"As we approached Harper's Ferry, suddenly a cry was raised on the foremost platform, which was repeated from car to car until the whole train resounded with the exultant shout, "The sun! the sun!" The dun clouds, broken and flying, hastened from the field like a routed army, while the conqueror appeared in all his might and majesty. The heavens shone clear and blue as a baby's eye; the tender leafage of the mountains looked fresh as budding girlhood; the swelling bosom of the river flashed with its jeweled foam; the browsing herds leaped and capered over the meadows in their uncouth gladness; men rejoiced in the light with a sentiment akin to worship. It seemed as if all nature was breaking forth into song. 'Gaudeamus!' Even the stout engineer, wiping the smoke from his eyes with his grimy hand, cried out, 'Go it, old fel'! 'pears as if he was hung out a purpose!'
Part of the article "Artists' Excursion Over The Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road."