Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-22
gaSlss' Department.
ArA N. Z M Editress.


long weeks ago, that so long q time would
have elapsed before holding communion with
You. But my stay has been so short at any
one place, and my time so entirely absorbed
by scenes novel and strange to me, that have
not had opportunity to prepare anything
worthy your perusAl. But being now pleas
antly domicilated at this delightful watering
place, (Old Point COmfort) where / have spent
50 many pleasant hours in ~girldhood's happy
days, / have determined to devote this mern-
ing to you, dear readers, in endeayoring to
interest by 4 description Of what / have seen
OF men and manners, and of the beautiful and
subdime in nature-so far as I may be able.
When the Editor determined upon attend.
ing the session Of the National Division, which
convened in Philadelphia on the 1st day of
June, 1t was resolved that I should accompa.
ny him resolution which was seconded by
myself, and carried unanimously by us both,
as the parliamentarians would say. Accor-
dinghy we left home some days in advance of
the time, so as to have opportunity of spend
ing afew days with dear relatives and friends
on the eastern shore Of Virginia, among the
scenes Of my childhood and the home Of my
earliest affections. How delightful are these
family reunions, after long separation, when
we can see and mingle with brothers and sis
tiers and recall the happy scenes of childhood's
home, and the dear parents, upon whose knees
we climbed, 'the envied kiss to share" But
n shadow passes over the otherwise delight
.ful retrospect, and the heart heaves with sor.
row while tears Of grief course down the
cheeks, as we behold the cacant chair of HER
who taught our infant lips to praise and pray.
ana pointed us from nature up to natures
Tod. Vi the loss of a dear christian What
loss to compare with it! But l will not in
trude my griefs upon you, dear readers
Such griefs are sacred, and should be sacred
ly and quietly borne.
Afcr spending a brief period with the loved
ones Of earlier days, We proceeded en- route
for Philadelphia UiG the Chesapeake Bay
We had a delightful ride in the splendid
Steamer "Adelaide," with just enough of
commotien in the waters to make it exciting.
We reached Baltimore a little after sunrise.
and soon found ourselves on the cars for Phil
adelPhia, where we met with Hon. Thomas
Settle and his lovely bride-also with Mr..
Wright, Of Washington, and d. S. Hill, ESQ.
OF Louisburg, who was likewise on his wav
to the National Division. Surrounded by so
many Carolina friends, we passed the time
very socially and pleasantly. By IL o'clock
we found ourselves at the American Hotel"
and after dinner were ready for a promenade
through the Parks and gay streets of the City
Of Brotherly LOVE-. &C.
the Aoass.sssa. s 4 s %An5 tS t& BA fSss sfsi 49,: :5 but
ships, and Other war-like contrivances and
death dealing emissaries, protested little at
traction for me-, save the curiosity and inge-
nuity with which they were invested. A
stroll through the delightfully."- shaded and
lastly arranged Park in the rear of 'Inde-
p~endence Hall, +" soon refreshed us after a long
walk through the heated, crowded Streets
Here we were standing on sacred ground
upon the very spot where our patriot fathers
spoke this mighty nation into being-where
the immortal Declaration of independence
was framed and signed, and where it was
promulgated TO the world amid the shouts
and huzsas Of the patriot multitude. We
visited Independence Hall, consecrated 20 lib
erty and American Independence. Here are
the old ~straight.hack chairs, the quaint fash
Toned desks, &c, all as they were left by the
signers of that glorious instrument; and here
we fancy we.ean soc those noble, brave men,
as they sat in solemn council and pledged to
each other and to the world, 'their lives
their fortunes and their sacred honors," in
the maintenance Of the great principle Of
mans capacity to govern himself, as promul.
gated ia that great instrument. | would
fain let my imagination revel in the glorious
retrospect which the scenes around ne in.
spsred, but lest become tedious, | forbear.
attended some of the sessions Of the Ma.
tiOnal Division, and looked with pride and ad
miration upon that gallant, noble band O
Philanthropists and patriots, who were en-
gagged in 1.-THE onnObling and god-lke work o
redeening their fellow men from the degra
ded and bestial habits Of intemperance.
never saw a finerlocking body of men assem-
bled together, or listened to ADLER discussion
thar we witnessed in the National Division
Of the Sons Of Temperance Of North America
went there q pretty firm and decided adyo
AssOGthe only true doctrine, total abstinence
and have returned a still more uncompro
missing, unyielding defender Of the Order an,
the glorious principles It nculcates. Go
bless those great and good men, who lei
their homes and families and avocations, il
order to meet together and consult for sti
further progress and triumbhs for their b,
neticent Order. May their highest hopes b
mone than realized. We are under oblig,
tons to many Of thsm Eor gallant c~ouriesie
and attentions, which were highly appreci,
td, coming as they did to us in the midst /,
strangers.
The great public demonstration and we
come to the members Of the National Diyi
lon' held in the stupendous and gorgeo,
Academy Of MUSIC building, was indeed
scene. which one may witness only once in
lifetime. / believe tho rd;,o-