Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-12-09
SCOTTSVILLE ROAD.

to Scottsville and its business from late
number of the Richmond Compiler. We are
gratified to hear the worthy editor say our
"Mud Turnpike must be improved into Nc
Adamised road" and if he can only succeed
in stirring up the good people of Richmond
to do something in the matter, we will be
greatly obliged to him. 1t is the very i'm
provement which the Farmers in this part of
the Valley most need-and as an advocate of
the interests of the metropolis, the Compiler,
as we humbly conceive, could not render a
better service than to urge its Accomplishment
Tor 1t is the only scheme by which the trade
of Augusta can be efiectually secured to
Richmond. The importance of the road is
abundantly shown by the facts stated in refe-.
renee to the business of Scottsville, which is
itself buta tributary or feeder to the trade of
the metropolis. We have often been surpris-
ed at the apathy or want of spirit, manifested
by the citizens of Richmond in regard to this
work. For years they seemed content to let
the Valley trade reach them as best it could,
indifferent as to the sacrifices it cost us-and
when at length an effort was made by our own
citizens, aided by few enterprizing individu-
ais about Scottsville and along the road, to
improve our condition--so far as we know.
there was not man of them to step forward
and subscribe single dollar towards the en-
terprize. The Compiler must not be surpris-
ed, therefore, to learn, after SO much effort on
our part, and the manifestation of such total
want of interest or liberality towards us, on
the part of Richmond, that our citizens do not
feel disposed to expend their own scanty
means In perfecting the Scottsville road; and
especially just now, when another outlet is to
be afforded them, available at all seasons of the
year, by which they can get their Flour to
market at fifty cents barrel We mention
this that the people of Richmond may see the
necessity of moving in the matter themselves
at once, if they wish to preserve, unmolested,
the trade of this portion of the Valley. Au-
gusta might be very willing to aid in the i'm
provement, but we are satisfied she is not
willing to take it up as her o,cn scheme, and
present herself as beggar for the means be-
yond her own command which would be ne
cessary for its accomplishment to the cold
and scanty charity of those who have, in truth,
an equal interest in it with herself That she
will not do; and we know Mr.. Compiler, you
will agree with us in saying she ought not to
do IL.
~ citizen Of Scottsvile stepped into our
Office yesterday evening, and in answer to our
inquiries, gave us pleasing account of the
growing business Of that place. Scottsville is
some 80 miles above Richmond on the James
River, and is the point where the "Staunton and
James River" "Mud Turnpike" strikes the river.
This point is the highest northern bend of the |
part Of James Isiver,and is favorable
place where to convey the productions of the |
Valley intended for transportation upon the river.
The gentleman informed us that the average dali
ly number of wagons at Scottsville has been a. |
bout 60 for long time past and that the place
presents scene Of animation surprising as well
IS pleasing. So rapidly is it advancing that the
good citizens find that they must have Bank
or the convenience Of mercantile transactions
they must be enabled to obtain capital without
going 20 miles to Charlottesville or 80 to Rich
''O"" W "o'io" ~, iiiuSt nave the vaults
'fa Bank to deposite their cash in to relieve them
rom the dangers ofkeeping in their stores.
We are glad to hear this good report from this
interesting little river city. The Mud Turnpike
must be improved into McAdamzed road. Old
augusta, and Rockingham, and Bath, and Poca-
ontas, and the counties thereabout must all of
hem, one of these days, send their produce in
heir capacious wagons,drawn by their fine horses,