Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1885 — The Author of “ Beulah.” [ARTICLE]

The Author of “ Beulah.”

One of the bright days of the Southern journey dates a visit to the home of Mrs. Wilson, among the many old-time beautiful residences which are in the suburban part of Mobile. Few in the North would know Augusta J. Evans as Mrs. Wilson, but the name of Miss Evans is familiar to all the lovers of literature in every section of the country. Her fine old mansion is thickly surrounded by live oaks in perpetual verdure, a profusion of shrubbery and camellia trees, radiant with thousands of bursting buds and blooming flowers. One tree, that had evidently been the object of special care, bore full 3,000 bright scarlet buds and flowers on its exquisitely symmetrical branches, and when in full bloom it must illumine the whole neighborhood. The visitors were •promptly admitted and greeted by the distinguished authoress in the hospitable style of the true Southern home. She was neatly clad in pretty gingham costume, and her welcome made all forgetful of formality. She lives and moves in a vast bower of flowers, all planted and nursed by her own hands, and she exhibits them with all the pride and affection of a Boman mother. Refreshments were served, and the one vacant place at the table had a napkin ring holding an exquisite white camellia. “That,” said Mrs. Wilson, “is my husband’s bouquet for to-day, and he has never been without one at any breaking of bread in our home since we were married, now sixteen years ago.” She discussed authors with freedom but in - generous kindness, and spoke sorrowfully of the decline in Southern literature, caused by the long trials and sacrifices of war. She inquired specially for Miss Brewster, of this city, and said that she had lately written to her, urging the reprint of new editions of her books. “I read no history of the war, ’’ she eaid, with the impressive pathos that only a woman could exhibit. “The story is too sad to me and to those who saw its terrible sweep of destruction to be rescued from forgetfulness.” She filled the hands of her visitors with flowers and their hearts with love. She is a model Southern housekeeper, takes entire charge of her plants and grounds and Jersey cows and horses, besides finding leisure to make rapid progress in her new book. “Ido it by having system,” was her answer, when asked how she managed to do so much. It was a pleasant hour, and it added another to the many specially memorable incidents of the journey in the South. —Philadelphia Times.