The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-12-06
Florence, Ala.
Correspondence ofthe HERALD
EIoRENcK. Ala. Nov. 22d 1870

FLORENCE, Ala, Nov. I'D, 1872
Description Of Florence Cotton Crop-Politics-
Clay Calhoun.
DEAR SIR
As you have correspondent in North Alabama,
1 take the liberty of giving you some information
respecting Its character, towns etc. that the world
may learn OF the existence of such country through
the columns of your widely circulated and valuable
journal.
First, then, of Florence, town which in point
OF natural advantages is not surpassed by any other
village in the southwest, and winch in all probab-
lily will become an important commercial point
the storehouse of vast and fertile region of coun-
try, already filled up with industrious and thru
wing population II is situated about three fourths
of mile from the Tennessee river, on a high point
OF land elevated at least one hundred feet above the
level OF me river, and is surrounded by undua-
ting and fertile country, admirably adapted to the
growth of upland cotton, wheat and corn. The
former staple is cultivated extensively in the ives
tern part OF this county, and is our Chief indeed
may say, our only article of expectation.
The crop this year IS large-nearly equal. l think,
to the great yield of lS39-and should the prices
equal those Of last year, planters will be able to
paw of their indebtedness without resorling TO the
rulnous system heretofore prevalent this country
OF drawing on the next years crop. But | must
say some hing now of our town. We have q popu-
lation of about 100. and are progressing slowly
though surely to prominent station among the vii
ness men have seen the effects of exuavagant spe-
culafion and overtrading, the prostration of other
towns in our vicinity, and are disposed to confine
their operations within proper bounds. Tney have
seen towns and cities built up as il were in day,
and they have witnessed suddenly their fall when
the stimulus which gave them being was with.
drawn. The fate Of such places are unening bea-
cons to guide the business man in his operations,
and to carry him on to certain prosperity The Ten
nessee river is crossed here by one Of the finest
bridges in America, and connects with us Tuscum-
bia, an important and fourishing town on the south
side of the river five miles distant and the termi-
nus Of the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur rail
road. II is unnecessary for me to say anything of
6cers some years since, are, believe, well known
con change" in Wal street, and have doubtless
caused many poor fellow who was induced by
hattering promises, to purchase them, to curse the
day that he became dealer in southern stocks.
The agitations in the political world are watched
is now generally conceded that Mr. Clay, should he
consent to be a candidate, cannot be elected. The
overwhelming majority in New York has thrown
the wings into profound mesmeric sleep. They
cause of their great chief Mr.. Clay cannot get the
support even of the wings of this State and so far
as the democrats are concerned, he can expect no
mercy from them. They detect his motives, and
will battle against him manfully on all OCCASIONS
Benjamin F. Porter, Of this State, man of dstinc-
ton, and one who contributed greatly to the sue
cess Of General Harrison in lS4O has recently writ
ten letter to a Clay club committee, in which he
Intimates plainly his purpose TO support Mr.. Cal
houn, in preference to the author Of the American
system.
A word as to the Herald, and will close this
communication, Many of our citizens take IT, and
every man who can beg or borrow, readst Indeed,
it Is looked TO by all parties for information, and
than any other foreign paper.