[For the Vineyard Gazette]
Mr. Editor – In my past rambles “off the Island,” I have had it frequently said to me, by gentlemen of my acquaintance, that they should like very much to visit the Vineyard and spend a few days away from their cares and business, to recreate in the pure air, and enjoy the sport of gunning and fishing, which so much abounds in the pleasant season around our shores; but they almost invariably file in this excuse – “the uncertainty of navigation to and from the Island.” This is, however, no longer valid, as we have now plying between this place and New Bedford, regularly four times a week, one of the fastest and best steamers, the “Naushon,” that “graces the waters of New England,” thereby rendering it certain to any who may wish to visit us, of a ready and sure conveyance to and from the Vineyard. Another item I will add, and that a very important one, too, especially to business men, and that is the recent change of the U.S. Mail route (which formerly came and went by the way of Falmouth,) direct to New Bedford, by steamboat, by which arrangement letters mailed here in the morning, arrive in Boston the same day, and in New York the next morning and vice versa; thus giving visitors an opportunity of corresponding with their agents or friends at home, without the delay experienced by the former route.
– DUKES COUNTY.
[Capt. Smith, so long and favorably known as master of one of the Vineyard packets, commands the Naushon, and to gentlemanly and engaging manners, adds the merit of being a skilful and experienced pilot; and all who may put themselves under his care, we doubt not, will meet with that attention so desirable to the traveller.]