Smyrna times., 1865-04-20
MISCELLANEOUS.
Written for the "Smyrna Times"
Letter from Salisbury, Md.
Mr.. EDIToR-De0r Sir.

Mr.. EDIToR-Deor Sir:
We write of what
" the eye hath seen and the ear heard" but
of what the heart of man never conceived be-
fore-the illumination Of Salisbury over the
surrender Of Lee and the rebel army.
The arrangements were all made and carried
out by Capt. q. W. p. Smith, at present COM
manding at Salisbury, and if the order and
good taste exhibited on the occasion are an in
dex, he is not only fine executive officer but
gentleman possessed Of the keenest and
heartiest appreciation Of what is beautiful and
appropriate.
At IL O'Clock all the bells in the town rung
(which were six in number) in joyful peals
their hallelujahs to the God of victory; the
silvery notes were taken up and prolonged by
a deep base of 200 guns, fired by the garrison
at the camp, and again the soft treble of the
bells pealed, and still again throughout the
evening
Just before eight in the evening a signal
gun was fired, and as if by magic the town be-
came a blaze Of light Nearly every shutter
was thrown back, and almost every window
was nlled with the most brilliant lights with
the exception OF few whose inmates were in
open sympathy with the plans of that cursed
name-sO called-Jef Davis Confederacy) and
the most beautiful devices. As we passed
through the streets and gazed upon the yarie-
ty ingenuity and beauty that sparkled on ev-
cry hand, it seemed like some fairy scene, and
gave US lasting impressions of the patriotism
and good taste of the citizens ofthe place.
1t would be hard to particularize among so
many that excel. In Camden nearly every
house was illuminated; several in very fine
style. In town, near the bridge, we noticed
particularly the portico of the billiard saloon
decorated with tasteful wreath and lamps,
while large lamp high in the upper air shown
beautifully. Next was the residence ofDr w.
T. Smith, with lights in all the windows, an
arbor-like contrivanee at the door covered with
evergreens and flowers, surmOunted with the
"Star Spangled Banner" The Peninsular
House (Hotel) and the whole block in which
| it is located, were Illuminated with much inge-
nuity, and the manner in which the lights were
arranged added very greatly to the effect The
remainder of the streets looked we'll. The
decoration of COL VIM. j. Leonard's house
displayed most sensible care and lively inter
est in the preparation ''God and our native
landp and Maryland is loyal, - were conspic-
uous among tile Inscriptions, while high In
front was the name OF Maryland's only Major
General who has borne most prominent and
honorable part in the event we celebrate
"Ord y VIM. N1assey's house was brilliant
as could be. John ID. Williams house, oppo-
site, was also very noticeable. Some one near,
in his prophetic enthusiasm, over-leaped the
present victory, and in view of the certain re-
suit, illuminated in honor of peace" The
mansion of DIR. q. Humphreys was illuminated
in the first and second stories, and high up in
the air, perhaps above all others, was a single
lamp fixed on the cupoa. On the back street
the dwellings of Mr.. g. DOwnings and Col
Samuel A. Graham were very prominent. -
Col, Graham's was unique, having the win
dows filed with vessels containing liquids o
J | red. white and blue, besides other decoration
, striking and appropriate. At the Five
Points, large board, about feet long ana