Off for New York
Dublin Core
Title
Off for New York
Subject
travel, New York
Creator
Nansemond
Source
http://addison.vt.edu/record=b1775388~S1
Publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Date
July 1877
Contributor
Kristin Colonna, Lee Mathias
Rights
Permission to publish images from The Gray Jacket must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Format
Text
Language
English
Type
Article
Identifier
LD5655.V8 L4, ser.1, v.2, no.9 (July 1877), p.4-6
Coverage
New York City
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
"Jim" introduces me to Messrs. D. and H., compagnions de voyage, as a country boy going to see the sights of New York city. It was 7 o'clock Wednesday evening, May 16th, when three hoarse whistles from the huge steamship Old Dominion, the mammoth steamer of a line of the same name, warned us that in a few minutes we would bid adieu to our dear little "city by the sea," and all it contained so dear to us. All on board the heavy gang way hauled a shore, the hawsers taken in, amid waving of handkerchiefs and hats and beckoning adieus, our huge leviathan slowly steamed down the harbor, and heading for the ocean, left our home a tiny speck in the receding distance. Twilight gave way to the darkening shades of night, and the passengers finding the darkness obscuring the land from their gaze, betook themselves to various amusements to while away the hours. Some to checkers, some to books and papers, some to the social hall to talk politics and smoke cigars, some to their bottles—and those bridal couples (two of which were on the steamer) why I they were "billing and cooing," of course, and I was chatting one who kindly "picked me up" on B. street, and finding my weight quite a burden, dropped me hear-t foremost against my inclination, and from the concussion I have been suffering ever since with the hear-t disease. All pastimes are subject to interuptions [sic], so with us, but a welcome one in this case I must acknowledge, for the railing of the gong summoned us to supper, where we did full jnstice [sic] to an elegant and wholesome repast. If "Jim " had remained at the table many more minutes, the ship must necessarily have put into some port to have her commissary department replenished. Supper over the passengers resumed their various recreations. All is stillness now, save the monotonous thump of the wheel, and the regular noise that the piston makes as it moves up and down in the cylinder. The day had been a lovely one, but the rolling of our ship made known the fact that the sea is not always tranquil in lovely weather, 11 o'clock found "Jim " and myself snugly nestled in our berths and very soon Morpheus had insinuated himself into our favor, and borne us away to the "land of dreams." A ray of light coming through our window was the welcome sign of a bright and beautiful morning. Up and dressed we hastened out of our stateroom to find ourselves on the broad ocean; on the left, a dim outline of the coast of Delaware; on the right, the wide expanse of the deep blue Atlantic; overhead, the beautiful canopy of a cloudless sky; underfoot, the deck of a stately ship, which, at intervals, rolled so that we could scarcely keep our feet.
She came tripping so lightly up the steps, was pretty, too, and when that treacherous old billow made the ship lurch, the slick carpet did not furnish a firm foothold for our little beauty, the deck received her—I hastened to render my assistance, but she was up and away so quick—how sad I felt. "Jim," an active fellow, came running up the steps at full speed, and reaching the deck, without a second's delay, slid right across the saloon to where a a bridal couple were "billing and cooing," came in collision with the fair pair, and upsetting, his feet flew upwards, while his head and shoulders came in violent contact with the deck. Poor "Jim!" scrambling to his feet he muttered an apology, and, with one hand to his head he hastened into his stateroom and closed the door, and left the sweet couple nearly splitting their sides with laughter. Seven o'clock we repair to the dining saloon, and enjoy a breakfast that would suit the taste of the most fastidious. The hours pass pleasantly. Every one tries to be sociable except two frail creatures, and they would be more so if they did not feel so much disposed to give up all the food they have eaten in a week, and