Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-07-23

oelegatl0n or the prlHelpal cHlzenSs VINO 1eoOk
US in carriages to the many points of interest in
their pretty city.
| But We have 50 much to say about our kind
and hospitable treatment by the citizens Of
/ Geneva, we must postpone it to some future
letter. @ A. s. M.
| sds .e2ol Geneva. 1 51la E 60
Among the many pleasant places it was our
good fortune to visit, On our excursion, we found
none more delightful than the beautiful city of
Geneva. This city is most picturesquely stu
ated at the head of that charming and remark
able body of water, Lake Seneca. Its streets
are broad, and run at right-angles, are well
paved, and shaded by rows of beautiful naples
on both sides. These trees are so numerous
| that the city, when at any great distance from
it, presents more the appearance of a large
grove than of city The houses are, as a
general thing, set back from the street, with
| small yards in front filled with a great variety
of flowers, thus giving them all an air oil. great
| home comfort. One street of this city is par
ticularly deserving of notice. 1t runs its whole
! length along the shore of the lake, from which
there is at all times delightful breeze, thus
| making it one of the finest drives and prone
nades we have seen anywhere, and from the
large number of persons we met there one moon
light night, we should say the young people of
Geneva are not insensible to the advantages
they enjoy.
OF the warm hearted hospitality of the citi-
zens of Geneva, we can only say that it will
never be forgotten by any of those who shared
it. We were not only entertained publicly, but
were invited to join them in their home circles,
and become acquainted with their wives and
daughters, whose kind attentions to us were
more than doubly pleasing because unexpected.
At the depot we were met by the Mayor and
many prominent citizens, together with the
members of the press, by whom we were taken
to carriages and driven around the city, and
through the large nurseries forwhich this place
is justly celebrated and which extend for miles
in every direction around the city. 1t was our
good fortune to occupy seat in the carriage of
Maj. Nicholas, to whose magnificent residence
we were finally driven. After being introduced
to the ladies of the household, and several
other young ladies', who were there to receive
us, We were invited to partake of most boun-
tiful collation. prepared for us under the trees
rounds this superb house. Maj. Nicholas and
his brother-in-law, Mr.. Gallagher, are descen-
dants of old Virginian families, who moved to
! Geneva many years ago. They are still very
proud of "Old Virginia and speak of her in
terms of highest praise, and of deepest SYM
pathy for the hardships she has undergone.
| Upon returning to the hotel we found an
other splendid banquet prepared for US. So
much feasting almost made US exclaim, Il eat
and exc I swear" but we managed to get thro'
safely and satisfactorily, and retired rather ear
ler than usual, as the next day would be Sun
day, and we looked forward to it as day of
rest from our travels. Most of our party sue
ceeded in making their toilet by church time
the next morning, and, accepting the invita-
tion kindly extended to US, we attended service
in the various churches of the city. After the
services were over many of US accepted invi-
tations to dine at the homes of these kind peo-
pie, and those who remained at the hotel were
called for and taken to private residences. In
the evening, many of our party went to hear
the female preacher, Miss Smiley, who was
formerly Quakeress, but abandoned that as
sociation in the belief that she was specially
called to preach unto the people the word Of
life. Those of our party who heard her, express
themselves as much delighted with what she
said, and with her manner of saying it. Aftel
she had finished her sermon, many of the elde1
members of our party present sought an intro
duction and had very pleasant conversation
with the young lady. 1t had been our inten
ton also to have heard Miss Smiley that even
ing but having accepted an invitation to taxi
tea with one of Geneva's fair daughters, th,
moments glided by so swiftly that, ere we wer
aware, it was entirely too late to carry out ou
first intention.
During our stay in Geneva, a soda fountain
and cigar store were open to the free use o
our party, and everything was done to rende
our stay pleasant and agreeable.
We left Geneva next morning amidst th
cheers and kindest wishes of the warm-hearte,
friends we had met We felt much inclined
cut loose from our party and spend severa
weeks among the highly cultivated, refined an
hospitable people of this lovely city.
| A 8 M