The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-10-17
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.

DEAR WHIa:-The revelations of the
past week have caused quite sensation
here in the way of "Phantom Songs
tress," or the " Female Ghost of the Tow
path," which forms quite subject fol-
scientific investigation, and bids fair to sur
pass the Baltimore bell-ringing mystery"
The scene is in the neighborhood of what
is known as the old clock house." at the
foot of Seventeenth street, and on the old
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
In times gone by, vessels landed their
cargoes at an old store house located
about one hundred yards north of the pres.
ent walls of the old canal. The walls of
the old store-house still remain, but the
roof has been gone for years. The ruins
of what were at that time busy shipping
them that intend to write, but of fair
visits them. In other words, persons who
during the past quarter of a century say
that they have often seen the " Captain's
daughter" as the beautiful ghostly form
that lnhabits the ruins is called. My in
formant says, that in past years her mean
behring's created the greatest excitement and
attracted the attention of thousands of per-
sons, who often loitered about there until
daylight. As time wore on the interest
died out, but late revelations have revived
it, and large numbers of the curious are
again attracted toward the romantic and
weird place.
THE BEAUTIFUL SINGER.
According to statements, the figure of a
female attired in long, white dress, has
of late, as during years past, been seen at
night seated in one of the windows of the
old store-house. Some have seen her pass.
ing up and down the old tow-path, and il
is said she always turns off when any other
person passes along or endeavors to meet
her. The majority of times, however, the
beautiful ghost is to be seen in her elevated
position in one of the windows, and heard
singing songs sang by sailors of that day
She usually makes her appearance about
o clock, remaining in sight until after mid
night.
THE HISTORY OF THE PHANTOM.
According to the story, many years age
a beautiful daug liter of a schooner captain
was drowned near the locks. She had
stepped overheard during ramble in her
sleep, and was found in the water the fol
lowing morning. Her father, in after
years, gave up his calling as sailor, and
lived in an old house near the spot. The
old captain often said he saw his daughter
on the ow-path, and the attraction was sc
great to him, that during the remainder Of
his life he resided there.
CHANCE FOR sPIRITUALIsTs.
This phenomenon affords pleasant sub.
loot for Spi alictS and ot borS who o6 n, re
the investigation of such matters of mys-
terry. Hundreds of persons are visiting the
place for the purpose of seeing the spirit
songster, if it is in their power. Several
reporters of the daily papers have agreed
to begin their investigations this week, and
if possible, will be on hand, and should
see what others have witnessed, l will fully
inform you.
STILL ANOTHER SENSATION.
Two Frenchman and brown bear is the
latest novelty for the gamins and the pub
lie generally. One Frenchman works a
tambourine, the bear dances, and the third
animal takes mp collection. All things
so far have gone OIL smoothly. except when
an officious person in the crowd of admir-
ers congregated around the trio, remarked
that the bear resembled Frank Moulton in
the expression of his features when he
laughed, whereupon the bear got up on his
ear and said that he could stand insult, but
no comparisons; he'd be dashed if it WASH
time to stop such things-they made him
wish he was dead.
The hunting season is near at hand, and
the sportsmen are beginning to prepare for
it. Game is said to be abundant. Since
the war, deer have become quite numerous
in many localities in which they were pre-
viously unknown. Partridges, squirrels
and rabbits are said to be plentiful. The
"Sora season" will soon come to a close,
but the larger wild fowl will supply their
place. The District people have always
been distinguished for their love of field
sports. 1t seems to be part of their ma
ture. With many, fox hunting is pas
sion, and people who have to work hard to
make both ends meet, will yet manage to
keep pack of hounds. To be good
shot, or good hunter, is considered by
some Of them almost equal to liberal edu-
cation.
MoRTUARY.
One of the discharged Government clerks
expired last week from absolute want-of
liquor. As the anxious Gospeler bent over
the expiring form, he inquired: My friend,
what do you think of your chances for the
future?" The dying clerk seemed to re-
vive for moment, clutched his hand, and
gasped eagerly, s. have friend "a Senator
who has considerable influence, and he
expects to get me in" And he went on
his way to the great competitive examina,
ton.
ECHOES FROM THE "MARR1AGE BELL"
The latest " society" rumor is that Mr..
James Gordon Bennett has been fascinated
and engaged by we'll known Washington
belle, the daughter of distinguished naval
officer.
Lieutenant George NJ. Wheeler, Engineer
corps United States Army, the well known
explorer, is to be welded to Miss Blair,
niece of Ex-Postmaster General Montgom-
cry Blair. The wedding takes place next
month, and will be full uniform, and full
dress affair. OBSERVER