The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-03-02


memorate it, the centre of this court, he erect.
ed fountain, surmounted by statue of him
self, with a great water pitcher in his hand,
pouring water into dish Tor a customer; and
there he stands, half buried in Covering shrubs
and vines, sprinked by the spray of the fountain.
Although built with the solidity peculiar to the
old style of architecture, it is now Becoming
dilapidated, and 1t requires an expert TO shut or
lock door or window, which once would have
deted band Of robbers. The bedsteads were
all OF iron, the mattresses we're hard, and the
covering, of course, very light-a single sheet
being found quite sufficient for comfort, although
the residents complained that it was unusually
cold, as north wind prevailed during most of
our stay.
On Sunday morning the inquiry MAS for q
Protestant Church, when We were informed that
such thing was not tolerated on the Islind,
but that on board the Kansas an American man.
of.war laying in the harbor, We could attend
the Episcopal service, where We would
be likely to meet most of the American visitors
in the city, and that the ships and boats would
be at the Derrick wsrf at II o'clock, to take on
board such chose to attend. At the time sp-
pointed We were at the designated place, and
soon the boats arrived, and 1t was very pleasant
to receive a polite invitation in our native
tongue. from a very courteous MILDLY In naval
uniform to be seated in the boat at the sternoyer
which our own loved flag was floating. Eight
lusty tars soon brought us to the ship, where we
were received by the officer of the day, who con.
Quoted us to the quarter deck, which was GOV.
cred by broad awning, and provided with com.
Portable seats. About thirty of our own country.
men aud women were already assembled, who
locked kindly welcome as we joined them.
Here, under our own fag although in a foreign
land, We stood, it were, on our own soil. where
we might worship God in our own way. with
mono to say why do ye so? We felt that the
mighty arm of "a great nation, that recognized
ua as its own, was stretched out for our protec-
ton, aud we saw before us and around us. brave
men, and ample means to shield US from all
harm. When we meet them in foreign lands we
love our countrymen and our country defenders
moro than We do when we are at home. Indeed.
they seem as real brothers then, and az such we
feel an affection for them.
The services were we'll conducted by younp
man, who had been sent as a missionary to H..
vana, with the hope that he would be permitted
to open an Episcopal Church in the city, bu.
permission had been denied him, and by invita-.
tion of the naval officer in command, he holds
regular services on Sundays on the decks of our
war vessels, where all who choose attend upon
upon his miuistrations, and ali who wish to at.
tend are brought aud returned in the boats of
the squadron. As every American must be,
am proud of our naval officers here. But more
OF this when come to speak of our subsequent
visit to the feet.
The preacher is certainly promising young
man of very fair ability, and was listened to
with marked attention by all. The service for
the next Sunday was appointed to be held on tho
Monitor Terror. which lays about 300 yards from
the Kansas.
As soon as the services closed the young par.
son came and shook hands with Us, and expressed
his satisfaction at seeing us on board, when we
fastened away in the first boat, fearing that we |
might be overtaken by a shower, which then
seemed imminent.
We took an early dinner at 5 p. NJ. took cabs !
for drive out to the eastern part of the city and
beyond the parade grounds We were soon be.
youd the narrow streets of the old city, and in
the broad avenues separating the large parks
called the Parade Grounds, in the upper part of
the city. These are beautifully situated, and
most Of them we'll inclosed, but not improved.
They may be looked al, but are not to be walked
in. Indeed, there are no walks or drives in them,
yet the streets and avenues around them are we'll
paved We soon passed by these into magn,fi.
cent avenue Of over 4 mile in length, bordered
on either side by large trees. beyond which are
sever al very fine lawns and gardens. At the end
OF this avenue 10 the Captain Generals palace.
The avenue was full of all sorts Of vehicles,
driving TO and fro, the Cuban ladies' slvav.
bsreheaded, although it was so cold that found
an overcost comfortable. They have 20 little
cold that they seem to have no idea of protect.
ing themselves against it when it does come.
After taking few turns in th, avenue, much
interested in observing the great variety Of car.
riaees and people, aud some displays of police
authority. which nearly frightened some of our
ladies into fsintiug, We turned towards our hotel
and reiraned the narrow streets of the CITY bv
gas h1ht, gave our cabs q dollar each for the
hours service, aud discharged them.
We how made arrangements for = visit the
next day to Matspzus and its wonderful cave
an account of which propose to give you in my
nex, In the meantime we will retire to rest