The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1848-01-08
For The &c.
8 u NJ SET.

Descriptions of Sunset in America are
found here and there in the writings oil
, all our best authors. These descriptions
have been written by the pen Of genius,
guided by the nice perceptions and the
cultivated taste of the poet. They are
expressed in the choicest language that
ever gave utterance to the glowing emo
tons OF the true lover of Nature. But
the most high-wrought and elaborate
description of an American sunset, fails
to convey just idea of the scene. Its
loneliness defes the power Of language
to depict it. To be known and felt, it
must be seen. When seen and contem-
plated, it never fails to excite emotions
of gratitude and pleasure. A brilliant
sunset most powerfully moves the heart
when behcld in a strange land. When
we are absent from the endparing objects
OF homc-When the hallowed associations
Of that happy place are no longer foster
1 cd by the tender amenities OF friendship
and affection, no longer strengthened by
the hearty comInunngs Of loved ones
when the delicate Impressions OF ten
thousand pleasures, enjoyed around the
family fire-Side are fading from the tablet
Of memory-then it is, that with an
earncStneas unknown before, we turn to
! Nature, beneath, above, and around us,
and seek for something on which our af-
fections may faSten without restraint,
and our thoughts run out fearless of be-
trayai Then it is, that we look on the
setting sun Or the rising moon with deep
sensibility. We recognise in these res
plendent orbS watchers who looked down
upon our cradle in our helpless infancy,
who smiled upon our path in sportive
childhood, and who are destined to ac-
company us in the rougher walks of man
hood. When every thing around us
among the sons OF men appears distant,
cold, and strange, these regular visitors
come as messengers of heaven, atlording
/ by their genial warmth and loving IA
mIliarity, sweet relief to our lone
+ hearts. Many sunsets have | thus wit
messed in Virginia. One Vt them was at
the close Of beautiful day in July.
Our noble steamer had Just left the
/ hoaying bosom of the broad Atlantic.
She was now rapidly approaching Old
! Point, and rutlling the surface OF that
safe anchorage which put the first emf
I grants to Virginia in ''good comfort" and
/ gave name to the Point. Directly be-
fore Us lay the promontorv where the
| imprcgnable Fort Monroe rears its bat
Elements and bastlons. Beyond the Fort
rose the Hygean Hotel whose open doors
welcome to its luxurious fare every
seeker OF health and pleasure. Here
was presented most magnificent and
admirable scene. A picture such as Ii
tian never colorcd. 1t was one Of Ma
ture'S OWE.
The majestic ramparts Of the Fort, GOV
cred in every part by the green unbro-
! ken SWard, were crowned by massive
gray granite parapets whose hundred
/ PORTFOLIOS disclosing death-dealing cam
non seemed like so many demon-eyes
glarIng upon us. Dark clouds were
gathered above the Fort around the set
ting sun. Piled one upon another, ape
lion upon Qssa," they seemed like so ma
ny huge mountains Their Jagged peaks
We're FURNISHED by the last rays Of the
setting sun with silver and gold. Now
and then the lightning flashed from peak
to peak, and the thunder rolled from one
part Of heaven to the other. Sometimes
the armament seemed all IN a blaze and
then midnight darkness again superyened.
Night came on with its stiffness and its
gloom. The song and the dance ceased.
The dancers gathered in little groups and
stood in solemn silence or spoke in whis-
pered accents. Many time and oft the
eye was cast about on every side and
then fixed again upon the rising tempest.
Nought could be seen upon the waste of
waters save our noble bark ploughing
her rapid way. Each one on board
seemed to feel himself alone in the pres
ence OF his Maker, and doubtful of his
future fate. The storm rose apace, and
soon burst in all its fury upon our labor
ing vessel. She reeled beneath the
shock, while the winds howled, the
lightning flashed, and the thunder rolled.
1t was moment Of fearful suspense.
But our bonny boat struggled hercely
with the raging elements and soon recov-
cred her position. She bravely bore up
under the violence Of the tempest, and
still speeding her rapid way soon reach
ed her destined haven, to the unbounded
joy of her anxious passengers and their
longing friends. *.#.
Nacark, Del.
, NOMINATIONS CoNFIRMED.--TheSe Senate
hn 81 l.,