National Republican., 1883-08-27
Description Of One Of the Most Charming Spots
on the Lower Potomac.
Large Numbers Of Westinghouse Who
Have Visited It This Season.
Difficulties Experienced BY Republican" Reporter
in Trying 10 Reach the Island.
A Frail GiiIen skiR and Laconic Pilot
Finally Convey Him.

musical and literary entertainment was
given last Wednesday evening at the Poto-
mac hotel, st. Georges island, Nd, by the
Washington ladies summering there. The
modest invitation extended to The REPUBL1-
CAN did not state that the fair entreprene,tScs
had charitable object in view, ciroum-
stance adding largely to the satisfaction de-
rived from tho complete success of their laud-
able effort. A reporter was dispatched on
Tuesday night TO reach st. Georges island,
ninety-fve miles distant, if possible, before
Wednesday night.
The largest part Of the distance was made
on the steamer Jane Mosoloy, which left its
wharf ON Wednesday morning with numer-
Gus and select party of oxcursionists for
Blakiston island. But hore the difficulties
began. A distance of fifteen miles was still
between the news gatherer and the goal OF
his ambition, while upon fow "gillen
skifs" or fishing smacSs rested his
only hope of further progress in
his travels. None of the fishermen seemed
willing to undertake the trip, as the evening
was we'll advanced and there was only n light
headwind to fall back upon for the journey.
Mr.. Posey, the pursor of the Moseley, finally
accept the princely passage money offered
and he in turn secured another man to go in
his place and just as the Jane" swung out
majestically upon the river TO carry her
precious load homeward there might have
been seen lonely passenger sailing away,
though not very fast, in the opposite direc-
tion.
The boat ride was at first hugely enjoyed,
and there can be 10 finer river upon the con-
tinent for yachting and other water sport
than our own beautiful Potomac, with its
vast expanse, it gently breaking, deep-colored
waves, its ever.changing shores, now receding,
now boldly advancing, here presenting the
forest clad spurs of steep hills, and yondcr
gradually disappearing under soft breakers,
as if it would invite the cooling water to rise
still further upon it and wash away over its
parched, sun-burnt sandy shore.
Every now and then the fisherman, an in
telligent young colored man of twenty -four,
gave his passenger timely warning before
tacking or shifting his sail, until the constant
zigzag movements of the boat grew just q
little monotonous. The sun was nearing his
own port in the magnificent sunset, harbor
of deeply -colored clouds, and still Blakiston
island was provokingly near. superstitious
traveller might have suspected that the island
was q charmed spot, something like Loreley' s
rocky haunt in the Rhine, irresstibly draw
ing him toward it and to his doom.
HOW 1ar nave we Rob Dy tnls tlne asheu
the impatient passenger.
"Haint gone very far, SIR" answered the
pilot.
The crimson sky gradually assumed that
misty bluish-gray preceding the darkness OF
approaching night, and from the light house
of Blakiston island shone forth bright
light through tho darkness like CLEAN of
rekindled hope within heart cropping in
dark despair.
"If we'd had fair wind presume we could
have made more than half the distance by
this time" suggested the passenger, breaking
in upon the silence.
"Siore'n that, sir" was the guarded reply.
"How far do you think we've got?"
Dunno, sir"
AZ suppose we have made about seven or
eight miles?"
The shadows of night lowered over the
broad river, and the stars shone brightly
from their beautiful deep setting. Nothing
broke upon the majestic silence of nature but
the gently murmuring waves in their end
less slow journey. What little head wind
there had been had died away, and the air
itself was calm and still, as if obeying the
supreme command of nature herself
The fisherman grew restless. Grasping his
oar he rowed with all his might The light
OF Blakiston island lalone was evidence of
other human life than that in the calm
bound fishing smack.
"Well have to look out for other boats
now" said the fisherman. 81 wouldn't want
any of them big fellers to run into us, cause
we'd be gone up dead shuah. SIR"
The point was rather well taken, for we
had no lantern upon the boat, and the pilot
was getting little bit nervous. He had
been following his business upon the Potomac
river for the best part of his life, but he had
never been to st. Georges island and like
Pain lrixrn Nphp Nfuu
going TO land him in Denver or kingdom
come" by o'clock in the evening, this
bnatsman might have landed his passenger
at point which was not mentioned in the
instructions he received before leaving the
office.
The appearance of Piney Point lighthouse
In the dim distance was greeted with some
thing of tho enthusiasm the dissatisfied crew
of Christopher Columbus must have felt at
the welcome, joyful shout of land, land y
At the same time the fisherman threw his oar
down and readjusted his sail. A breeze was
springing up.
Time seemed endless until the Lighthouse
was reached and passed. The moon had
meantime risen, and yonder in the distance
appeared dark streak of land.
"Thats st. Georges island, l know" re.
marked the boatman with some evident graft
fication at his successful exploit. II knowed
it was somewhar down thar" Nearer and
nearer the boat approached the island, and Mt
one time the fisherman declared ho saw some
blue light; but it soon disappeared, and
although the boat was soon close to the shore,
toward the main channel of the river, there
seemed to be no landing within reach.
"The landing must be ON the other side OF
the island" suggested the passenger. Per-
haps you had better sail around there"
~ haint going nowhar whar don't know
Whar Pm goin'," declared the batiled pilot
emphatically. / wish / hadn't come down
here. IL won't come here again fur $40, u
added the exasperated man.
True, the situation was little uncomfortA.
BILE. Not light appeared ut any of the
houses dimly visible (the loon being on the
other side of the islandl, and not sound
answered tho "aye, Shore" ringing out from
the boat upon tho quiet night.
"Ihar amt muffin goin' on here tonight
said the fisherman, despondingly. Not a
sound of music, however distant, could be
heard
Meanwhile tho boat was "hugging" the
shore so closely that it was unsafe 20 proceed
further in such shallow water. Casting an
chor tho faithful pilot took off his shoes,
rolled up his brooches, and jumped into the
"Get on my back sir"
''What do you want TO doW
Garry you on shoah, sir.'
"All right" The passenger soon found
himself on shore, and after a brisk walk
through several corniields approached large
building, through the lower windows of
which bright light was streaming, and the
strains of well known melodies were heard
. he h.N IL. Il -.