The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-10-08
SATURDAY MORNING OCTOBER 1853.

with no other canopy but the spangled
vault, and the rude. rough bridge across
the Potomac as their common hvmenial
altar The village Of Westernport, a
very small hamlet, is our stopping point;
nature has lavished her gifts to make it
lovely spot. II is celebrated for its
centenary houses, narrow, muddy streets,
which at times are beautifed by grand
miniature lakes. 1t is we'll supplied with
grog shops, and tiplers, and ever and
anon annoyed by the pugilist,c rows
of the subterranean elts who work the
mountain mines, and earn gold by hard
est toll, to pour it into the Golfers Of
heartlrss vendors. who deal them out
beverage that makes them rave in the
streets like unclaimed demons The
north branch Of the Potomac sweeps by
the west end, aud the descending crystal
waters ofGeorge's Creek bound it on the
north and west. At the coneuX of the
two streams on pretty narrow flat in
Georges creek valley may be seen this
antique place, with its old lettering
houses somewhat relieved by few of
more modern architecture. Just across
the river is Piedmont. first class Rail
road depot. on the b. & o r. K. IS
miles west from Cumberland. 1t, too,
is built on "bottom," hemmed in by
mountains. and containing an area of -
acres. 1t is ornamented by the tower
ing dome of large eng inc houSc-and
several important county buildings, and
IS principally inhabited by railroAders
and mechanics-who live quite content
ed and happy in their neat sequestered
houses. Some five miles up the valley
we have been straying endeavorlng to
lug You with us.
The soil of Alegany through this re-
gion, IS of a clay loan, adapted TO the
growth of Wheat. Summer crops, if
not overtaken by the frost, yield we'll.
Sheep thrive in this atmosphere. Their
hocks are few but fine; the extensive
raising of this stock offers inducements
to whoever would try 1t. Cattle are
healthy, but need especial care in winter
which we most think they don't get
The construction of the Road to W heel
ing has opened mercantile highway
over these apparently unsnrmountable
barriers and had wonderful effect to
enhance the value of lands on the route;
hitherto almost unsaleblp.
Coal land st lis for $500 per acre; ara
bic, ) to $50; timbered $Sl.25 and up
wards. Coal companies sometimes al
low the owners of lands from whom
they purchase, the right to remain on
and till them and reap their products;
they purchase mostly for the mineral
wealth. In this valley are opened sew
eral very fine coal mines; they are min
ing quite extensively and could get out
much more than they do, but cannot
get the b. & o. Il. K. to contract to
carry more than what they are now de-
hverlng. The veins of the mines are
twenty feet and lie unusually near the
surface. The coal is suited for steam
purposes, we believe, of every descrlp-
ton; successful experiments have been
made OF coking it.
Coal is found in various places where
the X. r. passes, and by some it is
believed iron ore abounds, though un-
discovered. The Yankees are about; t
there is any thing to be found they'll
have it,
And now the marriages claim para
graph. The laws of "the old Dominion"
require so many ceremonies to BE- gone
through with before license to wed can
be obtained that 81 parties don't always
like to pass the ordeal. They dislike
naming to several officials the secret,
beng afraid OF ITS Infringement before it
comes off. The Potomac being the d.
viding line of the States, of course what
comes to pass over that stream and with
in our line is under Mary lands jurisdic-
ton. Youngsters living in Va. and near
Nd, IN this vicinity frequently get out
license from our State and have their
nuptials celebrated on iavorite old
bridge across the river just below Wes-
ternport. 'rls an amusing sight to see
a jolly party Of moun!aineers and vii
layers, on summers evening crowJing
DIl lIIiS olu loot"uI W h>SS
the vows Of their tnvied friends. And
the dignifed bearing and solemn tone Of
the Rev Mulanix, the village pastor, as
he pronounces blessings on the adven-
turous pair, chimes sweetly on the calm
evenings stiffness.
The bachelors heave sigh; the maidens
blush and promise in their hearts that
ere again the next summer wanes, they
too will lean upon their husbands arm.
The boys seem anxious to show Will
ling part to hurry on their gala day.
Winklng matrons smile assent; while
wilted wizards more given to calcula-
tons, look vacant, cold, and seeming
say: "study well your undertakings
FREDERICK.
The fall business of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad has commenced in