The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-10-06
IN THE HAPPY VALLEY
A LOVELY RETREAT AMID THE BLUE
MOUNTAINS,
Where Peace and Pleasure Abound. Far
from the pestilence that Des0lates
Louisiana Homes.

Dear Old Democrat:
Would you not like to hear few words
from O. fellow ctizen-one whose heart has
always been in sympathy with your principles
and, though far away, listens to your voice;
ave. listens and heedsl
am writing from a "happy valley" one
that far surpasses the home Of Rasselas. /
came here, charmed by the places real name
I came for rest, little imagining how perfect
the rest could be that is found here; but so
sweet was the repose that, In the gratitude OF
my heart, I called this summer resort the
Happy Valley" .
Your other correspondents and admirers
have written of the gay life at the Virginia
Springs, where, though the scenery may be as
faultless as here, fashion and dissipation
claim too much time for one to enjoy nature
With the nights passed in revelry and the
days given up TO recuperating, one might as
we'll be In city, for no recreation, either
physical or mental, can be obtained. ALI Is O.
whirl, Of excitement; giddy dream of allur-
ing pleasure. But for this, fashionable people
come to the mountains.
Here, how different. The days glide by
sweetly. There is just enough of social In
tercOurse to exclude loneliness, and with no
extra dressing to be done, no beaux to enter
tain, no balls or hops to attend, one is left to
follow his own inclinations, and with or With
out companion to contemplate the beautiful.
You can sit In your window and look out on
an extended arena Of hills and dales, some
cultivated, others covered with rich verdure
mountains rise in grandeur, one peak above
another, one to be seen between two others,
another standing somewhat aloof, towering
disdainfully above the lesser mounds. In
bold graceful lines of ultra marine bhte they
are defined against the clear sky, and in end
less succession, like the rippling waves of the
ocean, they extend as far as the eye can see.
But where is this Happy Valley?.' Among
the Blue mountains. The train from the
southwest brings you to the vicinity: You
take a stage Chat venerable institution); you
travel much slower, but steadily, for few
hours on grand macadamized road, up hills,
down through Valleys by winding mountain
S ST. and you 60 on And you would 60
miliar with it: Suddenly you turn from the
main road, wind around the. foot of hill,
through q grove, descend another slope, and
10! the Happy Valley" lies in view. Though
acres of land under cultivation, buildings of
size and taste standing out in bold relief, and
llmp1d stream, whose floWery banks invite
repose. Close by medicinal springs bubble up,
where visitors assemble at early dawn to
drink Of the life-giving waters, while the birds
sing their matin hymns. Again they come
and linger under shady boughs when the King
OF Day stands in the zenith OF his glory; and
Stlll again they meet at the fOunt when the
day is dying-dying slowly. There they
drink for the third time, and walk to some
steep hilltop to see the sun sink to rest,
leaving the earth to rejoice in his light and
glory.
We walk over the hills to gather flowers
and leaves, we wander by the streams to listen
to water ripping over stones, we retire to the
house from the midday heat and for 'tbalmy
Sleep" and thus every hour Of the twenty
four is filled with innocent delight. All Is en-
joyable and healthful.
SO have passed the bright days Of this sum-
ner in peace and love and security, and, as
the calm influence of silent nature can soothe,
as nothing else can, she has offered her sym
pathy to us, whose hearts have lately
throbbed, and still do throb, with the direRul
news from our loved Crescent City. Alas
alas the Angel Reaper has CLEANED the fields
there, until, bare and desolate, the very
ground cries for mercy
Be assured, knees bend in supplication hour
ly, and doubt not God soon will send relief
Moreover, sympathy is very sweet and you
have it from all, but from none so heartily as
from those who call Louisiana 'home."
Another time will tell Of other scenes and
events, and only wishing this cool mountain
air could fan your tired broWs, remain truly,
one Of your readers. A..