Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-09-24
FROM WALES.

CARNAavoN, Wales, Sept 8, 1869
DEAR EDS. CHRONICLE The Brigan-
tine Neptune, Capt. John Roberts, being
bound for London gladly accepted an IN
yitation to visit the Metropolis. Sailed
from Port Madoc, July 28th, were detained
eight days, "wind bound" on the Welsh
coast, when with square yards and stud
ding sails, the English hills soon came in
view. In St. Ives Bay and off Cape Corn
wallewilAessed grand sight-a feet Of
three or four hundred vessels under full
canvass, and the colors displayed denoted
that most all nations were represented
Arrived off Ramsgate one beautiful eve.
ming. The perpendicular chalky cliffs in
the distance glistened IN the moonlight
The sea appeared like a silvery lake, and
old Neptune gliding gently along
-"as if it feared to wake
The slumber of the silent tides
felt reluctant to quit the deck, but
long ere morning heard the cry
Beef close the sai1s!"
The sea rose at once. Every plank in
the vessel seemed to writhe and groan with
agony as we labored in the furious tenn
pest. The storm did nots abate until it
was late in the day. Dropped anchor at
London Aug. 14th. The Thames is an in
teresting sight at any time of the day,
with the numberless packets and sailing
crafts making it almost impossible. l
learn that oftentimes it is entirely blocked,
until for miles it is one mass of confusion,
The merchantmen that clears this port
without some damage is considered quite
fortunate.
On Sunday afternoon visited st. Pauls
The exercises were carried on with much
pomp and splendor; but far more inter-
esting it was at Surgeons Tabernacle in
the evening. Went an hour early, but
found the space in front and the street in
the vicinity literally filed with an anxious
throng Pew holders were admitted by
side entrances which were guarded by the
police. Finally the front doors flew open.
Such rushing and scrambling l never wit
messed before. With some difficulty OBJ
tanned seat in the second gallery. The
vast building was overhowing long before
Mr.. Spurgeon entered. 1t is wonderful
with what magic power this man engages
the attention of his listeners, who sit in
breathless silence and seem to devour
each sentence as it escapes his lips.
1t is necessary to spend week at the
Crystal Palace in order to explore its many
interesting features. Looking at the great
length and heighth of the buildings; the
extreme lightnsss of the parts; the vast
spaces, rooted over without obstacles, it is
difficult to believe how such slender pillars
are made to perform their office with so
m UGH security. Almost everything con-
ceivable is exhibited within this spacious
edifce. The garden, with it's many lakes,
fountains, urns, groups of marble statuary,
and the many colored flowers ranged along
the terraces, combine to produce an effect
most beautiful. 1t is estimated that 80,
900 people visited the Palace on the great
day of the Torresters. The House of
Lords was not accessible, but the Com
mons were open to visitors upon the day I
was at Westminster. With some pride
the usher pointed to the seats occupied by
Gladstone and Bright. That ancient pile,
The Abbey, looks dark and dismal
Spent half day among the tombs and
statues Of Britain's great. Some of the
chambers containing the remains of the
ancient Kings and Queens are badly de-
faced. The mutilation occurred 1t Is said
in the days of the Commonwealth. The
statue to George Peabody at the Royal
Exchange, lately unveiled by the Prince of
Wales, is beautiful piece of art. 1t is
evident there exists, among all classes in
London, most grateful feeling towards
the American philanthrophist | was at
Putney a few days before the Information
al boat race came off. The Harvards and
Oxfords went out for spin, which they
accomplished in fine style. | learn our
boys have been unsuccessful though they
made gallant effort
Sunday morning, Aug. 22d, woke up to
find myself in the river Midway near
Sheerness, surrounded by an iron clad
feet that frowned darkly upon us, and
above them all doomed the Great Eastern.
She is being reftted for an expedition to
We loaded at Upnor, near
Rochester, for the Isle of Man, had arrived
off Holyhead, when our mast was carried
off, and we had to turn to Carnarvon Tor
repairs. Found letters from home, and
not the least welcomed, several copies OF
The I" CHRONICLE.
Yours Respectfully,