The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-09-08

OLD FoRr GROUNDS, Aug. 18th.

L NAOoNAo3 mug SOeAs
DEAR MINKEsoTIAs:-We are passing Z
day on these consecrated grounds honored
in the annals Of our country and revered BY
all who look upon their Formidable ramparts
and decayed walls. We have iiiads the mile
circdit OH the sanitit of the west beast
visited every shady nook and moss grown
corner within; secured relics of the past
therefrom- and the lunch hts disappointed
from ''0ur basket" Some are seated upon
the green glass; some have strayed to the
waters edge, and zoe Gin the singular} after
making an indelible impression with green
butternuts, have sat down in the dense shad-
ow to dream and commune with far-off land.
Every sound is hushed, and the scene is one
better calculated to inspire calm contempla-
ton and poetic thought than patriotic speech.
Imagination runs back through the vista Of
the Past, and we hear the heavy tramp of
the watchful sentinel as he moves afouhd
where We to-day have trod; as his deep voice
Declares All is WELL" We see the mar
shaled soldiery obedient to the stern orders
of their commandant, and girding for expect
ed conflict!
This was a strong fortress and VERY i'm
portant one. 1t is situated on Crown Points
incest extreme, miles from the main laid,
and but half mile from the Vermont shore
thus giving great advantages over the enc
my's fleets. A deep trench surrounds the
breast-work, which is Is feet high and nearly
perpendicular on the outside, and as perfect
as when first constructed. There are two
main entrances but the guards removed. The
strong walls of two immense buildings re-
main and one is in ruins.
A subterraneous passage to the Lake still
traceable, secured from observation, and nice
maeadamized roads lead off in several drec-
tons from the entrance. One million and
half was expended here and was at last sur
rendered without a contest-an important
achievement in the Revolutionary struggle.
What changes Time works in the destinies
of Nations the Busy actors in ife's drama
when this work was constructed have passed
away. The ssoofd and third generations Wis
it to-day these grounds and gaze upon the
same enchanting scenes, but not listening for
the booming of cattnon or the sharp cfack of
musketry. No anxious fears by night and
fierce alarms by day. Instead of feet of
war, we watch the majestic steamers and see
the waving of kerchiefs instead of foreign
flag.
Government contemplates erecting light
house on this point, and for this purpose has
just concluded a purchase of ten acres, with
the proprietor: 1t is and probably always
will be, summer resort for the lovers of ro-
nance, of the picturesque, and of antiquity.
But the company are calling to know if my
"letter is finished" -and by the way, Messrs.
Editors, we have the rarity in this excursion
of single gentleman, who has returned to
visit his native town (Moriah) after an alb
sence Of twenty years in the South. What
an honor to be the escort of half score of
ladies. Yet he wears his laurels with true
fnodesty and Southern suavity: May he five
a thousand years, and continue, if he pleases,
to praise the Sunny South, while Minnesota
shall still be The theme of which will sing
But the horse-boat has left the opposite shore
and touches for us in its route to Port Hen
ry.
must hasten. Adieu.
FLORILLA FLEETWOOD.