Cobb's Island
MR. EDITOR. -- Last week I enjoyed a few days at Cobb's Island. For three summers in succession it has been my good fortune to spend, in a most delightful manner, a short time at this popular seaside resort. Am always glad when I go and sorry when I leave. It's just the place for weary, broken down people to rest and recuperate. No rigid rules of etiquette to observe; no demands of artificial society to respect; no necessity laid upon any one to support any special style, one feels as free as the billows of old ocean, or the refreshing breezes that reduce the temperature to the point of comfort, or the seabird that screams her shrill note as she sweeps the Island. Have visited a number of places on the beach, but taking it all in all, it is the most desirable one I have ever known.
I noticed that Capt. Albert Cobb, the polite and accommodating proprietor, had made many improvements since last year, erecting commodious and sightly cottages, building a wharf, and painting and white-washing things generally. A large number of blooded cows browse on the lawn, furnishing rich, fresh milk in abundance. A steamer runs between the Island and the mainland, connecting with all passenger trains from the North, and steamers from Norfolk, so visitors need not be subjected to any unpleasant delay. Still it would be better, perhaps, if you design visiting the place to write the proprietor for particulars.
The bathing! Well, it is just glorious. I am afraid to attempt to describe it, fearing I might lay myself open to the charge of exaggeration. But I will say in plain terms, it is different from any other beach I have ever known, in that it slopes down so gradually that one can wade out something like a hundred yards with perfect safety. There is no undertow; no necessity for ropes, or designating the dead line.
But the fishing; what shall I say of that? well, it just all that the most enthusiastic disciple of "Izaak Walton" could wish. An old fisherman said in my hearing there were more fish in the waters there now than he had known for ten years. One can catch from 50 to 100 in an hour, and some of them 10 feet long; yes, sir 10 feet long, without my fish-story exaggeration. While I was there the young, accomplished Mrs. M. from the city of R. caught a number of shark, and one monster about 10 feet in length. Richmond, Petersburg, Charlotte county, the Valley of Virginia, New York and other places were represented amongst the guests, and the season has just set in. The proprietor informed me he had not known so many applications for accommodation, but would try and make room for all. Curlew and snipe shooting will begin in a few days. The fare is good, servants polite, and prices moderate. Governor Lee, I was informed, expects to repeat in a short time his memorable visit of last year. When he comes woe to the shark. There is a beautiful Southern Methodist chapel standing just in front of the main hotel, in which religious service is held several times a week. Go Mr. Editor, to Cobbs, go and refresh and recuperate yourself for the fight you are expected to make for the right this campaign.
A.