Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-06-30
FROM OLD POINT COMFORT.

OLD PoINT COMFORT, Va, June 18th.
Our very gay and lively community has been
recently thrown into an unusual state of in
terest and excitement, in consequence of the
arrival and temporary scjournment of the
President. His Excellency, in company with
Mrs Pierce, Secretary Dobbin, Hon. Lewis
Cass and daughter, Mrs. Smith and Sidney
Webster, arrived here on Saturday morning,
by the steamer Engineer, having spent the
previous night at Piney Point The company
took apartments at the hotel of the Messrs
Willard, Of your city, under the management
of Mr.. G. G. Willard, whose efforts were un-
ceasing to render their stay as comfortable
and pleasant as the situation of the place and
appurtenances of the house would possibly ad-
NIT. Soon after the arrival, the President was
notified that the officers of the fort, with Col.
Crane, the commanding officer, were in readi-
ness to tender their respects to them They
then proceeded to the ballroom, where they
were Immediately joined by the General. Some
time was here spent in conversation, the Pres
ldent addressing personally the officers pres
emit The scene was one of unusual interest
many of the officers having served with Gen
Pierce In Mexico, and shared with him the
vicissitudes of flood and field" Among these
L noticed Major Martin, now stationed at this
place, who lost an arm in the Mexican cam
paign. This physical disproportion in the
Major will never mar the symmetry of his mil
itary and valiant character.
On Sunday the company attended divine
service inside the Fort, where the ceremonies
were conducted by the Rev. DR.. Cheevers the
resident minister
On Monday, Commodore Newton extended
an invitation to the President and party to
visit the flag ship Columbia lying off a short
distance from the shore, which was accepted,
and upon going on board, they were enter
tanned in an agreeable and hospitable man
ner by the Commodore and attending off,
GERS Salutes were. in the mean time, fired
from the frigate and the Fort in honor of the
Chief Magistrate.
In addition to the President and suite, there
were present Chief Justice fancy, Hon. c. III
lngersnll, and many officers of the Fort
The party lett here on Tuesday in the Engi-
neer, and have no doubt before this arrived
safely in your city. As far as can be ascer-
tanned, they were fully satisfied with their
accommodations, and the interest manifested
by Mr.. Willard 10 contribute to their pleasure
and comfort
One word in relation to the hotel and the
present Droprietorship. The accommodations
OF the hOuse were certainly never as desirable
as at present In addition to the many attrac-
tons heretofore existing, there have been many
Improvements made, which render it doubly
desirable and more fifty adapted to the com
Tort and convenience of visitors. The arrange
ment Of the gas is or new and improved
scale. which is an important item in a we'll
regulated house. The bathing houses are in
excellent order. Billiard room, ten pin alley
and pistol gallery, properly managed, while
TIE 'acIlities for fishing and driving on the
beach, were never enjoyed to a greater extent
than at present. The ball room is open night
~ for the recreation and anu ement of the
lovers OF the dance, and the finest music dis
eoursed by the brass and string bands under
the direction of Prof. Marsoletti,
Ine personal management of the whole is in
the hands OF Mr. c. c. willard who has thus
far rendered himself enviably popular by his
cVrteous manners and constant endeavors to
cater for the comfort and enjoyment of his
guests-
l shall keep you advised hereafter Of any
facts worthy of note.
Truly yours, n.