The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-08-24
CON To RICHMOND"
From Washington to Richmond and Retur

From Washington to Rtchn'ona ana Return.
WASHINGTON D. c., Aug, II, 1872
Mr.. EwING:-Durins the past week it
was my good fortune to be one of small
party who made brief visit to Richmond,
Petersburg, and vicinity. I'VE took the
cars here, over the Orange & Alexandria
Railroad, uia Gordonsville, passing many
scenes of interest to one who had never
been over the road, and making quick
and very pleasant trip down.
IN RICHMOND.
1 entered this now doubly historic CITY
with a strange mixture of feelings had
long had yearning desire to witness the
localities made sacred to every American
by the heroic deeds and bold utterances of
Henry and his compeers in the times
that tried mems souls" and also to look
upon some other places that but few men
born and raised porth of Washir gton can
view without shudder. Libby, Castle
Thunder, and Belle Isle bring up in the
minds of Northern men, especially those
who have served in the army, recollec.
lions of very unpleasant character
Among our number was one who had been
confined for many weary months in Libby
as prisoner of war, and when we visited
this famous prison he pointed out his old
quarters the sight of which seemed to be
rather gratifying than otherwise. But if
these places were calculated to revive in
our minds feelings that led millions to the
battle field, the treatment we received
from those with whom we as ISOLATED in
Richmond soon banished every thought of
resentment and made us feel that we had
fallen among kindred, who were anxious to
do everything in their power to obliterate
the immediate past and renew that bond of
| union which Madison, Jefferson, and
host of other patriots of the good old Com
monwealth had labored so hard to estab.
fish. Their transformations and generous
hospitality, their evident sincerity, and
their anxiety to impress upon us that we
were all brothers of common country,
having the same political institutions, the
same hopes and aspirations, made us al
most disbelieve history and look upon cur
rent tradition as a fable. Their preference
in the coming Presidential contest are un.
| mistakable, and they exhibit the calm
faith that the great principle which made
the people of the North the persistent ad-
yocates of universal freedom will also make /
| g COLI 60
From conversation with several persons
while there, l firmly believe that they are
as sincere abolitionists as can be found |
anywhere, and would as readily peril their
lives to-day to prevent the re-establish-
ment of slavery as they did few years ago
to destroy the Union. They point with
qualification to the visible evidences all
around them of the progress they have
made since the curse of slavery was remov-
| ed; new era has dawned upon them, and
they feel that they are now on the high
road to prosperity and somewhat of their
ancient renown and greatness, and that
the Old Dominion has finally shaken hands
with her sisters of the North, and taken
new departure in politics, education, manu-
features, and enterprises in general that
will soon place her beside the proudest of
her sisters.
| PETERSBURG.
A brief visit to Petersburg was made
unusually interesting. and the scenes of
interest in its immediate vicinity kindly
pointed out, by some brother printers.
"Burnside's Crater" as it is called, is in
the same condition as on the day the mine
was sprung, save what effect the rains
have had upon it. The town itself shows
numerous marks of The fearful storm of
war that ragged for so many months around
it. But it, too, is recovering from the
shock, and putting forth signs of renewed
life.
On our return home we took the cars for
Aqua Creek, by way Of Fredericksburg.
Passing through the latter place we had a
good view of the field where the Union and
rebel forces contended in death-struggle
for victory. A few miles further brought
us to the noble Potomac, ride upon whose
beautiful waters at this season of the year
is one of the most agreeable trips one can
take, and a lovely night, jolly party. the
trip up all that could be desired. When
nearing the hallowed tomb of Washington
the steamers bell (which l learned is the
custom of all steamers passing Mt Vernon)
began to toll, and continued its death-like
tones till we were we'll past the shrine at
which all Americans pay homage. A few
moments more and we were again on the
dirty streets of Washington. Thus ended
most delightful little trip-and thus ends
this letter. Yours, &c. G. +. w.