From the Arkansas Gazette

EDITORS GAZETTE: Precisely at 2:36 p.m., on the evening of the 24^th, the train left the depot at Little Rock, and a pleasant run of less than forty minutes brought us to Bryant station, a distance of seventeen miles. After parting somewhat reluctantly with those efficient officers of the house, Mr. Speaker Pennington and Chief Clerk Gaulding, and other friends we dismounted, and found that our arrival had been anticipated by the excellent lady of our friend and companion, Mr. A. Russell, who had conveyance awaiting us at the depot. A short drive of less than two miles, and we halted at the gate of our friend, the efficient representative of old Saline. In this hospitable and intelligent family we were made to forget for a time the cares of state and the ordinary routine of legislative duties. It is impossible amid gleeful children and lovely woman for a man to either feel or look care-worn, and no one participating in the bounteous repast that was prepared could have realized that the hard times we hear so much of in the general assembly actually existed in the state.
After supper, we were entertained by speeches and tableau, and the little boys gave clear evidence that they were experts in the business, and peals of joyful laughter arose continually from the delighted spectators. Scarcely were these exercises over when the firing of a salute and the tap of the drum admonished as that there was a serenade in store for the representative of Saline by the young men of the neighborhood. The serenade over, additional refreshments were partaken of by the party, and, at a late hour, we retired to rest, well pleased with everybody and everything, but especially so with our Christmas holiday in Saline.
Early Christmas morning I received an invitation to take dinner with the father of "mine host". I was pleased to find that, notwithstanding Mr. Russell had attained a good old age, he still retained a good constitution and much of youthful vigor. He is a plain, unassuming old gentleman, and fully alive in regard to the living issues of the hour. I was made to feel quite at home with him and his venerable lady.
By invitation, I took supper with Mr. Elrod and family, where I came again in contact with the chivalry and beauty of the neighborhood,
and while music and song contributed to the enjoyments of the gay Christmas party, there was the most perfect order, and nothing offensive to morality or religion. The people, the occasion, the fun everywhere reminded one of the good old days of "Flush times in Miss."
One thing worthy of remark was the cordial greeting that the representative of Saline received from his constituents. His course on all questions seemed to give satisfaction, but his position on the senate finance bill met with warm and universal commendation. In conclusion, Christmas has passed as pleasantly as it could under any circumstances away from home sweet home. 
B. B. M., LITTLE ROCK, December 28, 1874.