Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1874-11-05

CRUISE OF THE bLUE bIkD. ~ rom
an account, written for the Washington
Star, of cruise made by the "BLuE
B,aD, n an op& canoe, ismalisrthan the
average, from Washington city to our
waters last Summer, we make the fol-
lowing extracts, thinking that the ref
ererces to Blakistone's Island and Leon
ardtown may elicit sufficient enterest
from our readers to justify its publica-
ton. The cruise was made by three
amateur sailors, names unknown, and
the sights they saw are thus posted up
from the Log" kept during the voy-
age.
A drizzling rain was now falling, and
CHEEKY indeed looked the light which
shore out from under the trees before
us, and merrily sounded the voices of
the guests assembled on the veranda.
We were somewhat abashed at the idea
of coming into the light, and the pres
ence Of ladies, in our blue shirts and
generally rough toilets, but were soon
met and kindly greeted by DIR. McWil-
liams, who, after administering an anti
chill mixture, assigned us quarters and
ordered supper.
This is one Of the pleasantest sum-
mer resorts on the Potomac. The FISH
ing is better than lower down the river.
the shooting good, fruit plentiful in its
season, ali! DIR. McWilliams, his sons
and daughters, the most agreeable and
attentive of hosts. The accommoda-
tons, which are sufficient for about fif-
ty guests, consist Of row of cottages,
situated on a bank which slopes down
to the river. They are surrounded bv
trees, and command fine view, embra-
cling Colton's a watering place on the
Maryland shore, three-qlarters of a
mile distant. and the mouth Of Britton' s
Bay TIE island is about ore mile in
circumference, diversified in surface,
dotted with groves, and has on it fine
peach orchard of COO trees. The peach
crop was failure here, as elsewhere in
Maryland this season, but watermelons
and cantelopes were abundant.
We We're stirring early next morning,
and washed down and sponged out the
blue Bird" and got everything ready
for start after breakfast. And such
breakfast 1t was so great a change
from the greasy, ill-cooked and badly
served food we had been compelled to
partake of elsewhere, that it yet lin
gers gratefully on our palates. A large
haul Of taylor had been made the night
before, and these delicious fish, done to a
turn. graced the table. Then there were
oysters, fried in batter yet devoid of
grease and retaining the full flavor of
the bivalve, fresh-laii eggs, crisp bacon,
mullins. rolls, corn bread, tea, coffee,
chocolate, and milk ad iibium. Break
fast over, pipes were lighted, and then
the BLUE Birds" crew began their
adieux. Most of the guests, however,
accompanied us to the wharf, and great
was their astonishment at sight Of little
craft in which we had undertaken so
long Z voyage. When her three sails
were spread to the breeze their eyes
opened wider. 1t was blowing a stiff
breeze at the time, and trimming the
sheets down fiat as we rounded the
wharf the "Bluey" dipped her lee wash
board under, and presented her keel to
the spectators. Exchanging then our
last good-byes, the sheets were eased
off little, and we bore away for the
mouth of Britton's Bay, three miles
distant. The breeze continued to fresh
en-, the waves to increase, and we shipped
water occasionally until fairly within
the bay. Then. with smooth water and
the sheets Stacked well off, all hands
mad to sit to wind ward to keep the
BLUE Bird" on her bearings as she
sped along at the rate of ten knots an
hour. 1t was delightful sail up the
bay, and the trip from Blakistone's Is
land TO Leonardtown wharf, distance
of ten miles, was made in an hour and
ten minutes.
A walk Of n quarter of mile Up a
steep hill. and under blazing sun,
brought US IN Leonardtown, which is
not visible from the water. It is the
shire town Of St. Mary's county. and a
quaint old place. consisting of n court
house. dozen or two of LAWYERS Off
GERS. two hotels. which try to stare each
, other out of countenance, few stores.
= church or two, and dwellings scatter
ed here and there under the trees
1eouardtown is quite resort in sum-
mer time, and during the heated term
Moore's aud Fenwick' hotels have their
full quota of guests. Quiet and low
prices must be the main attractions:
for. beyond excursions to Paw-paw Hol-
low, few miles down the hay. where
there is cold spring and plot of mint.
where fishing parties rendezvous and
oyster roasts take place, there are no
amusenents. But those fond of "a
quiet game" can have il at any time:
for Leonardtown is famous for its card
parties. at which her legal giants re-
create themselves when not busy at
court. In oldcn times play ran high,