Washington sentinel., 1854-06-24
Correspondence Of the New York Herald.
The Watering Places.
D,aing uished Visitsrs-Arriraiof Judge Ianey-
attending Mass.


Dsaing guished Nsitsrs-ArriraiefJ Judge Taney--
attending Mass.
OLp PorNr COMFORT, Va, June TO- 1854.
After good sea bath one feels somewhat
enlvened and inclined to "make merry" and
in this mood have caught up my pen to give
you an outline of affairs at this emporium of
pleasure and fashion, upon my return from a
revel in the "haunt of Neptune"
Visitors are daily arriving from all quarters,
the most noted among them at present being
the Hon. Roger B. Taney, chief justice Of the
United States. He has been here for several
days, and has taken neat little cottage on the
immediate sea shore, known as the "Presi.
dents House" and occupied by that parsonage
when visiting the point. The army officers Of
Fort Monroe waited upon his honor the day
before yesterday, dressed in full costume, and
were received by him in courteous and unaf.
fected manner. His health is reasonably good,
and no doubt will be greatly strengthened by
his sojourn here, though time has evidently
laid his efacing hand upon his once stalwart
frame and constitution. / yesterday noticed
him in the Catholic chapel inside the fort, com
Iningling in the deyotions of the little congre-
CATION, seated among soldiers and citizens, par
taking of the solemn ceremonies with evident
devotion; and all, with but one or two excep.
tons, being entirely ignorant of the presence,
in their midst, Of so great and good man.
The priest Rev. Mr.. Develin, of Portsmouth,
delivered an eloquent appeal to the consciences
Of all present in behalf of constant and fervent
prayer, and invoked the blessing of Heaven
upon all our rulers and law-givers. 1t was, in
deed, an interesting scene when the good old
man knelt before the Most High in unison with
the humble few present, thus proving that be-
fore God all are equal, and in His presence all
pomp and title vanishes away.
This morning the venerable Judge paid a
complimentary visit to the garrison, and was
received by the troops, paraded under arms,
while a salute from battery of light artillery
did honor where honor was due" The troops
we're reviewed, and the Judge seemed much
elated by the exercises. A large number Of
people were drawn together on the occasion, as
has been the case for some weeks past, not only
to witness the different evolutions and disci
pine Of the forces, but to enjoy walk or o
lounge in the vicinity. cannot conceive O
more enchanting spot than is enclosed within
the walls of Fort Monroe at this season. Aside
from the general parade, there are numerous
large plots intersected with fine walks, and the
whole amply shaded with noble oak trees, from
under which can be seen the daily routine and
outlines of a soldiers duty in garrison. and the
inhalation of a healthful breeze enjoyed. As.
cend upon the ramparts, and there lies spread
out before you the famous Hampton Roads,"
bearing upon its bosom the noblest specimens
Of marine architecture, besides countless small
craft plowing along" wing and wing" Oppo-
site rears the frowning walls Of the Rip Raps,"
the fayorite residence of" Old Hickory" when
once visiting here, and which only requires the
final completion to render this point of our coast
second Gibraltar. In the distance lies moored
near bar, an immense light-ship, whose toll
ing bell salutes each passing craft and tells
that its keepers are on the alert Farther south,
as far as the eye can discern, may be seen the
lighthouse of Cape Henry, and in an opposite
direction lies the famed village of Hampton,
surrounded by numerous plantations and coun-
try seats. But while enjoying this feast of Wis
sion, the precaution should be taken not to
come in contact with. the various missiles of
war, cannon balls, thirty-two Founders, &C.,
which are rather prejudicial to the well being
of the lower extremities, DC"
Another object of attention is the fine cotil-
lion band attached to the Messrs. Wizards
Hotel, discoursing enchanting melody through.
out the day and evening. One feels disposed,
occasionally, to step aside and seek short res.
pite, which may be found in the billiard-rooms,
bowling saloons, sea-bathing, or inveigling the
unsuspecting trout into frying pan from out
of his native element. And crabs, "soft" or
'hard shells" your city never presented finer
assortment, or more disposed to be "taken in.n
The veritable Frank Pierce is shortly ex-
pected to give US call, upon which event, l
mean to give you an account of his movements,
and of the various Changers on" Hoping that
the sea breeze Of Old Point may occasionally
puff into the windows of the Herald office, car
rying with them their train of desired effects,
and alleviate the usual smothered spirits and
persons of you Gothamites, at this session of
the year, am yours truly,
RIP RAPS.