The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-05-03

TARRYTowN, N. Y, April 20

Correspondence Of the Minnesetian.
TARRYrowN, N. Y, April 20.
DEAR MINNEsoTIAN IL am on classic
ground, and the very air seems impregnated
with it's fragrance, and its inspiration echoes
in my soul. / was awakened this morning
by the cheerful song of spring birds, which
gave free concert with seeming just APP
probation of the scene of rare beauty spread
in one broad view embracing every variety
of scenery, and the glowing Hudson radiant
with azure light stretching for full fifty miles
away-New York, thirty miles distant, and
several towns of smaller growth, are in fair
view. l doubt if lovelier spot in all the
old East can be found than the home Of the
relation at whose house l am now guest.
A greenhouse, where the choicest of plants
and shrubs have cheered by their smiles the
long dreary winter, extends some forty feet
in the rear of the back parlor, and the sweet
perfume of the flowers enter the open Win
ons contrast with the foliage of their respec-
tive trees, but the century plant gives no
promise of bud and blossom, yet here are
some of the rarest specimens l have ever
met. Nor have 1 ever seen such rare
combination of utility and beauty as upon
these grounds. Fruit trees of every variety
and vines "yield their fruit in their season"
One rare specimen of grape, imported from
Europe, can thrive only in a glaass-house,
and from it was last year gathered $50 lbs,
each pound finding ready market at one
dollar, and some lunches weighing two and
a half pounds. but 1 must not dwell on
those prosy themes when SO much of the
poetic abounds on every hand.
l have been to "Sunny Side" the resi-
dence Of Washington Irving, but saw not
the dear old man, now in his 10th year.
The ancient-looking Dutch dwelling bears
the inscription, "erected in 1856" but
it has been recently remodeled. Graveled
walks, dancing brooks and miniature water
falls adorn the grounds and smile amid the
ancient trees. Mr.. Grinnell, whose wife is
a sister of the celebrated author, and whose
enterprise projected the Arctic expedition in
pursuit of Sir John Franklin, resides in the
immediate vicinity. Mr.. Grinnell is said to
eschew all conversation on books and authors,
and discontinues his visits where these are
the themes.
1 have been to "Sleepy Hollow" and
though at midday, saw in Imagination the
mysterious hOrseman who came dashing
down the hill at midnight in pursuit of
Ichabod Crane, the school master of the
neighborhood, who had that night been on
visit to his lady love-" The renowned old
I" Mill Pond " is still there, and tic house
where dwelt Mclvina Vantasscl is still seen
on its opposite side. Ishabod Crane died a
year or two since, few miles down the
Hudson, and the descendants Of the Van
tassels still reside in Tarrytown.
I have been to the Cemetery and read in
scriptions on the moss-grown stones more
than two hundred years old. Many of these
are in Dutch.
first built on Hudson River, more than 2O(
years since; but its massive stone walls arc
tottering, and for few months past they
have ceased to worship therein.
have been to the spot-haye stood upon
the ground-where the noble Andre was
captured. 1t is at the foot of the lawn
which fronts the mansion of my friend, and
the elevation has received the cognomen OF
Mount Andre. This sad event is perpetu-
ated in splendid monument The dcscer-
dants of John Paulding, chief Of his captors,
still reside Lere.
This visit to the oldest town on the Hud-
son has been full of interest, though all too
brief. But the coachman waits at the door
to drive me to the depot, and for the present
| must bid those dear friends and yourself
adieu.
| FLCRILLA FLEETWOOD.