Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-07-08


the famous New Market Caverns Upon
the conclusion OF our correspondence at
that time we promised at an early day to
take then to fields if not of equal historic
interest At least where nature had laid out
her richeht landscapes with a seeming prodi-
gal hand Circumstances intervening, and
over which we Were unable to exercise any
control, lave prevented MS from putting into
executiononr promise until the present time.
And now after visit along this great
work--a work which has linked together
the most productive portions Of our coun-
try, and over which is pouring perpetual
stream Of commerce and weath.-a work
for all coming time, a work which is to
benefit and enrich and bless MS all; and q
! lenssh y-and somewhat tedious introduction
We proceed 70 give some 81 the scenes and
thoughts incident upon our visit
1t was clear bright day, and, from
cldudless sky, the sun looked down upon
the waters Of the historic Potomac, with its
little foam-crested waves sparkling as if
sprinkled with diamonds, and softening
veil appeared TO rest over the landscape and
the peaks loom up in terrific proportions as
we rode into Harper's Ferry.
Although we took occasion in our former
correspondence to give rather an extended
mention of lIarper's Ferry, we do not think
few words more at this time would be In
bad taste. The scenery and invigoratlng
views from every point around Harpcr's
Ferry never grow wearisome to the eye,
whilst every accessible spot is crowded with
thrilling and telling "reminiscences, which are
full of interest to the tourist. Here the
waters OF the Potomac and the Shenandoah
united and drove n passage through the Blue
Ridge, leaving picture in nature which
when viewed from JefIerson's rock is full
Of awful grandeur. We have often read
that when President Jefferson first enjoyed
| this view from this rock he declared IL to be
worth II journey across the Atlantic Look
| ing across from the Virginia side splendid
view Of Maryland Heights is obtained, and
naturally enough one recalls the time when
grim vsaged war held high carnival there
and sat enthroned above this beautiful val
| ley. On the very crest Of the Maryland
| Heights some two or three miles above Iiar
per's Ferry and fourteen hundred feet above
the river, which one can reach on horse
back if he so desires, are the remains of an
old fort, from this point the view is extern
sive and charming. In September, 1869,
Stonewall Jackson, the Napoleon OF the
civil war, charged and captured this fort and
the next day EIarper's Ferry shared the
same fate, Gen. Miles surrendered with H.
573 men and 70 guns. II is said tina. this
movement was part of Gen. Lees fortnight
campaign north of the Potomac, which cul-
minated in the great battle Of Antietam.
! Whilst lingering around this old fort pom
dering over the gigantic scenes of which
every stone was hooking memory, the
sun lost itself behind the blue hills in the
dim distance. what a picture of beauty and
splendor greeted us. We have so often
written of the loveliness Of sunsets upon
such occasions and midst such surround
ings, that to attempt a description Of the
one we then enjoyed would appear IA a
tiresome repetition. The air was calm, not
a breath stirred the leaves upon the few old
trees around, repose seemed resting upon
everything, and the only sound we heard
was the song of the stream that went rip
pling among the loose bonlders that lay in
its course There was n spendor about the
heavens above and their counterpart in the
stream below which we have scarcely ever
seen equaIed There was no moon in the
early evening, and 50 pure and clear was
the atmosphere that the stars seemed TO come
out in vast numbers and with All intenseI
glow, the hills along the shore seemed 70
stand in holder outline, whilst the tall peaks
stood in grim solemnity, like pillars sup
porting the mighty arches of the sky, and
the old woods far in the distance stood 50
moyeless and solemn that we could scarcely
persuade ourself that we were not looking
upon some gigantic picture, the fanclul
grouping and transcendent coloring Of some
ingenious and winning artist.
Retracing our steps and whilst busily en-.
gagged in unfolding the forgotten memories
Of the past, we discovered that llarpers
| Ferry was the theatre Of old John Browns
crazy attempt, with twenty-five men, 10 sci
population which was 10 extend throughout
the State, and gathering volume was even
tualy 10 sweep through the entire South.
The old engine-house in the armory yard, in
ton Of the war and still remains an object
Of interest 10 travellers
Apart from historic interest and romantic
beauty tits place has been finished for Il
number Of years, and life has gone 10 sleep.
The arrival Of the trains are the events Of
the twenty.four hours, and as they approach
Harper's Ferry opens lis eyes and the louDg-
ers on the tavern porch seem for a moment
10 be interested. They do not seem 10 care
for the outer world or It's people, but then
human nature must absolutely have come
thing 10 stare at, even 10 speculate about
Travellers afford this solace Peace or war,
in Europe or elsewhere, are not matters OF
| interest, but the scream Of the car.whistle,
telling Of the approach Of n train Is an event.
In other words, the human mind is cramped
at Ilarper's Ferry, and the people are asleep
the days follow and resemble each other
and glide from Sunday 10 Sunday without
any event save what we have mentioned.
About hall mile above lIarpers Ferry
is a small island situated near the centre
Of the river, called ISLAND Park" aud II
Is one Of the most enchanting little spots
our eyes ever rested upon--so sweet, II seems
spot fitted for the faires TO sport around.
II is lringed with aldors and weeping will
lows and densely nterspersed with the most
inviting shade trees, and under these trees,
and wherever the view is choice, there are
placed ornamental tables, chairs and seats.
In the centre Of the island several artistic
| payilions have been erected, which are used