Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-07-22

en- by "the hight Honorable Thomas Lord
Fairfaz, Baron of Cameron and Proprietor OF
the Northern Neck of Virginia" as his high
sounding titles run, in trust for the benefit OF
the public of that day and for all future gener-
ations. This was about the year l776. The
trustees appointed when tie town was to be
Laid out in that year were Bryan Fairfax,
Thomas Bryan Martin, Warner Washington,
the Reverend Charles Mynn Thruston, Robert
Rutherford, Alexander White, Philip Pende-
ton, Samuel Washington, William Elzey Van
Swearngen, Thomas Hite, James Edmondsoni,
and James Noarse. They were styled Gen
tlemen Trustees" The town was called Bath,
and the reason assigned by the Assembly OF
Virginia for laying out a town was that inval-
ids might have suitable accommodations when
they came here. The bill giving the authqri-
ty is long and carefully prepared, and that the
Assembly three months after the signing of the
Declaration Of Independence considered such
a bill Of sufficient importance 20 occupy its
attention goes far to prove how highly the
curative properties of the springs were esteem
ed. and as the chronicler whom have quoted
has H, it was held at that day that the pres
ervation of the public health was ole Of the
means by which it was hoped to accomplish
the national independence" Among those
who bought lots when offered for sale in the
summer of l777 were Generals George Wash
ington and Horatio Gates Charles Carroll, OF
1 Carrollton Rev. Charles Mynn Thruston,
| Daniel, of St. Thomas Jenifer; Edward Lloyd,
Fielding Lewis aud a long list of others promi-
nent in the history of the times, whose names
are still borne by families in Virginia and
Maryland. During the entire period of the
Revolutionary war Berkeley was thronged
with visitors, among whom were the families
of many distinguished patriots engaged in the
struggle, weared statesmen, and disabled Off
GERS seeking to renew their strength. Cottages
were erected and there were few small board
ing-houses, but most Of the visitors from
distance brought their own servants and pro-
visions in covered wagons and encamped dur
/ ing the season on the adjacent hills, buying
such delicacies as milk, butter, eggs, fowls,
and wild game from the mountain settlers.
Here follow some interesting references to
the experiments of James Rumsey with his
first steamboat, which we are oblige to omit
for the present.
The above is from the correspondent Of the
New York World, and remarks as to the 9TH
er Hotel:
8nd so Berkeley, nesting among The grand
old hills, removed apparently from all the
busting business of the outer world, is yet
connected by chain whose links are fine, yet
strong aud sure, with most Of the important
periods in our country's history. During our
latest war the Inhabitants were by no means
left undisturbed her peaceful, inspiring soli-
tudes. Surprises, murders, burnings, skirm-
ishes combats, aud military manGuyres Of all
kinds disturbed in quick and constant success
sion the quiet Of the valley, and military
movements of sufficient magnitude to claim
place in general history had Berkeley and its
immediate ueighborhood for their theatre Of
action.
For The p1esen. this summer resort offers
cool, pure air and mineral waters and baths,
whose efficacy in rheumatic complaints is con-
sidered miraculous, and life for three months
free from the restraints common TO more
crowded watering places. The hotel has ac-
commodations which compare favorably with
those found at similar resorts in the North
A large dining room is now being completed,
and that formerly used is TO be devoted to the
pleasure of the dancers. Piazzas 50 essential
to the full enjoyment Of a summer out of town
are abundant, and through the grounds ar
bors and shaded seats invite the attention Of
those unhappy lovers who they told me at
Long Branch could find at that much exposed
place no seclusion from prying eyes save on
the sandy beach under an umbrella, we'll pull
ed down at the back, facing the ocean.
These are such early days that the guests
arc few as yet at the hotel, nor have the own
ers Of cottages all arrived The Pendletons,
cousins of Hon. George II. Pendleton, own
much property here, and several members Of
the family are now at their cottage near the
hotel. This cottage is built on the site Of the
one formerly owned and occupied in summer
by Lord Fairfax. Colonel David Slrother
Porte Crayonl lives in a cottage built on the
site on which tie Berkeley residence Of George
Washington stood Mr. Dole, ex-commission-
er Of Indian Affairs, owDs and occupies cot
tage here, as also does Mr. John d. Defsees,
late Superintendent Of Public Printing The
amusements here, besides those customary at
all watering places, viz, croquet and bowling
during the day and promenades under the
trees, are fishing parties and excursions to the
various lofty peaks near us, from which mag
nifcent views can be obtained The land
scape seen from some points is 50 extended
as to include portions of three states-Yirgin-
ia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Yesterday,
having mounted to the top Of the summit
nearest to US, saw the blue bills of PeunsyI-
yania only eight miles from Gettysburg.
Miss GRUSDY.
inDtTrOyAL ATTRACTIONS.