Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-09-17
A Story of an Ocean Trip on the
pacific SO Years Ago

Pacific 50 ears ASOf
7rhs S,asr- lS7s was a notable year IN the
history OF the United states. II was the
year Of the Hayes-Tilden campaign, aiso
he Centennial exposition at Philadeiphla-
n Was a steaming hot year, also. Tor
80 ,-o~trations from neat were many.
and many deaths occurred from sun
stroke in washington City, where we
were sojonrning during most OF the sum
mer. - -.
Among the visitors TO the city and 10
,he Centennial were Governor and Mrs.
Ferry. OF Washington territory.
II was made a state few years az
ter. wlfeu governors were elected ana hot
appointed by the president, as was my
acquaintance. Governor Ferry .,,
Thev occupied a room in the NationaI
ho,sI ssfolning US for several weeks. and
became well acquainted with them as
nstQhhors and strong friendship
Sprung up between Mrs. Ferry and my
self. -
several wears later the newspapers told
~ her death from an accident IN one OF
the great lcanons OF that wild western
country.
when Mrs Ferry returned 10 her home
in OLYMPIA. the capital Of the territory
she wrote me an account OF her UP
Hunting through some old letters on
Yesterday I ran across IL, and thought
il might be interesting TO the readers OF
The Serni-Weekly Journal. after a lapse
OF a third Of a century:
= .,OLYAIPIA, w. T. July 8. 1876.
Dear Mrs. FELTON,: I am reminded OF
promise I made you to write soon AFTER
/ reached home. and as I am very anxious
70 hear from you. ! take this means 10
draw a letter from you
After leaving you we made hurried
trim 10 Munroe. and in Chicago. and then
started for san Francisco. hoping TO reach
ire steamer Of the S0th Of June. In or
der 20 reach home by the Fourth OF
July.
Found pleasant people on the cars,
and had q very pleasant trip across the
country: reached San Francisco out
slightly fatigued with the journey Found
friends on the steamer which left on the
day appointed TO sail -
The first night out I was awakened
nv the fog whistle. which alarmed me
somewhat. and as I lay quietly commit
ting ourselves to the care Of Him Who
never slumbers or sleeps, we struck
not a rock as we supposed, but schooner
laden with lumber.
I'VE went right into her. six feet, cut
ting her almost in two
We sent boats 70 the rescue OF the
crew and tried 70 tow the leaking craft
into San Francisco. but after much de
Law. meeting another schroeder, put the
crew-on board and they. we have heard.
towed her safe into port. while we con-
tfnued on our way. When we struck /
was perfectly calm. and did not leave
my state room Mr.. Ferry rushed upon
deck and soon returned. reporting all
safe on our steamer. but did not take
my boots Of another night, until. j
reached my home. We encountered
strong head winds which retarded our
progress and instead OF getting home as
we expected in four days, it was seven
The Centennial Fourth was spent in
our berth. and / was just sea sick
enough 70 be amused at the change in
our expected program.
We reached home at O'Clock Sunday
morning. and found all we'll. Lizzie Cher
daughter) had the house trimmed with
flowers and as one after another Of my
dear children came running to greet US
so well and happy, felt TO thank God
for this goodness and mercy toward US.
Then came the opening Of the trunk
and IL you could have seen the delighted
faces as they gathered around for their
new hats. watches, etc!
Mr.. Ferry says he does not believe so
much ever came out OF one trunk be-
fore. but mothers have the faculty of
storing away a large quantity for the
lONe0 ones al lOIle
Now. I am anxious to know how you
have borne the heat Of the city.
How is the little pigeon? CAIy SOM
have read OF the awful heat, and
trust you have a room in a cooler part OF
the house now Remember me to your
good husband and the little treasure Cthe
boy). God grant he may be spared to
you Give kind regards TO Mr.. and Mrs.
Tarbox- ---
hope TO hear from you very soon Send
your address when you reach your home.
for hope 10 know more OF you.
Ny husband joins me in love to you all.
Your friend.
S. p. FERRY.
They had six children wFAn they were
our hotel neighbors. and Lizzie" the
oldest. had care OF everything in their
two months absence from home. Her
mother told me in a modest way OF their
home life in the executive mansion Of
Olympia
Their servants were Cinnamon. and
Mrs Ferry paid her almond-eyed servant