Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-01-14
COMMUNICATED.
ny Experience on q Steamboat.


ny Experience on q Steamboat.
A short time ago, dear BEACON, !
concluded to take q trip to Washing
ton. After waiting at the wharf from
s o'clock until ll:30, P. m, the lights
Of the Steamer Thompson were seen
in the distance. and, in due time, she
arrived at the wharf. AS the small
hours were fast approaching, I con-
cluded that the best thing to do was
to seek a state room. After much
trouble in the way of fitting keys, I
was ushered into room No. l. AS I
shall have occasion to mention this
room further on, it will not be amiss,
perhaps. to describe it here, together
with its comforts in the way Of furni-
ture, &c The room is light and
spacious, being about eight feet long
by six wide. 1t is adorned by
three windows, two OF which are trans
lucent, being Of stained glass. The
third is of plain glass, and from it
the traveller has a fine view of the
river, provided his gaze is not direct
ed toward the land. In that case the
scene is changed, and generally speak
ing, dilapidated wharf, with body
of poor land in the back ground, is
presented to the sight, but this is di-
crossing. When I first entered my
room, after little inspection, said I
to myself. "this bed has not been made
up" so I proceeded forthwith to make
it comfortable. This undertaking.
however, was more difficult than I
anticipated. have often heard the
expression. when beds get hard they
need beating up" SO I concluded to
beat that bed up without delay, and
if possible find the soft side of it.
After pulling off a couple Of table
clo'-sheets I mean-I commenced to
beat, but was soon convinced that
either a steam press had been used on
the feathers, or that the tick was
stuffed with corn shucks. including
the cobs. This was the most natural
conclusion, as the whole thing seemed
stitched or quilted together, presu-
mably to prevent it from being mis-
taken for bag Of corn, as the sack
or tick was not more than two and a
half feet wide, the pillows were ABOUT
on a par with the bed, only the slips
were clean, one Of which l was COM
pellsd to use the next morning in
place of towel. It is needless to say
that the room has only one bed or cot
in it; which. however, is large enough
for one person. This sketch is no fancy
picture. as many of your readers who
have had the pleasure Of occupying
this room will testify. After a re-
freshing sleep Of about FIVE minutes I
awoke, but as it was too early to rise,
concluded to remain in bed and
think over the events Of the past night.
In course of time the breakfast bell
rang, but as it was day Of abstinence,
I did not feel justified in eating my
breakfast, Il do not wish you to think
that I am over religious,) so conclud
ed to wait until dinner, expecting te
dine on fish, oysters, sc. In this
however, I was doomed to disappoint
ment, for when the hour rolled around
and I wended my way to the dinin!
room, I was informed By the waite
that he had neither fish. oysters no
coffee. Through the kindness of
friend I procured some cheese ant
crackers, with which / managed t
sustain life until I reached Washing
ton. Although the events which
have enumerated are not calculate
to give you an agreeable impressio
of my trip, I must say the discomfort
were in q great measure offset BY th
presence of some friends, among theI
friend A., who chanced to be on boart
for you know misery loves company.
Il so happened that there was also
very pretty young lady on board. wh
seemed to strike the fancy Of N
friend. a. we'll as -, but, perhap
| it is best not to acknowledge too mucl
Moreover. being Of an obliging nasur
I am always willing to stand aside Fl
.. q friend. As we are both rey has
/ full. il wss . matter 1t doubt with
! n as.s tinas vLSthsr ar aol Ns Wol