Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-05

From Our 0on Correspondent.
Buffalo and Detroit. .s5sGl
left Toronto on Wednesday, the 25th of June
on board steamer of respectable dimension
and good deal larger than was necessary to &C.
commodate the company on this occasion, mos
| OF the people on the move in that direction
seeming to prefer the expeditions rail, or rather
that mode of conveyance, for think we reach
ed our destination at the same time.
Among our strip" as have since learned To
say out west, were rustic bride and groom,
who seemed to think the day too short to do
them brown by broiliDg in the Sun and anoth-
er couple OF an opposite description, two Cana
dian priests, the last was to see of that least
comely, but apparently moet estimsble class Of
Romish Olergymen. Their atrocious dress,
which is peDance in ITSELF even to look at, was
concealed, in this case, by heavy cloak in spite
of the fine vernd weather, and perhaps because
they were approaching our heretical domain,
where have formerly observed the anxious
care with which they DOTTED or hid the most ab-
surd parts of their costume, such as inserted COL
The most important fixture on the boat was q
big black baggage porter, who appeared to be
pouty, a circumstance not tending to increase
either his activity or suavity. did not ask but
took for granted that he was runaway, which
might account for his nagisterial tones and
manner, rendered more amusing by their con-
trast with the nonchalance and mildness OF the
Captain or the Captains clerk, who sold or
~ al f,aEa for uhon t Wi
my habitual precautioD, made an early bid for
one, he seemed surprised at my impatience, lan-
euidly encouraged me to put 1t off till after
breakfast, and at last supplied me with an OBJ
vious reluctance. The nearness OF the frontier
was not needed to assure me that this man was
Canadian.
Our sail, q would say steam, if usage suffered
it in this connection) was to me charming one,
beneath bright sun, qualified by cooling bree-
zes, and in direction east of south, thus dag.
onally crossing the whole breadth of Lake Onta'
rio, or at least from Toronto to the mouth OF the
Niagara. The view of that city f.omthe water, as
from other sides, is not imposing, on account OF
its level situation, but extremely pleasant, from
its air of neatness, comfort, and sodity, and
that happy mixture of green trees with brick
and wooden houses which is characteristic of all
western cities. Our strip" though small, was
rendered smaller by some landing at the town
of Niagara, on the British side of the river, at
its embouchure into the lake, for the sake OF
passing over the suspension Bridge an honor
and advantage which had sufficiently enjoyed
before and was rather thankful to escape at this
time. What liked much better, at least pro
hoo oice, was our smooth bright sail Ior SIX OF
seven miles between the high green banks OF
that mysterious river, through which the vast
chain of inland seas disgorges Its superfiuous
waters, aud in the midst Of which is planted one
of natures most stupendous wonders.
Our landing place was Lewiston, Niagara
County. Empire State, directly opposite to
which is Queenston, Upper Canada, which
houts its Yankee vis-a-yis by monumental
column to the memory OF Gen. Brock, already
visible for miles as we approached had no
sooner sprang from the gang board of the steam
er TO the free soil (no otfense intended) of my
own. nv native laud,n than was peremptorily
ordered back by an African autocrat, under the
vague address of ''Here, you sir !" to meet the
American official who had stepped on board as
stepped off and who wished to speak to me a.
bout nv luggage. He was quite as easy as his
British counterpart at Island Pond, bat used
somewhat different formula. inauiring whether
mad anything dutiable with me or upon Inc.
A long steep staircase up the high b"nh of tho
river brought US to an omnibus, which carried
us mile or more to the depot of the New YORK
Central Rail Road, where the train awaited our
arrival. | reaped the reward OF my virtuous
sef-denial in remaining on the boat instead OF
going to Niagara, by having several unex-
pected and distinct though rapid glimpses OF the
cataract as we backed up and down like balky
horse. to use the simile which have since heard
from au Ohio farmer, on the road between Nj
aeara CITY and Niagara Falls. On theme so
vast and yet so hackneyed, shall only say that
the effect upon myself of this view from above
and en- passant, was at once less beautiful and
less sublime than any had previously taken,
owing, as I suppose, not simply to the distance,
which was not so great as to destroy distinct
ness but to the qualifying influence OF the sur
roundings which :are well known to be emil
nently tame and insipid, bat are wholly exclua-
ed from the nearer and lower views OF the
great spectacle. -
When our engine was at last subdued or got
upon the right track, leading to Buffalo, had
striking proof that was once more in my ma
tive land by being asked my name and told py
the respectable inquirer, for he evidently was
such. that he wished to test the correctness OF
his memory, by ascertaining whether ne had
not seen me at such time aud in such place.
The national difference is not merely that an
EnolisLmsn would in such q case have let con-
ceaiment prey on his damask cheek, and quietly
ignored your very being, but that the Amerlcan
expects his recognition to be no more gratelul
to himself than it's object, whether sick or WE'LL
conyersible or taciturn, soliciting attention or
shrinking from it under the distresses OF tooth
ache. as / was myself on this OCCASION. =,
Another indication of the same kind was
nv being stopped as l went into my dinner, 6y
q pentleman unknown to me, who under the
form of an inquiry, no doubt prompted oy the
kindest motives, quite destroyed my appetite,
that ia. so much as had survived the tooth ache,
by suggesting painful apprehensions as to one
II NV nearest relatives and dearest friends,
which were not partially relieved until had
hurried. after swallowing mouthfnl, TO tne
Post Office, guided and accompanied by thlrd
kind countryman. who had been present at the
previous Interrogation, and now eagerly contln-
ned IL. while at the same time he most clvlliy
escorted me az far as his own place OF business
and then pointed out the rest of the way to the
POST Office. q fine stone edfce, containing also
the limited States Courts and Custom house.
here obtained comparative relief from my an4-
;eties but at the same time entered on new
adventure. more agreeable as past than present,
which may serve to entertain some OF your read
ers. few of whom reckon, have bad occasion
to 90 through the bewildering and mystlfying
process of self lfidsntifcation. Having, changed
INV nurpose since lett New York, and now IN
tendinr to 90 westward, / had written from
Toronto to q member of well-known New
York firm. with which have intimate reia-
tions. requesting him to send by mail TO 6u1alo
a cbeone on some bank there for sufficient
ann to carry out my new plan or circular let
ter Of credit available in that and other western
cities which I thought of visiting. The form in