Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-02-05
Letter from Charleston, S. C.
JorrINGs ON THE WING.

Dear Register-Some time since L
left your place for Dixie, On my
way, must needs pass by Harpers
Ferry. What my feelings at looking
at the mountains and rivers hard by, L
cannot describe. These appeared never
so beautiful before The sublimity OF
the scene was lranscendent There was
sadness in my heart. Why. l cannot
tell, unless it be that as | older grow. l
have a more appreciative sense Of Ma
lures grand and beautiful things. One
thing | know brought about this state
of feeling. 1t was this, the fact that l
should see no mountains on the sea-
board and that it would be some time
before | should visit these scenes again,
perhaps never. had felt before and
felt keenly then Gin anticipation) and
since, how natural it was Tor The Swiss
to shed tears at parting from, and in
yearning for the mountains, connected
with which are such pleasant associa-
tions. But | linger no longer here.
Such things were forgotten for the time
by the monotony OF a slow train 10
Washington from Point of Rocks June
ton. 1t is called the "way train. |
know not why, unless it is, that so pro-
verbally and perplexiugly SLOW is it,
that it warrants the assertion OF wag,
who said it stopped at farms along the
way, to take on load of hay. Be
this true or untrue, it is no injustice
to call it the pick up and let off train,
If there be moral in this it is, be care
full to take the right train. l was gull
ed in this matter. Many are deceived
in such things Of this life and the one
beyond. Upon reaching Washington,
l had what is generally considered, the
exquisite torture Of delay. City is dull.
Bu: for the Government employees put
ting in their appearance after their days
work is done, the streets would be al
most deserted. Nothing of note, until
| reached North Carolina. Not much
noteworthy here. Everything has al
Anticipated appearance. From The for
ests untelled, swamps unditched, hon.
SEES Imprinted, long lever waterdrawers,
and the surroundings in general, |
should infer this section is about a cen
tury behind the times. Little evidence
of thrift, Timber trade excepted. Good
many small towns have sprung up
along the line, where there is lumber
trade. These are implanted. 1fNorth
Carolina should ever have the dispose
ton and ability to paint, | would say
70 our painters come hlther forthwith.
For il there is anything like moderate
number TO do this work, they would
have life contract Cotton mostly
gathered. Save this phenomenon, for
the first time. 'Niggers in the cot
ton field" or 'niggers picking cotton,
women and men together at this work.
After this cropis gathered, it leaves the
country barren looking. The stalk re-
manning standing has dead look.
Some corn grown here and there. Few
domestic animals. Saw about a dozen
head of cattle, as many swine, two flocks
of sheep. twenty horses and mules in
Journey of TWO hundred miles 1t Is
unnecessary for me 10 say anything OF
tar, puch and uyprnfiH'. On the whole
the country has few attractions. Level
as floor, is is very morotonous. Ex-
tensive swamps on either side of the
railroad. The latter is for consdera-
Die distance built upon tressIe-work, on
piles driven In the ground. But for
the beautiful underground, which is
rich green, we wonld have had Dismal
,SDamd scenery for much Of the way.
This however relieved the tiresomeness
of looking at the same unattraciive
scenery. No evidence OF midwinter
here. Myrtle, laurel, holly and other
evergreens make the surroundings April
like. While noting these things was
sitting by an open window taking gen
uine Dixie notes.
Yours, &c. J. H. Q.