Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-09-01
editorial Correspond enoe Of the VIII ginian
Orr OH PuIST, STEAMER ROANOKE, I
Saturday, Aug. -, 1855

Shlufudy. aug 49, iC'et
Before this reaches you. you will have heard
of the leplorabe accident which occurred neat
here to day, the blowing up of the U. ) Coast
Survey Steamer. We have not been able IL
gather full particulars on boarl Several
have been asceraned to be killed The accident
occurred at Hog Island, about thirty miles from
this place.
Old Point is almost deserted, il being in ratb-
er too close proximity To Norfolk and Portsmouth
to suit pleasure seekers.
As write, the sieeples and spires Of those two
devoted cities are visible. | learn that no ahate.
ment IN the disease has taken pacc,bnt that it is
rather nn the increase. But 500 persons are nov
in Portsmouth, and all who can leave Norfolk have
done 50, except those who stay from sense #
daty-suoh n the physicians, the ministers, III"
sisters of oharity;and others who have acted no
bly. and proved themselves ministers of love and
mercy to suffering humanity. All honor and
praise to them, Poor, stricken, desoate and
dying cities, terrible indeed is the blow that has
come upon them. Heaven grant that the dark
cloud. which, Ike the pail of death now hangs
about them, may soon pass away, aud that the
bright sunshine of health aud happiness may
once more dawn upon them
SUNDAY THE 26rH, Orr CAPE MAY.
As Que of those whose province it is 10 watch
the interests Of the public, would be guilty Of
dereieion of duty. did not say something about
the advantages Of this line Of steamorstor travell
ing North,now that have personal knowledge Of
them. This route certainly Possesses more
of the comforts aud fewer Of the troubles of tray
cling, than any other that can he adopted from
Virginia to New York, audit surprising that
ii is not more generally raironised
The steamers are large, we'll constructed and
elegantly fitted up. One sails along snogly
though he were enjoying tho entertainments of
the Washington" or the "NorYeH.' The fare
is such as no cpicure could, with good con
science, complain Of; the attentions are all thai
could be desired; and in fact everything CON
spires 10 make the voyage delightful except the
variety ola little sea sickness; which at last is II
small matter, when one "gets USED 10 it," The
prospect is magnificent, and presents quite
contrast TO the mountains nndhills of old Virgin
ia. For great part of the voyage, the land is
entirely GU. Of sight, and nothing but the blue
Heavens above and broad waters beneath is vsi-
BILE, save when here and there white sail dots
the ocean.
The Roanoke is p noble vessel, md right grace
fully does she bound along, and right gallantly
does she breast the waves. and SO strongly built,
well constructed, and skillfully managed is she,
that all are impressed with sense of safety not
withstandng they are "afoat on the ocean''
wave" with only u plank between them aud
"eternity's ocean, Her officers are everything
that one could desire. Capt Skinner is n gull
liant old Tar" who knows his duty and dares 70
do it. His long experience and skill in nautical
matters render him eminently suited for his posi-.
ton. Purser Smith is polite, intelligent and
agreeable young gentleman, and wins the regard
of all who travel in the Roanoke. But | am tres
passing--so adieu till reach New York.
A. Med.