The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-22
Statement Of The estimated produce Of coffee In the
tporld in l843

l will, in my next, give some account of indigo
as an article of trade. 1t is well known that in the
colonial days of South Carolina indigo formed the
principal staple product, but was gradually sup
planted by the cultivation Of cotton. Another cause
which had tendency to supersede its growth in
Carolina, was the cheaper cultivation of the article
in Bengal under the control Of the East India Com
pany.
There is curious fact about indigo cultivation a
knowledge of which is worth preserving, as proof
that the soil and climate of East Florida are admra-
bly, well adapted to the production of indigo Of
superior QUALIFY.
1t appears that soon after England acquired East
Florida from Spain, in 1863, the government, with
view Of promoting the culture of indigo in that
country, then mostly supplied by Spain, offered
other words, allowed bounty of several shillings
pound on indigo and silk grown in Florida and
sent TO England. With a view Of engaging in the
culture of indigo and silk, Mr.. TuRNsuLL, about
the years l765-67, selected lands the ST. Johns
river East Florida, at near place called, q be-
lieve, Black river, or Black swamp. To secure the
necessary labor, he imported large number of
Italian and other laborers from the island Of Minor
ca, and employed them very successfully in the cul
tivation Of indigo-the prepared product of which
he sent to England, where it was pronounced by
competent judges be greatly superior to the best
Spanish float, or indeed, better than the Bengal, OF
any description whatever.
Unfortunately for Mr.. Turnbull, the revolution
airy war broke out soon after he got under way,
which forced him to abandon his possessions, and
return to England or the West India islands.
Many Of his Minorcans found their way back to
Minorca; while others settled at ST. Augustine
where their descendants still reside who speak tia
liam, and employ themselves in gardening, fishing,
&c.
BARTRAM, in his Travels through Florida, gives
an account of Mr.. Turnbull's estate | have not
read it, or seen copy, since was a boy. If can
find copy in New York, will refer to il again.
The celebrated Robert J. Turnbull, of Charleston,
South Carolina, pure, high-minded man, Of pow
erful intellect and Of liberal, benevolent and noble
feelings and, however much some condemned his
political opinions yet in personal qualities and bear
ing, God never, in his providence, created a nobler
being, better father, brother friend, or Christian,
than Robert J. Turnbul. He has brother living,
(Wm. Turnbu,) whose personal friendship have
shared for many years, and who alternately resides
in London and New York, owning large amount
of real estate in the latter city, trust he will for
give my alluson to him, whom to know is to re-
spect and esteem OF varied learning and informa-
ton, having travelled in various parts of the world
and seen much of mankind under every condition of
society, have always found his company enter
tanning and instructive.
Retiring and modest to fault, seeking no sort of
notoriety, and expressing his opinions on all sub
jects with great moderation and Difference TO the
opinions entertained by others, even Of less infor-
nation than himself-dsplaying at all times and
places the most amiabe traits Of perfect gentlemen
makes him every way one among a thousand.
Indeed, never knew, and never expect to know,
his counterpart In possession Of large wealth, he
is yet very plain and unpretending in Dress living,
and manners; but always distinguished by agreea.
BILE conversation and urbanity of department. He is
at present about sixty years of age, and resides in
London, having sailed from New York in June last.
He has one established in business in Mexico.
and another in the East Indies.