Cobb's Island
MR. EDITOR. -- Last week I spent several days most pleasantly at Cobb's Island. It certainly has natural advantages that no other seaside resort has that I have ever visited, and I have been to quite a number in different States. An island jetting out into the ocean, about eight miles from the mainland, the air from any point must pass over salt water before it reaches you. The breezes this sweltering weather are just glorious; the bathing is said by judges to be the finest on the coast; the water scenery varied and attractive; and it is admitted by all the fishing and gaming are unequaled. It was an ordinary thing for three or four persons in a small boat to catch over a hundred spots, trout and hog-fish, and some of them the largest -- in less than two hours. -- The sharkers were having grand sport, they came in nearly every day with several monsters. The best summer shooting, I am told; commences about the first of August and continues several weeks.
Captain Crumb, in charge of life saving station, shows decided skill as a taxidermist. He has quite a good collection principally native birds, for which he finds a ready sale. Many a lady's hat is adorned with their plumage.
Governor Fitz Lee will not soon forget his shark fishing; how, when the monsters were drawn along side the boat he mauled them to death with a ponderous club. He could command a sharking fleet as well as a division of Cavalry. His freedom from official dignity and arrogance, and his genial social nature, and pleasant manners captured or captivated the islanders as well as the visitors. He wants a summer house built there for his accommodation. From what he said, that place suits him better than any other seaside resort he had visited.
One of the most pleasing features of Cobb's is the freedom from the conventionalities of fashionable society. Every one does to suit himself, and nothing is thought of it. A couple of years ago a Baltimore lady, accustomed to high life, said to me she was worn down with society, and Cobb's was a place where she could unbend, rest, and recuperate. The fare is substantial -- good the terms moderate, the waiters attentive, and Mr. Cobb untiring in his efforts to meet all the reasonable wants of his guests. He has recently bought out his brothers, and proposes next year to make many improvements. The place is destined to grow in public favor.
The Southern Methodists have quite a neat chapel just on the south of the hotel, which is served by Rev. J. A. Crow. A steamer runs from the island to the mainland, which affords much better accommodation than to trust to the sailboats. If you have not been this season, go over Mr. Editor, and roll your ponderosity about in the breakers, and build up some; and get ready for the arduous work that lies before you in the forthcoming campaign.
J. H. A.