Some writers have portrayed Kentucky mountain people as so isolated that they never went anywhere and that they knew little and cared less about the outside world.

Below are portions of a letter written June 4, 1893, by George B. Turner, which certainly indicates to the contrary. The letter is addressed to James M. Nolin, who was visiting the Worlds Fair in Chicago at the time. The spelling and grammar are as written.

"I am in receipt of your interesting note of 31st May, by Fridays mail; Your expenses was much lighter than I anticipated, $45, is not much and can well be afforded once in a life time to see the greatest and only Worlds fair.

"There is such a thing as an unknown quantity, termed incidental expenses, that in any travels everly over ran all my other expenses, and cannot be estimated in advance of occurrences calling for the outlay. Probably if your association is alone confined to the Company of Hon. Henry L. Howard no incidental expenses will occur or be required, but the moment you cross the boundary line and mix up with that lustful fellow citizen of yours John S. Bailey Esq. the gap will be laid down and the end not in sight.

"Madam rumour from several sources freely circulates through our village and surrounding country that Henry L. had married on his way to Chicago a wife of the vicinity of Wassiota, Bell County, Ky. and had took her upon their honey moon to Chicago. It was certainly believed to be true by our people until James F. Skidmore returned from Wassiota and corrected the mistake.

"Our town election Saturday passed off quietly. The vote stood as follows. For Police Judge, M. W. Howard 53, John B. Hurst, 17. Heenan for Town Marshall had no oposition. Town trustees, Jerome Skidmore, James Harris, Milt Jones, W. W. Noe & some other not recollected.

"Against licensed whicky 56 - For, 16. Now Sir, One of the strangest things imaginable to me is, how men can wear two faces at the same time so complaicent. I saw you go with a petition signed by the voters of our town incorporation a yard long, praying a poll to be opened for the purpose of voting for a licensed saloon in the town of Mt. Pleasant and when the vote was announced only 16 stood to the rack.

"I read in the daily Courier Journal, W. O. Bradley's magnificent peroration at the opening of Kentucky building at Chicago. Every Kentuckian should be proud of it, of him and of his state. I presume you heard it, which in itself was worth your expense money. It is indeed strange to me that he is not a democrat. I beleave at heart he is one.

"Nothing has occurred in harlan out side of the general every day routine. A game of bass ball is in progress today at Calvin Howards on the Cumberland whither most of the young bucks of the town is in attendance. It was currently reported upon the streets yesterday that a marriage in high life would take place in the city at tearly candle lighting last evening. The high contracting parties were Hon. George Shackleford and Mrs. Louisa Ball. I have not learned to day whether the marriage was consumated or not. It appears that there is yet an abundant store of felicity and good things yet for the good people of this world and some of it right here in old Harlan. Your friend, Geo. B. Turner."