The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-02
THE WATERING PLACES.
Reports Of Tourists to the View York Herald.
OLD POINT COMFORT.


OH PoIST COMFORT, Va, June 90, 1854.
President Pierce at Old Point Comfot-Hs Recep-
fion at the Wharf-Honors in the Ereaing-Yist
10 The Garrison Church, and a Military Repiew-
appearance of General Cass.
fine day, full of sunshine and bamy swe etness,
such one as could ever wish to open upon our
illustrious Chief Magistrate and present visiter.
President Pierce arrived here from Washington
ONE 24fh instant, in the steamer Engineer, accom-
panied by Secretary Dobbin and the Senate's big
gun, Gen. Cass. Their reception at the wharf was
not such as would be generally expected; but owing
as suppose, to the ignorance of the exact time Of
his arrival, the commandant of Fort Monroe did not
open its ba tteries in honor OF great chief nor
was therdks single representative Of the army to
greet him upon Iandlng-all of which betokened a
screw out of place somewhere. However, the Presi
dent and suite took apartments at the Hygeia Ho
tel and were received by its gentemanly proprietor,
Mr.. Willard, in a becoming manner.
The report Of the Presidents arrival soon spread
abroad and citizens and soldiers turned out to bid
him hearty welcome. A salute Of twenty .one guns
was now fred from the water battery Of the fort,
composed of fortytwo 1unders; and loud were their
peals Of welcome seemingly apologizing for their
delay at first. The army officers, headed by Col.
Crane, were at this time paying their respects to
their revered Commander-in Chief who met them
in the reception room of the Hygea, with many Of
our citizens. An invitation was extended to him
to visit the garrison that evening; but the offer was
modestly declined, account of the late hour and
the consequent fatigue Of a lengthy journey. The
evening passed off in brilliant style, the light fan
tastc toe being trpped, and other matters attended
to fer the comfort OF all, IN such manner rs thu
Messrs. Willard only can do; when the company
separated at an early hour.
Early yesterday morning, (Snnday,) before the
people were generally astir, gentleman and lady
were deserted entering the main gate to the fort,
and took their stand inside near the guard room.
From appearances and circumstances all concluded
swarming here-and no further attention was
paid them. The announcement was soon made
to the astODished lockers that " that" private
couple were the President of the United States and
his amiable consort. This little affair elected much
remark from those accustomed to scenes of royalty
and splendor, and displayed, emphatically, the
spirit Of our institutions and people.
At 10 o'clock, A. NJ the President, accompanied
by his lady, Gen. Cass end Mr.. Dobbin, attended
divine worship in the Episcopal chapel, the Rev.
Mr: Cheevers and listened to an eloquent discourse
among the latter, one for the special blessing OF
Heaven upon the head of our countrys ruler.
The United States frigate Columbia had now
dropped down from Norfolk, and mo ored opposite
here The slo0p of war Preble also lies in the
Roads, whose officers, as well as those of the former
ship came on shore and paid their homage to Presi
dent Pierce and Secretary Dobbin. Soon after this
the United States steamer Fulton came along under
full sail. route, for Norfolk, disabled her machi-
merry having given way while returning from her re-
cent voyage.
At o'clock this day the President with his suite
made complimentary visit to the garrison, and was
received with salute of twenty .one guns from a
field battery; the troops paraded under arms, sc.
He reviewed the battalion, and seemed muchlpleased
at their neat and solderlike appearance. Drill fol-
lowed, and the various evoutons.were gone through
with good precision. He now approached the large
concourse of citizens that had assembled meath the
shade of a"grateful oak," and received many firm
grasps Of the hand from those who respect not only
his high station, but his manly worth and charac-
ter.
has gained viz.:--corpulency and political fame
Mr.. Dobbin enjoys his visit much, and will this day,
accompanied by the President and retnue, visit the
national vessels Of war now lying opposite here.
RIP RAPs.
OLD POINT COMFORT, June %, 1854.
Quarters at Old Point-Morements of President
Pierce-His Tsa to and Reception BIZ Major
Rdmsay-His Trip to Portsmouth, Other Nota-
ttiifies at Old Point.
Fixed in toerable cool place, with my eye on
the thermometer, whose mercury tells Of SO deg in
the shade, purpose to drop you a line on affairs
here-this "pace of places" The extreme heat of
the weather would indeed become intoerable but
f,r the refreshing breeze and baths with which
we are favored. AS preventive against cholera,
&C., better expedient be found at least so is
the opinion Of eminent physicians.
In my last informed you of the Presidents visit
and reception by the troops of Fort Abnroe on the
26th inst. The evening Of that day was also merry
one, and creditable to gallant officer, rs it was
complimentary to his guess Brevet Major Ramsay,
of the Ordnance, an officer noted for his generous
and high minded disposition at home, and bravery
in the field, extended an invitation to President
Pierce to visit his house in the evening, which he
cordially accepted, accompanied by his lady and
attendants.
The Majors residence is the most beautiful Of any
on Old Point, being inside the walls of the Fort,
commanding o fine view of the interior, and sur
rounded by luxuriant shade trees Of various sorts.
Immediately in front are several conical piles Of
cannon balls descriptive Of the profession Of its
cupant. At this beautiful retreat the President and
suite passed the evening surrounded by hosts of
citizens and goodly portion of the army and
navy.
About one hundred yards in front of the mansion,
and on the parade ground, were erected several fine
pieces OF fireworks, and as soon as it dark the
display commenced. The military band discoursed
fine music while at intervals rockets and miniature
bomb shells would ascend into the air. from the
ramparts, shedding lurid glare upon all around.
Among the fireworks was one emblematica of the
union OF our army and navy-an immense anchor
words, "Don't give up the ship" in half circle
over ALL Another was the name of President
Pierce, surmounted by the square and compass. In
short, the effect was grand, and the devices appro
pirate. The evenings display ended by a beautiful
piece of pyrotechnic work, on which was inscribed
the word "Adieu." The assembIage gradually dis
persed, and left the distinguished guests to enjoy
the efficient hospitality Of worthy host.
An incident here occurred honorable in ITSELF and,
alas but too seldom practised. The hospital stew
ard of Fort Monroe, Dr.Forney upon returning home
from the evenings entertainment, attracted to
spot from whence proceeded lurid glare like that
of sparks of fire, upon the ground, and upon stoop
ing TO ascertain the cause, he picked up beautiful
and costly gold watch, the diamonds on which 80
accurately initiated the "sparks.n He at once de-
Ivered the article to Major Ramsay, expressing
wish that II might be returned to its proper owner.
Upon inquiry, It was found that the costly gem be-
tonged to the lady OF Col. De Russy, and was acct.
denfally dronned by her where IL was found.