Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-08-10
FROM NEW YORK.

Correspondence OF the Richmond Enquirer
A NIGHT WITH JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EsQ., AT
HIS PALATIAL RESIDENCE AT FORT wAsHisaroF -
HIS OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF GOV. wisE-How
BENNETT WAS ISTEREsrED BY THEIR RECITAL
oBsERvATIoSs AZ TO HIS CHARACTER IN HIS ~.
siHEes AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS, &C.
new YORK, Aug. Cd, 1858.
The world wide celebrity which ia Gordon Bennett,
Esq editor and proprietor OF the Herald has acquired
will doubtless, give Soms interest 10 lew notes oil
bis social character, IA found II developed in The
course of pleasing interview Of several hours with
him his beautiful private residence at Fort Wash
ingtoD, about twelve miles from this city.
Having had some little business 10 transact with Mr..
Bennett called upon him ut the office of The Herald
few days ago, but he too busily engaged at the
time to afford me audience. he, however, kindly
invited to spend the night at his residence, where
full opportunity could he had 10 transact NIL the
bupinees had 10 do with him. The invitation che-r
fully accepted, aud at his suggestion proceeded 10
Chambers street. where took the 4 o'clock Hudson
River Railroad train. At the point where the steam
engine takes the place of horss power-some consd
cradle distance from the Depot first observed MIR.
Bennett coming board, and, strange as 1t may seem
in view of the fact OF his long residence in the city,
the announcement OF his approach by some person
in tbs brought scores 10 the windows at the side
at which no was entering, all evidently anxious TO
see him. He appeared quite uncoDcerntd at this
exhibition of curiosity, and quietly took his sea in
the eDd car where he remained In conversation with
gentleman seated him until the arrival OF the
train at Fort Washington station.
Here, for the first time since "ur brief Interview at
the office, did he observe me- and as emerged from
the upon the platform, M ssiuted me with kind
expression nf pleasure II mv arrival. The distance
from the office nf the Herald to this point is about
twelve miles which needs 49, hour to be accomplish
sd owing TO the sow rate Of speed at which the
train ia required 10 pass.
The passage from the station TO bis residence. ia by
q winding road which ascenGs By easy grade until
nlapf
the level of the river Owing to the circuous char
acter of the route, and the Intervention ct neat oak
forests and uXuriant fruit trees, full view OF the
mansion 10 only ohiained upon near approach 10 H.
1t is wooden building, OF the most picturesque and
imposing outline, aud somewhat OF the Dorlc order
The plan, 1t mistake not, Ia peculiarly Mr. Bennett
own. and might more properly be said to combine the
Doric and Cornthian style of architecture with a
blending Of other conceptions peculiarly original but
no less imposing and chase. In front, running the
uIl length of the building. is porch constructed ot
massive timber, snd in style of workmanship which
| ihs great metropolis can alone produce. Not upon
| Tue banks u the Rhine nor amid the stately man
slons OF The Thames IN tact, amid ali the classic
sceneries ceeorated in song and story there b.
! foHno 20 charming variety OF rich and gorgeous
scenery az opens 10 the view upon gaining the sum
init where Islands this noble residence. Who that has
read, or heard OF the scenery along the Hudson will
question the truth Of what say when he ia informed
that the building stands upon the highest point the
Island Of Manhattan, and that he has therefore, with
the range q! vision Ill llat grand of that magni
6csnt scenery. Ali this had full opportunity uf
admripg in the course Of short promenade within
circle OF about one hundred yards around dwell.
| ing. | would willingly undertake. Journey OF SEQ
| miles to witness what bebeld from this e!eva
| ton. But nv admiration destined to take II
higher range still First, however, dinner was to be-
disposed Of the inner msn was 10 be RECALLED little
| an operation which was by no means unacceptable
after the trip from New York, and the short walk
which l bad Just taken, enjoying meanwhile tbs
eIhilratng air which sweeps through the shady
| groves from the noble Hudson
NY kind host ordered neatly dressed servant man
toiurnish dinner Tor two, and in less than twenty mi.
ted TO give additional to an already pretty sharp
appetite. There was another element which mig bit be
regarded as having similar tendency. We had Oh
the taoe specimen OF the pur-s and richest favored
wine ever bad tie good fortune to fsl in with. TIL.
very thought Of it causes an Involuntary suack OF
the lips, and doubt not, many who could appreciate
it better with the opportunity for testing its quality