Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-01-03
How we spent Christmas.

Awaiting ourselves of the rest time, afford
ed by our suspension last week, we paid q
to some valued friends in the CITY of
Wilmington, Gift is not a city. it ought to
be- being under promise to that effect of
months standing. In going thither,
we passed, for the first time, over the North
Carolina Railroad from Raleighto Goldsboro'
and we are sincere in saying that for elegant
Coaches, powerful and b~eautifal Locomotives
and polite and energetic Officers, it has fewif
equals and no superior in the country.
A delightful ride of a little over two hours, :
and we were in the neat and beautiful town
of Goldsboyo. After partaking of a good
dinner at Mrs. Griswold's spacious Hotel, we
again took the Rail and were hurried along
at a rapid speed to Wilmington, and in a few
hours we were enjoying the hearty greetings
and inequalities Of warm-hearted generous
friends in that ancient town. The next day
being Sabbath we attended the 9Th street
Methodist Church and heard a tervent and
excellent Discourse from its worthy Pastor, !.
Rev. I. P. RIcAUD. We learned quite an
interesting revival Of Religion was in progress
at that Church, and that Rev. Mr.. Rs labors
were highly appreciated by his congregation.
TIL next day was Christina land we
have no where ever seen the day so universal
b and ratioSally enjoyed, as t5 the Whining
~tonians. Young and old, bond and free,
seemed to have met en- a common festive
ground, each eager to spend the hours joy
ously and happy. The " Cooners,' as the
negro bufoons styled themselves, were to be
seen and heard all over the streets. The
song, and the dance, and the merry laugh,
yelling up from hearts free from care, were
theirs, literally exemplifying the scripture
adage-" take no thought for to morrow
If SOM of the morbid sympathisers for the
poor slave, who live north, could witness a
Christmas SaturRatia among that class, he
> notions.
On the day after Christmas, with a num-
Der of the Members of the Legislature, the
q invitation Of the citizens to a Steamboat ex-
cursion across the bar and out to " the deep
blue sea-" was accepted and enjoyed with
q Infinite gAsto by us nplanders, many Of whom
n had never seen such a sheet Of water before.
It After being conducted through Fort Caswell
examining the ramp ,rts, bitches, cannon, &c.
d we repaired to the sea beach and gathered
d shells, grabbed up sand crabs, and enjoyed
ourselves in a free and delightful way. 4
tap from the bell of the Boat hurried al
is hands to the Oyster-roasting, where crack
Mt ling and popping on q bed of glowing Goals
the large and luscious 6irales, with expande
jaws, said as plain as oyster language coul
talk" come eat me!"-and we did. w
ee regretted that a dense and heavy fog p~revaile
NV so that the scene could not he fully exhibite
and enjoyed by some of our mountain friend
pr who were present. As it was, however, tn
genius and romance of sentiment and Poetr
Il. was aroused, and old "Nep." was salute
ort with an admiring smile, as we stood
US " Watching the waves with all their white cres
oo Come like thick plumb squadrons to the sngre,
las Calamity bounding
at Bidding him
sh- " Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean-rol Y
we betook ourselves to the Boat, and aft
ers' struggling through mists, heavy fogs, sa1
bars, &c, we reached Wilmington at ne
midnight-but even at this late hour,
~ learn, many of our Legislators on board
S3O tended the ball, given by the citizens in he
'ks, or of their visit-ase preferred paying our
So votions to Somnus.
D. The day following we visited the Sound,
1ers company with a few choice friends, and sp'
zach one of the most delightful days Of our life
ton the beautiful beach, and in paying our 7
UNI poets to the shell-fish gathered fresh and dl
IS OF ping from the briny wave. After which
drive of an hour, partly over a good pla
ters road, brought Us to the hospitable home
beg our friends. fresh and invigorated by
S to pleasant days recreation. 4 few hours I
cred on the next morning, and we found oursel
t en- safe and sound in our sanctum, preparing
e in tell every body about our pleasant trip,
CHI Il to persuade them all to visit Wilmington
from they want to find the cleverest people
Let sun shines on.
iums May prosperity, success and happiness
sub tend the citizens of Wilmington individu
nph- and collectively and that commercial tt
nth and prominence be theirs to which their
V do. ergy and enterprise so justly entitle them