The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-22
For the Democratic Advocate.
A Summer Outing.

DEAR ADyocATE:-Weekly during my stay at
"Graystone, in the beautiful Catoctin Valley. lying
at the foot of South Mountain in Frederick comfy
Your welcome face, in company with the Baltimore
Sun and Methodist Protestant, has greeted me,
trio we never part company with no matter where
we go.
We are upon historic ground now, and in
meadow near by the famous battle of South Noun
tain opened in 1867 between Genls Slocum Yam
kee) and Cobb (Confederate) won by the former.
Tablets along the roads bearing interesting data,
greet we drive about and it seems strange for
us to be here and the spot often talked about
by two brothers who participated i'll this conflict
one in Stuart's Cavalry, another in Stonewal Jack
sons Brigade. The years have been long and many
since them and no trace is left save the tablets OF
that event. On the summit of South Mountain, a
spot called Gapland, Geo. Alfred Townsend, we'll
known to the literary world as Gath, has erected
as it pleased him. a cluster of houses AS you enter
the massive gates you find upon the left the
Lodge" which contains the diningroom, kitchen
and servants quarters Farther on, 1.-The House of
Seven Cables" belonging to the mistress of Gap
land. A cottage for his only son. G. A. Townsend,
Jr then his nookery, called 1.-THE Den." Itafforded
great pleasure to be shown through the buildings
and the arrangement of his extensive library
pleased us greatly. The poets, historians, biogra-
pliers, &c, all occupy corners of their own. Busts
of familiar writers greet you here and there. Curos
and bric-a-bTac from home and abroad abound,
with rare old paintings, as well as those OF his
native land. The mantels are dreams of beauty.
One contains collection of tiles representing the
homes of different authors, in cream and brown,
which specially attracted
In conversation relating TO books he told us he
reached his 10th year before writing Katie OF Ca
toctin (his first book and was three years complet-
hn
waste of time, as it impresses as having cost
him much labor for nothing. His "Entailed Hat
is said to be his best effort Having explored Vir-
ginia and the dear old Southland we found him a
| genial, entertaining host. When parted we
/ asked him if he had reached that stage when he
| could say ''My mind to kingdom is but his
modesty forbade definite reply. The view OF
! Middletown Valley from his porch is superb. The
Switzerland of America it can truly be called, and
what an inspiration 1T must be to him when in need
| of thoughts and ideas Just beyond the entrance
to his place is fine monument erected through his
efforts by the correspondents, costing $4,000.
On June 10Th in company with our hostess, her
son, and D. A. c. Webster, we drove over to another
historical spot old Harper's Ferry. Stood on the
/ spot and saw the monument erected thereon where
! old John Brown captured and shot. Ate our
dinner opposite the old Arsenal, at the foot of
/ NAAN
Heights is large hotel owned and run by
negro man. 1t was filled with guests from all parts
of the country The scenery from the hill is charm
ing and one feels loathe to depart The Potomac
flows at the base with Maryland Heights for back
ground, while the Blue Ridge. with the Shenan-
doah flowing peacefully by, and "Jefferson's Rock
Just above upon which Stood completed our
sightseeing, and ended day of perfect joy The
memory of these lovely people the fragrance OF the
sweet peas and ofdear little Dorothy and Webbie,
will bear us company for many day.
Then we pass on to another home, rightly called
fSunnyside'' in "Green Valley made dear to us
by LOVING ministries in the past when the shadow
of sorrow hung over u.s. and enjoy for while TIE
association of the most hospitabe people 1t has ever
been our lot to meet outside our native land Moth
ing is ever left undone to contribute to your COM
fort and their efforts are so genuine and whole
souled that it is joy to be with them. Here the
Death Angel had culled the sweetest and loveliest
flower between our visits and we found ourseli
oft times longing
"For the touch ola vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still"
Summer Of Ninety Eight. SALLY c. WEBSTER.