The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-09-11
A Richmond Mnn Abroad.

LONDON. August -, 1850.
Messrs. Editors, Many OF my friends, on
leaving Richmond, requested me to write to
them after my arrival in the old country,
but as time will not permit me 10 write to
each one, may not ask your permission TO
let them bear from me through your paper :
left New York in the steamship Spain,
OF the National Line. and after q most de-
llghtful voyage OF fen days arrived ut
Queenstown. From Queenstown | went 10
the city Of Cork, thence 10 Blarney Castle
and Balineolis, thence to Dublin, where
remained some days to attend to business
matters. The river scenery from Queens
town 10 Cork surpasses anything have yet
seen for picturesque beauty-nothing to
compare with it i'm Ireland.
After a pleasant visit TO Swords. seven
miles from Dublin. the home OF my fathers,
came by the beautiful "Vale of AvOca,"
situated between the towns OF Rlthdrum
and Arklow. The far-famed " Meeting Of
the Waters is formed by the junction Of
the Avonmore aud Aronbeg rivers at the
commencement OF tbe valley. The two
streams united form the Avoca, which
for nearly seven miles flows through
the vale and falls into the sea at
Arklow. TO the remotest corners OF the
universe has this beautiful valley been i'm
mortallZed by Moore, who thus sung OF it :
There is not In this wide world valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters
meet"
Then passing through old Scotland the
old and sacred ruins OF MelrOse Abbey
makes its appearance. This is one OF the
most magnificent ruins in Scotland, aud 10
visit the land OF brown heath and shaggy
wood without going 10 see Melrose Abbey
would be like visiting Buffalo and not turn
ing aside to see Niagara. Many Of the col
umns, arches, doors, and windows are en-
tire, and much Of the orDamentation seems
mole Ike the work Of yesterday than OF six
hundred years ago. 1t is built in the form
OF Latin cross, with square tower in the
centre, OF which only Il part is left, 1t is
now almost roOfess, except three small
chapels, which contain their original canopy.
In the graveyard are the graves OF Alexan-
der, one OF Scotland's Kings, and James,
Earl OF Douglas. Here also, it Is said, is
deposited the heart OF Robert Bruce. On
almost every wall are seen marks of the
balls from Oliver CrOmwelPs guns. Even
this fair temple, with all its beauty OF con-
structiOn and workmanship, was not spared
by the hand Of the reformer. On the east
side OF the choir is a beautiful window
INe0lN-lOuI ltCI III iCuEhu, vi hHiSb 1ii
Walter Scott said: II is impossible to
conceive more beautiful specimen Of
lightness and elegance OF Gothic architec-
ture when in its purity. Indeed, the whole,
with its arches and pillars, exhibits the rich.
est tracery and adornment, and shows Il
skill in sculpture upon which six hundred
years have made no advancement. And
what shall say about the grand old city Of
rqn1in1s mo VprV mncn Cf
Richmond. with its many hills. Residence
in Edinburgh is an education in itself. Its
beauty reiines one like being in love. 1t
is perennial, like a play Of Shakespare's.
Nothing can stale its infinite variety.
But / must close with the words OF the
poet, and saw
Midst pleasures AMI palaces though we may roam
BE 1t ever so humble, .here's no place ike home.'
j. Il. :.