Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-08-07
NO. XXXIII.
For the Spectator.
OFF CoBB's ISLAND, I


July E6, 1860. P. M
Mr.. Editor lin company with some friends,
who, like myself had been visitors for several
days, at Old Point, we composed party of ex-
cursionists, on the steamer ssNorthampton,n to
Cobbs Island, and left the Point this morning
at o'clock. The remainder of our company
was from Norfolk, Portsmouth and Hampton,
consisting principally of young ladies and gen.
tlemen, the venerable editor of the Norfolk Bea-
con, Mr.. Broughton, senior editor to the Ia
mented Joseph Gales, and Capt. Joy, of New
Orleans, an aged sea Captain, the principal ex-
ceptions. The sky being overcast with light
| clouds. and the wind blowing strong from the
southwest, creating the fear of storm, prevent
ed our company from being large one. We
set ont in fine spirits, anticipating q pleasant
time, and expecting to return to Old Point
wharf at P. M. Except for what sailors call q
chopping sea, just west of the Oapes, and which
continued the greater part of the thirty miles
which We run outside, we would have had de-
lightful time Some were rendered slightly sick
and others prevented from being so, by seeking
horizontal position. The writer, who had on a
previous occasion experienced something of the
kind, sought the most elevated point over the
bell ct the Prov, and enjoyed an uninterrupted
view of the Bay, the approach to the Capes. the
stretch of grand old Ocean, as far as our vision
could reach, the ridge of snowy foam, showing
the breakers along the Northampton coast,
Smith Island Light House, the numerous sails of
the outward bound and returning vessels, and
was refreshed by the health-restoring breeze as
waited across the bosom of the Atlantic. How
much would there be, Mr.. Editor in an excur-
sion of this sort, or sojourn at Old Point, to
delight and interest our people, who had never
looked upon the Ocean or seen vessel under
sail, and how much more pleasant than a visit
to one of our Springs2 ~
About II o'clock. we entered the narrow
creek on the northwest side of the Island. and
were soon put on shore in the small boats of the
steamer. A crowd of visitors came down to
welcome us; among whom / greeted several
friends. felt well assured l was, perhaps, the
first person from Augusta who had ever set foot
upon this outside scrap of Virginia territory in
the bosom of the Atlantic. Very soon the COM
pany was distributed in groups about the Island,
fishing, shooting birds, picking up shells, BATH.
iEg in the surf, or standing in silent admiration,
watching the waves as they surged over the
breakers and rolled up On the smooth and beau
tiful beach at their feet. Twas glorious sight,
and, in itself, full remuneration for any little
discomfort experienced in the voyage. Amidst
the breakers, South of the Island and in full
view, was the hull, with all the masts standing,
of q Bremen ship, wrecked last winter and not
yet broken up by the waves. It cannot resist
them another winter, tits supposed.
The day passed pleasantly away, and at P.
NJ, the steamer bell summoned us on board
For an hour or two before the wind had in
creased to a violent gale, and the tide Lad run
down to much lower point than usual. On
attempting to bring the steamer around with
her head to the wind, which was blowing di-
rectly from the point to which we were bound.
the vessel backed across the narrow creek. and
under the influence of the strong wind and re-
ceding tide, got aground. 1t was manifest in a
few moments that we were immoveably fixed
for time, and it was thought by some expert
enced seamen the detention might continue for
several days if the wind should blow from the
same direction. All felt much concern for alb
sent friends, who, experiencing the same violent
gale, would conclude that we had been cast a.
way, and many would be the sleepless and tear
ful eyes, that night. 1t was Providential we
were detained Had we got under way at the
time we attempted it. the chances were ten to
one, our vessel, which was too fragile to with
stand q storm on the Atlantic, would have been
driven upon the breakers and lost This was
the opinion of several experienced seamen ex-
pressed to the writer.
The storm continued through the night, but
in safe situation as we were, we enjoyed q
sight of the immense waves as they rolled in
from the Atlantic and broke in foam on tho
beach. At an early hour the next morning.
conference of several gentlemen on board was
held, and, in view-of the storm being yet una
bated, it was determined to send word to Cher
rystone, on the south western coast of North
ampton, to which place the steamers from Nor
folk piled regularly every other day, of our sit
uation, so the apprehension of our friends might
be allayed. The writer volunteered to be the
bearer of the message, and YVES put ashore at
sunrise, to procure passage if possible, to the
main. The effort was unsuccessful. Twas
thought impossible to cross safely, and the opin
ion was entertained by Mr.. Cobb and others,
that by 4 P. NJ, if the wind changed, our steam
or could be gotten off.
The day passed pleasantly enough, and at
P. NJ. the whistle of the steamer, summoned
those of us on shore to haste aboard, and in
half an hour we were returning in fine spiri.s,
over q comparatively smooth sea to the Point
The storm having lulled, the porpoises were
seen in schools, sporting themselves in every
direction, as well as quantities of small fish, and
added interest to our voyage. At 6 p M. we
greeted our friends, on the wharf at Old Poi5t,
many of whom had regarded us as food for fish
es at that time. We had barely time to hasten
to the hotel pack our trunk. settle our bill, take
q hurried leave of such friends as we met, and
join others at the wharf to 60 aboard the steam
or Louisiana for Baltimore. The sun set just as
we were leaving, and was so unusually beauti-
full, as to elicit the admiration of every one. As
our noble steamer assembled the Bay, the moon
arose most beautifully and lit up the scene, and
the mild and bslmly night, enabled the passen-
gers to occupy the deck to a late hour in pleas
ant converse. Thus passed delightful visit to.
that agreeable watering place, Old Point, which
is rapidly growing in public estimation, and on
ly wants enlarged accommodations to enable the
to render comfortable the crowds
that are resorting there. M.
For the Spectator.
GOssiping.
To a polished and enlightened mind one of the
most disagreeable kinds of conversation is that
of gossiping. In the bright and busy land in
which we live-where everything wears the
happy appearance of activity and ffe-a land to
which civilization is 80 speedily yielding her
richest blessings and gayest smiles, it seems de-
cidedly unbecoming for the gentlemen to re-