The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-27
The Watering Places.

AAo watering EAoccss
LAKE MAHoPAc, July 6, 1916.
The Hudsor-Ls Scsnery-Ride to the Lake-Ldke
Mahopac-As Beamy-Rstired Situation-View
Of the Ldke-The Fourth-Amusement of the
Day-Ihe BaA-Ihe Ladies-Slcep.
What an invaluable blessing it is to escape from
the dust and turmoil of large city, and breathe
the pure air of heaven, where nature smiles in
freshness and beauty.
To the many invitations which / received to
spend the Fourth both in the city and country [
declined them all-and assure my friends,
that their kindness is highly appreciated, and
would haye afforded me no small pleasure could
have gratified their wishes; but longing to be-
hold this tempting spot, my mind was made up,
ana no temptation, however inviting, could deter
me from visiting it,
Bidding adieu TO the city last Fridayn the steam
or Thomas Powell, Hound myself, at a little past
six, in the shadow of the Dunderburgh, at Rover
Hook, thus coming the distance of forty five miles
IN little over two hours, rapdty which is rare
~ equalled on the Hudson, and making her
walk the waters like thing of life" The sun
shone brightly above Dunderburgh mountains,
and promised lovely morrow. / found plenty
OF vehicles here TO carry passengers to Peekskill,
which is not far distant; and soon found myself
whirlng along the rivers bank, now traversing
long bridge, and again passing steep and rocky
mountain, till we enter the village The scenery
as you pass from the bridge on the road round the
point, is beautiful in the extreme, and the Hud
son appears like broad lake, shutin with noun
tains and hills Passing through the village,
alighted before Col. Williams Hotel, or rather
now private boarding house, for temperance has
made such sway here that public house can
not nc, be found, causing a great Inconvenience to
the stranger travelling this way. The license law
IS entirely abolished, and not half the amount of
business is done here as formerly.
Though temperance is a beneficial thng-yet
regret that my friend the Colonel is so materially
affected by it, as better never existed-pres-
sing business deferred me from leaving here, that
night and twas not till noon, the next day, (4th)
that l took the stage to the lake, distance of 16
miles. Soon after losing sight of the village it
commenced raining, (having been cloudy all the
morning) and il continued showery the rest of the
way, sometimes drizzing, and other times pouring
down like flood. | was extremely sorry to see
1t ram, for two reasons-one for the day tsef-for
what is more disagreeable than rainy Fourth :
IT weighs down the spirit and destroys that
happiness and Joy which would naturally
arise where everything is harmony; and the
around in such exuberance, Astounding in the
most picturesque views. Mountains, hills and
valleys, soping green banks, fertile meadows,
clear running brooks and shady forests, and to
complete this rustic view, cattle scattered here
and there grazing in such peaceful retirement,
making the earth glad. Though comfortably
seated and sheltered from the petng rain, the
confined condition afforded me but little gratfca-
ton, and an occasional peep out in the country
caused momentary giadness. The roads being
mostly up hill are pretty good, and in fair weather
excellent.
After riding or 9 miles we stopped at Jefferson
valley to rest awhile, and partake ola little refresh
ment. Before IT is spread a small lake, which on
my beholding for the first time, | mistook for the
far.famed Mahopac; but more scrutinizing gaze
VIII tell you your error from its size. We are now
very near the end of our journey; and five
miles more will bring us in sight of the lake,
winch bursts upon you very suddenly (when you
are least expecting ny on turning an angle. There
II lay, stretched out, embosomed in beautiful
m mr. WI on eve
ry beholder of it for the first time, will never fade
while memory exists. The road now extends
along its margin, and mile more will bring us to
the hotel, to alight before the prettiest sheet of
water ever saw. The piazza was full, and
should Judge that between sixty and seventy per-
sons were staying there. Many OF them were
young ladies, possessing natures rarest qualities,
and were scattered about, talking in a M erry
mood. Dinner had been concluded some time,
but keen appetite made me relish a somewhat
cold one, which nevertheless was highly accepta-
bic alter so unpleasant ride through the rain.
Alter concluding my meal, sauntered out to
meet an old friend OF mine, with whom became
inseparable.
Behold the country around and see God smiling
IN all things. How beautiful is nature But /
forget myself, and must endeavor TO describe the
Fourth here Well, my friend and myself,
were seated out on the. bold piazza, anxously
waiting for It to clear up, but there being
no signs OF it, we walked about, and per-
ceived that the ladies could not smile so
merrily whilst the heavens looked so sullen. The
afternoon began to wane and o'clock came,
and with it brought change in the weather.
The piazza was crowded and some became noisy,
with talking and laughing, telling where they
spent thOir 4th last year; others loungiDg
and smoking, and looking wistfully upon the sky,
then again a group would wend itself 10 the bowl
ing alley, there to drown the gloom in the rolling
ball. Others repaired to the water and took
quiet sail in drizzling mist, and all found en-
poyment TO while away the time in n pleasant
way. Thus passed the afternoon, and as evening
closed in their noise grew louder and the mirth
became merrier, and their merry voices rllng
through the air fall of happiness and health.
Tea fingered late, and their patience was nearly
worn out when the bell rung, and it was nine
O'Clock ere they were ready for the sports of the
evening. Bang went the crackers, and whiz went
the rockets, and the noise became universal. Mr.
Monk gave them some very pretty airs upon the
flute, and was greatly appauded, maugre his ex-
cuses.
The ladies became anxious for a froc, and soon
the ball room was lighted up for the votaries of
terpschore. Soon all Kings were prepared, and
Fred and myself repaired thither, assembled a
flight of stairs and entered a room ever a grocery
store, which though small is tastefully painted
and ornamented with various devices The me-
gro fiddler was perched in chair upon table
and all things were being ready.
I" Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spoke az ain,
And all went merry as a marriage bell"
/ observed many beautiful ladies present, and
l.tF