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Letter to Editor
December 23, 1847
Sentinel Of The Valley
Woodstock, Shenandoah County, Virginia
What is this article about?
In a letter dated Dec. 6, 1847, from New Market, a fisherman recounts a group fishing outing that yielded 81 fish, the largest at 3 pounds 1 ounce, and challenges Woodstock fishermen to beat it.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
New Market, Dec. 6, 1847:
Mr. Epiron: As this is the age of boasting of large Cabbage and Potatoes, long ears of Corn, and tall stalks of Wheat and Rye, permit me, for the benefit of some of your fellow-townsmen, who will probably know how to appreciate my statement, to tell you of a "Big Fishing Frolic" which came off one of the seven days of last week.
Under the superintendence of a venerable and most skilful fisherman of our village—and one who usually acts as commissary on such occasions—a small company was gotten up for the purpose of taking a fish with line and rod. This company set out early on Thursday morning of last week, taking with them fishing tackle, a full supply.
The day, which was none of the most pleasant for an occasion of the kind, was passed at fishing, except at intervals a slight interruption was occasioned by the usual cry of "all hands to mush"—a sign that the labors of all were to cease, and partake of the abundance, which their venerable chief had through his bountiful providence, provided for the occasion. After dinner all hands were again assigned to their duty; and so the day passed, until twilight put a stop to their labors; which were not crowned with ill success, for upon an accurate count, there were found 81 fine fish, varying in size from 10 to 21 inches in length. The largest weighing 3 pounds and 1 ounce.
Beat this, ye fishermen of Woodstock!
A Fisherman.
Mr. Epiron: As this is the age of boasting of large Cabbage and Potatoes, long ears of Corn, and tall stalks of Wheat and Rye, permit me, for the benefit of some of your fellow-townsmen, who will probably know how to appreciate my statement, to tell you of a "Big Fishing Frolic" which came off one of the seven days of last week.
Under the superintendence of a venerable and most skilful fisherman of our village—and one who usually acts as commissary on such occasions—a small company was gotten up for the purpose of taking a fish with line and rod. This company set out early on Thursday morning of last week, taking with them fishing tackle, a full supply.
The day, which was none of the most pleasant for an occasion of the kind, was passed at fishing, except at intervals a slight interruption was occasioned by the usual cry of "all hands to mush"—a sign that the labors of all were to cease, and partake of the abundance, which their venerable chief had through his bountiful providence, provided for the occasion. After dinner all hands were again assigned to their duty; and so the day passed, until twilight put a stop to their labors; which were not crowned with ill success, for upon an accurate count, there were found 81 fine fish, varying in size from 10 to 21 inches in length. The largest weighing 3 pounds and 1 ounce.
Beat this, ye fishermen of Woodstock!
A Fisherman.
What sub-type of article is it?
Comedic
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Agriculture
What keywords are associated?
Fishing Frolic
Big Catch
New Market
Woodstock Challenge
Rural Fishing
Venerable Fisherman
What entities or persons were involved?
A Fisherman
Mr. Epiron
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Fisherman
Recipient
Mr. Epiron
Main Argument
describes a successful fishing outing by a small group in new market, catching 81 fish with the largest at 3 pounds 1 ounce, and challenges fishermen of woodstock to surpass the achievement.
Notable Details
Superintendence By A Venerable And Skilful Fisherman Acting As Commissary
Fishing On Thursday Morning Of The Previous Week
Interruption For Meals Signaled By 'All Hands To Mush'
Fish Sizes From 10 To 21 Inches In Length