The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-07-10
The Norfolk Excursion.

A friend gives us an account OF the *
%cursion to Norfolk, on the 4th, which We re-
eret that we are obliged to shorten as fol-
lows:
"While thus gliding pleasantly along, =
duskv hued son Of Africa, yielding TO the
embraces of Morpheus, tumbled head long
out of the cars. Inc tram was Immediately
stopped. and the conductor on walking back
met the supposed grease spot. using the loco
motive powers of his lower extremltles TO
fullest extent in pursuit OF the tram: Save
a few bruises, he was not at all injured.
About I o'clock, the gray lines 1rettlng the
eastern horizon, betokened the approach OF
the king of dav, and IN a short time. HIS ma
iesty. .sOld Sol" revealed the fact that We
were running parallel with the majestic
Roanoke river, seemingly III a spirited race,
with Its foamy crested waters, which spar
kled in the radiant sunlight, of heaven.
At : O'Clock We resumed our journey, and
passed the great iron bridge below Weldon.
which becomes the wonder of the admiring
crowd. Along the entire Sea Board Road
our vision is met by acres of growing yegeta-
bleS, fruit etc. Indeed truck farming seems
to be the principal form of agriculture as we
approach Portsmouth. We noticed also
some fine vineyards: the vines were hanging
with great punches of the luscious grape.
At ll:30 on reaching Portsmouth,
we find the gazing crowd patiently an await
ing Us. On either side Of railroadStreet, the
Fourth July tents are pitched; the occu-
pants and vendors, yelling in tones Of warlike
resemblance, the quality price &c, of horse
cakes, lemonade and ice cream. The crowd
soon disperseS, some through Portsmouth
and others take the ferry, for Norfolk lie
correspondent partook Of a hearty repast of
soft crabs, devil crabs. fish and oysters. went
over to Norfolk and getting aboard the
'GeOrge Ledry' was soon steaming grace
fully up the placid bosom of the Chesapeake.
An hours ride, and We reach Old Point,
where We fird a perfect sea of human beings.
1t was impossible to get a room at the
Hygeia hotel but We succeeded in getting
dinner, and on entering the dining
room, found Col. ]. VI. Heck, of Raleigh,
his accomplished wife, and beautiful
daughter, Miss Minnie, seated at a table OPP
posite. They have been at Old Point sew
eral weeks, and have pleasant rooms on first
floor, opposite the bay. \ little beyond, we
noticed that upright and christian Judge,
John Kerr. who is in very feeble health, but
is gradually recuperating. Casting our eyes
IN another part of the room We find our en-
terprising Raleigh merchant, Len. II. Adj
ans, with his family. They also expressed
themselves as inyigorated by the sweet sea
breeze which constantly blows. Rex. DGs
Green, Of Halifax, are also here. Thus in the
midst of so many North Carolinians we soon
began to feel at home. The hotel has about
500 guests. We next repaired to Fortress
Monroe. Its proportions are immense, and
with those huge guns browning upon the
Bay it wears a very tormidableloo Inthe
rear OF the Fort Is a large park with elegant
shade trees, and rustic seats. There is an
artillery school, and in the park is where
they drill. His "Seven-to-Eight ship. r.
b. Hayes, reviewed the troops garrisoned
here on the morning of the 18th. The pyro-
techinal display at night was very gorgeous.
There was one representation Of the I. s.
flag another the Coat of Arms: another
the Lion and Unicorn fighting for the crown.
etc. We found excursion rates from Nor
folk to Washington to be only 10 cents. so
We concluded to go. Reached Washington
Saturday morning at s o'clock. Visited the
capitol, etc. etc. Washington is the finest
city IN the Union. Boss Shepard has had
the streets paved with cement. which is
smooth and delightful to walk and ride over.
Having seen enough Of Washington we re-
turned to Norfolk, and reached home Mon
day night. Thus ended a very pleasant
trip. VI. ". J.
Winston apJ Sala,, .ro H. IL C.---