North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-07-17
CORRESPONDENCE.

CORRESPONDENTS.
The following letter, written to his moth
er, by Squire Sampson, who, with Mr..
Albert Townsend, recently returned from
this place to Brazil-will be read with in
terest by the friends Of both these gen.
tlemen.
STEAMER NoRTn AMERICA,
April Goth 1867.
DEAR MOTHER:
We left New York on
the 22d, and had very pleasant passage
indeed, to Fl. Thomas, where we arrived
this morning at five o'clock. 1t is one of
the West India Islands, and owned BY the
Danes, situated in North Latitude l8 deg,
consequently very warm at this time of
year, Townsend, Mr.. Osborne Ia Rio
friend of mine.) and myself went ashore
together. We began the day by making
some few purchases, and we found every
thing in the line of clothing at figure
far below the prices at home. This results
from its being free port. After getting
what We required at the stores, we found
it would be policy to take our packages
aboard the ship before taking a tramp
about the town, (which we had previously
decided upon.) We therefore returned to
the ship, and at about l P. M. sailed out
for tour of the town. We had heard,
before arriving, that in olden times this
island had been resort for sea Pirates &c.
Among whom it is said there existed a
certain blue Beard and black Beard, whose
castles still exist. The castle of Black
Beard was situated upon the summit of a
bluff, little back of the town, and we
concluded to visit this as beginning. The
sun was intensely hot, the themometor run
ming up 20 l04; consequently our progress
up the hill was very slow. We found how
ever, after getting well up that we were
refreshed by fine breeze, which made it
at least tolerable. We found the old cas-
tie, which it is said has been standing sew
eral huadred years. We asked permis-
sion to ascend the Tower, but was told
that the stairs were so decayed that it was
unsafe and would not be allowed to GO up.
told the boy (who had charge,) that we
would look in. at the base, which be per-
mited us to do. We took advantage of
this, and after experimenting a little, we
concluded to 60 up, which we finally did !;
although assure you the stairs were but
honey comb, they had become so decay
ed by age. Yet we succeeded without auy
bad results. Had view of the town and
harbor-found the names of many Of our
countrymen registered upon the ceiling.
and of course added ours to the rest. After
looking over this affair, we concluded to
visit the castle of Rlue Beard, which is al
so located upon the summit of bluff
ahout enc mile distant from our previous
place of visit. We therefore proceeded to
this point, and found on descending the
! hill, after enjoying the breeze on the sum-
NIT, that the sun appeared almost insuffera-
bic. think | never have in any place,
found the sun so oppressive as in the mar
rowtstreets of st. Thomas. We proceed
ed however, and after tedions walk of an
hour, perhaps, we found ourselves at the
summit of hill No. 2, and at the castle of
Blue Beard. This castle has been pur-
chas, d by French merchant, who has
renovated the whole establishment, and
has made beautiful residence of it. Has
repaired the Tower also, SO that it is very
pretty, and affords a magnificent view of
the Town, shipping &c. Yet to the trav,
eler it does not present the same features
of interest as the Black Beard Castle,
which has never been disturbed, but stands
in its natural state. After resting our
selves here for some ftime, We again de-
scended to the boat-landing, where we
took boat and returned again to our
ship We still had another excursion to
make. to the residence OF old Santa Anna,
the Mexican General. We did this after
supper. He has a splendid establishment
We walked about the grounds, and finally
returned to the steamer at half past seven
very tired, yet right well satisfied with our
days excursion. Santa Anna was not on
the Island, having gone to N. ~ fell
npon Albert; he being quite weak from
effects of sea sickness. But | was glad TO
learn next morning that he felt better fol
it; and believe the excursion was bene
iclal 10 us all after the close confinement
Of the ship. Nearly all the inhabitants Of
this Island understand and speak the Eng
. l,sh tongue. And American gold and sill
Aer seem to be as good currency as any
on the Island. At eight in the evening
we set sail and proceeded on our way to-
ward PARA, our next stopping place, anc
on the Brazilian coast.
Apr. 80 Nothing Of interest has pre-
sented itself to-day. We passed severa
more barren looking Islands be-
longing also to the, West Indies. Ou
Captain tells us that Tomorrow at eigh
o'clock, we will pass Martinique, "Frencl
Island and as 1t is one of the finest o
these islands, we anticipate grand treat
May lst.-At eight this morning W,
made the Island of Martinique. Our Cap
tain, through consideration of a reques