Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-30


effect of their matured deliberations upon
the practical developments Of our political
institutions. Hence he was able to give moi
only = correct and graphic, but an exceed
ingly interesting, account of that period o.
our history, when startling and frightfu
emergencies called into requisiton the mas.
sive intellects of such men as those whose
conspicuous actions he so fully portrayed.
The first night of our journey was spen
in Hancock, an ancient and dilapidated set
Element upon the borders of Washington
county and Immediately on the line of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 1t had lonl
been the rendezvous of that rowing class Of
people, who exc out miserable existenc,
along the canal, and Of that nameless cosmo
polite sect of politicians who come to look
after the floating vote usually found in sucl
places prior to the near approach Of some
county or State election, 1t is, therefore
easy to imagine that it was not the most
desirable place to spend the night
The arrival OF the Governor was soon
known, and it was not long before he was
surrounded by host of Union men," who
were able to give "the latest from along the
line Of the Potomac" extend their con.
CALCULATIONS and anxious to subserve theil
"new master" in any capicity.
We left Hancock after an early breakfast
Our ride for several miles lay Immediately
along the canal. The Governor suggested
the propriety of driving up" He had been
informed during the night that there were
several bands of Col. Turner Ashby's com
mand skirting along the Potomac, and he
did not relish the idea of being taken to
Richmond. His fears however, turned out
| to be groundless, we neither saw nor heard
"rebel soldier"
surmised during the night what would
be the subject Of our conversation the next
day. The existing state Of public affairs
as well as old party issues and prominent
men had been most thoroughly exhausted.
There was one remaining subject would
like TO hear him upon, but dare not breach
it--respect for his feelings and proper re-
regard for the privacy Of a mans domestic
relations would not allow me 10 entertain
for a moment such an idea as even aluding
to IL. | had therefore, only 10 drift along
with the theme Of general conversation and
trust to events as to the qualification of my
curiosity upon this point And here may
add that in all probability should have had
no curiosity whatever if he himself had not
often referred TO it, and having heard one
side OF the story naturally felt some desire
to hear the other.
We quietly logged along over the old
National pike, so crowded with the memo
ries Of primitive days, when the old lumber
"a, seil,ss1 u 10 49, ,s.ssy ,sia1' ~ ls1,'n0
cor vevance and the now almost deserted
I diiapiduted inns which lined the road sf-
lorded ample comfort and luxury for our
pioneer statesmen.
It was towards the middle Of the after
noon, mild balmy and genial the air breath
ing soft promise Of summer when we
haulted In front Of little cottage nesting
on the sunny side Of the road. II wore an
exquisite air Of neatness, and its rustic sim
plicity furnished sufficient evidence of com
fort and contentment. A small yard imme-
diately in front Of the house and extending
TO the edge Of the road was enclosed with
n substantial paling and indicated that IL
had been but recently from under the white
wash brush Small boxes were IN each Of
the two front windows from which were
being trained newborn vines. The yard
had been tsstefully laid off into what seemed
flower bods, and its want Of anything like ar
tistic design was its chief attraction. On the
west gable side, facing beautiful and roman
melody of the stream and the murmurng
Of the forest, stood an aged oak, the growth
Of centuries. Under its outstretched arms
and around its body had been erected plain,
but comfortable seats. The sunlight break
ing through tho branches Of noighborlng
trees, spoPted DER the velvet sward as come
and go the golden memories Of the long
ago After securing our horse and when in
few feet Of the door, observed sitting
under the now-lenrthened shadows Of the
tree and upon the green grass a young girl
Of some sixteen or eighteen summers. She
was deeply interested In some manuscript.
So much 40 that she was not aware Of our
near approach. A profusion Of faxen curls
hung negligently over her shoulders and
hid her face. The Governor catching me
by thu hand, exclaimed
what a picture for an artist"
Startled at the sound Of voice, and upon
seeing US she at once arose. What living
model It was one Of Gods sweetest and
rarcst beauties, delicate and beautiful
flower blooming in the wild wood. Hei
complexion was bronze, on either sido Of
her check we're laughing and bcwitchine
little dimples-her eyes
Would all the painters art defy
| And bid him from tho task retire.
we're Of light, mild blue and glistened like
dew drops in tho deep folded hearts of roses
Apoogizing for our seeming obtrusion,
asked If she would lend us a glass and
direct us 10 the spring.
n you will permit me will with pleasure
escort you 10 the spring, where we will find
n cup Of my own ingenuity, from which
think you will enjoy drink much more
than out Of o glass,
We were glad TO accept OF her proffered
services. and In few moments were stand
ing In a small cluster Of venerable NAPLES
from under the roots Of which gushed a
pure stream Of cool water Reaching be
hind one Of the trees and near the ground
she handed US the product Of her little hands
Upon examination il proved TO be a gourd
which she had carved 10 delicate proper
tons.
The Governor expressed his admiration
aud dipping up some water said
"Will our fair attendant allow us 10 drinl
her health and from the cup Of rosoi'
The induoemont 70 remain was, indeed
.,.o.t W. sftiI had . Inno rids Ia taka hefor.