noon
It was `` Colonel '' A -- . This title , I afterward learned , was merely honorary : and I may as well remark here , that nearly every one at the South who has risen to the ownership of a negro , is either a captain , a major , or a colonel , or , as my ebony driver expressed it : `` Dey 'm all captins and mates , wid none to row de boat but de darkies . '' On hearing the name , I recognized it as that of one of the oldest and most aristocratic South Carolina families , and the new guest as a near relative to the gentleman who married the beautiful and ill-fated Theodosia Burr . In answer to an inquiry of my host , the new-comer explained that he had left Colonel J -- 's -LRB- the plantation toward which I was journeying -RRB- , shortly before noon , and being overtaken by the storm after leaving Conwayboro , had , at the solicitation of his `` boys '' -LRB- a familiar term for slaves -RRB- , who were afraid to proceed , called to ask shelter for the night . Shortly after his entrance , the lady members of the family retired ; and then the `` Colonel , '' the `` Captain , '' and myself , drawing our chairs near the fire , and each lighting a fragrant Havana , placed on the table by our host , fell into a long conversation , of which the following was a part : `` It must have been urgent business , Colonel , that took you so far into the woods at this season , '' remarked our host . `` These are urgent times , Captain B -- , '' replied the guest . `` All who have any thing at stake , should be _ doing _ . ''