Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1894-10-02
Letter From Virginia.


1l-. Haines:-''C Garry mo back TO old Yir-
ginny, TO old VirginDy sho, is the plaintiff re-
frain Of every true son Of the old mother Of
States and presidents, wherever their lot may
be cast, North, south, East or West There
is something in the mir that is purer, the water
that is swceter, in the mountains, hills and
dalcs that is sublimcr. in the history that is
more heroic, in the man that is manly,
the woman that Is lovelier, than anywhere
else upon which his eyes have looked or his
feet have trod. Her history through the con-
tinental period was sublime, through the reyo-
lutiOuary heroic, through the long stretch of
years TO the breaking out of the interuecine
strife of the highest craft of statesmanship.
in the bloody conflict between the sections
glorious, whether we refer to her great gen
erals, her heroic soldiery, or her self-sacTife-
ing. patriotic women. Childhood aud youth
full associations so sweet and tender, the old
homestead on the hillside, with tho spring
down the pathway, its grassy yard and tree
ful shades, the orchard on the adjoining
slope with its golden pippins, the tinkling of
the cow-bell in the evening shadows, the
bleating of the sheep in the distant field, the
old colored mammals kind words, and gam
bols with the negro boys; all these give
glamour to the Virginia of the long ago
that cannot be effnced from memory's page
or cancelled in the hearts Utmost recess.
in foreign lands, all fail to erase the feelings
of childhood and the sweet scenes and joys of
that innocent period of life's 6tful dream.
Of late betook myself to that part of the
old mother, the county of Prince William,
named after scion of British royalty. BY
the way, have you never wondered that after
the overthrow of Briton's tyranny and indie
pendence was achieved the State authorities
did not change the names the counties had
taken in the time of kingsy rule, such US
Prince William, King and Queen, King George,
etc.? stopped at the little hamlet of Thor
oughfare, on the Manassas Gap railroad, and
tarried few days with relative, my object
being to visit the grave of my mother, which
was in the family lot on the farm then owned
by them. The farm had been sold to other
parties, and while it WINS pleasant to call up
childhood scenes and plays, it was sad to
view the sacred spot where the dust of my
mother lies open to the tread of the beasts of
the field, ind his lair of rest and shelter.
How many of these burying places in these
rural sections are thus desecrated? They were
the only places then for the intermcnt of the
dead. The modern cemetery was not in vogue
with its couveniences, its corporate authority,
its tasteful arrangements, it's sure protection
of the dead from disturbance or dissertation.
1t is an institution, a blessing, an ornament, a
guarantee of the Latin adage ''requeiscat in
pace"
am now in Warrenton, the shiretown OF
Fauquier county, another name of the English
iordocricy. Here made my DEBUT into this
breathing world. Everything around me is
| full of the incidents and scenes of the haIcyon
days of childhood, even the hills, stones and
| trees contributing thereto. 1 can't look In
any direction but there starts up some remin-
iscence of that far-back tine, and the old fell
low would doff the habiliments of age and don
| those of the youDgster, and roam over the
hills, climb the cherry trees, thrash the chest
nut burs, visit the apple orchards, join in the
sports of Academy hill and have good time
generally. It is no go; nature will assert her
authority, the years force obedience and men,
DRY enjoys the rcveries of the past Such is
life. The town is beautiful for situation, the
scenery around inspiring, the purest of air
| aud water, the homes tasteful, inviting some
luxurious. Across the street from where i
write Gen. Eppa Hunton lives, a hero in the
late war and now one of the o. S. Senators.
Taylor Scott, ESQ.,, Attorney General of the
State, resides in the town. Mostly, the great
cavnlry fighter, lived here, but is now q back
number, and resident of San francisco.
The bar is an able one, though hardly equal
to what it was forty or fifty years ago. when
R. E. Scott, Sam. Clifton, Nat. Tyler and
others, were in their prime. If one had an
abundance of this worlds goods it is pleas
ant place to live and spend the easy days of
life, but for the pushing, stirring hustler it
does not present IN inviting field.
The Rev. j. Lester shipley, formerly the
pastor of the NJ. z. Church South at Charles
Town, is stationed at present in Warrenton,
and is in great favor with the people as
preacher and pleasant, courteous gentleman
His good wife, who. three years ago met with
fearful accident By the runaway of their
horse by which her life was dispaired of for a
length of time, has entirely recovered and is.
am happy to write, herself again. You will
doubtless remember that Mr.. ShipIcy was the
pastor at Charles Town when the old Methodist
parsonage was burned, and throug Ii his cxer-
ton and labor the present new and commo-
dious one was erected.
was detained Mt Manassas two hours and
met with our genial friend, Mr.. T. o. Taylor,
He still wears that good face that nature gave
him and talks us pleasantly as ever. Long
may he wave. Enough for the present
j. W. TONGUE.
Warrenton Vn Sent % 1891