those newly married couples, one would think they were quite "see sick " since they find so pleasant an employment in incessantly viewing each others eyes. At 12 o'clock the whistle of our steamer is answered by the bell on the lightship, we pass and leave her buffeting the waves on the "rolling deep." At 2 o'clock we are off Atlantic city where the beautiful steamer Rockaway met with her sad fate. Five o'clock, Long Branch, the favorite resort of Ulysses, is viewed by the passengers from the railing. I was in the saloon reading; so was that little Norfolk beauty who was so unfortunate as to fall the preceding morning—no one else was present—was Miss W. hurt by her fall ? No, and she said "her's was an awkward age, and she had received quite a number of falls," swiftly the moments pass as we exhaust a score of topics in happy conversation, and I began to think how nice it would be to follow the example of those couples who had been so fond of "billing and cooing," and might have made some advancement to that effect had not our conversation been suddenly interrupted. At 8 o'clock the quarrantine [sic] commission of New York city board our steamer, find all well, and allow us to pass on. It is quite dark, I go to the railing and myriads of lights meet my gaze—we are in New York harbor and in an hour and a half have tied up at the wharf, "Jim " and myself take a little stroll in Gotham, and returning to our stateroom sleep soundly until next morning. May 18th, fair weather but warm; off the steamer and breakfasted; "Jim " undertakes to show me round the city. He takes me through Fulton and Washington markets to east river bridge, new post office and city Hall Park, where he leaves me to shuffle for myself, giving me to understand that his services are needed at the store. Left alone in the Park I read the morning Sun and finding my way to the Battery where I have a fine view of the harbor I take the elevated railway cars in a kind of aeronauttic [sic] excursion to Central Park. The extreme heat of the day made the cool glens quite inviting, and I spent several hours occasionally stopping to watch the swans as they noiselessly floated on the placid lakes, and beautiful boats rowed by oarsmen clad in bright costumes. I wandered through the ramble and cave, stopped now and then to rest under the arbors, passed over some magnificent stone bridges, and, gaining the menagerie at last, spent an hour in viewing the large collection of animals. Through the museum, a large four story building, I next went and spent two hours examining the curiosities. I longed for my Chemistry and Natural History, and thought how advantageously one could pursue these two studies here. Stuffed animals of every species, numberless skeletons, mineral in great profusion and thousands of representatives of the vegetable kingdom are presented in this colossal labyrinth of wonders. It was quite late when the 6th Avenue cars placed me at my hotel four miles from the Park. Having supped, "Jim " and myself go to the Grand Opera House where "Princess Royal," by Miss Davenport, is much enjoyed by a fashionable audience. Saturday morning, 19th, fair weather but oppresively [sic] warm. Crossing on Fulton Ferry boat to Brooklyn I have a ride of four miles on court street railway cars to Greenwood cemetery where I am driven round by a very courteous and polite coachman in a delightful vehicle of the cemetery carriage service and shown all the points of interest. Among which I rememeber [sic] the receiving vault with a capacity to contain fifteen hundred bodies; bust of Horace Greeley; Bennett's statuary; Nibla's tomb; spot where 105 unrecognized bodies, victims of the Brooklyn theatre disaster, lie interred; soldier's monument, and monument to memory of six Browns wrecked in steamship Arctic some years ago. From the left of main cemetery entrance, a ride of seven miles placed me at Coney Island, a delightful resort for surf bathers. Here an accidental meeting made me acquainted with a most excellent gentleman whom I will call Mr. McK. We spent an hour strolling on the beach, and although it was not yet bathing season, quite a number of the grown fair sex amused themselves by wading in the breakers. In the company of Mr. McK I returned to Brooklyn, and had the pleasure of seeing a house located in the suburbs of that city which tradition asserts was once the