Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-10-05
From the New York Herald.-(By Request.)
Our StauntOn COrrespOndence

| STANTON, VA, August 80, 1860.
| One of the most cha, ming spots known in all
Western Virginia is the little town of Staunton "a
town, even at this period Of the nineteenth centu-
ry 30 delightfully."- primitive and free from city in
noyatons-4 800 inhabitants and seventy two miles
above tide-water, nestled IN a valley surrounded
by hills and in the direct route to the famous Vir-
ginia Springs ! have seldom visited more love-
" or romantic spot. After the frivoties of Sara
toga, how delicious to turn to the hospitable warm
hearted and cordial entertainment Of the genial
Southerner. Here, surrounded by every beauty
of nature is life for the poet and for the epicure
for who has not heard Of the semountain mutton
and venison of this region the delicate fried chick
en-a dish peculiar to the mountains, and once
trout, speckled with crimson, dying with all its
gorgeous beauty like an expiring sunset. How con-
genial to the spirits is this rarfed air. As dis.
tingujshed Marylander remarked, at party here,
World and the New, bit never had he tasted bet
ter brandy or seen prettier women :" and apropos
of the former, must speak of that peculiar insti-
tuition Of this State (the state Of sin and misery
comes to you CONCEALED in its own frostwork-the
icicles hanging pendant from its rim in the most
tempting manner, with just mint and good brandy
enough to make one, like Oliver Twist constantly
sigh for ''more," after the accustomed sized gob-
let has been drained. This place is distinguished,
too, for its schools. There several female sem
naries of note, hospital for the insane, and the
popular institution for the deaf, dumb and blind,
unner the charge OF the sclentlnc and accomplish
ed Or. Merilat, stands second to none in the coun-
try The principal, DR.. Merilat, and vice princi
pal, Mr.. Cove, have nourished the institution with
fostering and parental care, and to them must
accrue the satisfaction Of the increasing growth
and popularity of the object of their idoatry
Upon the oaA- gemmed summit of a neighboriny
bill stands the villa Of Dr. Merilst-a peculiarly
picturesque spot. The taste of its occupants has
left nothing undcsg to make it most enchanting
Here the grand OAK rears iii statey head and vii.
low in mpIa nchOlv haSI hove I'm ~
in arsocratic pride and the ross vines bend their
branches, wreathing lattice and trellice with their
clustering beauty. This is, indeed, vine-clad
bower, at whose door the graceful ivy twines Its
the bird nestles and gives forth its daymatin from
SITS luxuriaht Dough.
Beyond the western extremity Of the town, and
commanding one of the finest views / have ever
seen, is the residence of Commodore Skinner-one
of the remaining gallant veterans Of 18l2-and
calle the "Sailers Rest" Near by stands Mont
gomery Hall, the former residence of Howe Pey-
tom one of the most bria5t luminarieS of the le-
distinguished Preston Of South Carolina, is the
descendant Got fer off stands Spring Farm or
Donaghe Ball, portion of which was built by the
l1essan soldiers. The dining room still stands
which was used by them banqueting hail. and
in which, undoubtedly, was filled MANY glass,
toasting the merry lass Thiss indeed, one Of the
landmarks of this ancient country.
leaving the environs, MY eye rests upon the ele-
CANT site Of. Judge Thompson, of most extended
prospect; the "Birds Nest of Henderson Bell
and 1edded loves first home, the cosiest nook OF
creation; the fine residence of ex- Senator Kinney
one of the wealthest men in town, and the mag
nihcent mansion Of Mr.. Edwin Taylor, considered
the hsndsomest in the vslley, and called tie '1New
York House" from ts northern style.
The taste of the Stauntonians extends also to its
churches, of which there six in number. among
which the Episcopal and Lutheran stand most
prominent for fine architectural proportions. The
latter is at present interesting it's associations
being the first charge of Mr.. Gilbert, y Dung
clergyman OF devotion to its interests, whose soul
is in his work, and who, while he charms the ear
by Dis eloqience preacher, is beloved as pas
tor. The cemetery, called ''Thorn Rose" possess
es great natural beauty. Here lie the bones of
many men Of valor and renown, many noble moth
ers and proud sons here rest the dead-the descen-
dants of a Washingtons Writ and Patrick
Henry.
But why live in the past of this time-honorea,
time-lovng State, while here still live the @pure
minded Stuart the whole souled Baldwin, Thos.
j Niche, James FL Skinner fson of the commo-
dore), and others, with the talent ard promise of
the present Why altogether live in the lives oi
those that have gone before With stch attrsc-
visit the Valley of Virginia To the lover of hons
here is the celebrated Meyers cave, just seventeen
miles from Stanton; Elint's Knob-a mountain
commanding the most extensive view in the State
and almost Alpine in its Enthusiastically ffteer
miles; the Natural Bridge, one of the greatest cu
pean Towers, twelve miles, and most wonderful il
their curious structure.
Within day or two of all the springs, both sui.
phureous and chaly beate, in whose invigoratinl
water may almost be found the fountain Of
louth'-tor which Ponce de Leon so sighed
Gazing from such spot as this,
At such time
Well may our hearts believe,