The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-11-25
THE DAY BOOK.

THe CADETS IN NoRFo.K.--Now that the
Lexington Cadets have returned to their
quarters, they are discussing their recent Wis
it to this city. One of them writes thus to
the Express. ...
There are several reasons why we should
have anticipated our visit to Norfolk with
more than ordinary emotions of pleasure
1t is the native place of two of our most es-
teemed and talented Professors, Col. F. II.
Smith and Maj. Thomas Il. Williamson. 1t
has always had a large number OF represen-
tatives at the Institute, from whose ranks
have issued some OF our most distinguished
graduates, and it contains also innumeraole
objects of interest peculiar to seaport,
which are no small curi0sities to those whose
lots have been cast among the hills. But
notwithstanding all this, and all we had
+ heard of the beauty and hospitality OF the
good old city, it gives US inexpressible plea
sure and satisfaction to say that our ENJOY
,nent exceeded by far anything which we
could possibly have anticipated, and never
while we live can we forget the polite atten-
tions which were paid us, and the kindness
with which we were treated during our stay
in old Norfolk, which to US will ever be the
CITY of cities. Wear aware that by those
who consider the acquisition OF dollar tn
acme of human happiness, and have had all
the finest emotions OF their hearts deadened
by the all absorbing strife for gain, Norfolk
is considered behind the age,o old fogylsh and
unworthy tue advantages with which nature
has blessed her; but only by such as those;
all who have learned to live In some degree
tor others, land are not lost in the cont empla-
ton of self, and can understand that grasp
of the hand which comes from the heart,
will exclaim with us that for hospitality dis
interested kindness, and every attribute
which ennobles the human soul, she can new
er be surpassed, but must ever stand head
and shoulders above every other place in the
Union.
We do not pretend to say that there are
not other places which can boast OF some
citizens as hospitable and generous as those
of Norfolk, but nowhere is it so universal.
Our uniform constituting pretty good let
ter of introduction, we visited extensively
as our time would permit, and nowhere did
we go where we not greeted with cordiality
which made us feel perfectly at home. But
after returning our most sincere thanks to
the citizens generally, our deepest and most
heartfelt gratitude is due to the families with
whom we STAYED for the manner in which
we were entertained. No trouble was spared
which could in the slightest degree contri-
butte to our happiness; every delicacy which
the market could afford, was served up
for us in the most elegant and inviting
manner-even the hours for meals being
regulated to suit our convenience, and in
fine every possible attention was paid u.s.
We have no doubt but that many youth
full cadet felt his heart leap with joy as he
found himself once more in the home circle,
under the sweet influence ut his benevolent
hostess; even we, who have been accustomed
to soldiers life for three long years, expe-
rienced home feeling which almost render
ed us children again.
Now that the trip is over and We are once
more in Barracks, there are constant discus
sions going on among the Cadets about who
received the kindest treatment. Now were
we allowed to express our opinion, we would
most assuredly say that our party OF four
had the most elegant gentleman for host and
the sweetest lady for hostess, not forgetting
a certain ornament to the left OF the latter,
toward which side of the table we found our
gaze most frequently attracted. But the fact
is all were best, and no distinction can be
drawn. You have already seen accounts of
the kindness of the young'gentlemen through
the press-you have heard of the magniti
cent ball which they gave us, but you could
from no idea of the style in which it was
gotten up and the prOpriety with which it
was conducted. unless you had been present.
Then nothing could surpasss the generosity
of the victorious Knight Hiawatha, who re-
signed his position and privileges to Capt.
Morgan, of our corpse. Besides all these
public acts OF kindness OF which all have
been informed, there were no little atten-
tions shown us in the private circles, the del
icacy and disinterestedness OF which have
made an impression upon our hearts which
no lapse of time, Hor all the vicissitudes OF
life, however varied, can ever wear away
OF the beauty of the ladies we must attempt
to speak, but exclaim with the poet
"Twere easier far to paint the hues OF heaven,
when morn, resplendent with new glory,
wakes,
Or steal the varying tints by sunset given
To the old-crested wave the while it breaks
than to do them justice.
But while beatty is lso prominent a char
acterist n of the ladies of Norfolk, we would
do ipju, e to our appreciation OF the sex,
were we to pronounce it the attraction. They
possess other charms much more lasting and
much more gratifying to all thoughtful and
waited, their intellects are brill liant, and their
conversational powers are such as will show
that their lives have not been devoted alte-
gether to the triyolties of fashion. But that
which made the deepest impression upon us
was their simplicity OF manners, their warm
and sympathetic hearts, and that maidenly
modesty which constitutes the brightest gem
in woman's diadem-
"The charm
That coolest hearts can quickest warm
Which all our best affections gains,
And, gaining, ever still retains"
For the kind consideration with which we
were treated by the air,'creatures, we shall
ever be more than grateful, and the scene at
the depot will be remembered after we have
forgotten everything else--tor of all the com
pliments which were paid us, We consider the
turning out of the ladies to see us OFT by far
the greatest. Ifit would prove source OF
qualification for them to hear tive can state
that we are all once more at home, and
though quite we'll in other respects, many Of
us are suffering from affections of the heart.
We have said nothing ofPortsmouth for the
simple reason that, having been over there
but once, we are not prepared to 40 ner Jus,
tice; but YOU NAV rest assured that she did
her part nobly. and will be thanked III