headquarters of Gen. Washington. Mr. McK. himself, connected with the police authorities, took me through one of his model station houses, showing quarters of officers, room where homeless individuals spend their nights, huge album full of photographs constituting "Rogues Gallery," each picture specifying crime, nationality, and general appearance of original on reverse side. Mr. McK. explained how telegraphic communications were kept up between all the stations. His explanations were appropriately enforced by the introduction of a little child, who had strayed from its mother. Poor little fellow, with his dress soiled and tears standing on his cheeks, he said he wanted to see "mama." The policemen on duty kindly took the little man in charge, while Mr. McK. explained to me that by telegraphing description of "child strayed " to head quarters and thence to the other stations, the mother naturally going to nearest station could ascertain the whereabouts of her lost one, Mr. McK. said there were thirteen stations and eight hundred men in police force in Brooklyn. The best of friends have to part, so bidding adieu to my kind Mr. McK. the Wall street cars placed me at the ferry, and in a few minutes I was at New York and at my hotel. Fatigued, and weary at sight-seeing for that day, I was soon wrapt in unconscious slumber. May 20th, beautiful Sunday morning, a day of rest for me. I attended St. Johns church at night where thirty male choristers discoursed some music too scientific to be agreeable to my ears, and amused themselves during prayers by winking at each other across the church. Monday morning 21st, I am up early—a long ride on the Hoboken ferry boat, takes me to a place bearing that name—a fatiguing stroll through the streets makes me well enough acquainted with this large city, and gaining the ferry I gladly embark for New York where arriving at my hotel, calling on the nearest hairdresser, making my beaver appear as slick as possible, donning my best white vest, I set out for Harlem to call upon some ladies who once graced our Sunny South with their presence. The swift little pack slip steamer, Sylvan Glen, gave we a delightful ride up east river by Blackwells and Wards islands, and landing me at 120th street, I soon found myself before a magnificent brown stone residence. Tapping the bell a sweet little girl opened the door, and receiving my card and letter of introduction, kindly ushered me into a sumptuous parlor. Very soon I was being entertained most agreeably by those charming young ladies—how rapidly the hours pass. And when at tea I received the warm welcome of good Mr. and Mrs. H., I wonder if there are any happier families in New York city—wished I was one of the household—somewhat envied a certain person intimately related to me—and fie! What a center of attraction for me were those black eyes, the owner of which is soon to bear of the reward of a successful termination of a career at college—a merited diploma, suffice it to say that when the clock struck nine I felt reluctant to leave, but as eight miles intervened between me and my hotel I must be off, so with a heavy hear-t, and one wounded, too, by "cupids dart," I bid adieu to my kind acquaintances and taking a third Avenue car was soon at my hotel and fast asleep.
Tuesday morning, partially cloudy and showery, I take a stroll up and down Broadway stopping occasionally to examine the attractive contents of various show-windows. A 43 street omnibus places me at the New York Aquarium where I have the pleasure of seeing fish of almost every description, and sea plants in endless variety, where Miss Kate Lupin performed the wonderful feats of eating and writing under water, and remaining submurged [sic] two minutes and three seconds, simulating sleep. The white whale in his tank, performing seals, angel fish, sturgeon and the huge sea lion that amused himself by crawling high upon the rocks and plunging into the tank below, thus sending the water in spray all over my white vest and beaver furnished lots of amusement to the spectators. The concert by the "Madrical boys," and "Punch and Judy" were also enjoyable features of the Aquarium. At my headquarters once more "Jim" and myself with Mr. J. go to Boothe's Theatre, and are very agreeably entertained by Geo. Rignold in "Amos Clarke," a touching tragedy. Thus ends my last night in New York city.
