The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1885-02-04
Rosa Belle.

We have just heard the deep, rich,
musical whistle of this little steamer
nearing our wharf, just returning from
cruise on larger waters, laden To the
waters edge with its valuable cargo.
How forciily this reminds us of our
recent trip. We steamed out from here
on this little packet, with its gallant
crew, with the swiftness of bird and
soon lit in tree top. but with the
assistance of the pilot, Mr.. Set
tlemiers, and the unceasing eff
forts of the engineer, Captain
Sullenger, Mr.. Jerry Williams the clerk
aud the entire crew-the ladies not
excepted, az they made many valuable
suggestions this startled, fiuttering
bird. somewhat shOrn Of its beautiful
plumage and rather crest fallen was
soon calmed and became manageable,
and glided on its course amid breakers
of ice, drift wood &C., landing us safe
in to port, and then laid up for repairs.
The citizens of Hartford have cause To
he proud Of their little packet, for dur.
ing high water and mud it gives them
easy success To the outer world. The
time from here to LivermOre is three
and half hours, connecting with rail-
roads, and steam boats, either going
North or South, East. or West Ladies
travelling unattended on this boat will
receive, every courtesy they would at
home from husband, father or brother.
For tourists and pleasure seekers this is
the most romantic and picturesque
stream navigable, far surprising the
Kentucky river, Jim variety of scenery.
In mid summer as you ascend from its
mouth, the banks are level and profusely
covered with rOse-tlnted shells and
cxquisitely formed pebbles, and on either
side are low, rich table-lands under eul-
tivation, with stately farm houses, and
ON the distant hill>sides will be seen the
little herds lazily grazing. After pass
ing the locks and dams, this stream
becomes more snake-like in Its move
ment and you find from the mouth TO
its source that il abounds i'm fish and
wild game. In many places in mid
summer the trees on the tall cliffs and
powders close over the boat making a
cool arbor 10 glide under at intervals
How refreshing after sail in the sun.
shine, TO pass under those moss covered
shelving rocks, with their bits of trail.
ing vine and wild flowers and to feel
the balmy air, mOistened from the
ever flowing miniature cascades above
us. To all this grandeur is added the
music of the wild birds, combining to
make harmonious blending of Nature.
In mid-winter this stream loses none of
its charms, for when you pass under
those grottos you are forced to exclaim,
how beautiful how grand for you
feel conscious that you have entered
some handsomely adorned crystal pal
ace, for the water trickling from the
shelving rocks above, freezes into the
most transparent stalagmites and
stalactites and ss you move on, new
beauty is added, for I'm passing near
lovely cascade, you find the water has
frozen in sprays, more beautiful and
delicate than a bridal veil. To those
wishing to travel on the Rosa Belle, We
will say that Capt. Sullenger is the
embodiment of Kentucky hospitality,
and from him and the polite and
obliging clerk, Mr.. Jerry Williams, you
will receive every attention. They
have secured q most excellent cook,
Anthony Walker, tcolOred), of Hart
ford, who is willing and ready TO serve
you good meal and should you chance
to complain of being indisposed, he too
seems to be looking after the interest of
the passengers, and before you are
aware of the fact, will he served to a
delicious, steaming cup of coffee. All
these little attentions are appreciated
and make it exceedingly pleasant.
Tourists stOpping.here, should not fail to
take a stroll and see the sights, for
Hartford is one OF the oldest towns in
the State and is situated upon the
grou nd where the first fort was built !;
con sequently, is encircled with a halo
of historic glory.