Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1859-01-06

Christmas! what a multiplicity of thoughts
crowd upon my mind at the very mention of its
coming, and when it comes how many delight
tul "reminiscences are awakened in my memory
OF bygonc days, at present but dimly pictured
on the past. | can well remember the thrill of
Joy Which Sladdened my heart when prattling
boy, and how anxiously and enthusiastically I
welcomed its approach; but now what change
since the busy cares of life surround me- It
comes, and can scarcely realize the fact, and
1t passes as quietly as it comes; but, Mr. Editor,
L shall long remember the Christmas and Christ
mas holidays Of 1858. | had received an invi-
tation to spend my Christmas with an attached
relation, living in one of the beautiful rural dis
tricts of the Old Dominion, which determined
to accept, and on that bright, happy morning
was safely seated in the cars and in few hours
10y the assistance of that powerful agent the
IRON horse) was pleasantly seated at the break
last table, enjoying the generous Inequalities Of
lady, who the good people of her native coun-
ty with one voice proclaim is the best of the
good, the most hospitabIe of the hospitabe and
the kindest Of the kind Indeed she could con-
sistently return the compliment, if all her neigh
bors are like those had the pleasure of visiting
1t was here your Bachelor friend commenced his
Christmas celebration among Virginians in their
good old-fashioned way pardon cant express
sion) Of sdoing up things They celebrate it
as day of peace and love. There seemed to
exist among the people union of thought, a
union of spirit, and union of joy-each heart
seemed to overflow with gratitude for the ex-
pressions Of good will, which was meeted out to
it and every hand was shaken with frmer grasp.
With them also it was day of religious observ-
ance as well as day of gladness. l attended
the Episcopal service on that day at the neat
and quiet little village Of Brentsville and had
the pleasure of listening to an eloquent and APP
propriate discourse by the Rev. Mr.. To1ss, who
very effectually impressed upon the minds of
his congregation, the responsibility they owe to
that blessed being the Prince of Peace whose
birthday they were about to celebrate. After
the church service had ended and the compli-
ments of the season had been fully offered by
all, each family retired to its happy home to en-
joy around the social hearth Coristmas joys, and
at the festive board Christmas festival. Their
enoyments do not end with the one day only,
the holidays are set apart for visiting and en-
tertaining. had occasion before to refer to the
hospitable disposition which characterizes the
people in many of the counties l have visited in
Justice, for the obligations feel, and pleasant
duty by placing good old Prince William con-
spicuously upon the list with those | have be-
fore cheerfully and deservedy praised for their
unrestrained hospitality. Her people generally
are high toned, noble, and possess many of the
primitive customs peculiar to the early settlers
of the State, which 1 candidly think adds so
much dignity to the character of the "Virginia
gentleman" They take great interest in po-
lHical and military affairs and in common with
the people Throughout the State they pay due
Difference to the military title. The fox chase is
their favorite amusement, and indeed one in
which both the old and the young take the deep
est interest, and why should it not be so? for it
is not only one of the most innocent but at the
same time one of the most wholesome of all the
rural sports. 1 listened with great deal of
pleasure while waiting for the train of cars, on
chase winch came 61 = fe " 4ssso1s y le.es
possessed Major G-'s happy way of mbe-
fishing, would relate all the Incidents of that
memorable chase, but as I do not, will simply
state fact which adds so much Of interest to it.
There were but four persons engaged In it, the
youngest 60 years of age and the eldest 74-all
brothers and all highly respectable and excellent
citizens of the county What an interesting
sight it must have been to have witnessed that
venerable band Of brothers, as they galloped
their noble steeds over the hills Of Prince Will
liam, making the wales echo with the music of
the sportsman's horn. Long, long will be re-
membered the interesting "We,don" fox chase.
In conclusion, Mr.. Editor, let me pay a just
tribute to the fair daughters of Prince William,
whose gentleness and kindness are only surpass@
ed by their beauty and intelligence. Suffice it
to say, found my bachelor proclivities quaking
under the influence of their smiles, and 1 left
wishing that I might be spared to enjoy just
such another Christmas in old Virginia.
BACHELOR.
baltimore Dec % 1858