Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-27
LErirnc, cfa ieties G,s~ Charte''o".l

Elirnct ~ a tetie' J'e@ Chartesfo".
Atfirst sight, stranger is not pleased with
Charleston. Such an opinion we had heard
expressed and our observation and expert
ence proved it true The buildings have
RUSTY and somewhat sombre apPearence.-
The dwelling houses especially are destitute
Of that cheerful and home-like aspect which
render them attractive to mere passer by
Generally they are situated close to the pave
mcnt. without shade trees or sbrubbery to re-
licye the naked walls. There are exceptions,
however, to this general rule and some of
the residences and public-buildings would be
crcii,able and ornamental to any city,
Especially is this the case with the Orphan
Asylum Ii is noble editce, well worthy
Of it's liberal founders and benefactors. A
more complete building, in all its appoint
ments, have never seen. A fire alarm bell,
weighing over six thousand pounds, cast BY
the Meneely's, hangs in the cupola, and
sentinel, in uniform, stands there watching
the city, relieved once in three hours, and
when bv chance II FIRE is discovered, the
huge he'll is struck. as many times IA indi-
Gates the number Of the Ward IN which the
fire is seen; and its tones, reaching TO every
part vi lilt CilN, th'
the progress Of the fire, and in what direction
to find it.
We assembled to the topof the Cupola where
we enjoyed a magnificent view OF the city
and bay, and the shipping in the harbor. !
cannot undertake to give full description
of the Orphan Asylum. IL is an object OF
great interest, and would advise stran-
gers going to the city to visit that noble m
stitution.
The-I was about to say unfortunate, hut
must say fortunate buys, will po-
litely conduct the visitor through the vari-
Gus apartments. | believe "Wednesday Is
the regular reception day. but strangers
will not be denied admittance at any conyen-
lent time.
Another object Of attraction to strangers
j. the Artesian Well. The water bolls up
from more than twelve hundred feet below
the surface, and as it comes from the nu-
merous spouts placed about the we'll for the
accommodation Of the public, its temperature
is nearly the same rs fresh drawn milk. :
People rs they pass stop and take drink
of the pure and sparkling beverage. After
taking glass, and while standing and sur
yeying the machinery, saw two ladies enter
the enclosure one of whom held in her hand u
tinycup of white china lined with gold They
approached the fountain and, AZ if it were
IN every day occurrence, took draught from
the refreshing stream. All classes have ac-
cess to these waters of lie; and large
trough, on Meeting Street, is contantiy over
flowing with this element. where the horse
can refresh himself and the beasts of burden
resa!e themselves when tired nature" needs
such rest0rer.
A second we'll is now being bored, about
forty feet from the first A small steam
Engine is established near, by which the
boring is DONE During the few moments |
stood witnessing the operation, there were
s or 10 poles, q #. in length and about in
diameter, drawn from the depths below
The Engineer informed me that some eight
or ten more were to come These poles are
ironed mt the ends in such o way as to be
firmly locked into each other, and rs they are
drawn out they are unlocked by means of a
wrench detached and laid aside in per
pendicular position in the corners OF the curb
which surrounds the well.
This Artesian well constitutes another
object of interest to strangers visiting this
city.
[ was particularly pleased with the good
order which prevailed throughout the streets
and lanes of the city. And when saw un-
iformed policeman walking about by day
and by night, looking as though they were
determined to do their duty, this general
good order was accounted for. Indeed bet
ter police regulations than Charleston has, |
have never seen; and have visited most of
the principal cities of the Union, from Bos-
ton to New Orleans.
The Tidal drains" which run through
the city from river to river, succeed almira-
bly, in floating of the filth Of the city into
the bay; thence into the Atlantic. The streets
are kept in clearly condition, and doubt
less the unusually good health Of the city
during the season, and this time, is one of
the results Of this improvement.
But above all there are Churches here, and
Christians too: and Charleston seems not be
a whit behind her sister cities in this respect.
Spending but one sabbath here | could OF
course, visit but few of the churches. Two
of those which did visit presented to the
eye an antique appearance, and were, |
should Judge. built in the middle of the
Eighteenth Century, or at some period prior
to the Nineteenth. There seems to be no
disposition on the part of the membership Of
the churches, to change their antiquated APP
pearahce, proDduiy pfoiof"S "S' "'.J
should remain as they have been from the
beginning, as relics of the past.
A REToRT DIREcr.-A clergyman from a
neighboring town and one of his elderly
Pensioners were walking home from church
one lev day last winter. when the old gentle
man slipped and fell Hat on his back The
minister, looking ut him moment and
being assured he was not much hurt SAID to
him: Friend, sinners stand on slippery
places" The old gentleman looked up. as
il 10 assure himself of the fact and said, Il
see they do; but can't.-Froridence Post.
Ety- To CONFERENCE.-The advertiser hay-
ing been restored to health in few weeks, by a
very simple remedy, after having suffered several
years with a severe Lung Affection and that dread
disease, Consumption,-is anxious to make known
10 his fellow sufferers the means of cure. To all
who desire it he will send copy OF the prescrip-
ton used free Of charged with directions for pre-
pairing and using the same, which they will lind a
sure Cure for Consumption. dsfhmd, bronchitis, de-
The only object Of the advertiser in sending the
prescription is to benefit the afflicted and he hopes
every sufferer will try his remedy. a II will cost
them nothing. aud may prove u blessing. Parties
wishing tho prescription will please address
REV. EDWARD A. WILSON.
" .o6-wsw Williamsburg. Long Island.