The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-01-12

now clear field at last, and trust will be
enabled to go on their way rejoicing. jack
sonville is now the largest city in the State,
and by far the most prosperous LIS present
population is, believe, about fifteen thou
sand Its situation on the st. Johns is one
of great natural beauty, and having the
eastern terminus of the railroad from ITALIA
hassee, its position must command an extern
sive commerce. Many Of the houses and the
hotels are upon scale Of extent and ele'
gsnoe that would grace any city in the land.
Il was filling up rapidly with visitors from
the whole range of the NJ ddle and Northern
States.
On Monday morning came back twenty
miles to Baldwin, there to take the road
leading from FernaDdina to Cedar Keys on
the Gulf. While waiting for the train, I
observed on the platform trunk with the
name of Mrs. F., and another Of Mra.
McC- and Miss MoC--, directed to
Clear Water Harbor. As that was the point
of my own destination, it of course attracted
attention at once. l had noticed three la
dies entering the car at Jacksonville, and
again getting off at Baldwin, and going across
to one of the taverns. All at once the whole
case was made plain. These ladies were
from Rockbridge county, Virginia, my own
native land, and were on their way to join
their sons who had preceded them some years.
Immediately sought them, and while glad Of
such good company myself, they were GER
tainly much relieved to fad some one on
whom they could rely for guidance and pro-
lection down the coast. The journey of one
hundred miles over to the Gulf was at SLOW
rate, and not completed till about P. M
Finding on the cars gentleman whose resi-
dence was in the very neighborhood We
sought. his help at Cedar Keys was invalua
bic. None of the few steamers plying around
the coast was or would be at hand for week
A small schooner, therefore, was our only
refuge. This was chartered, and the mex
evening, with prosperous breeze we set sal
at Al o'clock. The ladies found place o.
tolerable comfort in the cabin. l crept into
the hold and did my best on the softeSt auC
most even parts of large roped trunk. Ba
all things have an end, and SO did that night
Taking the voyage all together, it was quite
enjoyable, its variety, at least, presenting
something OF the spice Of life. It coulC
hardly be numbered among the things tt
which the old maxim applies" decjes rope
ttta tamen pIacebit. "
Had we not been becalmed good part o
the next day, we should have landed at Clear
Water Harbor early in the morning. AS i
was we did not land till dark. About dusk
as we slowly worked our way to the landing
we deserted little skiff putting eff towards
US. 1t was son Of Mrs. MoC--- on the
look out for those SO dear to him, and soor
he was on board, and then straightway tool
place just what ought to take place upor
such meeting, but with which stranger
meddleth not.
Here on Tampa Neck it is nv purpose IL
spend a few weeks among kindred an(
friends, and during the soiouru to furnish
some articles for the fourth page of the Cen
trail Presbyterian w.ich may possible be o
some interest to such as would like to read {
little about Florida matters. W. B.