Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-04-15
THE LAND OF FLOWERS.
LITTER FROM FLoRIpA-IIFE AT ST. AUGUSTINE
-rs ATTRACTIONS AND CURIosrrIEs-A NEW
CIT on THE WEST COAST.
spondence Il the EVENING star.

Correspondents Il the EVENING stan.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA, April 10, 1852.
After pleasant trip down the st. Johns river
ana tedious run Of fourteen miles over one of
the poorest apologies for a railroad in this coun-
try, reached this quaint and ancient city. So
much has been said and written of 1t that
almost hesitate to contribute my mite in that
line. But 1 must say that no one should visit
Florida without seeing it. 1t will repay any
one Tor the trip; and yet, II Is with regret that
say many Of the old structures have been de-
stroyed to give way for more modern ones and
satisfy the greed for gain. and in q little while
fear only the ground will remain and the printed
page record the strange history of the place.
The main features of the town to-day are the
old Spanish fort, the sea wall, the Catholic
cathedral. the plaza, and the few Old coqueno
houses which remain. The fort is q strong and
massive structure Of its kind, and to-day the
walls (Which are coqueno) are In a comparatively
good state. The exact date Of its commence
ment and completion is not known, but it was
most likely built between 800 and 1900. and
probably cost millions of dollars. At present
the fort is in charge Of Ordnance Sergeant Ed
ward MCGUIRE, who KINDLY accompanied me
through the place, and from whose lips heard
It's strange story With him visited the chapel
with its stone altar. the room In which Osceoia
was confined and also the one from which Wild
lire, celebrated and dangerous Indian of his
time, escaped. l also went with him to the
dungeon, Which they say was discovered about
1885, while making some repairs to the fort,
and in which they found two iron cages and the
bones of two human beings, supposed to have
been those of Spanish grandees, but put in
when and by whom remains mystery.
The cOQuenO. of which the fort, sea-wals and
old Spanish houses are built, Is kind of con-
glomerate of lime and shell, easily cut and
guarded, but which, upon exposure to the air,
becomes very hard. 1t is found in large qianti-
ties on the island, Just opposite the city.
The sea-wall extends along the water front Of
the city from the fort to the arsenal or barracks,
distance Of over a mile; it is built of coqueno,
about five feet wide on top. and ia used as q
promenade by the Spanish madens and their
lovers and yesterday afternoon it was alive with
their olive compilations jet-black hair and bright,
laughing eyes.
The cathedral, situated on the plaza. is large
stone building, built, think about 1000. 1t is
in good state Of preservation, and yesterday,
being Easter Sunday, 1t was full of the Catholic
with flowers, and the singing of the choir was
good. On the wall is q large oil painting to
represent the celebration of the first mass in St.
Augustine in the year 1865.
The plaza is an Oblong square or park Of about
two acres. In it are the old market-house and
Spanish monument, while facing it, on the west,
are the remains Of the old governors house,
now used as post Office. Among the few CO.
quenO houses remaining Is the one in which
Gen. Hernandez resided.
The streets are from 10 to 20 feet wide and,
as many of the houses have verandas from the
upper stories which nearly root over the narrow
ways, it is very easy to hold conversation with
your opposite neighbor. Most Of the natives
speak Spanish and are from old Spanish fami-
lies. early settlers Of the place, besides many
AinOrcans. There are Q number of fine hotels
and boardlng-housos, and no better place could
be found to spend the winter; and, as every
afternoon there is stiff sea breeze even the
summer days here are pleasant. The native
houses are mostly low and small, but there are
quite number Of very handsome and expensive
residences built and owned by parties from the
north and east, who reside in them during the
winter.
st. Augustine is in the northeast part Of the
state and the Oldest city in the state but way on
the west coast, in the gulf of Mexico, is James
Island, separated from the main land by the
Crooked and Carrabelle rivers. It is 81 miles
long by miles wide, and upon 10 is the new
town of Carrabelle. Although perhaps the
youngest in the state, 1t is already quite place.
The town was located by Mr.. o. II. Kelly, well
known as the former secretary Of the National
Grange and if half his plans are carried out
James Island will be the Saratoga OF Florida.
The island is well timbered, with an elevation
OF from 20 to 20 feet above the gulf level. The
town has two large saw mills In operation and
others contemplated 1t is situated on the
north shore Of Dog Island harbor, one of the
best on the gulf. 1t is claimed that the location
is exceedingly healthy, and with fine hotel
l have seen many beautiful and pleasant places
In this fiowery land; yet. after all. | must with
the poet say, "Be it ever so humble there's no
place like hOme;" and trust soon after this is
in print to bid adieu to Florida, and be with you
all again. NICK.