Our Trip to Cobb's Island

Steamer Eliza Hancox and a Pleasant Party

At 6 o'clock on Thursday morning one of our staff embarked on board the steamer Eliza Hancox, bend upon a day's pleasure at the celebrated Cobb's Island. He found the boat already well filled with pleasure seekers of both sexes. All ages were well represented, and the young looked forward to having a good time, and the more advanced in age to a day's release from the cares and anxieties of life.

The weather was beautifully fine, and a light breeze was stirring aloft which relieved the otherwise intolerable heat of the day. Portsmouth, Vue de l'Eau and Old Point added their quotas, and although the number on board was swelled considerably, yet no inconvenience whatever was felt. The boat was now on her way, and the officers endeavored to make everybody comfortable and "all went merry as a marriage ball."

As our vessel steamed down the noble Elizabeth each point of interest was scanned and their associations commented on. Craney Island, the entrance to the James, with his glassy looking bosom, the big guns of Fortress Monroe and the Rip Raps were all passed, and then our little steamer was out upon the ocean wave, some held animated conversations on deck, while others amused themselves in different ways; when lo! Cobb's Island appeared in sight, with its sea-girt shore. All were now on the qui vive. Every object was noticed, and away out on the wide, wide sea appeared the passing ships under full sail.

Winding around the Island the passengers disembarked at the landing and hurried off to the hotel ground. Some lay under the umbrageous shadows of the large trees, and some sauntered around the seashore gazing out at the beauties of old ocean and collecting shells from its wave washed beach, while others availed of the splendid surf-bathing at this point. A bountiful dinner was provided at the hotel, and was presided over by Mr. Cobb in true hospitable style. Every delicacy was provided, and our party were more than satisfied.

At four o'clock the delighted party left the Island on the homeward trip. The sea was smooth and pleasant until just inside Cape Henry, when a heavy blow was experienced. Everything loose had been previously secured, and the staunch little vessel sped onwards, seemingly heedless of the terrible storm, which however, was of short duration. A few on board wore long faces, arising from seasickness, but this gradually wore off as we neared the city.

Altogether, this trip was a very enjoyable one -- the officers were courteous and kind, and Mr. Fitzgerald, one of the attaches of the line, was remarked by many for his attentions to all on board.