White Sulphur papers; or, Life at the springs of Western Virginia

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PASSINGEVKNTS. 39
ciples of government, law, society, politics and character,
and his frequent flashes of wit, would make
the whole area ring with delight.
There is an arrival.
It must be a family from the
south, from the extent of the train, and the number
of horses and vehicles. First comes the baggage
wagon—then
a young gentleman on horseback
then follows the diligence, containing the children
nurses—and bandboxes—after that comes a close
carriage, with the ladies of the family—then the gentleman
liimself riding after—and the calvacade is
brought up by several other vehicles and servants,
as outriders.
The opening of the mail—a scramble for letters
and papers—expectation on tiptoe
arrival of the Great Western—fourteen
fcr the news
days from
Liverpool—coronation of Queen Victoria—Washington
deserted—President at the springs, and the
citizens at Piney Point.
A lady is standing in her cabin door, a gentleman
approaches,
and holds up a letter bearing her address,
her eye sparkles with joy, she runs to meet it
—and retires, forgetting pleasure and gaiety for
awhile, to read a few lines "from some one at home."
The better affections of the heart, and many of the
softer passions of our nature are called into play, on
the receipt of a letter from home, in a strange place.