Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-06-30
Interesting Letter.

Mr.. EDITOR: Leaving ChaTiestOwn on last
Monday afternoon nurueyed by private con-
yeyance 70 the northern side of the county, my
objective point being the goodly borough Of
SheyherdstOwn. The section OF the county
,rayersed will compare favunbly WITH if it does
not slrpass, any other portion n the product
iveness Of the soil aud It's thorough cultivation.
The evidence of this fertility and good tillage
was visible on every hand. What magnii-
cent panorama spread out to the eye! The
grand old ridge looming up on the right in
stern and solemn majesty as IN the ages past.
The fields Of golden grain inviting the cradle
aud the reaper to reward the tiller S toll SEEM
ing continuous stretch Of harvest fields bro
ken only by the grand old woods in their dark
verdurc dotted ever and anon by fields Of
young thrifty corn, dancing as it were in the
glowing sunlight IL was beautiful 70 look
upon aud combined a scene Of labor and re-
ward, Of life and comfort not to be surpassed.
The estates of the late Mr. Yates NOW 10 pos
session Of his heir, were passed through
They evidence an Euehshman's sagacity H.
choosing good land. Further on, the village
u Dulields, showing growth and thrift; and
nis, at the sunset hour the old town doomed in
view found a stir abroad for it was the
time Of the Commencement exercises of Shep-
herd College, with which is merged one of the
Normal Schools Of the State Ii was a period
of much interest 70 the whole community-all
faces smiled, young ladies aud gentlemen in
holiday attire tripped about, music, too was
ia tie air, the State diguitaries were around,
aud expectation vas on tip-toe.
Monday night was the occasion Of an address
before tie two Societies OF the College by MN.
NJ. Atkinson, Esq, young lawyer Of Vim
chester. Mr. A. Is a graduate Of Hampden
Sidney College and possesses fine ability. His
subject was most aPpropriate-" The lncent-
ives % Scholarship and as composition
was mastery, beautiful IN thought. chaste in
style and logical IN argument. The audience
WAS very large aud wou,d say highly appre-
ciative
Tuesday morning was the time when the
Normal class Of two years would graduate and
the President would announce the names Of all
who had distinguished themselves in study,
having received the highest number Of merit
marks IN monthly Rotations and final exami-
nation. 100 was the maximum aud q large
number Of names were announced as having
received 90 and above in the scale. Seven
graduated females aud males The for
mer read Essays, the latter delivered Speeches
all of which were very creIiablc in matter
and manner. The Governor was not present
The State Superintendent of Public Schools,
Rev. Prof Peuileton OF 'bany College. was
ou hand, distributed the -ipiumas 70 each Of
the graduates, and delivered some wel-timed
and admirable remarks The Rev Dr. George
Of New York also made some remarks which
were well received. The whole passed of very
pleasantly interSpersed with fine music by
CrSwel.s Coruet Band noted particularly
the excellent order maintained. No stamping
aud euC1riug, no throwing Of boquots, the lat
ter being passed up by the Ushers from friends
aud admirers. President MCMurran take 10
be the right man in the right place
heard nothing diSparaging 10 his fitness for
the position and ny knowledge and observa-
ton Of him confirm the general belief that he is
a superior educator. | was unable TO remain
% the further exercises at night 10 connexi0n
with those who were to graduate in the higher
studies. The Institution is a noble one and It's
establishment and successful working the best
thing that ever beie the town.
called to see my old friend B. F. Harrison,
Esq, the genial Cashier Of the Shepherdstowu
Savings Bank, whose good wife knew before
she consented 20 take his name was sur
prised O. fud him an enthusiastic antiquarian,
for | did not know that his taste led him that
way lie kindly showed me his collections Of
curious things and from their variety and num-
bers doubt ii It's equal is in the State. He
has about 300 different coins, ancient and mo-
dera, some of them very old-tbe ancient jew
ish Shekel-coius Of the Saviour's day-the
Widows Miie-the piece Of money handed TO
him bearing Caesars superscription. His cab
met Of minerals, shells. fossils, etc. are rare
ana numerous aud evidence great diligence
aud labor TO gather them together. l could
sut congratulate him on bis scientific leaning
and wish him larger yields.
I learned from c. Licklider. ESQ Bank
Director and thrifty citizen, that their rate of
discount was only per cent. This, believe,
IS lower than any other banking house in the
county As consequence they have applica-
ti1us from ahr-evcu from MArtiusburg which
may be regarded as a sort Of money centre
So IL is-chcap money will bring customers as
well as cheap goods
could but regret that the bright hopes Of
the people entertained a few years ago as to
q railroad tapping their town were 50 long BE-
ferrel. May the time soon come when the
Iron Horse viii sweep up the home stretch to
their great joy.
TIMOTHY.
Charlcstowu. June 9TH. 1877.