three white men and two Indians; and his guest, of how the hero swam into the turbid waters of the Cumberland and after rescuing his entire family from drowning, saved one of his horses, pulled his loaded wagon out of the river, gave him his own saddle horse and some money; and being in a great hurry rushed off afoot.
The night that Martin and his family spent at Jenkins’, John passed at St. Asaph’s Plantation, in the most comfortable and commodious house he had seen since leaving Jackson River. It was the home of General Benjamin [pg 196] Logan, to whom his father had sent a letter introducing his son, who was very cordially received. The two men had been friends when both were officers in the Virginia militia. The General came to Kentucky in 1775 and founded Logan Station; to which place he brought his family from Holston, Virginia, in 1776.
He found the young people of the Station assembled at the house, and participating in their amusements, soon became quite a favorite.
About 8 o’clock some negro musicians were called in and the company started dancing. John attempted to withdraw from the room, but they insisted that he join them and would listen to no excuse. He was led out upon the floor and a daughter of General Logan was assigned as his partner. The head musician’s name was Gallagher; and some of the crowd called out: “Let her go, Gallagher.”
Then John making a sign for silence, stated: “I am licensed for the ministry and it is my habit when I enter upon any unaccustomed thing or business to ask the blessing of God upon it. As I am placed in an unexpected position I ask permission to implore Divine guidance.” He sank upon his knees and offered an impassioned prayer.
Several of those present began to weep, his partner among them, declaring they would never dance again. They insisted that he talk to them about their souls’ salvation. This he did and after he had finished all sat together singing old and familiar hymns, led by John and accompanied by the negro musicians. When the party broke up all agreed that they had enjoyed the evening more than if they had spent it in dancing.
John borrowed a horse from General Logan on which he rode to Danville, arriving October 30, at eight o’clock [pg 197] in the evening. Inquiring the way, he rode directly to Captain Fairfax’s house. Dismounting he knocked upon the door, which after a moment was opened by Mrs. Fairfax.
“Good evening, Mrs. Fairfax. I have come to see Dorothy; she wrote that she and her father were leaving for Boston on the first.”