Pacts Inc
  • Home
  • The Code
  • About
    • Contact
    • PACTS Family
    • FAQ
  • Member / Donor
  • Involved
    • Literacy Programs
    • Sports P
    • Surveys
  • Learning Center
    • Audio
    • Politics >
      • Congressional Report Card
      • Representatives
      • Senators
    • Books
    • Survival
    • Legal Cases
    • Videos
  • Store

Removal from Sodus to Bath

  • RSB 1
  • RSB 2
<
>
​Capt. Helm went to Virginia for his family, and returning with them, concluded to locate his future residence in the village of Bath, Steuben County. He purchased a large tract of land near the village, a large grist mill, and two saw mills; also, two farms; one called the "Maringo," east of the village; and the other, called "Epsam," north of it; and a fine house and lot in the village. He also kept a distillery, which in those days was well patronized, for nearly every body drank whisky; and with Capt. Helm it was a favorite beverage.

The slaves were removed to Bath, where our master was well suited, and was everywhere noted for his hospitality. He had a great deal of land to cultivate, and carried on a multiplicity of business.

Soon after we were settled at Bath, Capt. Helm's eldest daughter, Jenny, was married to Mr. John Fitzhugh, her cousin, who had come from Virginia to claim his bride.

The wedding was a splendid affair. No pains were spared to make it more imposing than any thing that had ever happened in that country. Never before had the quiet village of Bath seen such splendor. All that wealth, power and ambition could do, was done to make the event one of great brilliancy. Europe contributed her full proportion; Turkey, the Indias, East and West, were heavily taxed to produce their finest fabrics to adorn the bride and bridal guests; and contribute delicacies to add elegance to the festal scene. Two days previous to the wedding, the invited guests began to arrive with their retinue of servants, and on the evening of the marriage the large mansion was thrown open, and there was the most magnificent assemblage I ever beheld. In the drawing-room, where the ceremony took place, every thing was surpassingly elegant. Costly chandeliers shed their light on the rich tapestry, and beautiful dresses glittering with diamonds, and the large mirrors everywhere reflecting the gay concourse. While the servants were preparing supper it was announced that the hour had arrived for the ceremony to commence. The bridal pair took their place in the center of the apartment. Pearls, diamonds, and jewelry glittered on the bride with such luster, that it was almost painful to the eye to look upon her.
​The minister, after asking God to bless the assembled guests, and those he was about to unite in the holy bonds of wedlock, proceeded in a very solemn and impressive manner with the marriage service. The ceremony concluded, and good wishes having been expressed over the sparkling wine, the man of God took his leave, two hundred dollars richer than when he came. The company were all very happy, or appeared so; mirth reigned supreme, and every countenance wore a smile. They were seated at tables loaded with luxuries of every description, and while partaking, a band of music enlivened the scene.

All business was suspended for several days, the wedding party making a tour of ten days to Niagara Falls. After a while, however, affairs assumed their usual aspect, and business took its regular routine.

The grist mill belonging to the Captain was the only one for many miles around, and was a source of great profit to him; the saw mills also, were turning out a large quantity of lumber, which was in good demand; and the distillery kept up a steaming business. It yielded, however, a handsome income to Capt. Helm, who was now, for the first time since I knew him, overseeing his affairs himself, dispensing altogether with the service of a regularly installed overseer.

The oldest son of our master had been absent from home for sometime, nor did he return to attend his sister's grand wedding. He had sought and obtained a commission in the United States service as a Lieutenant. This had been his own choice; he had preferred the service and hardships of a soldier, to a plantation well stocked with slaves, and the quietude of domestic life. He had cheerfully given up his friends and prospects as a planter, and entered the service of his country. Frank Helm, the second son, soon followed the example of his older brother, Lina. He obtained a like commission, but he did not, like his brother, get along quietly. His prospects as an officer were soon blighted, and all hope of being serviceable to his country vanished forever.

Previous Section                       Twenty-Two Years a Slave, and Forty Years a Freeman By Austin Steward                           Next Section             

Have a discussion about the content above
PACTS Inc is a 501c3 Organization, Donations and gifts are tax deductable

Pacts Inc.

We Are What We Have Been Waiting For!

Become a Member

Membership Options


​Become a Donor


PACTS Mission

PACTS Inc. is a Black Development Organization aimed at developing the Black Community to its maximum potential through a focus on culture, education, and economics with the traits of hard work, honesty, and integrity. We will educate, litigate, incorporate, and if necessary resuscitate the community at large or in pieces whenever and wherever necessary.

Help Us

Be sure to volunteer your opinions with our surveys. Volunteer your time by getting involved. Donate to the cause, and its tax free.

Support Pacts when you shop with Amazon buy using Amazon Smile with Pacts selected or click below.
Picture
Picture
Copyright © 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Site is Powered by Pit Web Design
  • Home
  • The Code
  • About
    • Contact
    • PACTS Family
    • FAQ
  • Member / Donor
  • Involved
    • Literacy Programs
    • Sports P
    • Surveys
  • Learning Center
    • Audio
    • Politics >
      • Congressional Report Card
      • Representatives
      • Senators
    • Books
    • Survival
    • Legal Cases
    • Videos
  • Store