Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-10-30
VANDALHAs
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1888.

VANEeAEHAs
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1888.
MlLITARY.--At the late election thro'-
oat the State for Major Generals and
Brigadier Generals, the following persons
it is ascertained were elected.
Coz. w. l.. d. EWING of this place.
Major General of the 4lh Division.
Col. JAcoB FRYE of Greene, Briga-
der General Of the Cd Brigade Sd Divis-
ion.
Coz. NJ. L. CovELL of Mclean, Briga-
der General of the Cd Brigade 4th Di-
vision.
Col. JAMES HALL of Hamilton, Briga-
der General of the 4th Brigade lst Di.
vision.
Col. Isaac SANFORD of Edgar, Briga-
der General of the 3rd Brigade Cd Di-
vision.
Complete returns from other Divisions
and Brigades not having been received,
we cannot speak with accuracy as to the
result.
We copy with pleasure the following
extract Of IA letter from the
Rev. J. M. PECK to Gov. Reynolds. Mr..
Peck has travelled over The state perhaps,
as much as any person in it. He has re-
Gently made the tour of the northern coun-
Ties, and takes an interest 10 noting the
progress of every valuable species Of i'm.
Provement; his comparison between the
appearance of things there, in the pres
ent and former seasons may doubtless be
taken as founded on correct data. Mr..
P. is gentleman Of high character, Of
intelligence and close habits of obserya-
ton. His letter may be safely trusted
"beyond the Blue Ridge" by those who
wish to hear from the ssfar West;
Rock SPRING, ILL. Oct. 10, l833.
Gov. REYNOLDS:
Dear Su--It will be gratifying TO you
as it is to me, to learn that our state is i'm
proving rapidly in population, industry,
wealth, character and intelli
gence. The crops generally, are more
than ordinary. Judge that two acres Of
corn have been raised this season wher-
ever one was Beforehand the amount of
new ground broken, fences made, and
buildings erected, is double to any former
year.
Schools are increasing -and of a bet
Ter order. Sunday schools have gained
about 25 per cent. The class of emf
grants who come are generally of the first
order--men Of more wealth, intelligence
and enterprise.
Chicago is destined to outstrip every
other town in the state. The average a
mount of buildings has been one day.
Seventy arrivals of schooners, and two
steamboats,, from April 8, to September
II. Population now about 800. Thirty
stores and plenty of mechanics.
Ottawa does not thrive rapidly: Our
canal commissioners ought to have fixed
the town four miles up Fox river, at the
rapids. There is the great place for bn-
slness, and will eventually become one of
the greatest water power places in the
great west.
The railway from Chicago to the foot
OF the rapids of Illinois, mot at Ottawa
ought TO be going forward, and think,
should cross Fox river at the rapids Of
Fox and run from thence straight to Chi
cago.
Indeed, the project should now be en-
tered upon of a railway from Chicago to
Alton. Make it first to the navigable wa
tiers of Illinois, say Little Vermilon.
If once made to that point, have no
doubt the business would more than pay
the interest on the capital and ordinary
expense. Then commence at Alton and
make one to Springfield. When this is
completed, would defy the world to pre-
vent the two ends from being tied togeth-
err. Twenty five years will see this done.
Excuse my rude suggestions-doubt
less these subjects have occupied your
thoughts before.
VIII only add most interesting, be-
cause most useful discovery has been made
in the upper country, to make prairie
fence, for 20 cents per rod and think
it will last forever. 1t is made of turfo
sod, but in peculiar way, so as to bring
the grass wholly outside. If it succeeds,
as | believe it will, the question about the
immediate cultivation of our large prai
RES is settled--and millions of acres in II
linois can be put under immediate cult.
walton.
But | will trespass no longer on your
time.
Very respectfully yours,
J. NJ. PECK.