The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-20
THE SPAS OF VIRGINIA.

August 16, 1854.
Location IF The Springs-Ertent cffhe Estate
7Hc Water, &C., &c.
Tho intention You exhibit to cater for the
various tastes Of your hundred thousand read
ers, in the publication OF letters from divers
watering places, emboldens me to ask for o
small share Of your valuable space in behalf Of
this Southern Spa.
The access TO the Springs is easy, and the fifty
miles between here and Washington is travelled
over i'll FIVE hours, seven miles steamboat, and
balance save few miles. by rail; fare 50 rs.
The hotel at the spring is located ia q beautiful
country. with the Rappahannock running
through the plantation, and the Blue Ridge
visible in the distance The estate consists Of
100 acres OF land, some Of it, especially on the
river bottom, very rich. There is one field of
corn near the house, Of two hundred acres, from
which the yield will be nearly sixty bushels to
the acre. The buildings ore Of brick, slated,
and are very convenient and extensive; the We
randa is ono Of the finest promenadcs in the
country. In a semicircular form. on either side
OF the hotel, are 8 number Of brick cottages OF
cabins AS they are called; these arc usually oc-
cuped by families, and are isolated and indie
pendent Opposite the main hotel, The street
passing between, is four story building con-
tanning the bar and billiard room, and being
occupied by young men, IL called "Rowdy
Hall;" there is, in another direction, a separate
building for gentlemen without ladies, called
Bachelor Hail. The capacity for accolamo-
dalton is sufficient for Ave hundred with CON-
fort. There is lady's tenpin alley, bath house,
ard all the ct ceteras Of watering place. The
grounds, which are very extensive, arc beauti-
fully laid ont, and filed with fine shade trees.
The spring, white sulphur, is very etficactous ia
cntaneOus diseases, as also in rheumatic afsec-
tons and Is about 600 feet from the hotel.
The fitting ground" is nearly quarter Of
mile in length by 200 to 500 feet wide; It
lies along the river, with an elevation on one
side, which. if constructed by act, could not
be better fitted Tor seats than it is. Here the
| annual 9 tournament takes place, when there
assemblies some Of the best blood, both human
and equine, OF the good old commonwealth
The riding on these occasions. am told, is
astonishing, exhibiting great practice, rare skill
and daring courage The tournament will
come of from the 9TH to the 20tl of September.
and will be. followed by grand fancy BALI
Here, then, will meet i've hundred at least OF
the bellies and beauy of the country, grani
sight truly, and one worth your while to come
from Nassau street TO gee.
There is here fine band, which plays before
dinner, and ut night furnishes the music for
quadrilles, waltzcs and the Virginia reel
there being ball every night save Sunday.
There are gas works which supply light Of a
clear and excellent quality. The cost Of the
buildings and other improvements was over
$780, 900: till last season it was owned BY
company, but it j. now, with the extensive
farm. the property OF Mr. Thomas Green, a
citizen Of Washington.
There are about three hundred visiters now,
and more social, afable, agreeable set Of
ladies and gentlemen never saw at watering
place. The ladies DO not dress for dinner, at
tending that, in other places, stately meal, in
their breakfast Costume There il an ease aud
warmth of feeling here that is really refresh
lug after the cliquism and cold, heartless for
mality Of most other watering places.
Mrs, Richie, ci-depGat Mowatt, is here, but
as she has retired from public life, have no
right to say more. Mrs. Campbell, wife Of the
Postmaster General, II also here, as are num-
Der of ladies, married and single, from Wash
ington, Norfolk, Alexandria, &c., &c., each one
OF whom would be a belle at Cape May or New
port
The charges, too, much, own, to my salts
faction, are rcas0pable-Sll - week, or IL "a
day. But something too much of this, SO
Au reyoir, VERULAIN.