The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-11-12

L d.,
in your paper over the signature of
"Smlley," has tempted him to say
few things. In general, the statements
Of ''Smiley" are ust aud true; but in
some things sober min ded man would
scarcely fail 20 conclude that he was
guilty of the very common fault of ex-
aggrration. As | am now a citizen of
Cecil county, | rejoice in its prosperity,
and still more in its fair prospects for
the future. But if the sheep and swine
exhibited at the Northampton exhrbi-
ton were the best in that region, cam
not help thinking that they ought not
to make quite so pitiINl picture on pa
per, even if compared with the best in
old Cecil. 1t is now about 80 wears
since | resided in the vicinity Of Easton;
and 10 since was there even on a short
visit, but | know that many of the
farmers there are a tolerably >hrewd kind
Of people; especially where their own
interests are concerned; and if they have
Shanghai, Cochin China, and Brahma
Pootra fowls, it will not be long before
they will have Durham and Devon cat
tie, and the most improved breeds of
sheep and swine. Indeed strongly
suspect they might be found there now.
| know that fine cattle may. NORTH
ampton may need waking up IN regard
to agricultural improvements, and scien-
titc farming; but in many things Of
great importance IT, and the adjoining
parts OF New Jersey, were long in aG-
vance Of this region. From my earliest
recollection plaster Of Paris was used
with astonishing results. 1t was used
among other ways on corn in the hill;
and three years afterwards each bill
was marked by a luXuIant growth OF
clover. Many years ago | rode after
night from Schoolrv's mountain to Eas-
ton and every little distance the lurld
blaze of a l:me kiln would attract the
eye Indeed the whole region abounds
not merel ~ in quarres, but in hills Of
the best lime stone; and as it has long
been used on the land, you will readily
infer that much OF it is in the highest
degree fertile. And such YOU would
find 70 be the case, were YOU to visit it.
The dingy Old court house IN EaSton
was built before the Revolution. 1t has
not the freshness and imposing APPEAR
ance OF many modern ediiices built for
similar purposes; but would say to the
good people Of Northampton, let it stand
as a venerable relic of former times. 1t
is built Of solid limestone, in the shape
Of cross, in a public square, where the
two most important streets would inter-
sect, and on its >!ire few years ago
was copper ball which served as
mark for the itlrmcn of the revolution.
They had the privilege Of exercising
their skill on various Objects which they
met with in their march from Virginia
to the east. Among these objects was
this copper ball, and often have | view
ed from the square below the holes made
by their bullets; and thought what
poor chance a man would have for his
life, under their deadly aim. Modern
Improvement, | am sorry to say, has re-
moved this ball. Another Of these OBJ
jrcts was the sign Of tavern, about
mile from my fathers residence. Often
have | heard the old people tell how
they stood on the porch Of that tavern,
and saw the SIlinrers fly as the soldiers
fired at 1t from position four or five
hundred yards distant. Speaking of
these rlllemen puts me in mind OF an
other incident often related by my
father. After Burgoyne's surrender,
some OF his fine brass cannon, and some
OF the prisoners were brought to Easton.
Al an evening party, when some OF the
british officers were present, young
lady, conneXon Of my father was re-
quested to entertain the company with
song. This she did; and the two fol-
lowing lines OF her song, and they only,
have been indelibly impressed upon my
memory,
''"e will creep through the bushes until we
And shoot the ball out Of an Englishman's eye
| wonder that "SmiIey" did not tell
you that the north side of Mount Jeil'er-
son is perpendicular wall of solid lime
stone, should think two hundred feet
high. Some sad accidents have occur
red there through carelessness, or intern
perance.
There is one hill on the outskirts OF
Easton, which, if 1t could be transferred
to the vicinity of Elkton, with the APP
pendage which gave it a name, might
have some influence in preventing the
frequent murders, which stand as foul
blot on our fair fame. II IS Gai0wS
Hill. Modern refinement, if mistake
not, sympathizing perhaps with the OPP
ponents of capital punishment, has
changed its name.
Your Interrogation point after the
flight of stairs leading to Lafayette Col
lege, indicates doubt as to the truthful