The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1859-09-10
Yomf CurresponAtnte.
OUR NEWPORT LETTER.

and in ecstacies, surrounded by wealth and
beauty, inhaling the pure air, and recruit
ing amidst the gaudy palaces and fragrant
gardens of Newport. Ihave read again and
again the efforts of correspondents to de-
scribe its sublimity; I have read of her ex-
hilerating atmosphere, her splendid drives,
the beauty and fashion of her female visit
ors, &c, and from all of these had formed
a vague idea of her attractions, and had
started out with determination agreeable
to injunctions given by Mrs. - to
remember my responsibilities, not suffer too
much enthusiasm, and above all things
maintain strict reserve in the presence of
the ladies. Well, as l have said, [ started
out with my valise, in which had packed
three or four changes of shirts, with as
many more Byrons, and one tremendous
duck-bill," to be worn at the first hop"
My friend "Pecksnif" accompanied me on
the trip, and his pious countenance and up
right gait did much to protect us from the
unbidden visitations Of those light-fngered
gentry against whom we were warned by a
printed lanthern, " Beware of pickpockets."
Yes, my friend Pecksniff" refreshed my
wearied spirit from time to time land not
only mine but those standing several feet
from us, for he has a habit of speaking
loud with spirit sighings-sighings for
grace: he'd wish himself in Heaven, where
he might meet those who had gone before
him; then, again, seeing a sea-gull above
his head, he'd wish himself an angel, with
golden wings, &c. But my friend Peck
sniff" after all, is but mortal, and will err,
as did Pecksnif" when he cursed and
blasphemed because of man treading on
his toes
1 Preached here at 8 o'clock on Sunday
morning, and found my way, through the
politeness of hackman and small con-
sideration, to the Phoenix" kept by Mr..
Henry F. Jackson, (of whom I shall say a
word presently where I made myself at
home until after breakfast, when sailed
forth, armed with the dignity of my calling
and my stern resolve concerning the ladies,
to gain some information concerning the
city, and then return to my domicil to
hold sweet communion with myself prepar-
atory to the commencement of my work. l
had scarcely commenced my observations
when my attention was attracted toward a
lady of graceful carriage and splendid at
tire, coming in my direction. Remember
ing my lesson, I seized my memorandum
book, and pretended to be very busy in its
inspection, intending to remain so until she
should pass; but, on looking up, gracious
heavens who should she be but one
whose name, in the Williamsburg Lyceum
carries with it such grateful remembrances
for literary benefits conferred-Miss -.
Well, now, here commenced pleasant lit
tie chat about matters and things at home
and abroad, as we leisurely walked down
the street, when, suddenly remembering
that had started out without any particu-
lar destination, innocently inquired where
we were going. To church, of course
Oh ! oh to church-yes, yes: just what ]
wanted, for should be here but this one
Sabbath, and should therefore pass it pro-
perly. The church was of the Methodist
denomination The subject of discourse
was "The Folly of Superstition" l wished
that some of our New Workers who throw
salt over their shoulders when they upset
the salt boat, or who look for coming trou-
BILE from the breaking of looking glass,
had been present on this occasion. They
would most certainly have heard some
thing to their benefit.
Although l enjoyed the sermon much, !
could not help stealing glance from time
to time over the brilliant array of style and
loneliness surrounding me. I began al
most to think that it was trick of my lit
erary companion to bewilder me. l had
seen the charming Misses AS, BIS, and
C.'s from Fifth avenue, New York, Wash
ington, D. c., and the West; but they
grew pale and sickly before the rich tint
and brilliant, lustrous eyes of these swar-
thy beauties who delighted my cultivated
vision. In word, Mr.. Editor, your cor
respondent "caved," and suffered himself
to be led willing victim to charms which
to him had dwelt before but IL fancy.
Monday, the 22d, was perfect maze Of
hustle and excitement, preparatory to the
great festival of the 23d, the reunion OF
the Sons and Daughters of Newport All
day long strangers were pouring into the
city. Every nook and corner was cram
med. In the evening the city was enliv-
ened with music from the nuhlic souares