The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-06-12
ON TO WASHINGTON.
Letter from n Correspondent.

! Letter from correspondent.
Editor Press and Banner:
dare say you have decided ere this that l
scrption scrip Of nv y Visit proSs io Washington % B. G.
No, did not forget II, but have been too
busy to attem pit such u taste.
In the beginning will ask you TO be charl-
table in your criticisms, as intend discussing
subjects just as they present themselves.
On The afternoon OF the Sth OF May we,
merry group OF six boarded the train bound
| for Portsmouth and 10 say our coacli was
crowded. would be an inadequate expression
In the immense crowd were number Of
my best friends, who We'd with each other In
making my ride one OF much pleasure.
met one OF my former classmates, and had
delightful time discussing the halcyon days
Of the past: | conjecture 1 would would Hs have
imagi ned was living over my college Gays,
had II not been for the appearance oil one VINO
has usurped my former place In her affections
it was her husband: They had been mar
ried only a short WHILE and | guessed they
were going on bridal tour.
While engaged in a most Interesting con-
versation. just alter sunrise, some one re,
marked, This is Portsmouth," l could
scarcely refrain from exclaiming
II might not this believe
Without the sensible and true avouch
Oi mine own eyes,"
Having landed we learned that 1t would be
eleven hours before our boat would leave for
Wash ingtOn, and after most enjoyable re-
past OF fresh fish, coffee, etc, We decided 10
spend The time Sightseeing.
The first place on our programme for the
day, being the l.. s. Navy Yard. we at once
proceeded TO find 1t. was quite at ease, III 4
number of our party had travelled . great
deal and WAS assured there wouldn't be any
danger Of "getting lost"
However, after we had gone some distance
we stopped and inquired OF q gentleman the
formed us that we would have to return 10
our starting point and st,rt again, as we had
chosen the wrong route. Now don't infer
that We were lost. as my friends claim. I'VE
on ~ missed our way"
You know that bears striking resemblance
TO lost. After finding our way we were not
long In reaching our destination. and we.
most assuredly. were amply repaid for all our
We visited great many points OF Interest,
Of which l will only mention such as will
doubtless prove most interesting to you.
The first and most enjoyable place was the
park. II Is not large, but possesses q beauti-
ful and inviting appearance. II was there
that we found a foun tain OF cool refreshing
weary traveller in AN arid desert, a nd having
drank freely OF the pure water, we went out
to see the ships. The one that seemed to be
the center of attraction was the "Amphitrlte"
which had just been competed and was to
launch that afternoon.
1t is useless for me to attempt description
OF II, as my knowledge OF ships is limited
and might make too great q draw on your
generous nature 10 ask you TO pardon the in
accuraces that would be found In the descrip-
tion. You may Judge OF its beauty from its
name which means, as one OF the sailors In.
formed US, Goddess Of the Sea-" Tue "Great
Battle Ship Texas" was very striking tn Its
appearance. wish you could have seen It,
Alter gathering quite number OF shells
the boat, which was TO leave Norfolk, Va, at
$50 p. IN. Upon our arrival we found that we
would have sometime 10 wait, anu being very
much .jaded, we agreed TO go on board and
70 q hnna
floating palace and merrily rehearslng our
experiences Of the day. Promptly at the
hour for leaving the signal was given and the
grand old steamer glided slowly out into the
deep. Surely all nature must have been In
sympathy with us, as everything seemed In
our favor, even the breeze could not have
been more balmy, and, ere the hour, when
darkness' % the moon rose rose In all her % splendor
and what gorgeous picture was presented to
our view. AS Marie Corelli would say: The
whole scene might we'll have the fantastic
dream OF some imaginative painter, whose
ambition scared beyound the limits OF hu-
man Skill"
The moonlight was a very great advantage
to US, as we could have the points OF interest
ceedingly Kind and seemed glad TO be able 10
add to our enjoyment
We passed through Hampton Roads, made
iamSus as you know by the great naval bat
Al Point Comfort we had q short stay. on
oke, which were in advance OF us.
Several times we met beautiful vessels
gliding smoothly over the quiet bay, which
were made more beautiful by passing In the
night.
Ships that pass In the night, and speak each
other In passing,
Only signal shown, and a distant voice in
the darkness;
So, on the ocean of life we pass and speak
one another,
Only look and u voice then darkness again
and a silence"
Being very much wearied, repaired to my
domitory, and after sleeping sweetly for q
number Of hours, Crooked In the cradle Of
the deep awakened TO find that we were
sailing up the historic old Potomac and were
nearing the iar.famed Mt. Vernon. We had
gone only short distance when
Lo! our attention was drawn,
TO the deep, slow ship-bell's chime
1t was then our thoughts reverted.
TO grand old Washington's time.
Sadly twas heard by all,
Who remembered that cen then,
We were slowly nearing the home
OF the South's most ardent friend.