National Republican., 1880-09-14
Among the Mountains.
FORT PENDLEToN, GARRETT Co., MD,
September II. 1850.


September II, 1880.
10 The Editor of The National Republican,:
SIR: If there should exist anywhere In the
broad universe sceptic as TO the virtues of
advertising or tho efficacy of puG, think
ho might be convinced by learning that over
200 persons havo been turned away this sum.
mer from this secluded mountain resort, and
that most of these were attracted hither by a
brief mention in Harper'S Dfdga=iHe. with
Others our attention was first attracted by this
article, aud when, at last, by medical advice,
we were sent here TO seek relief from the raw
ages of hay fever, it was with feeling of
great expectation that we found ourselves be-
ing drawn up the rugged hills leading to tho
hospitable home of our host.
The morning had been hot and sultry as we
left Washington. Now, as we assembled
through the fragrant woods, the air became
cool and full of life and energy. AS wo were
being regaled by the anecdotes of our drivers
adventures on the road, when the darkness
was so intense that ho was unablo 10 see tho
white horses he was driving, we wore greeted
by the appearance of streams Of light issuing
from the many windows and dOOIso of large
house upon our right, aud in a few moments
We're safely deposited at the terminus of our
days journey.
We found the house full to overfowng, but
some of the guests taking pity upon our forlorn
condition, kindly offered to double up" and
we retired to a room in which three other gem
tlemcn were already domiciled. Tho night
before wo had tossed upon our foverish beds
in Washington;n now cool breezes swept through
the open windows laden with sweet noun
tain Odors, and advising us to draw the thick
clothes still closer about MS. The old familiar
sounds of Katy did," Katy didn't" YES
she did" mo, she didn't" were the last we
heard as we sank into deep slumbers.
The next morning we were kindly invited
by one of our room mates, Mr.. William Brown
Of New York, to accompany himself and son on
their excursion over the mountains, to view
some lands owned by them, and which they
arc seeking to develop, Our horses were soon
in motion, descending the steep hill which
winds about Fort Pendleton; past the now
ruined house once belonging to the Seatons of
National hteHgenecr fame, and crossing over
the bridge which spans the Potomac
here rushing mountain stream-we found
ourselves on the sacred soil Of Vir.
gina. We now commenced the ascent
of II very beautiful and romantic road,
winding up tho mountain side; large oaks,
chestnut cherry, and spruce trees rose far
above; the sides Of the road were friuged with
mOss-grOwn rocks, sllrted about with delicate
ferns and woody treasures. Reaching the sum-
nit, u glorious panorama was spread below and
about us for our enjoyment aud entertainment.
Bold, woody mountains, here and there marked
by tho cleared fields and rising smoke of some
mountaincers habitation, rose from tho rush.
ing streams which flowed like silver threads
through the deep ravines at their base. Spots
OF sunshine and shade played hide aud seek
all over the scene before US. The woods were
alive with the sounds of squirrels and birds,
aud all about was life, health, Vivacty, not
known to the dwellers in th city. With
lungs filled full OF pure .air, blood cir
cuating freely, and energies revived by
the cool, clear morning air, we trotted
our horses once more along the road
the. road made famous by the adventure Of
EX.CommissiOner Phelps with the bear, we
passed across the country to farmhouse in
which dwelt friend of the party. As we drew
up in sight of the house we inquired of
young member of the family If they had
dined yet. Our spirits sank when ha said
they had, but roso when he told us to push on,
that there was plenty for us yet. In u few
minutes we dismounted ut tho porch of an old
Virginia homestead. We were welcomed by
the fair daughters in absence of their parents,
aud while they busted themselves for our re.
lreshmcnt we took hasty glance at our situa.
tiOn. Upon The porch was "a copy Of BlackmOre's
"Mary Auerley," showing that literature was
cultivated even in the mountains of Virginia.
In the room upon our right was loom with
fno web of wooden cloth in process of manu-.
facture; on our left the falnily sitting.room,
and in the boOk.shelyes we observed Had
lcy's Greek Grammar" "Hanson's Preprara-
tory Latin Prose-" works on history, ancient,
classical and modern geography, mathematics,
otc showing that the sohool.master was
abroad. We were now welcomed to Il table
groaning with mountain luxurles, and though
we did full justice to our entertainers, we
could not begin to taste all the evidences of
their domestic skin, Oace more in the saddle,
we descended through woody glades, forded
tho Potomac aud at last reached our mountain
home.
In the evening we drew up in a circle about
the open fireplace, in which hugo logs cast
their. wa NTH aud brightness into the room,
Notes Of the days adventures were compared
with the ehunters, the ladies congratulated upon
their trophies of the day aud soon all were
laughing aud romping in some jolly game un-
Oil one more day at Fort Pendlelon was
brought to close
Among tho many visitors who have been
hnra durin0 tho mast summer MA nnfipa Tho