The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-03-30
ANOTHER LETTER FROM NED BURTON
He Never Tires Of the Beauties of
the Rappahannock-Some Of the Fine
Places In and Near Port Royal.
Port Royal, Va. March q.
To The Free Lance:

Port Royal. Va, March q.
To The Free Lance:
The moons may come and go. the
sun be hid behind the clouds, but
the beauties OF the Rappahannock
Valley are never hid; they are in
evidence all the live long day. The
daisies spring from the sod to make
welcome and happy the wild flowers
that linger by the roadside to hear
some sweet voice exclaim oh how
beautiful" How grand and lovely
Is the scenery up and down the Rap
pahannock Valley.
On the silvery. surface OF the
grand old river tradition whispers
of scenes more turbulent than its
smoothly gliding waters will reveal.
Along its shores today may be seen
the fisherman's hut and the white
sails OF the vessels laden with the
needs OF humanity. The changes
of fifty years from terror and de-
struction 10 peace and kindly greet
ing Is evidence that nobility is not
a thing OF the past. Its hospitality
and good wishes are extended to
the worthy stranger as well as the
Virginian
Opposite Port Royal. on the King
George side OF the river. nestles the
historic little village OF Port Con-
way. where President Madison was
born in a small unpretentious house
Little seems to be known here
abouts OF his early life or education,
except that he was the eldest OF l /
children. lie must have been a
good student. as evidenced by his
after life.
On the beautiful table-lands ad-
joining Port Conway may be seen
one of the most beautiful mansions
in Virginia. known as Belle Grove.
On the Northwest and adjoining
Belle Grove is the farm OF Mr..
Allen Smith, containing seven hun
dred acres. Mr. Smith is a gentle
man who not only welcomes, but en-
tertains delightfully."-. Adjoining or
near Belle Grove is Cleve Manor, the
home OF the Lewises. They are hos
pitable. gentle. worthy people. Adj
joining Port Conway are the lands,
about 1900 acres. conveyed by
grant from the English crown in
1886 TO Peter Turner. These lands,
together with Belle Grove Farm, are
now one immense alfalfa field, own
ed by Capt. Jack. OF California. SUI
further down is Wood Lawn, the
home OF Vivian Turner, who dis
penses hospitality aa in times re-
mote.
Crossing the river to Tobacco Bay
on the south you are confront
ed with a view of Liberty Hill and
some OF the very first English grant
lands. Coming up the river from
Tobacco bay on the southwest banks
soon comes TO view historic Camden
to nv mind the most delightful
home in Virginia. Its architecture
il Italian. It's broad halls and spa
cious verandas carry one back IN
Thought to knighthood days in Scot
land and the recital OF the dangers
and trials underwent by Mrs. Prat'
in defending Camden during the
Civil war places her in the list Oh
noble. heroic women. May she i've
long 10 enjoy the well-earned pleas
ure and comfort OF her paiatlal
home
Coming on up the river you have
a good view Of Bishop Funston s
farm and Mr.. VIM. Pratts fertile
fields. or the town residences first
10 attract notice is the beautiful
home OF Mrs. Marshall. high up from
the river. and further up the stream
Is the beautiful residence OF Mr..
and Mrs. Thornton and their lovely
children. Further up brings to view
the belongings OF DR.. c. U. Gravatt,
where he is storing up fertility TO
show the boys something a little
later on. Next we come to Hazel
wood. the 800 acre farm OF Mr.. A.
r Turner. Augustus Is not wear
ing a troubled look, but he's got
something in his mind. I'm only
guessing. but think he's aiming TO
blaze the way for the first premium
on corn. but there will be another
Richmond In the field-that patriot
and philanthropist j. Taylor
Thornton. is irrepressible on corn
and I'm predicting a more formlo-
able competitor in Richard PRATT
than has before entered the lis's.
Many items. of interest deserve
mention. but today space foroids,
7 can only say coming events are
casting their shadows.
Ned Burton.