Litchfield enquirer., 1877-05-03


 quiry learned that they were constantly coming, as they were constantly going, thus keeping up the average. Many an old veteran, lncurably wounded, will toil on outside of the Home" as long as he is able to gam support, too proud to accept of charity till he is absolutely forced to it, and as last resort seeks shelter here in very feeble condition, and soon passes away. a victim of his own pride; for had he come before it was too late to do anything for him-with the medical talent, good care, and wholesome food Eere afforded, he would have stood 8 good chance of being put in comforts ble condition. and of enjoying life for a number of years yet
 The main building which was foraseriY female seminary. has a decidedly Oriental appearance from the school premises. It is large square fve-story building, capable of accommo- dating about TOO persons, with number less windows and dark blinds. with a dome on the top about thirty feet high, and thirty-six feet in circumference. How often when looking at it by twilight, dim ly outlined against the sky, has it remind ed me of the stories and pictures in an- cient history of mosques, and temples and domes; how often has the sight of it filled me with longing to visit it. But there is a gulf, or narrow neck of water, rather, intervening, which renders de- tqnr ofsabout two miles necessary. al- thoughsthe Home on "bee line," is not more than half mile from the School. The difficulty and time required in getting over there, with the knowledge that the time should be given to something else, made the longing to visit it all the stron. ger-imagination picturing 1t as a place almost enchanted. Finally, when the temptation was too strong longer to be resisted, tive of us started one pleasant afternoon on the long-desired trip.
 At tie outer gate is the sentinel house, where we encountered two guards on du- ty, who inquired where we were from, and our motives for desiring admittance. We explained that i've came from the Nor nal School, to see the Home,' and were told that Normal School is sufficient countersign." as they considered "any- one from there, very near of kin" Pas sing mp broad, well-lald. out avenue, we first came to the fre.engine house, where are kept the engine and hose-cart, ali in perfect condition, ready for use in case of fire. Near thIs. is perfect battalion of small buildings. in which are tailor shop, blacksmith-shop. carpenter-shop, telegraph office, barber shop, iewelry store, drng store, gas house Cthe place is lighted by gas here manufactured), steam engine house lthe washing. ironing. and heating are done by steam). Next. we visited the hospital, very convenient place for the sick and their attendants. Near this is the large green house with a glass dome in it's center where were to be seen flowers of all sorts and descriptions tastefully arranged in tiers, the whole in- si le forming one grand pyramid.
 We next turned our attention to the main building, which is in reality quite Oriental in style. We have view of the rear of the building from the school; but when one gets front view, it is grand in- deed. Stately pillars, thirty feet high and eight in diameter, support the porch; and large, wide steps lead to the front entrance. The building is about two hundred feet in length and one hundred in width. the piazza running it's entire length. Under the floor of the piazza is g spacious archwaY with paved walk, in front of which are trellises, arbors, and hedge of osage orange trees. On entering the Home we encountered the officer of the day, who kindly took us through the building, explaining everything to our en- tire satisfaction. Within, everything IS conducted with the most scrupqlous neat ness and order. The long. large dining room resembles in degree vast parade ground, with it's battalion of tables all uniformed in white-with tempting viands upon them, ready and able to conquer this host of veterans who were not to be conquered by sword and rife. Opposite this room is the large bathroom with all conveniences. On the other
 
 side is the kitchen, heated by ponderous range, where are seen huge tea and coffee urns capable of containing wash-tub full each. and other cooking utensils te match.
 Up stairs, in the high ceiled TOOLS we find three and four beds in each. neatly arranged with white spreads covering them. A corridor runs the whole length of the building; which. by standing at one end and looking to the other, resembles an interminable square-cut tunnel. There are in the upper part of the buildings. the post-ofice, observatory, officers rooms and many apartments or departments which might be familiar to an old soldier, but which are entirely strange to me.
 Up another flight and we are in the dome with glass on all sides. What scene is here spread out be- fore as! To the southward arc Hampton Roads, Sewells Point, on which is float ing lighthouse; back from winch the white sands of the beach form pretty c ontrast with the groves and green fields in the back ground. To the westward are the village of Hampton, the Normal In- stitute, and Hampton Greek, back of which are large groves of southern pines, majestic in the distance To the north- ward and eastward are Fortress Monroe with it's grim walls, the Chesapeake Bay, on which were to be seen steamboats, sloops, tugs, schooners, sail and TOW boats. Beyond all these, indistinctin the distance, lies the broad Atlantic. A more extensive or beautiful panorama of nature