Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-08-10
Letter from Vue de L'Eau.

be here where the sad sea waves" are beating
forever on the beach during this heated term,
when sWeltering humanity have hied, to the sea
shore and mountains, seeking for cooling breez-
es, freedom from care, and perfect rest. OIL
all the places most calculated to produce these
ends | most unhesitatiDgy recommend Vue de
E Eau. 1t has all the elements to satisfy the
most tastidious. Situated on high bluff at
Sewell's Point, nine miles from Norfolk, the
view is most beautiful and the air always pleas.
ant from the lnvgoratlug salt breeze that comes
from the ocean. The hotel is elegantly kept;
Is large roomy building with three tiers of
porcnes, aud the fare Is anexceptlonabe, aud [
have not seen dissatisfied person. OF course
the place Is not perlectio0, and have yet to
see summer resort which Is, but | believe
honestly that it combines more attractions for
the masses OF people than any other. 1t is not
gay place by any manner OF means, and the
maidens aud youths Of society, whose heaven
Is the German, would be terribly ennuied here,
out those who like fine society, ever chang
lug, pure air, good bathing, fishing and sailing,
aad who are partial to moonlight walks, and
who are running on the matrimonial ticket
should come here, and truly they will stay as
long as their time Or bank account will allow.
This resort was built several years ago by
party OF capitalists, most OF whom live 10 Nor
folk. During the past two seasons it has mere
ly cleared expenses, leaving nothing over for
the shareholders, but this year it has met with
success, and every room has been filled. There
are three things needed to make this place
success that will equal, if not surpass, the most
saneune expectations of its projectors. They
need such man for instance as Major Luck of
Rawey; one who combines great tact and
Judgment with a thorough knowledge of his
profession; judge of human nature as we'll as
OF wine and cuisine. Such a man only can keep
up watering place Then again, they should
have au elegant band of music. Whatever ex-
penses are cut short,it is penny wise policy 10
economist on band, and last, but not least,
they should get the press on their side and
learn that the pens of newspaper row can make
or break any watering place 10 the country.
Until they DO this their success will be merely
spasmodlc. This place is a great resort OF
Washlngtonlans, many being here. Twice
week there are excursion parties from Norfolk
and Portsmouth to this place, and all the beauty
and fashion, OF those cities come out In force,
and they are generally accompanied with the
military band of the navy yard, which Commo-
dore Stephens often kindly lends on these fes-
tive occasions, and one can gaze on beauty, rich
and rare. L had often heard of the Norfolk
girls, OF their style, their taking ways, aud the
Wltchery OF their manner, and on last FRIDAY at
brilliant ball here | saw them, admired them,
aud was conquered Tennyson's dream of fair
women was seen, and the soft and measured
strains tioated sweetIy, filling the ball room
with its meiody,and bright eyes looked brighter,
aud the rosy Hush On many faces deepcned to
the color of beaded vine, AID the quick feet beat
rhymlc time to the tTois temp OF the German.
Among the maDy votaries of the dance [ 90.
tlced the two blonde bellies of Norfolk, Miss
Mary Bradford and Miss Bette Wake, aud I
Saw too Mrs. Fannie Leigh, The famous singer.
and so charming III manner that the mountain
watering places ex:eud standing invitation tor
her society for the season as their guest, well
knowing that her name alone will prove mag
net to draw many to her side.
AMONG THE MANY WELL KNOWN WASHING
ToNIANS
l notice Mrs. Ross Ray and daughter, the
charming widow Mrs. Captain Cranstou whose
husband was killed by Captain Jack Modocs
two years ago; Wm. Singleton, esq.,, Miss May
Singleton, Messrs H. Goldsborough, James
L. Barbour, VIM. Turner, John f. Mason,
James Lansbough, John W. Cerson, Reuben
Middleton and j. +. Mercer. There are many
ladies whose very agreeable society makes the
time pass pleasantly to all. There are about
one hundred and seventy FIVE visitors, and the
number is always increasing.
One can meet variety of people at these
summer resorts, and it is never ending pleas
ure to study the different characters Here
you will see the married belle, which is, I
think, the highest praise of womauhood, for
the homage they receive is all true and honest.
The lone old woman, like Mrs Gummidge, wan-
ders almessly about, telling everybody who
will listen to her Of her woes.
THE FASCINATING WIDOW, RICH AND IN HALF
MOURNING,
glancing coquettishly at you beneath the droop-
ing panama, "Doye Cote" who amt pretty
and don't have beaux, but who is sweet, and
such comfort to her mother; the 1irt who lays
her plans and acts them too, and who keeps
list of all the hotel arrivals, fearing rival and
hoping for new material to act upon, and the
gushing debutante, all are acting their pretty
parts 90 the worlds stage. One can almost
imagine hinselftransported to that "Acadame"
over which TeDnyson's princess" presided
(tor tima) and So we 60. But [ forgot the
last phase of womanhood-"o old maids not
the ones who prefer to live alone, but those
who refuse to accept the fat of age and nature,
and still haunt the scenes Of their early tr.
umphs. We have three layers deep of them
10 this house, over your head, under your feet
meeting your distracted gaze continually Some
are the most interesting iu the world, but then
one can get even surteited with honey, you
know. L am ever SO thankful that | am a
man as | watch woman with wasted life sit
ting sadly gazing at the ships as they pass in
the wide ocean, thinking it may be, as the poet
has it,
There in the sunny bay sail stately ships,
Weighted for fair lands where we would 90
Still CLEANS our gold within their secret crypts
Forever from the happy Long Ago"
1t is that lonesome, desperate feeling, sup
pose, that makes women deliberately marry
men they don't want 10, and not as the world
says, merely to have their bread buttered.
will write you again, where from | know
not 1t is so pleasant to throw few traps 10
valise and travel just when impulse or
pleasant party impels you 1t seems to me that
there are too many beautiful things to be seen