Connecticut western news., 1879-02-19
Florida Letter.

A few years ago, during the winter every hotel and boarding house on and near thl St. Johns River was doing a good busi- ness, while even the private famllles were called upon to accommodate the Northern sOjourner. But like many another pleasure resort that has its rush for few seasons so Florida has had its day for the tourist Not but there are the same attractions tC draw the tourist; the climate is just as charming, the accommo6 atloDs just as good, while the liGtle villages and settlements boast of greater improvements. Still you are every wnere assured that there are few Northerners here this season. Consequent t. ly few of the hotel keepers arc more than paying expenses, while some are actually losing. Many strangers who come to Flor ida, stopping only at Jacksonville and St. Augustine, miss the grandest part of this State when they neglect the Upper St. John. If the weary invalid or pleasure seeker would take one of the boats which leave Jacksonville daily, and ascend the river for about two hundred miles, he would find 0 superior atmosphere and fin CT country.
 Fort ReId is modest little settlement of pole house and whitewashed buildings. It boasts of being the residence of Hon. A. Hull, now Governor of the State. In this little place l witnessed a most novel aud entertaining ceremony fast Thursday even- Ing. No matter how came to attend. suf- ice 1t to say that l found my way to llt- tie pole house situated on the outskirts of a weil-knoWn orange grove. knocked at the door at half past seven and was admit ted by a dusky usl CT in style of courtesy which the Southern darkey alone can as- sume. Upon entering 1 found the whole house consisted of three Tooms-Jhe largest being gwen up for the entertainment of the guest. Tbe walls of the room were simple rough boards extending from the floor to the beginning of the roof and GOV cred with whItewasa. Tie ceiling was sim ply the roof. festeoned with cobwebs many years old. The furniture consisted of two wooden chairs, tOttl'sh beI.ch. two ta- bles made of rough boards and nailed upon four irregular sticks, and covered with clean sheets was all that encountered the room. But the occupants glor1ed in one luxury which kiu~ might envy. Occupy ing more than one-half the space on the south side of the room was an open fire place, large and roomy. An old rusty and iron on one slde aud two bricks on the oth- CT supported the burning tagots of fat pine, winch made the softeSG blaze and was the sole means of lighting the room. A man tle over the fireplace held an old tin fruit can containing bunch of dark red roses. such as Honda only Can produce Prints from illustrated papers adorned tho walls. ana one or two rude brackets. Besides the clergyman and my self there were no other whites pre 3ent amongst the que stsWho fill- cd the room. For the sake of ny lady friends, made minute inspection of the toilets worn, some of which will describe
 
 striking costume was dark callco prin- cesse made very short m front, displaying the owners substantial foundations, and elaborately trimmed with white pIpings. Her balr was looped in a cata9on braid and a pink bow covered the rest of tne head. By her side stood a gallant clothed m wbite canvas, whose bands were cover ed with a pair of white kids. Farther across the room stood another dusky dam sel, fdeeLng about under the shadow of an enormous suDhat. At half past eight the door opened to admit the bride and groom, followed by the clergyman Tn his flowing surpiica. The bride was dressed in something white with vell. Her com panion was a fine specimen of the colored race, clothed in a new sult ot black. A hush fell over the little assembly brOkeu only by the cractxlIng fagots, as the clergy man conducted the ceremony ia his usual- ly impressive style, driving away all thoughts of ridicule winch may have possessed me, and shading the whole scene into rude poetry. The two were quickly united, then followed the noisy coDgratu- latIons. lntermingled with much kIssiDg of sEe brlde. We left very soon aftet sneak ing 9 few words to the bashful couple with the satisfaction of having attended genuine darkey wedding.
 JOHN GossIP.