Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-07-30
Hyannis, Mass, July IS, 1916.

readers are comparatively unacquained with this Sc
cluded corner of the earth, viii send you a brief
sketch Of what have seen and heard. NV last letter
was dated al Boston We lelt that goodly city on
Wednesday last, at O'Clock, 2. NJ. in the sloop
Mail, Capt Hinckley, and arrived at Barnstable sixty
five miles distant, the next morning at sunrise We
had pleasant passage. As we sailed out OF the har-
bor vessels nnumerable lay oil around us, enjoying
the cool and refreshing breezes. Fort Independence
appeared on the el 'aone in all her gory, while the
new works on the right presented an mpregnable bull
wark inclosing the deadly machines of war, sufficient
to tear in pieces any force which enemy might at
tempt to run In. These Notifications not yet
peted though the work is rapidly progressing. Il is
a sound maxiu in peace prepare for war; yet from
present indications have fears that these terrible
agents will soon, If ever, be needed.
We gidcd rapidly along, our bark
with her white wings flying
Walking the like thing OF life,
Seeming to dare tho elements to Strife
while the sun 10 Gorgeous splendor sank into the dark
blue waters and cent up food Of golden light which
tnged with celestial hue the dark pile Of clouds, ly
ing mounian.like above the far-of horzon-the whole
presenting scene too gorgeous for moraleyes 10 gaze
upon. Ii was beautiful night. The soon
rose in The east while the lighthouses the western
shore seemed striving TO vie with her in brightness;
but the pale Queen rising in her might and majesty,
refused 10 bow before her puny rivals. 'The sleepess
vigis Of night" appeared in all their bfiIlancy, and
helped to throw light upon the enchanting scene.
A large number ofpassengers was on board, some Of
whom fingered deck most Of the night TO enjoy the
scene and drink in the beauties which appeared on
cry side. As we passed the Plymouth Rock my mind
reverted to past days, when Pilgrim Fathers were
dniing about in these waters, seeking shelter from
the piiiess storm. contrased their trials and lsbors
and suaernRs with our present prosperous religious
and political condition, and inwardly thanked these
blessed pioneers in the noble Of Freedom and
Education, for their tolls and untrng efforts in their
behalf But we had no time for reflection. We sped
on and quickly reached our destined port.
Bnrnstabe lies on the east side of the Cspe-is the
chief town Of the county-contains Court House, a
Jail, several beautiful churches and private residences,
but il s not very thriving OF enterprsng village
Hyannis is large village four miles distant, the
western shore and is busy, active place. The land
here is light and dry 1t has suffered much from
drought this season. Scarcely green thing is to be
seen. There are but few cultivated farms, however.
The people mostly engaged upon the water in fish
ing in the coast and foreign trade. The best sea
captains go from this place. They are known and
respected in various parts Of the world.
Sea breezes and fogs are very common, yet the in
hsbitan,s remarkably healthy. Consumption, that
dire disease which cuts down many Of New Eng
lands sons and daughters, is scarcely known. They
bold and hardy and delight 10 brave the dan
gers Of the stormy deep. As the absent dur
ing large part of the year, the wives and daughters
remain at home and superntend the affairs Of the
household and the farm. Yet il is unusual for the
wife accompany her husband and for years IN sue
eession trust her fortunes with him upon the ocean.
Great interest is manifested in education. Schools
are supported through the year and supplied with
good teachers, that though industrious, they are
not ignorant people They are also kind heated
people, shown by their readiness furnish supplies
for their suffering brethren ia Nantucket Just
the channel, who have this week been visited by one
Of the most destructive fires that ragged in New
England. Nearly third part Of the Island, embrac-
ing property the amount Of 5000 600 has been des-
troyed leaving hundreds OF families destitute and al
most in starving condition. Large supplies have
been raised in this region and prepsi atoms are being
made for rasing still larger. II ia truly awful ca.
smtyand should excite our sympaihys and induce US
to do something to lessen the misery oeeSsoned there
by.
One object strikes the traveller being very pecu-
liar here. Windmill seen in great numbers along
the coast with their huge wings rolling in the breeze.
They are nsed foT pumping water and grinding grain.
There being streams Of any size here,
be used for this purpose. Salt works large and
expensive scale were erected here several years ago,
bot since the modification Of the Tariff duties this
article they have become almost proitless. They are
still worked to some extent however, and good salt is
furnished for twenty five cents per bushe II is made
Of sea water evaporaled ard purified. The evapora-
lion is carried by the heat Of the and as at
the western salt springs by artificial heat This leaves
il in large crystals.
Large numbers Of vessels pass near the shore and
frequently call. Scarcely an hour passes without
bringing to view Of these wandering sons Of the
ocean, and they ride CALAMITY by. laden with passen-
gers The products OF mans industry with their
white sails Tapping in The wind the mind Of the be-
holder is filled with the most pleasing sensations.
The land here is rather unproductive and hardly re-
pays the ler for his toll, yet as advance 10 the
east, towards Brewster, Dennis, Chatham and East
ham, the sands increase while PTovincelown at the
extreme point oil the Cape seems nothing but huge
Of sand rising out Of the and presents little
to engage the attention Of The stranger. Yet notwh
standing the desolate appearance ofthe country, the
inhabitants seem greatly attached to il and would
hardly consent TO exchange II for the green hills
and lovely vslles, bordering the Connecticut So
strong is their attachment to The land Of their BIRTH
have been on the Cape several days and have become
quite interested in the people Intelligent, open-heart
ed generous industrious and temperate they present
some Of the nobes specimens OF humanity have ever
seen. shall long remember their kindness.
Yours respectfully, ISL.
gPour friend 1.-THE Secretary is becoming supeannu-
stsd lie was quite celebrated for his squibs but the
moor thngs can hardly raise smoke now We recommend