Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-07-19
FLOR the Spirit of Jeferson-1
Letter from Leetown.
LEErowN. July 18th, 1870.

Messrs Editors As I rarely eyer see in
your paper-and communications from this
portion of the county, and knowing that you
must feel deep interest in the progress OF
this enlightened community, have after
matured deliberation determined to tender
you the services of my pen, and my transcen-
dent talent for gossip.
But must premise, by saying, that as
am no farmer, either practical or theoretical,
you need not expect any long dissertations
from me on Agriculture, horticulture, fori-
culture or any other kind of culture except
Homo>culture. For man is my study. Woman
used to be; but have given her up in despair
some years ago, as being too "fearfully and
wonderfully made" for my comprehension.
Our village has presentedquite an animated
appearance since the harvest is over. Our
Fifteenth Amendment" bretheren have been
taking holiday, and had things pretty much
their own way. They have taken possession
of our usually quiet little place, and hold their
Bacchanalian orgies without let or hinderance.
OF course the magnificent drinking saloon of
our esteemed townsman, Mr.. John w. Firth,
is the grand centre of attraction for these
citizens of African descent His harvest has
Just commenced. And his trade has been 30
heavy for a few days past that his physical
system gave way under his almost super
human cxertions, and compelled him to call
in the assistance of that staunch old patron of
his, Mr. V. B., and his silent partner A1r.
Rs.
Any one who will compare the lively, and
bustleing appearance of our village now, with
what it was few weeks ago, before the adj
vent of Mr.. Frith's brilliant enterprise, will.
be-forccd to admit that we owe him a lasting
debt of gratitude.
But like all public spirited individuals, Mr..
Firth has his enemies. The Good Tempar
order of this place, and few old 'fogy citizens,
petitioned the Board of Supervisors not to
grant him license. But those ''m,ost potent
Craze and reUerent stgnors," foreseeing what
an inestimable advantage it would be to our
community to have such an energetic man to
stimulate it, refused their prayer, and granted
him his license.
eyes" said the Rev. John Pierpont, you
have license and that is your plea; adjure
you to keep it; lock it among your choicest
jewels; guard it as the apple of your eye and
when you die and are laid in your coffin, be
sure that the precious document is placed be-
tween your cold and clammy fingers, SO that
when you are called upon to confront your
victims before God, you may be ready to file
in your plea of justification, and boldly to lay
down your license on the bar of the Judge"
Yes my friend keep it, you will then want your
license signed by the Board of Supervisors.
The Good Templars of this place had a
Basket Picnic in Balch's woods last Satur-
day. There were not as many persons present
was anticipated, owing to the short time
they had to give notice. 1t was their inten-
ton in the first place to have it on the 10th,
inst, but learning that there was to be Bar
bacue at Shepherdstown on that day, they
changed it to the 9th, inst. Several of the
neighboring Temperance organizations were
invited, but they did not get their invitations
in time to make the necessary preparations,
and consequently did not attend
Notwithstanding these dsappointments the
Bretheren had really nice time. and made
quite an imposing appearance in procession.
a number of our most respectable citizens
gave countenancc to their effort, either by
coming themselves, or sending their families
and basket of provision.
The Rev. Mr.. Penick' believed powerful
address. That portion Of it which touched
upon the drinking church member, was as
scathing the lightning that blasts the forrest
oak 1t must have telling effect upon some
| w0t of; if not. then their cases are hopeless
indeed. Capt. Deloney's Band from Sharps-
burg was present, and added greatly to the
interest of the occasion, and
"Muslc arose with its voluptuous swell.
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which shake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell"
This was the Genteel Comedy of the day.
The Farce was acted later in the evening in
front of Mr.. Firth saloon where were
eregated number of the old regulars in high
trim. Those veterans of hundred fields
some of whom had fought King Alcohol from
early youth to old age, and were now broken
and SCARED by many wound received in the
conflict; yet still with undaunted courage
they are found in the ranks confronting the
foe and will be, until they fall before their
invinciblo enemy, and 60 down to their graves,
"unwept, unhonored, and unsung."
We have several Baltimoriaus sojourniug
with us, and Mr.. G. W. Nicely, the popular
proprietor of the Leetown Hotel, has had ap-
plcation for board from several others.
would not be surprised if our picturesque and
healthy locality was not destined before long
to become quite resort for invalids from the
cities during the Summer months.
1 must now bring this, my Introductory
essay to close, for know of nothing that I
could write about that would interest you, un-
less 1 were to encroach upon the prerogatives
of our friend Templar of the Shepherdstown
Register, and describe the length, diametre
and circumference of Snake l saw killed
yesterday. But won't do this; but take my
leave by subscribing myself,
Your obi Servan
L.