The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-11-09
OVER THE OCEAN.
AT SEA, Oct. 9th, 1872.

AT SEA, Oct. 9th, 1872.
MY DEAR CAPrAIN:-I feel inclined to
have talk with You this eve. After pass
ing through the channel, about two miles
IN length, guarded by forts and batteries
on both sides of the entrance at supporting
distances. We entered the commodous
harbor of Brest, and came to anchor about
one and a fourth miles from the entrance to
the inner bay. On dropping anchor, we
saluted the National Flag with twenty-one
guns, which was answered by one of the
shore batteries with an equal humber; also
saluted the Port Admiral with fifteen guns,
who answered by his flagship, line of
battle ship, seventy-two guns.
Brest is strongly entrenched by high
wall and ditch, strengthened by forts and
batteries at every available point, sur
rounding the town, rendering it next to
impossible for a land force (unless a
very strong one) to make much impression
upon it. The wall facing this harbor at
several places, is of immense height, and
strong in proportion, being merely facing
to the rocks. The short time it would take
to place siege guns in position, would rem
der it impossible to attack by sea. The
land is divided into two parts by the new
bay the two portions present great diff
ference to each other, although there is
1-ol,1 nil IN,
A stranger cannot help noticing the differ
ence between the old and new town. The
former with its narrow, short streets and
alleys, broken windows, tumble down
houses, large number of which are roof
less and which appears to have been built
in every conceivable style, according to the
taste or manner of the owner, although the
old town of Brest has its history, there is
barely anything remaining to remind of it,
at least the people appear to know very
little about it, and interest themselves less.
There are several old churches dating and
hundred years back of quaint construc-
ton. If devoid of steeple, would remind
you more of large barn, such as you see in
the western part of the United States. The
Dukes Of Bretange who at one time were
independent of the French rulers, had their
castle on the banks of the inner bay. There
is nothing remaining of il now, however,
but the foundation, on which is now erect
ed an observatory. On the side of the bay
some three hundred yards distant Is the
Chateau of Brest an immense fertilization
and capable Of containing within its walls
10000 people. 1t, however, would be of
little avail in the event of an actual siege,
against the improved arms of the present
day. If the Duke of Bretange and his
English allies could capture it 800 years
ago, it would be much easier matter
nowadays. In the neighborhood of the
Chateau, which may be called the old part
of the new town, everything has the same
general appearance of decay as that OBJ
served in the old town. The streets are
narrow and dirty, and laid out in every
conceivable absurd style. IL leaving this
part and passing along the principal street
Rue dc Giau, quite change is noticeable,
although most of the houses have the same
weather beaten look. There is life and
hustle to a considerable extent, shops both
in appearance and style, contents would
not disgrace any city in Europe. On reach
ing the Rue de Chateau, in which lives the
United States Consul, Mons Kenors you
pass into the Champ de Battilla, moder-
ate sized square, having two rows of trees
growing around it, and the head quarters
of all the worst girls and squallng chill
dren in Brest, no matter what hour of the
day you pass through, you will find it
thronged, with every seat occupied. Little
walking is done among them. A French
woman never walks when she can ride or sit.
1t is here that the best view is to be got of
the antiquated, but picturesque head dress,
peculiar to the women of Brest (Which
doubt has not been changed for many
hundred years. Which simply consists of
head covering 1t may be cotton or linen,
clean and starched sufficiently
stiff to keep it in the position the wearer's
taste dictates. Old and young alike wear
it, giving to all a foreign and outlandish
air. have often heard of the beauty and
of the French women; but
my ideas have got sad blow in respect to
both. for truly believe now, were it posi-
BILE to collect all the ugly and ordinary peo-
pie from all the towns in Europe I have
visited, the ugly ones of Brest would out
number them-that there are pretty ones it
would by calumny to deny-but now, few
and far between. Wooden shoes are worn
by the lower orders of both sexes, which
gives them an awkward gait. In the
theatre, various Government offices, hotels,
the principal one Of which is the Hotel de
la Bourse. During the summer and in fair
weather, one of the Regis Bands plays for
an hour or two every afternoon. Brest has
several gardens and promenades, the prin-
cipal one being along the ramparts on the
harbor side, where fresh air is to be got in
plenty and a complete view of the bay to
the entrance, embracing the Commercial
Docks, three in number. The breakwater
three and half miles long and the numer-
GUS war vessels riding at anchor-gleat and
small of all kinds. The arsenal and the
various navy yard buildings are all clearly
panoramaed in front Of You. AS regard
the arsenal and navy yard work, 10000
men and boys are employed; work being
pushed on at break neck pace. Casting,
cartridge and bullet making
being the order of the day, and all for the |
peace Of Europe. At the foot of the Rue de
Siam, is the iron suspension bridge Swung |
which crosses the inner harbor and con
meets the two divisions of the town. This |
is a costly and splendid piece of workman
ship said to be the finest of the kind. The |
bridge is much frequented by sight-seers,
not only on account of the work itself, but
also for the splendid view 10 be obtained
from it: The bay and the distant shore,
and far beyond it seward, large portion
of both divisions of the town, the inner
harbor crowded with war vessels, the Naval |
A.