The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1870-04-22

1t may have been an isolated case of unbe-
coming thoughtlessness and the structures
may be premature, but it seemed to be
carried on with so much system and bold
ness, as to impress me with the idea that
1t was chronic.
Havre de Grace, in its earlier days, had
nothing upon earth to support it but its
fisheries, which were considered the first
on our continent, till steamers became nu-
merous and frightened them away to other
waters. Now, in addition to these, it has
the tide water canal, by which immense
quantities of lumber and coal are brought
from the South Branch ofthe Susquchanna
and the rich forests and coal fields of Wes-
tern Pennsylvania. This trade, as it in
creases in proportion with the growing
demand, must serve to build up the town
and enhance the value of property for miles
around.
was surprised to find my ancient friend
VIM. Morgan engaged in the coal and lum-
Der business, just above the bridge, and
was still more surprised to find that he
recognized me as approached him, altho'
he didn't know that l was in the town,
and had not seen me for near half century
tryet to accommodate his customers, and
trust he is driving. and will continue to
drive, thriving business He is a native
of the county, and has spent his sixty-odd
years within its borders.
My stay in the place was too limited to see
much of its surroundings tho was favor
ed with casual glance of the old Pringle
and Dutton estate, as well as Hokes Woods
IN f.our l.
trees marked the spot once known as
"Dutton's Woods" and the old Pringe
mansion, with its long avenue and orna-
mented grounds, looked Just as it did in
the halcyon days of its proprietor, when
he directed his overseer to give his negroes
Il herring and half at a meal and let 'em
bust and he ID.
In speaking of Hoke's Woods, I might
say as did the monkey when he put his
paw on his -"Thereby hangs tale,"
but haven't space to relate it here. 1t
was the scene of the mail-robbery by the
brothers Hane and Alexander, about 1920.
| remember the morning well, and the
driver who came into town with his tongue
hanging out, the passenger tied to tree,
and the despoiled letters and packages
scattered all over the woods. That wood
land looks exactly as it did at that dis
tant day, not tree missing, and not one
of them an inch larger or taller. That
spot, believe, has been selected for one of
the great National Camp Meetings the
coming summer.
During my short stay of but two days in
the place, through the kindness ofJohn b.
Coale had the pleasure of trip to Port
Deposit upon little steamboat, and back
along the Cecil shore by rail. Port Deposit
has climbed the beetling precipice wonder
fully, between which and the river it had
been squeezed for so many years, and has
grown to be place Of heavy business in
the lumber trade and manufactures. The
buildings are mostly large and substantial,
some OF them elegant, and nearly all of
stone. Here, in an unfinished state, l saw
one of the largest and most splendid Meth
odist Churches | have ever seen anywhere
AS an illustration of what the enlightened
enterprise of one individual may effect, |
was told that the growth of the place and
its prosperity were mainly the result of
the efforts of Mr.. Jacob Tome; and for the
encouragement ofpoor young men, | will
give an item or two of his history, as they
were given TO me. lie came there from
Pennsylvania, some thirty-fou years ago,
a poor young man, having cared a living
by chopping cord-wood. His first occupa-
ton at Port Deposit was tending bar. He
rose by degrees, through industry, frugali-
ty and honesty, and is now one of the
leading capitalists Of the State. He is
the President and perhaps owner of two
banks, president and large stakeholder in
two lines of steamboats, largely interested
in public Improvements, a director and
stakeholder in several railroads, &C., &c.
But l am getting out of my bailiwck,
Messrs. Editors, and you must excuse me.
l had intended to say something of the
magnificent bridge that spans the Susque-
hanna at Havre de Grace, but having al
ready transcribed my limits, l must defer
it at present. Hoping to be able to give
you something of different character in
my next,
am yours, most respectfully,
G. b. G.
abingdon, Va, April Is, 1870.