The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-07-08
Che Groucllrr.
For The Cecil Wing
SKETCHES OF TEXAS;
no. MI.

Galveston, the principal seaport town of
Texas, is situated on Galveston Island, the
same being an island of sand in Galveston
bay, containing an area ofthrty miles in length
and six miles in breadth, with an elevation
above the level Of the sea, at its highest point
of only about six feet. IT'S said there is not
tree on the island, save those planted about
the city.
This island was the rendezvous Of LnfWc,
the notorious pirate, when he prowlcd about
the Gulf; and such an island as Galveston, is
the most admirable site for a pirates home
that can be conceived. 1t were better de-
scribcd to style it a sand bat, for so fat and
naked is the isle, that it can be deserted but
a few miles from sea. The city is built on
the northern end of the island and when
viewed from the Gulf has the appearance Of
city rising out of the sea. The streets are
unpavcd, and but few Of the side walks laid
with brick. Neither are there stepping stones
across the corners for the accommodation Of
pedestrians in muddy weather, but the streets
are broad, level, thoroughiarcs ofwl.itc sand,
without an irregularity or interruption.
You may stand in the middle of the city
and see the waters of the bay rising on either
side, at the ends of the streets, apparently
on level with your feet, and bear the sullen
roar of the surf. as it breaks over the rock
bound shore on the west side of the island.
The beach is covered with curious and beau
tiful shells.
al &c MI tod wit oh fb.,
streets, like almost all southern towns and
cities, among which the orange is most con-
spicuous. 1t also has some fine yards taste
fully ornamented, but the houses are gener-
ally low. The catholic church is by far the
most elegant and imposing ediice in the city.
1t was erected in 1917 but is constructed in
such manner as to give it the appearance of
great antiquity.
The place has considerable shipping, and
may in future, become one of the most veal
thy and beautiful cities in the Union. It's
wharves are huilt on piles, and have the APP
pearance of long foot bridges extending far
out into the bay. Going on board the steam
ship perseverance, at 10 A. M. we moved
of from the wharf, firing cannon by way of
bidding goodbye to the Galvcstonians, who
stood on the beach waving their handker-
chiefs, as we gded away over the smooth
bay, responding to their adieus from the ship
in like manner. Our good ship was soon out
side the bar, followed by flock of guls that
kept lowering in our wake till dark, picking
up whatever they might appropriate to their
crops that was thrown from the ship in the
way Of garbage.
Outside the bar and fairly in the Gulf, Gal
weston was soon lost to sight, sinking into the
sea apparently, leaving nought but the green
waves to look upon. AS the ship advanced
seward the rolling and pitching Of the vessel
increased, causing the usual sea-sckness
among the passengers. The motion Of ship
on the ocean is two-fold. Ienot only scesaws
with the swell of the waves, but has also
rolling motion sdewise, which in landsmcn,
with few exceptions, produces that peculiar
nausea and vomiting, known as that most dis
tressng of all sicknesses-sca- sickness. The
weather was fine and the Gulf comparatively
calm, but nevertheless our ships cabi, be-