The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-09-30
ACADEMY HALL, NORMAL SCHOOL,

eagerly mentioned. The evening is most
pleasantly spent with charming and in.
teresting lady from one of the old +. T..
VS.. in listening to her recitals of the
hardships and struggles of her people dur
ing the war of 1S61-'65. When at last the
time comes for retirement, then comes
fun-to some. Many have been unable to
procure state rooms, and grand rush is
made for the mattresses for a foor-bed,
and when settled somewhat it is sight,
and hearing seldom read of. People are
in all manner of positions and stages of
dress and undress. Some wishing to sleep
are prevented by the chatter of those
about them, or their own comrades,
adopting various means to keep them
awake. But early next morning
we are on the forward deck and
watch the sun rise over the broad expanse
of the Chesapeake. We get good view
of the ocean through the opening between
Capes Charles and Henry. A fine breeze
from the east, laden with the delightful
aroma of the salt air, gives vigor and re-
freshment, while for our delight and
amusement the porpoises are sporting
and putting on either side of the boat.
Rounding into the mouth of the James
river and landing on a narrow strip of
land almost surrounded by water, and ex-
tending out from the eastern shore of
Virginia, we are at the famous watering
place known as "Old Point Comfort" 1t
received its name from Captain John
Smith in 1908, who, with a select party,
started in an open boat to explore the
shores of the Chesapeake. A very severe
nd tbaU frio IN, 10
reach place of safety from the furious
gale, until this point was reached, which
he named in the gratitude of his heart,
Point Comfort" Says the historian:
"Thither when the fierce east wind lashes
the Atlantic into fury, the white winged
coasting schoOners flee by scores for shell
ter, and bide the time when gentle west
erly breezes shall WOO them forth, and en-
courateEthem on the way. Here rendes-
vouzed the ships which brought from Eng
land the welcome succor to the starving
COLONY at jamestown. Here, during the
struggle for American independence, the
fleet of France rode proudly at anchor,
and made final preparation for their
share in that campaign which terminated
so gloriously in the surrender of Corn
wallis at Yorktown, and whittier, at the
signal repulse of their attack on Norfolk,
the British fleet repaired in 1913, and
rested TRANQUILITY at anchor while their
armed boats carried fire, sword and rapine
into the peaceful and defenseless village
of Hampton"
For many years Old Point Comfort has
been celebrated as a watering place. The
war interrupted it temporarily. The
singular salubrity of its location and the
mildness of its climate have united in
making it fashionable resort. The rec
ord of the Meteorological observatory for
ten years shows the following average
temperature: summer, 20 degrees; autumn,
81 degrees: winter, AZ degrees; spring,
54.3 degrees, In 1863 was opened the
Hygeia hotel. Since that date many adj
ditions and improvements have been
added so that one could not recognize the
building of the earlier date. The building
is four stories high,
and has ample accommodations for one
thousand guests. II is most extensively
patronized in the spring months. 1t
stands directly at the head of the govern
ment wharf. It's extensive verandas front
directly on Hampton Roads, affording one
the opportunity of an ever-changing
panoramic view. Old Point Comfort Is
owned entirely by the government. Not
a foot of this land can be bought at any
price; not dwelling of any kind can be