I have been living in Natchez for several months helping a friend with a large antebellum house left to her by her mother. I can’t tell you how I have enjoyed the hospitality of Natchez people, not to mention the timeless beauty of the town itself.

However, there is one question that puts me a bit off. On several occasions I have been approached by Natchez matrons with “Now who are you?,” with a bit of an attitude I might add. I was brought up to introduce myself such as “Hello, my name is so and so and you are?”

I can assure you I have never had any interest in trying to break into the old guard of Natchez. I am from a very fine old family in Mississippi and have never had any inclination to stay in Natchez much less trying to nudge my way up the social ladder.

My first thought after being asked “the question” was to say — “Well, who the heck are you?”

Now, now ladies, be nice!

William Fairchild

Natchez residen