The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1848-07-29
Correspondence Of The Cecil Wig.
NO. VI NOTES
Valley Of the Connecticut.
FROM THE


the next institution of interest in Hart
ford, to those who are fond of contem-
plating the success of Christian benevo.
Ience in its efforts to alleviate the suffer-
ings of the unfortunate, and to supply
the defects which wise Providence has
seen fit to entail upon a portion Of our
race, doubtless that others might appre-
ciate more fully the perfect enjoyment of
all their faculties. The asylum is hand
somely situated within the city and has
ample Accommodations for its unfortunate
inmates, both within and without. The
number Of its pupils is about 40, gath.
eled from various sections OF the Union
They appear happy and contented, and
as they chat away, speaking with the
hand, and hearing with the eye, one can
not but admire the inventive genius Of
man, which prompted by true benevo
lence, has found means to overcome OBJ
stacles in nature which once seemed in
surmountable. They are taught all the
branches of common English education,
and many make quite high attainments
in scientific pursuits, thus fitting them
for happiness within themselves, and USE
tulntss TO others.
know OF nothing that gives more
exalted idea of the expansive benevo.
lence of Christianity, than an inspection
of the various asyiums it has erected for
alternating the mislortunes or healing
the diseases of the poor and unfortunate.
Here we see the true spirit of that uni
versal charity which regards every man
as a brother, the more entitled to our
sympathy and assistance in proportion as
ne is less able to assist himself. Well
did distinguished Atheist say, that if
christianity is false, yet does II deserve
noble credit for its benevolence and kind
ness to ti4e poor and diseased. He should
have known that no corrupt tree could
bear such fair and beautiful fruit.
No traveller would visit Hartford with
out paying visit TO the "Charter Oak"
halowed in the history Of American lib
erty as the ark in which its charter was
preserved. The old veteran crowned
with the honors OF unknown centuries,
still fourishes in green old age, like some
honored old man, who having faithfully
served his day and generation, lives to
enjoy the fruits OF his labors and the
blessings of a grateful posterity. Many
rude tempest has passed over the old
oak, and many. sturdy branch been
ruthless severed from HIM; but he is still
strong and green, and promises to wave
his branches over the grave ofall' the
busy thousands who throng the city a.
round him The oak stands on the pri-
waite grounds of the Hon. Isaac w. Stew
art, but free access is allowed 10 it. by
the kind and gentemanly proprietor.
The identical charter which was con-
cealed in its roots is still preserved in the
State House, and is shown 10 curious
travellers as a sacred relic.
Hartford, though smaller than New
Haven in population, is place of much
greater trade and wealth Situated near
the centre OF the State, it is the depot
for large tract of fertile country, and
the receiving and disbursing agent ofthe
thousands OF manufactures of every kind
that skirt the banks of every mountain
stream in Connecticut. A large amount
of Banking and Insurance capital is con-
centrated here, and their agencies are
scattered through most Of the large CT
ties of the Union. Its wealth!and intel
ligcnce give to the city powerful inhu.
ence in the State, and make it one of the
most prominent cities of New England.
But we have detained you long enough
in Hartford We now cross the river on
the old bridge and set our foot for the
first time on the western bank of the
Connecticut. And here we may speak
of the soil around Hartford. On each
side OF the river, running back for con-
siderable distance, is level tract of land
of great fertility, producing abundant
crops of corn and grass; the latter how
ever, is the staple production. As you
recede from the river, the soil becomes
poor and barren in proportion to the
hilliness ofthe country, until it scarcely
yields meagre subsistence 10 those
whose only occupation is to till it. I'm
mediately across the river from Hartford,
is the village of East Hartford, beauti-
fully embosomed in waving elms, and
luxuriant shrubbery, with many elegant
residences on its magnifcently wide
street. From East Hartford we turn
Northward on the road toward Spring.
field, and while the "Tron Horse" in
plain view on the opposite side of the
river, is snorting with eager Impotence
to be off on his iron course, promising to
perform the journey IN two hours, we,
with our trusty staff prepare to measure
the same distance at more moderate
pace. The road from Hartford to Spring.
field, on the East side of the river, is
about thirty miles in length, and Is level,
but sandy, passing through several pleas
ant villages, and fields Of waving grain.
The ,,:1 L = vEr.