Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-03-11
GREBENHoRH IN WASHINGTON.
Correspondence Independent.

Hand OF dreams, | once more come
back to the realities of life to tell a
little more Of my verdant expert
ences. After our short visit TO the
abode Of King Chester and being so
abruptly denied the same privilege
for which poor Lazarus was snubbed
at the rich mans house, we conclud-
ed to take a dive into the Art Gal
lery-an institution established by
that prince Of philanthropists, w,
w. Cochrane, to crafty the fastidi-
GUS tastes Of the sculptor, the painter
and he lovers of art.
Now it is very natural to conclude
that greenhorn ia place like that
would Immediately become pdralyz-
ed-struck dumb with wonder and
amazement But at the entrance |
fortunately stumbled upon one Of
Mark Twain's "innocents," whose
Interesting explanations aroused my
Curiosity, which was soon heightened
INTO admiration. | of course follow
ed this "Innocentn from cellar to
garnet, imbibing every innocent
word that fell from his innocent lips.
l only regret that | am unable to
give in detail description of all the
Beauties contained in this gallery.
One painting in particular which
struck me as being worthy of men
tion, aud one which would attract
the attention of any Southern man,
who had lived in ante-bellum days,
was THE Pastoral VISIT" by Rich
ard N. Brook. 1t is life scene laid
In Virginia, which shows an interior
with The negro pastor-vistor at the
table Of his host, who has laid his
eanlo aside, and, in standing atti-
tude, listens attentively to the in
spired words of the holy man, whilst
his wife, with that self-satislied ex-
preston of countenance 50 charac-
teristic OF the Inequalities of slave
life under their own 'vine and fig
tree" is dishiug out the contents of
the frugal meal. The same artist
has produced another painting sim
Tar to The Pastoral VISIT" called
Swapping Dogs" which has not
yet taken It's place in the gallery, but
will no doubt at a very early day.
But as do not desire to make more
OF an exhibit of my country YER
dancy than | have already, | will
fOrbear FROM any further attempts at
pen-palntlng until | make another
visit.
With many regrets, | am now
compelled to bid adieu to my newly
made acquaintance, the Innocent"
aud other companions, and pursue
my travels toward Georgetown. |
am now to Ego it alone" to meet
new friends and to witness new
scenes, Aside from a brother and
family who reside here, this anti
branch OF the city did not present
much 10 interest me. | was kindly
greeted and Hospitality entertained.
Yet ] was lily prepared for the sud
den change of the hub-bub and bus
tie OF crowded avenues To the Sun
day like appearance of a country
village. L did, however, accept an
Invitation to go to Oak-Hlll Gene
terry In company with lady friend,
but the weather being very cold and
the streets muddy, late in the even
ing, and not even being greeted by "a
ghost, We returned fully satisfied to
u4e comforts of hot fires and to re-
fresh ourselves with nice cool glass
Of ice -water.
Wen, TO tell you the truth, never
Book much stock in graveyards
since my memorable experience do.
arg guard duty by the side of one at
BedingtOn in the fall of 1860. 1t
was a very dark and tempestuOus
night, and when all nature was
flushed except the wind and one dry
corn blade which came rustling to-
ward me from the direction of the
graveyard. it occurred to me that
the time bad come for me to ascribe
my name in bold letters in the
records of military fame, but when
the dod-gasted thing came on, heed
Eess of my challenge, | gave command
Go shoulder arms, and double quick
Go headquarters, where 1 arrived,
somewhat exhausted, in perfect safe.