The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-08-17
LETTER FROM THE SOUTH.

NORFOLK, Va, Aug, 18th 1872.
DEAR WHIG:-If travelling with only
carpet bag constitutes carpet Dagger"
then indeed is your correspondent one, and
has been long before the epithet was ap-
piled by representatives of the lost cause''
to Northern settlers. Having packed the
aforesaid carpet bag preparatory to taking
a trip to Alabama. l left your beautiful
village in all its glory of heat and dust
yesterday morning, and proceeded by the
Southern bound train arriving in Balti-
more about dinner time and Immediately
started in quest of that necessity. As the
Monumental City is famous for good eat
ing, was soon satisfied and slowly took
my way to Long Dock and shortly found
myself q wasn't lost aboard the splendid
steamer Louisiana belonging to the old
bay line. Here l noticed large amount
of freight awaiting shipment, and am cred
itably informed that this line has frequent
ly more freight than they can give imme-
date attention. AS the passengers began
to arrive it was source of quiet pleasure
for me to look at them-to see that elderly
gentleman dressed in suit of linen whose
avoirdupoise will turn the beam at 225-
with an umbrella over his head and vigor-
ously tanning himself with his panama one
would naturally exclaim with Shakespeare,
ooh. that this too, too solid piece of flesh
would melt and as he comes aboard you
intuitively step aside. He forcibly re-
minds one of a locomotive putting and
blowing and verify believe is also steam
ing; now with grunt of satisfaction he
roes to his state-room, and I presume is
g nut in his little bed - as he does not put
in an appearance for several hours. Here
saunters another passenger who comes
aboard with perfect noncAalance-although
Youthful in appearance the conclusion
forces itself upon one that he has trauelsd.
After placing his carpet bag in his state
room, he quietly enjoys his cigar and the
cartoons in Harper's Weekly at the same
time. Now comes the passengers from the
Phila., Wig, & Bait, Railroad depot in
omnibusses; they having left New York at
9 o'clock, and Philadelphia at 10 o'clock,
and what pitiable objects they are. Their
looks show through what fatigue and dust
thew have travelled; for the last rs miles of
their Journey, or from Wilmington to Bal
timore is generally very dusty. One of
their number informed me that in case of
=, second deluge, he would endeavor to get
on the track of the P. W. & B. r. R., as
la felt confident that he would not only be
saved, but that the said road would con-
time to throw dust in his eyes. But see
with what alacrity busters are now thrown
aside-full well our passengers know that
for the next fourteen hours we are to have
M more dust, and plenty of breeze from
the salt water.
Where are all these persons going? Why
do they 60 South this hot weather? Do
tbey 90 from choice or is stern necessity
driving them' Or perhaps they, like my
self. are after the almighty dollar. Medi-
Eating in this strain 1 observed a young
couple evidently just having entered into
that new territory Il cannot call it state,
oven if it has been admitted into the
1Tnionl Of matrimory, and what is more
pleasant than for an old fellow like myself
to sit and watch the youth who has just
launched his frail bark upon life's temptu-
ous sea, joyfully, and with countenance
beaming with happiness. Yes, young
man, l see with what manly pride you
Gaze upon that fair creature by your side
ovour eyes seem to say, do you-you old
foaoy see this beautiful being? I am her
husband, and she belongs to me, yss to
mo, and the whole world and all contained
therein we're made only for the enjoyment
of rs two" Look at him with what plea
sure he endeavors to explain the mysteries
Of a steamboat. See how lovingly, how
tenderly she doats on his words, although
her timid nature would try and make you
believe that She has been married long,
1onc ago, and is not bride of to- day. All
moor creature, your very nature betrays
,our secret in every motion. That un-
gloved hand with broad circlet of gold on
the third finger, with what degree af pride
ao YOU look upon it, and then at the laugh
inc eyes Of the giver, and then again to
tho ring Try and make believe if you
can, your very apparel cries out against
uou from your new dolly warden hat to the
Tins of your new boots just peeping out
from beneath your new neat travelling
dress all proclaim you to be bride. Why
uour very smile as you admire your "lige