Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1876-06-16
KRIE,S THIRn an

Interesting Description OF a ride frt m
Buffalo 10 philadelphia on the r.
eursiOn Train on the Erie RaIIvzaV.
The following very interesting letter
from lady who was one Of the party that
accompanied the excursion over the Erie
Railway. to Philadelphia, win be read with
interest:
PHILADELPHIA, June z, 1876.
Here at last, after such day as I never
passed before, and never shall again until I
marry into the royal family and become
empress, or some such. Such an excur-
sion! words fail me. I can give you no
idea Of our triumphal march from Buffalo
to Philadelphia. told one Of the ladies
that a common person, like myself, would
feel so ''set up as to never get in proper
position again. In the first place. there
were eight drawing-room coaches, the last
one fitted up especially for ladies. What
one mans head provided for our comforts
Besides brushes of every description, there
were hair pins, shoe buttons, court plaster,
powder, cologne, lavender water, thread,
cord for tying up packages, hand-mirror,
erimping-irons, breath sweeteners, and a
capable woman, who acted as maid, doing
everything, from drawing the water to
finishing touches in arranging our crimps.
There were but few editors on board, most
ly railroad officials of highest rank. Mr..
Abbott, the general passenger agent, I had
several talks with.
But I must proceed. Soon after start
ing. genteel eolored woman appeared
with basket Of lovely little bouquets Of
white and green. They were pinned BY
her on every guest, and their fragrance
filed the car. Soon after, the eolored male
servants appeared in full dress, white
gloves, &C., offered everything in the shape
Of delicacies from the commissary car
pressed tongue, salads, potted pigeons, ice
cream, cakes, nuts, oranges and wine Of
every description; champagne flowed like
water. Fancy drinks coneocted by master
hands, were sure to come after an intro
duction to one Of the magnates. We were
introduced to nearly all, and had such
glorious time in consequence. We were
the objects of curious interest to all the in
habitants along the line. They looked,
they stared, and everything was decorated
with flags. At Elmira we were, met by
bands playing, bells ringing, cannon firing,
and everybody in the city out in gala dress.
We were then taken in luxuriant carriages
to Eldridge park, which is owned by DR..
Eldridge, very wealthy man, who has
made fairy spot for the free use Of the
city. In the pavilion he alone had pre-
pared for US such collation. as a humble
person like I never saw, Again the re-
freshments were served for the whole par
ty Of about one hundred. Picked oysters,
strawberries, salads-everything thateouh
be desired. After words of welcome, from
the mayor, and other speeches-back to
the cars. One of the Directors who was
exceedingly polite to me all day, heard me
express desire to ride on the engine. He
introduced me to a gentleman vested with
unlimited authority, who said, 81 wish I
had known it before, and yOu should have
crossed the mountains riding on the en-
gine; but You shall go now, and yOu may
shoot me if I don't carry it ont" BE
started forward, and actually stopped the
whole train for me to have that ride.
Amidst great laughing and farewells from
our circle, 1 left them and rode to Beth
lehem on the engine. Sixty miles an hour
on an engine, is as fast locomotion as
shall ever be conscious of making. Oh!
such scenery. It was grand beyond al
description-that Wyoming valley, one
should go hundreds of miles to see. Crossing
tho mountains, making those sharp curves,
when We could see the engine and the two
baggage cars ahead-just think Of II.
forgot to tell you about stopping at Por-
tage Falls fifteen minutes, to see the won
derful bridge and beautiful falls. But I
must stop-I cannot torite One-Aalf. We
took rooms at Congress Hall, opposite the
Centennial groungs. can, look out Of my
window and see the wonderful main build
ing. We shall go over as soon as open.
Amofher's Lovesssiaal -
-, 80, : ,..~.-,a.-