Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1852-10-05
SELECT V.ARIETY....s. =.
.,.-.5I, From the Richmond Dispatch.
The Haunted House. .2s

On the Southern bank of the river, about mile
west of this city, stands upon q, very conspicuous
emnence, large old brick house, tamillar 10 inc
as "the haunted house," There it has stood for
nearly forty years, "soitary and alone,n the cold
winds whistlng through its open windows, mon.
ument of all that's dreary and desolate. How it
obtained the cognomen OF atthel haunted house,"
we know not. Feeling desire to know something
of the history of this celebrated abode OF ghosts
and hobgoblins, we were induced, few days ago,
to pay it visit. We found none of the frighttul
family at home. Rawhead and bloody bones were
not there. For half an hour we sojourned within
its barren and silent walls, the only ghost 10 be
seen or heard. Nor could we discover any signs
of ghosts from another world having been there
although there were abundant evidences OF large
number of the spirits of this world having visited
it. The hand-writngs upon the wall, and other
signs, show ed that the most nschevious ghosts of
all, the living spirits of this world had haunted 1t
more than the dead ghosts OF anotherworld. Ihere
were no spirits there, ftback or white" living Gr
dead TO hold converse with MS, either in relation
to the history of the house, tile affairs of this or
of the world to come. But, our visit was not an
unproftable one. We came away pleased tlia;
we had made it; forwe Obtained one OF The I'M M 81
pleasing, beautiful, and magnificent views OF Ricl'-
mond and all the surrounding country, thatz&
ever beheld. Wefound that that old house occ.'-
pies the highest point and commands the most cH,
tensive and charming view oil any Location IN an
this region. A more delightful place for a resi-
dence is no where to be found in the vicinity OF
Richmond. From other point can be iobtaine
So full accurate, and beautiful view ot Richmond
the river scenery and all the surrounding country.
1t commands fine view at every point OF the con-
pass, embracing Manchester, Rockets. Richmond
the River Islands and Bridges, the nal,3&c.-
Here is choice spot for the exercise oil the artist
pencil, or the painters brush. AT 8 o'clock nike
evening, Cthe hour at which we visited 'the haun'-
ed house,) when the declining sunIls gliding tue
houses, seeples, bridges &C., with silvery brl Iii
ness, ascene of almost unequalled beauty IS pic
sented. view such as would have compensated
us for a walk of at least ten miles instead OF Two.
We are surprised that no one ever thought ot max
ing that his local habitation. The walls OF Tie
house are still apparently as good as ever, (o The
credit of the brlcklayer be it sad) and the slate
roof, but little the worse for wear. The interior
of the house, though originally finished (as lar rs
completely in the best style, has received much
damage from the mischievous ghosts who haH:
haunted the house from Richmond and elsewhere,
and needs repairs. There is fine spring DIVA
ter on the river bank, just below the house, and
everything inviting except alone the ghosts. But
we apprehend, they would be the least trouble
some of all spirits. % yas o. gbpag y53i . vi
u The ,s Haunted House," we understand, was
built nearly fifty years ago, by two gentle
| men Of the names of Winston and Waddeii,
who purchased the land adjacent to the river there
for the purpose of erecting milling establishment
After they had proceededus far as the erectionioi
n dam across the srreant to Bell Isle, had land Tie
foundation of their mills and had erected the house
i ol sWhlcn we nave otei opeahinS, oi hS 'iii''"
medately above their mill seat, 1t was discovered
/ that their dam backed the water upon the cotton
/ factory mills of their rneghhorsimmediately aboye.
/ An injunction and suit at law put stop to fur
ther operations and finally, after mourning con
siderable labor and expense, the mill, dwelling
house, &C., were all abandoned-and thus has tl,,:
property remained unoccupiel and unimproyeti ev-
er since But, the day is not distant, we predict,
when this property will claim much higher esl-
mate than at present, and when great change
will come over the face of things round andabout
i ''the haunted house."R th9pblgiI, tlsa 'aa