Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-02-20
On Fl AlI's EAMnI.s REI.L

( Col PLATT's FAMOUS RErI4 Io Int $40
IErAEy OF WAI.-ln introducing the cN-
tracts from the Journal of the late Henry }.
Raymond, in Scri5n0'S, for January. his son
says:
The ten years from 1852 Ia 1862 We're
/ among the busiest of my fathers life. and
during that time the old Index Rerum did
not receive a single addition under the head
of memoranda. In this respect, it was some
what like the portals of the temple of Janus,
closed in peace and reopcncd in war MY
father was often urged 10 take active part
in the contest for National unity, winch had
begun when the next entries in his diary
were made. At time when political gen
erals were much in fashion, he had been
offered high rank in the military service
/ lie felt however, that he had more import
ant work to do in his own sphere to help
/ keep up the spirits and the courage of the
| North, to fight the opposition element at
home. and to strengthen the Government by
/ the active support of He times. Moreover,
having no military knowledge or experience
/ he shrank from assuming the command, and
perhaps the disposal of the lives of thousands
of his fellow men. He was twice drafted,
and each time furnished Il substitute.
Speaking of his lack of military experience,
he used TO say that he had about AS much
knowlcdg of military science as Il relative of
his, who, at the breaking cut of the war,
went TO the Secretary Of War. and said that
he wanted a coloners commission. The
Secretary made some general remarks, and
finally asked him If he had had any military
experience. YES, sir" he answered: 1--we
been 10 general training once and in the
guard house twice" He got his commission,
and raised, equipped, and satisfactorily
commanded the First Vermont Cavalry.
CoAsTING At CAsTIEToN. A correspondent
of the Rutland H7uN writes from Castleton
descriptions Of the coasting there. The
route is from the State Normal school build
ing, on the hill south Of the village proper,
through Seminary street, across Main street.
taking a double curve through town hall and
village school-housc park. The distance is
some Il rods, and the trip across Main street
is made in 20 seconds on the swift-ilying
sleds, which are under perfect control The
north descent of this territory being shaded |
with trees and projected from the west and
other winds. the Sliding has been perfcc
there all Winter. The wide streets admit of
there being three tracks. In the centre isthc |
iced track for sliding, with a snow side |
track on either side for foot passengers and |
empty slcds returning, 50 there is no |
danger of collision. Each sled carries col |
orcd reflector IN front. To light the way and |
notify those in danger 10 clear the track |
Red, blue, green and all other culored lights
are used as reilectors and signal lights, and |
lights and guards are placed at street cross
ings and places Of danger. Seminary Park |
and Town Hall Park are in the night time
Illuminated with Chinese and other lanterns
and present truly Il splendid scene. The
sleds used cost from, say $40 to S15-most
of them cost about So and carry from six 10
ten passengers, besides the pilot. They are
from 9l to 10! feet long, beautifully dccorat-
ed and luNurously cushioned.