Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-03-30
East Range, University of Va.
For the Spirit of the Age.

Having nothing to occupy my time, [
concluded to take stroll into the woods
which girt our beautiful town. Sauntering
along the dusty road, | came across small
footpath which leads from the public high
way into the depths of the forest. Exactly
in accordance with my thoughts, turned
into the path and went along, gazing with
admiration at the beautiful scenery which
nature, even in the depth of this seeming
wilderness, presents to our view. The
sweet carol of birds, the solemn murmur of
the stately pines moved by slight breeze,
and the far distant sound of rushing
stream, were all that broke the death-likc
stiffness of the forest depths So occupied
was [ with thought, that did not perceive
where | was until found myself in an
open space, and not far distant | cspied
several graves. Ny thoughts already be-
ing of solemn strain, walked into the
"New Cemetery and seated myself on a
felled pine, giving myself up to the train
of solemn thoughts which came upon me.
Here was /, in the midst of the dwelling
of the dead-before me as far as the eye
could stretch, lay vast forest of stately
pines, mournfully waving their majestic
crowns, as if in accordance with the feel
ings that thronged my mind. On my
right | see two graves, with beautiful white
marble tombstones, and surrounded by a
neat lattice fence. The persons whose re-
mains are here reposing, were known to
me. They were beloved wife and broth
er, both of whom were cut down in the
bloom of youth and health, and at once
overshadowed by the relentless hand oil
death, while performing their duty, one as
a tender loving wife, the other as an affec.
tionate brother, to one who, by the decree
of Providence, survived them both. A
striking instance of the instability of hui
man life and our whole existence? To-day
on earth, enjoying all the pleasure and lux
ures we possibly can procure tomorrow
We have found our last resting place will
those who have passed before u.s. for WI
are but feeting shadows, that glide ava,
and in as short a time are forgotten as tht
flowers that droop and fade ere autumn ha
passed.
Directly in front of the sacred spot men
toned, see a grave sorrounded will
chains. This is the resting place of wor
thy seaman, who died far from the hom
of his youth and was here buried anon.
strangers. a beautiful marble tombstone
ornamented with the Masonic initials, mar
the spot where his mortal remains are dc
posted; and it is indeed beautiful me
mortal.
At very small distance | see anothe
lattice fence; it is a family resting place
and contains a few graves. was not Iii
tie surprised, and very much gratifed t
see, that the spot was laid out for a sma
garden, with few recently planted tree
This beautiful spot will always attract tn
eye of the passer-by, when spring will d.
velope the beauties and odor of fragral
flowers. 1t is very laudable idea, to su
round the sacred resting places of our de;
departed ones with beautiful flowers, shet
ding their fragrance over the solitary fel
of death.
There are several other graves in th
recently laid out cemetery, which are sea
tered over various parts of the grounds
is beautiful spot, but needs clearing u
which hope will be done shortly.
A.; the shadows of the trees lengthen,
and at last vanished altogether, turn,
and went homewards, we'll satisfied wi
my evening walk.
S. B.
Georgetown, S. c., March, 1859.