Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-02-24
LETTERS FROM THE WEST INDIES.

LETTERS FROM THE WEST INDIES.
[The junior publisher of this paper, George p.
Walton. who is passing the winter in ST. Croix for
the benefit of his health, has forwarded us n sort
of journal of his travels, roughly sketched, from
which we propose to make occasional extracts
The feelings of one leaving country and home,
perhaps forever-the recurrence of sea sickness,
storms and Calms-these are incident to all voya-
gers, fave been a thousand times described
and are familiar to all readers; we therefore omit
the description in this instance.
On the morning of the 18th of Nov. 1882
land was seen; aud will assure you, it was with
n joyful heart, heard the cry of stand no" from
the mast head. Soon was on deck and caught
sight of little dark spot in the distance, Just per-
cep,ble Through the clouds. Although we had
been favored. with pleasant weather during the
Whole ypSage, and laed most sumptuously eve
nv t,ay, vet the land was as gladly greeted as five
had been months at sea. On nearing land, the
small spot became more and more disnct-moun-
tain after mountain appeared, and then the low
land that connected them, and soon other islands
were seen. About 3 o'clock, p. NJ. we could
distinguish natures beautiful green. The view
became every moment more interesting. There
were now six large islands TO be seen; and the
scene, as we neared them, was one of the most
lovely ever beheld. The names of the islands
were Anegada, Virgin Gordo, TortoIa, ST. Johns,
St. Thomas and Jost Van Dykes. The passage
in among them, now through narrow place be-
tween the rocky shores, and then into wide spread
BAYS, interspcrsed with numerous little green isles,
and towering rocks that had been washed by the
angry sea for ages, was both exciting and interes-
ring. Our passage, between the rocky shores OF
ST. Johns and ST. Thomas, was scarce wide e.
no,igh for two such slips ours. We rode thro
in safety; but for moment, felt fearful, as we
had but little breeze, and had that failed us, we
must have been dashed upon the rocks.
As we slowly moved along the shores of Tor"
toa and ST. Johns we had fine treat for the eyes.
The land rising into very high mountains. peak
above reak and cultivated to their tops, presented
n richness of color known only TO tropical climes
The different fields and ages of the waving sugar
cane, gave a pleasing variation of tinge to the
view. The narrow mule paths, running zig.
gag up the hills, separating the fields, looked like
dark lines upon the surface, which was here and
there dotted with the mansion of the Planter,
wind mills, out buildings and huts Of the negroes,
all painted white and forming little village, now
enbosomed in some quiet valley, and again perch.
ed.in very mid heavens among the clouds, ON the
highest mountains. Scenery, the most wild, pic
turesque and beautiful, was spread about us WIN
n nrodpal hand, which, with the excitement OF
sailing among rocks made this day one of thrill
ling interest to us all.
We entered the harbor of St. Thomas, at eve
ming, and came TO anchor, about one quarter Oh
mile from the wharf, at 8 O'Clock. AS 1t was
fine moonlight evening, we enjoyed the view OF
the barbor and city, the latter on three hills; which
is very interesting as you approach from the sea-
On landing next morning, soon felt we were
in land far different from our own The singu-
lar appearance of the buildings and people; the
streets, thronged with negroes, of all shapes and
tioaes of color with trays on their heads carrying
every imaginable article for sale most Of them
in light neat dresses, seemingly as happy and
cheerful us heart could wish. The streets were
neat and clean, and The people, to the lowest slave,
polite. | saw no drunkenness or b avis, although
from the frequent signs hung out Of " Rum
"Rum," that stare you in the face at every turn
presume they have enough Of both. But all
was new strange and full Of interest 10 me.
The Island of St. Thomas is owned by the
Danes 1t is about 90 miles in circumference, We.
~ rough and comparatively little cultivated. The
city of St. Thomas contains about 10000 inhabit
ants, mostly colored, and is a place of consdera-
Bile commercial importance being free port
The city is situated on the sides Of three hills, that
rise abruptly from the water and tower up sew
eral hundred feet above the city. The streets are
narrow--one, about fifteen or twenty feet WIDE,
runs parallel with the water, on which the princ-
pal stores are situated The remaining streets, or
alleys, run from this up the mountan-in some
places so steep as to require steps. The houses
rising in quick succession, one above the other,
without glass windows or chmneys and with red
roofs, were singular and picturesque indeed.
On the evening of the 18Th we took leave OF
ST. Thomas AS we left, we had n fine view OF
both harbor and city. The range of high hills
shooting up above the city, and smaller range
OH each side of the harbor for three miles to the
sea, with the deep groves of Coco a-nut and 9th
err rees-all gilded with the golden tnge OF L
setting sun, were beautiful beyond description.
Once more we were ON the high road Of ma
tons, the rackless deep; and having fine breeze
moved rapidly DER the foaming water, that seem.
ed to welcome us again TO its bosom. Right mer
rily did our ship dance on, and gave promise o.
soon arriving at our journeys end. The evening
passed off pleasantly, as many others had passed
in reciting stories and hair breadth escapes, b,
sea and land.
To practice sincerity, is to speak as we think
TO do as we profess to perform what we prom
Use md really TO be what we would seem an,
appear to be.
N. o. paper says that Sheriff in that cit,
made $450000 in three years