Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-08-23
NOTES OF TRAVEL.

August s, 1870.
Now that / am on a flying business
trip Eastward, | feel all the response
bility those are supposed to feel who'
dashing through our country by railroad
and steamer, return to Europe with their
hastily-gathered materials prepared to
invent book upon our habits, habita-
tions and habitudes. That l shall per-
form my task less effectively than they,
is not for moment to be considered,
for is not every traveller expected to Jot
down his "notes of travel?" There are
some things that every traveller can see
and feel for himself, and must endure,
unless he shall be content with the ex-
perience of others and be warned And
in these notes." although not intended
for jeremiad, ] hope something may
be found, if not agreeable, at least use
'ful, to those whose eyes may haply en-
counter them, e.l .Is5n u.
/ left Memphis on the 7th day of
August, at l:l5, on the Memphis and
Louisville railroad, my old friend, Pat
Powers, being conductor He was on
the road with me before the war, and
you may be sure we had jolly good
time in recalling past events and renew
ing old memories. when his duties gave
him short space of leisure. Of the
smoothness of the track, the elegance Of
the cars, the exactness with which time
is made, every one will discover for him
self, who takes that route, and confess
that the Memphis and Louisville rail-
road is under most excellent manage
ment.
We took supper at Humboldt. This
is fact to be remembered, and l there
fore commence a new paragraph IN
netting it. Conceive my surprise when l
absolutely partook Of a fair supper, for
the house has obtained most unenvia-
BILE notoriety for the shabby manner In
which it is kept. On no former occasion
have ever seen there o board so we,"!
spread, and the cuisine SO fSultless. Ii
was a fortunate mischance, that comes
but seldom 10 life time. A long mark
should be made, aad he will be lucky
man who discovers its second.
Leaving Humboldt behind and avail
ing myself of the luxury Of one of those
superb Rip Van Winkle sleeping cars, !
had magnificent nights rest. Ihad no
cobweb fancies on 'orrid dreams to un-
fold in the morning, wheB Informed that
we had arrived at Lebanon Slnctlpn,
where we were expected to take our
meal yulgarly called break
fast" If any such expectation was In
me, my stomach regOlted at it,
The table was so eKecrable, | beat O
hasty retreat, and retired in disgust,
without having disposed Of morsel
could not help rejecting on che many
oversights which occur in a iife-tims,
and have an important role in that life /
time, but which we never discover.
Strange that the Railroad Company
should permit such houses as the two |
named to feed the passengers, when I
so much is done otherwise for their
safety, comfort and convenience The |
General Superintendent of the road,
Gen. Boyd, is what may be termed
number one railroad Rau, and yet
question if it has ever occurred TO him |
hat he might, with great propriety, in
erpose at least some advice in this mat
er. To know that square, comfortable
meals. at reasonable prices, could be OBJ
aimed. would add considerably to the
.reat popularity of the road.
Well. In due time we reached the City
# the Falls. and ! placed myself in
,harge of my old friend Capt John T.
shirley. at the National Hotel, the most
centrally located for business, and assur-
div elegant and complete enough in its
to satisfy far more fas-
idious taste than mine. | found Capt.
Shirley as genial and social as ever, and
veritable host in himself He is now
steamboat, or another
iotel-but cotton picker, which he has
ately had patented, and whichis thought
" many. not the most sanguine, will
ave the capacity TO pick eight bales Of
.otton per day, with two hands. II this j