Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1884-02-05
Letter from Dufflelds.

DuFF1ELDs, w. VA. Jan. 25, ,84.
Mr.: Editor.:-It has been some
time since your columns have con-
tanned any special mention of this
place, or its immediate vicinity,
although your paper is the weekly
visitor to many households in our
midst. This season of the year is,
I believe in business circles at any
rate, generally dull, all over the
country, and our merchants at this
point do not prove exceptions to the
rule, although 1 have but few COM
plants; but whatever lack of business
may be discovered, owing to the pro-
verbal dull period, cannot be attrib-
uted to any other source, since their
stores are well stocked with new and
seasonable goods. Our merchants
are all gentlemen of business expc-
rience, kind and accommodating, and
have every facility to furnish goods
as cheap as at any other point in the
county. The indications for the day
or two have been favorable to the
early removal of the snow, that has
for weeks past covered the ground
with a mantle of white, affording a
protection to the growing crop of
wheat and at the same time offering
facilities for sleigh riding, the like of
which has not been experienced for
years, so say some of our oldest in
habitants. Our young folks have
been making good use of this mode
of travelling, and " surprise parties"
have been the order of the night. It
was our privilege to attend one of the
latter recently at "CoId Spring." the
late residence of Col. Robt. Lucas,
now that of Mr.. II. Colbert, one of JEFF
ferson's best citizens and most sue
cessful farmers. Quite large party
of young ladies and gentlemen were
present from different sections of the
county. The honors of the evening
were gracefully performed by the
daughters of Mr.. c., aided by Mrs.
George Colbert. The music was fur
nished by Jack and his string band
from Harper's Ferry, thus insuring
good music. In addition to this,
there was vocal and instrumental
music for the entertainment of those
who were not disposed to engage in
the innocent amusement of dancing.
We are indebted to Miss Smith, of
Richmond, for some very fine selec-
tions upon the piano, executed with
artistic skill; also to Miss Graves of
this county for some vocal pieces,
Sweetly sung, with piano accompani-
mcnt, and to some of the gentlemen
present who also aided in the singing.
Dancing was kept up till a late hour
and so pleasantly and swiftly did the
time pass, that only by the approach
of the "small wee hours" were they
reminded that the time of departure
for their respective homes had ar
rived. Among the ladies present l
name a few that rccur to my memory
as write: the Misses Smith, of Vir-
ginia, CocxreIl, Daniels, Engle, all
living in the vicinity of the q Old
Furnace from Shcphcrdstown
and vicinity, Misses Graves. Harris.
Koontz, Line and Rentch, and Miss
Hamill from Kearncysville Among
the gentlemen were Messrs. Van AL
styne of the 'Shepherdstown paper
MILL" VIM. Snyder of the Regis
ter, Richard Hill, Robinson, russell
ana Line representing the mercantile
interests of Shcphcrdstown. From
the vicinity of Harper's Ferry were
Mr.. Dick, from Wheeling, now SUI
perintending the development of the
Rau Cave near that place, also Mr..
Rau, son of our well-known merchant
Mr.. Rudolph Rau, and many others
that l cannot remember, even if space
would admit. We will close by
adding that too much credit cannot be
given the ladies of the family for
their kind hospitality and the gen
erous welcome extended to all, and for
the abundant supply of refreshments,
presented in the incest style. Nothing
occurred to mar the pleasure of the
most fastidious or wound the feelings
of any present. The B. & o. r. r.
Co. have the foundation for their new
depot finished. and are only waiting
for more favorable weather to speedily
complete the structure. AS to who
will be appointed agent cannot say,
though report names two or three APP
plicants for the position.
Yours, &C., DUFF1ELDs.