Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1886-11-30
Kabletown Letter.

Mr.. Editor:-News is rather scarce
in these parts at present, not even a
wedding taking place. Truly "Cu-
pid'' must be doing. However, the
gallant beaux are very constant in
their attentions to the fair ones, and
we should not wonder that ere long
they will Gull from the rosebud gar
den of lovely girls, those that are
nearest and dearest to their hearts.
Miss Annie Coleman, of Middle
way, has returned home, after several
weeks visit among her relatives in
this vicinity. Miss Mary Ware is
visiting friends in Cumberland, Md.
Miss Mamie Albin, of Leetown, has
been a guest of the Misses Myers, at
pheasant View,'' for several weeks.
A few days since we passed along
the Middleway turnpike, and noticed
the beautiful grounds surrounding the
handsome residence of Col. Henry B.
Davenport-his fine barn and other
buildings, and the fine condition in
which everything is kept about his
premises. The ruins of the old Eng
lish church, with its ivy-clad walls,
standing as a lone sentinel pointing
back down the ages of the past when
the voices of many worshippers made
its walls resound with anthems of
praise to God. The next place of
historic interest noted was Glare
wood the home of the Washingtons.
Passing on we reached the quaint and
staid old village of Middleway, or
Smithfield, and very frequently called
"Clip." This village is spoken of
in the Legend of Wizard Clip.'-
With the exception of the handsome
new NJ. f. Church South, which is an
ornament to the town, the place looks
about the same as it did when we last
SAY it, some ten years ago. AS we
passed through its quiet and almost
deserted streets. which seemed to
speak of Rip Van Winkle'' sleep,
we were reminded of the humorous
and pleasing name in which the
Hon. Ran Tucker referred to "Old
Clip" in his speech at Chariestown,
in September, 1854.
About half q mile southeast of the
We dtIlfct III Jul cSSJlIlSiCIOI-
when we drew reins at the hospitable
home of our esteemed friend Mr..
George B. Shaull, which is beautifully
located upon an eminence command
ing a magnificent view of Middleway
and the surrounding country, afford
ing a grand panoramic view for the
eye to feast upon. Our %sojourn I'M
der this roof was such as one might
expect when among such kind, good
people-one of delight and pleasure.
Mr.. Shaull's estimable lady is a
daughter of the late VIM. Murphy,
for many years prominent journalist
of Virginia, and for 4 number of years
connected with the SPIRIT office in
ante-bellum days. Mrs. Shaull was
very gracefully and elegantly assisted
in dispensing the Inequalities of her
delightful home by Miss Gertie Shaull.
also had the pleasure of meeting
the venerable and vcnerated Mrs.
George Murphy, who although well
nigh rounding her four score years,
is still active and able to attend her
church, day and night, and visit
among her many friends. Mrs. Muir
ply has just cen bereft of her
Mrs. Mary Hetricl1, wife of
Rev. Mr.. Hctrick of the Lutheran
church of North Carolina. AS old
father time waits for no one, so our
visit had to come to an end. After
bidding our friends adieu and taking
a lingering look Mt the village of Mid
dleway, we rctraced our steps home
ward well pleased with Il trip, and
hope that the good people of cold
Clip "may live long and prosper"
OBSERVER.
Kablctown, Nov. %.