Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-07-17
"a smack of the Sea-

When Mr. Webster had finished his last great
speech in the Senate on the slavery question, his
physical energies were completely exhausted and
his mind sank almost into state OF torpor AT
his request, company Of his friends determln-
ed to 90 with him to some place where he could
snuff the delicious sea breeze and recover from
the effects of his recent stupendous exertlon so
the party speedily embarked steamboat at
Washington for an excursion to Piney Point
Mr. Webster sat gloomy, spritless and dropping,
scarcely uttering word, until the boat had reach
ed that part of the river where the breeze from
the Atlantic becomes perceptibe. As its waves
swept BY the care-worn cheeks of the over-work-
ed statesman, they seemed to breathe new spirit
into his massive frame. Gradually he raised his
head from its low depression, and inhalinga large
draught of the delightful air. he struck his chest
several times with his hand, and exclaimed with
animation, GA smack OF the sea " Under the
exharatng influence of the sea air, he soon be-
came himself again, and after short stay at Piney
Point, he was as active and vigorous as ever.
This incident was recently related to us by a
gentleman who was one of Mr.. Webster's COM
panions on the occasion referred to. We repeat
it here because it jumps with feelings which we
ourselves have Just taken the liberty to enjoy and
which anv person less manacled than an editor,
and within easy reach of a steamboat or railroad,
NAV readily secure for himself, with very little
trouble or expense. This time, instead of seek
ing Judgment at Old Point where the hotel has
for some DAYS been rather more impregnabe than
the fort, we secured quarters at the Chesapeake
Housein Hamptan, whose host Dr. Banks has
been worthiy complimened by one OF the editors OF
the Wing for his admirable bon homnaie and cour-
teous hospitality. For persons who dislike crowd
contemn billiards, care little for dancing or display
in the ballroom Hampton is preferable to the Point
The breeze, shade and grass are decidedly better,
and the bathing not quite so good, whilst the
facilities of sailing and fishing are equal-and we
know nothing more truly delightful to the weary
denizen of dusty city than sail with a brisk
breeze into the Roads, in one of those tiny boats
that look hardly bigger than nautiluses dancing
on the waves 1t is in sail-boat, that one really
gets 'sa smack of the sea" which can lnyigorate
his whole system and then for such as do not
hold Dr. Johnson's dictionary in supreme respect,
the amusement of fishing with the line for trouts
taiois spots, hog-fsh, croakers, founders, null
lets, and macy other varieties of the fnny tribe,
is, at certain stages of the tide, we'll known to
the initiated, exceedingly captivating. What, in
deed can be better or more philosophical respite
from distracting daily toll (and the Virginia Con-
yention besdes) than to leave the toll and the
Convention behind you, aud indulge for a day
or two in the luxurious and yet exciting idle
ness of lolling dreamily upon the waves, with
YOUR reveries ever and anon broken by the sharp
tug of fish at your hook, and the nervously del
icate process of bringing him safely into the
boat ? If any man wishes to become contented
with the hot weather, the basis Compromise, or
any other grievance, we advise him, by all means
to try this prescriptions and, when he returns from
his davis excursion he will have keen appetite
for the various salt water decaces which DR..
Banks, at the Chesapeake, or Mr. Tabb, at the At
ton, literally spreads upon the table.
The company at the Hygeia hotel, at Old Point
seem to enjoy themselves with great spirit and dill
igence. The young officers (outshining of course
other beaux) dance with the ladies' in the most
ecstatc manner, the polka and scholtshe being
the favoure dances Our friend Syne's sugges-
ton of figure to be called the Somersetk has
not as yet been introduced though some ap
proaches to it may be observed.