Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-03-17

NASHVILLE, TENN, March 10, 1885

NASHVILLE, TENN, March 10, 1888.
Dear Rtgiar.-I have just returned
from the Capitol, and will note few
things that may interest some Of yoar
readers. Nashville has long been consid-
cred one Of the ugliest cities in the South,
and famous chiefly for its muddy streets
and red-headed girls, but the Capitol does
in part redeem the place. This building
stands high above the rest Of the city, and
the grounds about it are tastefully ar
ranged. A statue of Andrew johnson
adds interest to the front view.
Invent into the State library, and was
much interested in the curious relics l
found there. Not to speak Of books, the
library contains the swords of Revolu-
tionarv celebrities, flags that have passed
through some of our hottest battles, as
well as a mummy that lays claim to the
advanced age OF three thousand years
and by his looks am not disposed to dis
pute his antiquity. But the most inter-
esting thing to me by far is bust OF Ma
poleon Bonaparte, representing him
twenty years after death. AS you well
know, Bonaparte's body was taken from
its resting place on st. Helena in 1910,
and carried to France, where it was REIN
TERED. The body when exhumed was IN
such Il perfect state Of preservation that
the face looked just as it did at death.
By means of plaster Of Paris mould OF
the head was taken, and from that this
bust WAS made. There lies the great war
rior, his thin lips slightly apart, his eyes
closed, his finely cut features brought out
80 exactly that one feels as though he were
looking at the real man.
Coming out of the Capitol l passed the
old brick mansion where lives the widow
of President Polk. The Presidents tomb
Is in the yard, and is one Of the objects Of
intcres. to all visitors to Nashville. l
saw Mrs. Polk walking up and down the
portico Oh the sunny side OF the house,
large lady, who seems to DC quite feeble,
and who walks by aid Of cane. l was
much tempted 10 go up and speak to her,
but it suddenly struck Inc that while l
knew her, she might possibly never have
beard OF me, so | walked on down street,
thinking how small place most of us
have to occupy in this world, and W onder-
ing what satisfaction it was TO woman
to know that her husband had been both
governor of his own State and President
of our Republic.
To-day was the time set apart by the
weather prophet for the great storm to
occur. We are not hurt here yet, though
the wind is blowing rather briskly; but
ii is always windy here when it is not
raining, and combination of the two is
by no means uncommon. Spring has
been "but gloomy weather" with US SO
tar. There has been much rain here dur
ing the winter, ard while the lilacs are
now beginning to put forth, it is SEEM
ingly with much hesitation.
Our smallpox scare is about over. IL
was feared that some "theoloS" would
have his beauty spoiled, but by caution we
have gone through she winter without
having single case at Vanderbilt.
Let me say, in conclusion, that all may
see a sample Of Nashville men by looking
upon DR.. Young, who will be at the Con-
ference at Charlestown. lie is said to be
six feet eight inches in height, yet he is
certainly wei! proportioned.
q IL