The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-08-14
An Exeursien % c.nsy r.lana.

An Excursion 10 Ceney IslanA.
Among the places whore it is expected
strangers in New York will visit. Concy
Island ranks % not the least interesting;
and last Saturday afternoon being bright
and pleasant, we in company with few
friends concluded to 60 pleasuring to this
far famed resort. Arriving at the pier
whence the boat started we found the
regular boat had been broken, and another
one put in its place temporarily. There
are many things in and about this won
derful city to astonish the eyes of ''na,
tive Hawkeye,'' and overwhelm him with
wonder at their gorgeous magnidcence;
but since our arrival nothing had We met
equal to this same excursion boat. 1t was
about the size of the old "Salina,' familiar
in the memory of most Of your readers
An awning was stretched over the back
part, and there were two little rooms, each
capable Of holding about dozen persons
comfortably, and this was the boat that
piled between New York City and Coney
Island, place Of resort, where hundreds
go every day. The boat, however, on its
downward trip. was not uncomfortably
full. The bay, as we passed down, pre-
sented an animated appearance; vessels
of every description lay on its troubled
surface. Vessels with their sails filled by
the fresh breeze gGded gracefully along,
leaving scarce ripple in their wake;
others with sails furled lay quietly
anchored, and steamers, putting and blow
ing, toiled slowly along, marking their
path by huge rolling waves. Passing the
Battery and leaving New York behind,
we passed Governors Island, which lay
to our left. A fort, and tents scattered
here. and soldiers lounging around brought
to mind our noble soldiers who are now
enduring the many privations attendant
on camp life, and fighting the battles of
our country, and ferycnt "God bless
them filed our hearts. Further on to
our right lay Station Island, dotted over
with numerous pleasant towns. To our
left, lay Long Island; and after leaving
Brooklyn, here and there rose elegant
villas, situated on the top Of hills rising
gently from the waters edge, and sur.
rounded by tall poplars, and charming
cottages embowered among roses and
trees. Sailing on through the Narrows,
we passed between Forts Hamilton and
Lafayette, whose enormous guns bid an
enemy's ships beware! ere presuming to
meet their welcome. Fort Hamilton is
pleasantly situated on Long Island. while
Fort Lafayette rises abruptly from the
water, and once there it would be impos-
sible to leave without the aid of boat
Opposite Fort Lafayette, on Staten Island,
is Fort Richmond On we sailed, aud as
We gazed on those scenes and listened
to the soothing strains of harp, our
Imagination was busy weaving bright fan
cies of the beautiful island to which we
were going. and various pictures of lovely
parks, winding walks under grand old
oaks. fountains playing crystal water,
warbling birds. murmuring brooks and
rustic seats, whence We could see old
oceans waves sparkling in the sunshine,
grew beneath Fancy's magic fingers,
while the delightful prospect of moon
light sail was only married by the knowl-
edge that two boat loads of people would
have to return on our little craft. While
engaged In these pleasant thoughts the
boat was moored to = low sandy beach,
where the only sign Of civilization was
plank walk leading out of sight. For
what purpose the boat stopped here we
could not even guess, for there was neither
a house nor a human being in sight
Presently the passengers commenced
moving towards the front Of the boat, and
hearing some one remark, "here we are,"
We innocently asked "where?" and was
answered, Fat Coney Island Eagerly
We rushed to the other side of the boat
to see the Island, and there gazed upon
water. Returning again our as.onished
eyes beheld the passengers departing on
the plank walk. Yes, it was even SOL
This was Coney Island! AS we followed
the retreating crowd and took view Of
the Island, we found it to be composed
nf hilla of sand ..d xallaxzr &c raaA 80.