American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-08
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH
The Fourth at Piney Point.

10 The Editors of the American Telegraph.
! GENTLEMEN: The steamer Baltimore whose
beauty and style Of finish has been the admira-
ton of all who have beheld her, left Washing
ton on the morning Of the Sd for the above
mentioned place, with a pleasant and agreeable
company, numbering about ninety, a large por-
ton Of whom were ladies' We should have
been but poorly provided for had we been
without their agreeable society; and / doubt
not our anticipated delightful pastime would
have been dull enough without them. At any
rate, your humble correspondent in candor adj
mits such would have been his state. Arriving
at Aquia Greek, the boat was detained for fuel
and other purposes, as well as for the arrival
of the Mount Vernon, which was to leave
Washington two hours after the Baltimore de-
parted, with more passengers for the same des-
tination, and which the Baltimore was to convey
to the Point Thescenery around Aqua Creek
has nothing Of romance to greet the eye, being
situated at the foot of hill, series Of which
extends for some distance along the banks Of the
river, resembling ancient mounds in their ap-
pearance, and but sparsely producing a stunted
growth of shrubbery. We were not sorry when
the bell announced the time of our departure,
having received our complement of passengers
from the Mount Vernon. Once more aAoat
upon the noble Potomac, whose bosom was SO
calm and undisturbed as to reflect the shadow
of our boat, we moved on, the river becoming
wider and wider, and objects on the banks less
observable. How pleasant was it then to real
ize our flight from the heated atmosphere,
choking dust and busy contention of city life.
Onward we went, our swift boat darting the
spray from her bow and walking the waters
like thing of ife." At two o'clock we seated
ourselves to appease our sharpened appetites,
which we did to our satisfaction. i cannot let
this occasion pass without mentioning the cour-
teous department of Capt. Turner, whose kind
ness was felt on all sides, and who was spoken
of by every one as being the cleverest of the
clever. Long may he live to command the
beautiful Baltimore" for more skillful cap
tain or praiseworthy gentleman never walked a
deck. Having passed Blackstone Island some
distance, we)strained our eyes forward, endeav-
oring to pierce the dim vista which contained
in its hidden folds our sought-for retreat. Loom
| the white-washed walls of the lighthouse,
situated on the Point. Gradually we neared
eur distant port, and. finally with free heart,
we bounded upon terra frma at five o'clock
This was the first visit of great many O
our company to this delightful resort. After
having entered our names and selected oui
apartments, we proceeded to examine the ar
1 nd min fal, tba
position of things. Having cast ourselves into
the briny surf, we reveled for awhile in the
pleasures of the bath; from thence we pro-
ceeded to the bowling saloon; on to the pistol
gallery, and passing through q cluster of pine
trees we emerged on the banks of the creek, in
the rear of the pavilion, at Captain Young's
department, where oysters fresh from the
water, were opened by his venerable hands and
dispensed freely to us, to which we did ample
justice. Returning to the pavilion, the bell
summoned us to supper, and passing into the
capacious dining saloon, we there partook of the
delicacies peculiar to the place, such as sheep
head, soft crabs, &c. After supper we wandered
upon the pebbly and she'll beach, where
the sand, as smooth as velvet and as firm to the
tread as pavement, afforded us a delightful
promenade; while the food tide, bearing in the
rolling pillows mounting over each other, burst
at and receded from our feet. Here the cool
ing breeze from the bay came booming over the
waters, bearing dewy and refreshing atmo-
sphere, which invigorated our system and amply
repaid us. We were aroused from our reveries
by the sound Of music, which proceeded from
A. Lnn~
in the may dance with our charming ladies'
Conspicuous above the rest was the winning
Miss B., of Washington, who was the OBJ
served Of all observers, and who was acknowl-
edged by oil to be deservedly the .favorite The
ballroom is large, and open to a free circulation
of air. The music was very good. About II
o'clock we retired and slept soundly.
On the morning Of the Fourth, at an early
hour, the steamer Jewess from Baltimore landed
large number Of Baltimoreans Fresh arrivals
from the country around began to pour in, and
we found our company greatly increased.
Many came in schooners from the neighboring
counties, and the river in front presented quite
n lively appearance. About II o'clock we were
summoned to attend the ceremonies of the COM
memoration Of our glorious independence. Co.
lumbus Morgan, esq, promising lawyer, was
introduced and proceeded to preface the reading
of the Declaration by few eloquent and perti-
nent remarks After the reading, the orator Of
the day, Richard H. Clarke, esq, of Washing
ton city, was presented. 1t would be useless to
undertake description of the glowing eloquence,
the beautiful metaphors, and the patriotic out
bursts which characterized his speech through
out; suffice it to say that he acquitted himself
to the high estimation of oil. Long will be re-
membered the happy celebration which made
so deep an impression upon oil and every one
present. 1t will be cherished as a day upon
h;I,h