Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-08-24
For the Tandicotor

Mr.. Editor: 1T is well known fact. as
well as scriptural assertion, that "a prophet
has no honor in his own country" This is
true only as it regards individuals light
in which the Savior of sinners viewed it and
expressed himself when despised and rejec-
ted by his wicked countrymen, the JEWS
but how often does the same principle reveal
itself in regard to place and event.
Distance does so lend "enohantment to
the view" and fancy so artfully conceaIs the
little deformities of an object, that the things
of home merit and familiarity are flequent-
" overlooked and disregarded for the fanci-
full and the odd-though sometimes trivial
and worthless.
I was led into the above train of thought
by noticing short time Stree in the 'sVin-
dicato-," puff on Roanoke College. 4
wish to detracs nothing from The popularity
of this Institution, nor from tie erudition Of
its Faculty. It il no doubt good school
Cor young men and well adapted to qualify
them for usefulness in any sphere in after
life-but am fearful that the young men
of Augusta, who read the Vindicator, :"
while they have their ears and fancles tick
led with s'puffs" on the .'beautiful and rich
valley of the Roanoke and her still more
glorious College," will forget that there is
within that domain to which the ''Father of
his Country" said be would have the last
recourse for the salvation Of his country, a
school that completes every whit with
Roanoke College. [ mean Messy Creek
Academy. This Academy lays claims
upon every son Of our good old county that
should outweigh them in favor Of any other
institution of learning -except the Univer-
sity of Va, and some of the first class cole
leges in the state. And | appeal to the sons
of Augusta if the peculiar fancied honor Of
attending some school or college afar Off
the farther off the more honor many suppose
whether it is not our pride as we'll as duty
to seek an education and be trained up with
in the domain of that good old common
wealth, which history and tradition render
peculiarly dear to every lover OF his coTn-
try.
Besides being eudeared to Augusta youth,
as being bona jide an institution Of their
own good county, there IS here also in the
way Of locality; scenery, accommodation,
&c., almost everything to recommend it to
those from abroad.
The locality is healthy End the neighbor-
hood refined and enlightened. The scenery
Of the place is not easily surpassed anywhere
in Va. Messy Creek, beautiful stream,
flows near by and affords fine facilities for
bathing ard fishing. The stream is fire.
quented by large aocks of wild ducks and
other game in the fall, winter and spring,
and affords fine opportunities for recreation.
There is also good Gymnasium on the A
cademy grounds.
It is far enough from any village or town
to exempt students from the vicious habits
that many such places frequently afford OPP
portunities Of engendering in the minds of
young men. The academy itself is large
brick edifce, capable of aftording every ia
cility to the student for lecture and recita-
ton The rooms the students occupy at the
house of the Principal, are healthy sufs-
GENTLY large and we'll ventilated.
Upon the whole it is just the place for tie
man who wishes to study with the least in
terruption and have the conveniencies and
comforts of home at the same time! Indeed
enough can hardly be said Of The great pains
Mr.: White, the Principal and Proprietor,
and his excellent lady, in the last two years,
have undergone for the comfort Of their pu-
pills and boardcrs. Nothing that could con-
auce to their comfort in their rooms or upon
Che table was denied them While, there
fore, [ would be far from ihtimating good
board as the best feature IN an institution of
learning, I WOULD simply say to those who
may wish to take UP Quarters at Messy
Greek Academy, at any time, that they need
not fear but every want in this respect will
be afforded to- Mr.. White is christian
gentleman and his lady and family adnrira-
bly, calculated to render home pleasant as
we'll as edifying and improving to young
men. Mr.. W. is an excellent teacher him
self, having had number of years expert
ence, and employs as bis assistants next
year, Professors Cannon and Turner, both
If whom are Masters of Arts from the Uni
versity Of Virginia. The school in point Of
ability and thoroughness, is one Of the first
grade Of preparatory schools in Va, being
designed as preparatory to course at that
Institution. A STUDENT.
Near Mt. Sidney, Va, Aug 9th 1860.