Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-10-24
FOR THE sTAUNToN SPECTATOR.
THE CONTRAST.
WAyNrsBoRo', 18th Ger. 1889.
No. l..

WAYNrsBoRo', 18th Ger. 1889.
SIR AS am an old man, and have seen
much ofthe world, thought that it might
sometimes amuse your readers TO see 4 con-
trast drawn between the present times, and
Nifty years ago; therefore when you have no
thing better to occupy your columns, you may
make use Of these numbers on that subject,
as shall forward them. Twas born in 1905,
Consequently am now 81 years of age) but
where, or under what circumstances, is of no
Importance and as to the day, whether it
was clear or cloudy, am unable to tell you,
= for assure you, upon honor, that it was quite
before my recollection but this much l can
say, that have lived to sec Il strange con-
trast between the present and former days.
About the first of June last, was seized with
an unconquerabe desire to see some ofmy old
friends and relations, which had long since
forgotten me, and as they live in various parts
of the world would have to travel much to
see what few ofthem are now alive, and as life
is uncertain, l thought that would make the
whole trip as. expcditiously as possible, and
write my journal afterwards; so here it is.
June 18th, left my residence at 800 front
street, Waynesborough, 81 minutes past
o'clock A. NJ, arrived in Phila. in time to
breakfast with friend, the balloon waiting
for me hours, (which was long visit for these
days; then proceeded to Roston, where we ar
rived in time for dinner at 5 O'Clock p. Nj.
l forgot to mention that we called and took
afriendly glass with the venerable Marquis
CT Undertook, who you know is son of
man who was President Of the United States
something like fifty years ago. At Boston,
found some two or three old friends to talk
with, who congratulated me on living to see
the escape from the vulgar mode of travelling
I by Stages, Rail Roads, and Steamboats,, that
were in vogue fifty years ago. Will not the
name of Patten he remembered forever :!
finished my visit in B. by 10 o'clock that
night, when stepped on board the balloon,
took Berth No 1877, and went to sleep but
was aroused about4 O'Clock the next morning,
June 5th, and found myself safely landed at
the great depot in Quebec, having touched at
Halifax for wood, whittier we had been blown
never blow out, but last in spite of all i'm
provements.
Here, was determined to remain at least ,
days for sporting accordingly we procured
light balloon, and party of some twenty-five
or thirty of us went out for Bear hunt to the
north seas. We returned about o'clock p.
M. having taken Is Bears, and eat superb
dinner on an Icebury, about Lat. %. Felt
somewhat fatigued.
June 9th. Awoke much refreshed, but law
for some time Illuminating on the contrast ex-
Inhibited between the present day, and fifty
years ago. Your readers, MIR. Editor, must
hunt the history Of that time, for cannot tell
them every thing, as l wish to keep some lit
tie knowledge for myself and progeny.
At 9 o'clock took parachute for Niagara
falls, viewed the scene there, ard returned
to dinner.
Afterwards, wrote several letters with the
newly invented steam pen, and despatched
them to my friends. More in No. 2
TIMoTHY FRANCE
n. b. perceive that the Seth volume of
paperis nearly at close, therefore, when
you commence the 9th, wish you would
forward 1t to me, mean the daily paper.