May 23rd, bright and pleasant. Having taken leave of "Jim" and all those in whose presence I spent so many happy moments, I cross to Jersy [sic] city and take a seat in Philadelphia Central cars for Philadelphia. In four hours I am in the Quaker city, received a check for my baggage, taken dinner, and on a street car bound for the Centennial grounds. It would be folly to attempt to describe what I saw at the Centennial; suffice it to say, the spacious grounds and buildings are on the most magnificent scale, and are very creditable as the great receptacle of the national exhibition on the Centennial of the independence of the United State. I next had the pleasure of beholding Paris as it was besieged during the Franco Prusian war. At night I attended the Walnut street theatre and was highly pleased by the manner in which Shakespeare's play, "Cymbeline," was rendered by Miss Pomeroy and her fine troup [sic]. Thursday morning I crossed the magnificent stone bridge that spans the Schuylkill and rambled over a portion of Fairmount Park; returning I enter the Zoological gardens and spend an hour inspecting the large collection of animals. I saw one specimen of the animal kingdom, in the garden, which I hope the keepers will keep a vigilant watch over, and that was the "devil." Taking the street cars to the depot I got my baggage and wrapping myself in my coat, as it was quite cool, and procuring a seat in the cars am off for Baltimore where I arrive at 3 o'clock. The beautiful steamer, Florida, next receives me, and having paid my fare and engaged a stateroom I am one among a jovial party bound for Norfolk. Nothing else of interest occurs during the remainder of my trip. I pass the time pleasantly on the steamer, playing checkers, whistling to an accompaniment on the piano, partaking of a magnificent supper, &c. Friday bright and early, I am in Norfolk, my own native city, glad to get back where the warm greetings of my uncle, aunt and cousins tell me I am welcome. Now a few reflections and I am done. If all young men who have visited New York city, and remained long enough within its limits to become acquainted with some of the prevailing customs, to see depravity and degredation [sic] as it exists with the young of both sexes within that metropolis, think as I do, they would exclaim, deliver me from such a Sodom as New York city.
She came tripping so lightly up the steps, was pretty, too, and when that treacherous old billow made the ship lurch, the slick carpet did not furnish a firm foothold for our little beauty, the deck received her—I hastened to render my assistance, but she was up and away so quick—how sad I felt. "Jim," an active fellow, came running up the steps at full speed, and reaching the deck, without a second's delay, slid right across the saloon to where a a bridal couple were "billing and cooing," came in collision with the fair pair, and upsetting, his feet flew upwards, while his head and shoulders came in violent contact with the deck. Poor "Jim!" scrambling to his feet he muttered an apology, and, with one hand to his head he hastened into his stateroom and closed the door, and left the sweet couple nearly splitting their sides with laughter. Seven o'clock we repair to the dining saloon, and enjoy a breakfast that would suit the taste of the most fastidious. The hours pass pleasantly. Every one tries to be sociable except two frail creatures, and they would be more so if they did not feel so much disposed to give up all the food they have eaten in a week, and those newly married couples, one would think they were quite "see sick " since they find so pleasant an employment in incessantly viewing each others eyes. At 12 o'clock the whistle of our steamer is answered by the bell on the lightship, we pass and leave her buffeting the waves on the "rolling deep." At 2 o'clock we are off Atlantic city where the beautiful steamer Rockaway met with her sad fate. Five o'clock, Long Branch, the favorite resort of Ulysses, is viewed by the passengers from the railing. I was in the saloon reading; so was that little Norfolk beauty who was so unfortunate as to fall the preceding morning—no one else was present—was Miss W. hurt by her fall ? No, and she said "her's was an awkward age, and she had received quite a number of falls," swiftly the moments pass as we exhaust a score of topics in happy conversation, and I began to think how nice it would be to follow the example of those couples who had been so fond of "billing and cooing," and might have made some advancement to that effect had not our conversation been suddenly interrupted. At 8 o'clock the quarrantine [sic] commission of New York city board our steamer, find all well, and allow us to pass on. It is quite dark, I go to the railing and myriads of lights meet my gaze—we are in New York harbor and in an hour and a half have tied up at the wharf, "Jim " and myself take a little stroll in Gotham, and returning to our stateroom sleep soundly until next morning. May 18th, fair weather but warm; off the steamer and breakfasted; "Jim " undertakes to show me round the city. He takes me through Fulton and Washington markets to east river bridge, new post office and city Hall Park, where he leaves me to shuffle for myself, giving me to understand that his services are needed at the store. Left alone in the Park I read the morning Sun and finding my way to the Battery where I have a fine view of the harbor I take the elevated railway cars in a kind of aeronauttic [sic] excursion to Central Park. The extreme heat of the day made the cool glens quite inviting, and