The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-11-23
LETTER FROM THE SOUTH.
ATLANTA, Nov. 4th, 1872.

ed to travel by night, although few of these
Southern railroads possess any sleeping
cars; yet passengers always have the priv
ilege of taking " cat naps," notwithstand
ing it has been seriously questioned wheth
er forty winks of sleep are in the least ben
eficial or refreshing. The inducements
offered for night travelling are, less dust
and no heat; for here the day is very hot,
ard sultry even in the month of Novem
Der, whilst at night the dew is very heavy,
which makes one feel cold and chilly, and
unless precaution is observed will soon
atf1ict the person unacclimated to it's ma
larious influence.
was fortunate enough to secure seat
in the ladies' car before leaving Macon for
this place, which fact must be attributed
to either my etfeminate looks, my gray
beard or the presentation of cheu tobacco
to my colored friend the brakeman, who
guarded the door of this car with vigil
lence that would have done credit to a
Roman sentinel. In the car an observer
could study human nature, and CLEAN an
insight of his fellow travellers motives, if
he would only take the pains to watch them
few moments. Seated directly opposite
is polished gentleman; of course he is
accom- panied by his wife, and has a num-
Der of ladies travelling under his escort,
giving to each that attention which they
require, with the ease and grace of one
| accustomed to ladies' society,-and there
is nothing in my estimation that will pol
ish rough mems manners sooner or more
thorough, than being in company with the
fair sex. He may study Chesterfield he
may come from the tailor's with the best
apparel, and from the barber's clearly
shaved, with his hair parted in the mid
die, yet when unaccustomed to female So
ciety willappear awkward and out of place,
and if he will not cultivate refinement, and
endeavor to keep lady's society will always
be out of place. Seated not far distant,
with poodle dog in her lap, is sour,
strong-minded, dried-up, shemale, q can
not call her LADY, of uncertain age, with
a sharp nose, and equally sharp chin, who
will resent any civility, no matter how
deferentially offered, by bringing together
her jaws and snarling out sharp no."
as though politeness was very expensive
luxury which she never had, and never
expected to possess. Here can be seen
Romeo and Juliet, who don't care farth-
| ing whether "school keeps or not" so long
as it don't interfere with their precious
selves, whilst she, poor stricken dove pill
lows her chignon ON Romeo's shirt bosom,
heaves sigh or two, turns her eyes like a
monkey seeking flies, and says in voice
nearly as soft as her head, squeeze my hand
again deary," and he sQuoozs it no doubt,
but looks as though he was ashamed of
the act. A number of merry school girls
are aboard, they are determined to have
good laugh at the strong minded old maid,
and at the lovers; their joyous faces show
they have thrown dull care aside in the
school room, and their eyes twikle with
suppressed laughter as one of their num-
Der mimics their fellow travellers. Laugh
to your hearts content now in your youth,
young miss; unfortunately the time will
come, and that before long, when your
laughter will be less joyous, and not near
as often-when trouble will come, and
when time has whitened your raven locks
you can say we enjoyed ourselves in youth,
hat hot &c yet
this army could not move without infant
ry, and we have half dozen bundles of
long clothing with light colored heads to
make the night hideous for an old bach
elor. At one of the stations lady came
into our car, and as the car was crowded,
we gave her our place which was accepted
with thanks, and we go into forward car
to study human nature there; but the study
of the Lords of Creation ~ was no nov
city, and not as pleasing as the opposite
sex, SO we settled down for quiet nap,
and were not disturbed until about four
o'clock this morning when we arrived at
our destination.
Having been compelled to stop at hotels,
which although charging good price were
very poor AFFAIRS it was with unalloyed
satisfaction that here is truly &c first class
hotel" and like Capt. Cuttle's watch, it is
"equalled by few and excelled by none"
This hotel is a large, handsome. six-story
building with Mansard roof, dome in GEN.
tire, and turrets on each corner, occupying
a square or block of ground, and furnish
ed in the latest style, being owned and
named after one of Georgia adopted sons,
formerly native of New York, and who
deserves considerable credit for building
hotel in this inland country, which will
compare favorably to the Continental of
Philadelphia or the Carrolton of Baltimore.
Atlanta contained by the last census H.
600 inhabitant, and from appearance should
think they possess more energy than any
Souther inland city. This place was total
ly destroyed by fire when Sherman made
his memorable march to the sea, with the
exception of one wooden building, the
Masonic Hall, which was saved by the ex-
ertion of some of the officers, who were
members of "The Mystic Tie;" but now
the city is rebuilt on much larger and
more substantial basis, containing fine
stores, handsome churches and neat private
residences. The new depot, which is used
by the five differant railroads, is fine large
structure, covering considerable ground,
and affording every convenience to the
travelling community. The Opera House
is neat, pressed brick building, and the
entertainments given here are extensively
patronized. The dwellings are mostly
built in cottage style, each house being
surrounded by grounds which have flowers
tastefuly arranged throughout. A num-
Der of large cotton mills are located here,
and are doing thriving business by sup.