Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-05-17
For the Spectator.
Legend of Healing Springs.

Mr.. EDITOR As few persons know the
primary origin of this celebrated watering place,
the following, which l have lately gotten from
a very reliable source, may not prove uninter-
esting to many Of your readers.
| do not believe in dreams, yet, there are re-
markable incidents connected with them.-
When the Old Dominion State was yet in its
infancy and the Council fires of the Red Man
burned on our borders, dense forest covered
ing Spring, and the wild deer slaked its thirst
from the lmpid waters of the far-lalned pool,
timid | doubt not, lest fell sweep from C's.
gold eagle" might terminate Its existence.
A poor leprous man, alone and far away,
weary, and care worn, bent his feeble form a
long life's thorny pathway toward the noun
tains Of Virginia Many days had passed,
when, beam Of hope animated the counte-
nance of the traveller, as he saw a rude cabin
10 the distance, and the blue smoke curling
from its wooden chimney. This is now Warm
Springs He drew near and his hope was
strengthened when ne found the hat occupied
by invalids SHOW me the spring. said he,
that may drink" But, when he had
viewed the bold stream and tasted the water,
he shook his head and with sad look de-
tangled forest until he reached the Hot Springs.
The leper halted. Here was something strange
indeed He looked upon the boiling spring
and was, for time, lost In contemplating ma
ture's wondrous works. But curiosity soon
gave way to melancholy, and, as if the last
ray Of hope had died within him, he ex-
claimed, 'sIhis is not the place. Again, the
poor man, impelIed by strange and longing
desire, set forward. The same impulse which
had guided him thus far, now led him down
the little Valley. AS the sun sank behind the
western mountains, it cast gloom over the
narrow Valley, not darker than that which now
settled about our hero's heart. His strength
was fast failing when he saw sturdy hunts
man preparing to camp for the night. He ap-
preached him with his customary interroga-
TONS The generous woodsman showed him
little spring near by. He tasted the water
and hope again frightened his pale face. He
looked, with heartfelt interest upon the mossy
brink and the pebbly bottom. Deep, but ST.
lent emotions filed his bosom-he stopped and
drank again "Sir," said he to the hunter,
sfar, far from this place, have long fingered,
with loathsome and painful disease. The
sands Of life we're well nigh exhausted, when,
in dream, saw the clear water Of this little
spring. washed and was ceansed awoke
and rose in despair but, determined, at length,
to make the search. ! have finished it. This
is the PLACE aud here am." Then, said
the hunter, you shall stay with me and my
cabin shall be your home. Do not refuse me,
and / will prepare place for rest. Your fare
shall be the best the hunter can supply.
He enjoyed the hospitality of the kind hun
ter and used the water of the little spring foI
many days He called it Healing Spring.
and left, rejoicing in health and strength
Hence, the origin of the name and the place,
where hundreds since have borne their bur
dens, and left. rejoicing ip the possession Of
one Of the the richest gems Of life.
BATH