I spent several hours occasionally stopping to watch the swans as they noiselessly floated on the placid lakes, and beautiful boats rowed by oarsmen clad in bright costumes. I wandered through the ramble and cave, stopped now and then to rest under the arbors, passed over some magnificent stone bridges, and, gaining the menagerie at last, spent an hour in viewing the large collection of animals. Through the museum, a large four story building, I next went and spent two hours examining the curiosities. I longed for my Chemistry and Natural History, and thought how advantageously one could pursue these two studies here. Stuffed animals of every species, numberless skeletons, mineral in great profusion and thousands of representatives of the vegetable kingdom are presented in this colossal labyrinth of wonders. It was quite late when the 6th Avenue cars placed me at my hotel four miles from the Park. Having supped, "Jim " and myself go to the Grand Opera House where "Princess Royal," by Miss Davenport, is much enjoyed by a fashionable audience. Saturday morning, 19th, fair weather but oppresively [sic] warm. Crossing on Fulton Ferry boat to Brooklyn I have a ride of four miles on court street railway cars to Greenwood cemetery where I am driven round by a very courteous and polite coachman in a delightful vehicle of the cemetery carriage service and shown all the points of interest. Among which I rememeber [sic] the receiving vault with a capacity to contain fifteen hundred bodies; bust of Horace Greeley; Bennett's statuary; Nibla's tomb; spot where 105 unrecognized bodies, victims of the Brooklyn theatre disaster, lie interred; soldier's monument, and monument to memory of six Browns wrecked in steamship Arctic some years ago. From the left of main cemetery entrance, a ride of seven miles placed me at Coney Island, a delightful resort for surf bathers. Here an accidental meeting made me acquainted with a most excellent gentleman whom I will call Mr. McK. We spent an hour strolling on the beach, and although it was not yet bathing season, quite a number of the grown fair sex amused themselves by wading in the breakers. In the company of Mr. McK I returned to Brooklyn, and had the pleasure of seeing a house located in the suburbs of that city which tradition asserts was once the headquarters of Gen. Washington. Mr. McK. himself, connected with the police authorities, took me through one of his model station houses, showing quarters of officers, room where homeless individuals spend their nights, huge album full of photographs constituting "Rogues Gallery," each picture specifying crime, nationality, and general appearance of original on reverse side. Mr. McK. explained how telegraphic communications were kept up between all the stations. His explanations were appropriately enforced by the introduction of a little child, who had strayed from its mother. Poor little fellow, with his dress soiled and tears standing on his cheeks, he said he wanted to see "mama." The policemen on duty kindly took the little man in charge, while Mr. McK. explained to me that by telegraphing description of "child strayed " to head quarters and thence to the other stations, the mother naturally going to nearest station could ascertain the whereabouts of her lost one, Mr. McK. said there were thirteen stations and eight hundred men in police force in Brooklyn. The best of friends have to part, so bidding adieu to my kind Mr. McK. the Wall street cars placed me at the ferry, and in a few minutes I was at New York and at my hotel. Fatigued, and weary at sight-seeing for that day, I was soon wrapt in unconscious slumber. May 20th, beautiful Sunday morning, a day of rest for me. I attended St. Johns church at night where thirty male choristers discoursed some music too scientific to be agreeable to my ears, and amused themselves during prayers by winking at each other across the church. Monday morning 21st, I am up early—a long ride on the Hoboken ferry boat, takes me to a place bearing that name—a fatiguing stroll through the streets makes me well enough acquainted with this large city, and gaining the ferry I gladly embark for New York where arriving at my hotel, calling on the nearest hairdresser, making my beaver appear as slick as possible, donning my best white vest, I set out for Harlem to call upon some ladies who once graced our Sunny South with their presence. The swift little pack slip steamer, Sylvan Glen, gave we a delightful ride up east river by Blackwells and Wards islands, and landing me at 120th street, I soon found myself before a magnificent brown stone residence. Tapping the bell a sweet little girl opened the door, and receiving my card and letter of introduction, kindly ushered me into a sumptuous parlor. Very soon I was being entertained most agreeably by those charming young ladies—how rapidly the hours pass. And when at tea I received the warm welcome of good Mr. and Mrs. H., I wonder if there are any happier families in New York city—wished I was one of the household—somewhat envied a certain person intimately related to me—and fie! What a center of attraction for me were those black eyes, the owner of which is soon to bear of the reward of a successful termination of a career at college—a merited diploma, suffice it to say that when the clock struck nine I felt reluctant to leave, but as eight miles intervened between me and my hotel I must be off, so with a heavy hear-t, and one wounded, too, by "cupids dart," I bid adieu to my kind acquaintances and taking a third Avenue car was soon at my hotel and fast asleep.
