The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-01-18
Special correspondence Camden Journal.
Letter From ST. Louis.
DEAR JOURNAL:

IL haS pcCn ouohiHo III"
ccssantly for the past twenty -four hours, and
is already more than one foot in depth put
ting the,strccts in capital condition for sleigh
ing. The air is filed with the merry music
of the sleigh-bels, but now that night has
closed in, the whole face of nature is as calm
as a sleeping infant, and with this quiet,
iud my thoughts runrins afar off to dear
old Camden. So l determined to fashion
them into a New Years greeting you all II
I had delightful peep at your Journal not
long since, and was delighted to find that it
fell into such energetic and efficient hands.
Go ahead, with our best wishes, and make
the Journal an ornament to every household.
Who do you think is here, in our very
midst? His Imperial Highness the Grand
Duke Alexis, with his whole suit of unpro-
uouncaJle Russians lie remarkably hand
some-tall we'll made and man every inch
Of him. The St. Louisans have not been
slow in their recognition of royalty he is,
together with his attendants, } magnificent
" feted at the Southern Hotel, where his
formal reception took place. The crowd here
was simply immense, and for while resem-
bled college rush rather than continuous
respectful gathering. Alexis grasped every
one by the hand and gave each one hearty
pressure with his immense Ducal digits. The
Mayor and city Officials have towed him
around town acting the oficious to perfect
ion in an elegant Clarance, drawn by four
luatchlcss Blacks harness mounted i'll solid
gold He was surprised at CUR public build
ings, and especially pleased with our mcrcan-
tile library, lis valuable collection Of books
and paintings He also took the livclicst in
tesest Gas if he could do othcrwise) in watch
ing the gigantic work on the bridge now in
course Of construction which will soon span
the waters Of the mighty Mississippi River.
Examining the Iron Works in full operation
was very interesting to him; but he wound
up the first day by visiting the Olympic The
atre to gaze upon the fair, Lydia Thompson
and her godcn-ha:rcd Blondes in scanty
clothing. The famous burlcsquc of ''Iluc
Beard was performed with good effect
Alexis was charmed with the dancing and
brought his big hands together in repeated
encores. The fair Lydia reapcd Il fine har-
vest by the Prince. Seats were rapidly
sold at So each and the house was jammed.
Tomorrow evening the grand ball takes place,
and no pins nor expense have been spared
to make it brilliant affair There will bea
stiff contest between the decent few and the
shodlyitcs for the asccndancy, as every man
is entitled to his ticket provided he pays
his fifteen dollars, and five dollars extra for
each lady. But must bid adicu to the
Grand Duke, or you will fancy ME gone mad
over royalty, with the rest Of my country
From here he goes with General Sheridan
on big Buffalo Hunt across the plains, and
if any one could penetrate his Russian heart,
no doubt it would point to the hunt as the
pleasantcst feature in his American VISIT
How shall begin to tell you, in SO limited
space, the growth and improvements Of
this truly great city; the bright future which
is destined for her; her immense buildings,
towering up on every side; her wealth, popu-
lation and enterprise, and when you rcmem-
Der that St. Louis is still in hcr infancy,
what great developments are yet 10 be made.
Should you ever feel Westwardly inclined,
honor us with your presence, and though l
can not promise you the same ovation as was
made to His Imperial liighness you will,
nevertheless be amply repaid for long and
tedious travel.
Edwin Forrest opens the week with erich
clieu," but l shall only see him as "Lcar" he
is said to be the greatest impcrsonation of
that remarkable character. now living. On
the 18th, Christine Nillson appears in the
Italion Opera with over one hundred in the
troups and our most cherished hope will be
realized. She will make most beautiful |
"Margareilc' in Faust. She will sing at
De Bars Opera House, which is very COM
modious and tastcfully finished off.
If have trcspassed too far on your time
and patience I crave pardon, and subscribe
myself, LONG AGO.