John Dix

A Hand-book of Newport, and Rhode Island John Dix

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1852. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. The Old Stone Tower--Its Situation, Appearance, And Present Condition--Controversies Respecting It --Arnold's Will -- The Skeleton In ArmorOpinions Of Rafn--Smith And Cooper--Original Lines On The Ruin. Minute classification is very proper, and indeed extremely necessary in all matters connected with scientific investigation. It is, however, by no means indispensable in a book such as this, which only professes to be a series of walks and talks. And perhaps the most natural division one could adopt, in local loiterings, would be to jot down, without reference to strict order, particulars of, and speculations upon such matters and things as we may perchance meet with just when the impressions made by them are fresh and vivid. If, as Campbell tells us, "distance lends enchantment to the view," it also too frequently robs it of its distinctness, and in the hazy remoteness of the object veils the sharp lines which give to it half its character. The curiosities of a city or town are generally the first objects of attraction to visitors. It cannot, therefore, be wondered at, that the singular structure which we are about to describe, should be one of the earliest resorts of the stranger in Newport. It is one of the "Lions" of the place, and as such has always, within the memory of man, claimed consideration and baffled curiosity. Not like some gray old cathedral, whose "Towers are crumbling one by one; Whose turrets to the dust have gone f-- Not like some abbey like that of Melrose or Tintern, where "The moon--the regal moon intensely bright, Shines through the roseate window of the west; Each shaft an artificial stalactite Of pendent stone;"-- Nor, like some battered castle, in whose courtyards rank weeds grow unchecked; and in whose chapel lie recumbent...