My wife and I recently visited Natchez during the Spring Pilgrimage.

We had an amazingly wonderful time in your beautiful city. We enjoyed the historic tours, were inspired at the Southern Road to Freedom, and enjoyed the hospitality of both Oak Hill and Monmouth Plantation.

But there is one “Natchez event” that will forever be in our memory bank.

On the second day in town, when I went to pay for dinner at the wonderful new Greek restaurant, my wallet was gone. Money, credit cards and driver’s license — gone.

The following morning, on advice of my credit card company, I contacted the Natchez Police Department. A friendly and helpful officer told me this was my lucky day. The wallet had been turned in and the nearly $300 in cash and cards were intact.

The wallet was found in the gutter by Nanette Powell in front of her store, Bass Pecans, on Franklin Street.

What a beautiful and honest human being. My wife and I went to visit her at the Pecan Shop and I offered her a reward.

At first she refused, saying it would “ruin the blessing.”

I suggested then she give the money to her church, favorite charity, or purchase a gift for someone she loved. She then accepted my humble gift saying, “That way I can pass the blessing on.”

I felt compelled to write. Natchez is a beautiful city, but your real asset is the helpful, honest, and beautiful people that live there.

Thank you for a wonderful experience. We’ll be back!

Dick Bidwell

Wisconsin