The Arkansas advocate., 1836-04-08
From the Missouri Republican,.
Sr. Lotus, Feb. 26, 1886.

From the Missouri Republican.
 ST. Lotus, Feb. 26, 1886. Messrs. eharcss and Paschall-
 Gentlemen,-Permit me to give you my views in relation to the mineral region in Missouri, especially that confined south of the Missouri river, and of which 1t seems our own citizens are ignorant. Ne have, in what B called the miaeral region, mountain of Iron ore which is seven nmlies m length, and it's average width three miles. This mountain presents, al one glance of the eye, more iron ore than all inc furnaces in the United States could use in one thou sand years. A gentleman and ren master; when on the mountain, was asked his opin- ion in relation to the quantity of ore; he re- I piled, ssI see on the surface, more ore than one hundred thousand furnaces could man- ufacture in one thousand years.".
 know d mountain, not far distant from the one mentioned, that is called Stoney Point, so named from is very stoney ap- pearance.--Alany have passed by thls mountain blieying t to be stone, when in fact, 1t is iron ore.
 The above ore yields from TO to So per centum. Previous to the manufacturing of iron in this state, had knife made of this ore, in the common smiths tire, which bore good edge. A gentleman frnm Virginia had his horse shod from this same ore, and after travelling two thousand miles, had them taken off by smith, who persisted in the opinion that they were steel.
 There IS, in the same region of country, copper ore, boundless Tn its extent: tilou- sands of pounds are to be seen on the sur face.--From is very malleable quality, l have seen watch crystal made of it in ali ordinary smitbfre.
 In the same region there is q mountain black iee;;ti, ;iid there se zinc; of this copper and zine, know smith who makes bells which are preferred to any brought to this state.
 l have seen bars of silver, which were made in this section of country, so pure as to be exchanged weight for weight, for coin ed silver. Many pieces of silver eoin are now in circulation from this ore, which can- not be detected.
 Gold has been discovered, but to what extent am unable to say.
 Salt petre Is abundant, and many of the hills are covered with sulphur.
 To my own personal knowledge the lead district extends to at least three hundred miles, and abounds in quantity and quality not surpassed in the civilized world There are many other minerals, the names of which are unknown to me.
 \ rair fi,org. b:It. Il will vie with any in the world; and l have seen mill stones taken from the quarry, not surpassed by the French burr for manufac- turing Of four, being the same to appear ance. Stones are also to be found among the hills, some of which are transparent, and others yarigated in shade and coors.
 The above country Is mountainous and interspersed with beautiful vallies of fertile soil and delightful water. They are ad- mirably adapted 10 grazing, being clothed with rich grass, and grow the most stately pine, cedar, oak, and many other kinds of timber. From those mountains and hills many streams are formed, well suited to drive any machinery to any extent. The head waters of one of the streams com mences in the centre of this region, and traverses its course within twenty miles of this city.
 Having passed over this region, you have presented 10 yoar view the finest natural stock country in the world. There are many individuals who have, at a reasonable estimate, from eighty to one hundred head of horses, from one to two hundred of cat tie, and from three to five hundred head of hogs, at no other expense than salt. Stock is invariably fatter ill March than any other time of the year.
 There is a man at this time who has a. bout six thousand dollars worth of stock, at no other expense than two herdsmen. This stock was driven there in November last, and many of them were poor; at this i time they are fair beef for market. Believ- ing they will continue 10 improve, they will not be driven to market for some weeks. Why is t that this country is so little known? Believing this country to be unknown i'll a great measure, have ventured to write for the information of those who may desire it.
 am yours very respectfully, I Ifoe{a.,.,