Tuesday morning, partially cloudy and showery, I take a stroll up and down Broadway stopping occasionally to examine the attractive contents of various show-windows. A 43 street omnibus places me at the New York Aquarium where I have the pleasure of seeing fish of almost every description, and sea plants in endless variety, where Miss Kate Lupin performed the wonderful feats of eating and writing under water, and remaining submurged [sic] two minutes and three seconds, simulating sleep. The white whale in his tank, performing seals, angel fish, sturgeon and the huge sea lion that amused himself by crawling high upon the rocks and plunging into the tank below, thus sending the water in spray all over my white vest and beaver furnished lots of amusement to the spectators. The concert by the "Madrical boys," and "Punch and Judy" were also enjoyable features of the Aquarium. At my headquarters once more "Jim" and myself with Mr. J. go to Boothe's Theatre, and are very agreeably entertained by Geo. Rignold in "Amos Clarke," a touching tragedy. Thus ends my last night in New York city.
May 23rd, bright and pleasant. Having taken leave of "Jim" and all those in whose presence I spent so many happy moments, I cross to Jersy [sic] city and take a seat in Philadelphia Central cars for Philadelphia. In four hours I am in the Quaker city, received a check for my baggage, taken dinner, and on a street car bound for the Centennial grounds. It would be folly to attempt to describe what I saw at the Centennial; suffice it to say, the spacious grounds and buildings are on the most magnificent scale, and are very creditable as the great receptacle of the national exhibition on the Centennial of the independence of the United State. I next had the pleasure of beholding Paris as it was besieged during the Franco Prusian war. At night I attended the Walnut street theatre and was highly pleased by the manner in which Shakespeare's play, "Cymbeline," was rendered by Miss Pomeroy and her fine troup [sic]. Thursday morning I crossed the magnificent stone bridge that spans the Schuylkill and rambled over a portion of Fairmount Park; returning I enter the Zoological gardens and spend an hour inspecting the large collection of animals. I saw one specimen of the animal kingdom, in the garden, which I hope the keepers will keep a vigilant watch over, and that was the "devil." Taking the street cars to the depot I got my baggage and wrapping myself in my coat, as it was quite cool, and procuring a seat in the cars am off for Baltimore where I arrive at 3 o'clock. The beautiful steamer, Florida, next receives me, and having paid my fare and engaged a stateroom I am one among a jovial party bound for Norfolk. Nothing else of interest occurs during the remainder of my trip. I pass the time pleasantly on the steamer, playing checkers, whistling to an accompaniment on the piano, partaking of a magnificent supper, &c. Friday bright and early, I am in Norfolk, my own native city, glad to get back where the warm greetings of my uncle, aunt and cousins tell me I am welcome. Now a few reflections and I am done. If all young men who have visited New York city, and remained long enough within its limits to become acquainted with some of the prevailing customs, to see depravity and degredation [sic] as it exists with the young of both sexes within that metropolis, think as I do, they would exclaim, deliver me from such a Sodom as New York city.