Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-08-09
FOR THE SPIRIT OF Fl AGE.
A Trip to "Old Point Comfort"

.
Twas one of those soft, balmy mornings
in July, ere the pearly dewa and gentle breeze
were exchanged for heat and dust, I left my
beautiful home, hid in the shady grove-"by
the world forgot, the world forgetting''-to
try for a season the noise and hustle of a fash
ionable watering place. At Franklinton De-
pot, | became one of many who had taken
shares in the joys and sorrows of the trip,
and dashed on over hill and dale, through
wood and waving corn, to Weldon-the thor
oughfare of the State-and seemed to me,
the concentration of all steam engines. There
felt inclined to fly off in .sS&rEalAirections-
there lay direct lines leading to some favored
spots, where lived a near relative, a dear
friend, and scenes still "greea on memory's
waste" But the bulk Of the party caused
me to retain my equilibrium, and after a
dinner of many things, and not much either,
on a more finished car and with greater We
locity we flew Ger the country through the
Dismal Swamp and dreary waste of land
awakening no desire for a local habitation
and q name'-to Portsmouth, a fine flourish.
ing town., and one Of the principal Naval
stations in this great Republic. And now to
the wharf-all is hustle and confusion
every body is excitement, going to and fro,
propelled by some powerful motive. And
there is a gay party of ladies and gentlemen,
in fine dress a pleasure party from Norfolk
to Old Point. I think Of my little room at
home-how sad and dreary-'A life on the
ocean wave a home on the rolling Deep
must be joyful, delightful. We go on deck
the suns declining, a brisk breeze is blow
ing, we move off proudly, touch at Norfolk,
have q fine view of the City, and all things
are beautiful, in the extreme. The whole
bay is decked with ships and Vagsels-and
far as the eye can reach are numberless
Schooners, with sails all unfurled, bending
to the gentle winds of heaven.
But the wind is blowing roughly, our boat
rocking tremendously-one of the party sick
Oh! me, | wish I was on terra tfraaG again
Though He is Lord of the land and of the
sea, and in His arms will / restocking or
calmly and composedlya at His mighty works
admitting, yet fearing. The sea is SO Crane
and beautiful-so full of life and admoni
tions-a fit monument to many of the grea
and good, who lie beneath the wave. / fee
t so bad, as | sail upon its bosom, look int
the deep and think of him*-the loved ant
lost. But we are nearing Old Point-th
Fort is already in view, with its green vel
vety top, its guards and officers. How love
/ ly and picturesque all things are; and wha
/ a magnificent building-crowds ofladies an,
! gentlemen, freed from the whitening toucl
! Of care. And the music-it is delicious
every thing is as pleasant as a dream, a fair
r land-but my little, room is most charming
1 the snowy couch most inyiting-and to a
andeveFy one / must say good night.
= Point Comfort is a grand old place, wit
= = its beautiful shade; right on the sea-catcE
5 ing the. fresh salt breeze-sharpening the al
petite, then delirhtino it with fish. ovsta1
. and crabs. One could spend a day or I'll
n here with interest and profit, merely as
e looker-on. The handsome Fort. with i
pleasant walks and p-romenades, well-traine
militia, fullstocked garrison, giving YOU
feeling of safety and security still in Unc
Sam"-and a promise, if srar should ey,
lie rage, this is the first place You'll fy to Fl
= Rev. Mr.. Reynoldgon.