The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-28
Correspondence Of the Rfpnblif.
BraxsHrar covsrv, Mass, Sept. "a, is4s.

Correspondence Of tbe Kfpnbllf.
BERKsHrRr County, Mass, Sept. "a, ls4s.
If there is any portion Of our country which ex-
hibits not only striking natural features, but also
the evidences of the spirit Of internal improvement
having been cultivated to assiduous degree, it
is the region from which ] write. This is the ex-
IRENE western county Of Massachusetts naturally
rugged, diversified with hill and dale, Astounding
in primitive formations and in the deep shades of
forests that have grown up on the ruins of
trail groves. The streams flow with a rapidity and
joyousness that seem to impart their own impulses
TO the inhabitants. The Housatonic, beautiful
river, winds through these delicious valleys point
ing out to the civil engineer, who to add the
improvements of art TO the provisions of nature, the
path along which he must build his railway
quite different from that used by the sold set
tiers in constructing their roads, which they uni
formly carried the hills, wherever they could
find them. Lebanon Springs, celebrated resort OF
travellers from the south and elsewhere Is but four
miles from "Hancock !" the westernmost townin this
State and the township of New Lebanon is at the ex-
treme east of New York State. Wealth and fashion
congregate there in the summer season, attracted,
too by the proximity of that singular race the Sha-
kcrs, whose chief aim and glory consistin cultvating
fine farms. fine cattle, horses and the like. The
sngularity Of their religious worship, too, excies
much attention, and many are the bellies and beaux
who have simply amused themselves with contem-
plating their strange maneuvres, without, proba-
bly. feeling much of the spirit of devotion. In APP
,roaohing the Lebanon Shaker village from the
east there bursts upon the eye one OF the most
splendid panoramic views which American scenery,
ever beautiful affords. The eye may feast itself
for hours on the varying hues and aspects OF the
extended landscape And when ! recollect that
the "dwcllers in these wales and on the mountain
tops' are freemen--that they breathe the air OF a
country whose people though colonists, were never
save-of country whose millions freely and vol
UNFAIRLY choose the who are to administer their
affairs and construct their laws-l feel that this ID
the nobcst land the sun ever shone upon May the
sun of her prosperity never set! This western por
ton of Massachusetts has ever been distinguished
for its patriotic devotion to tine cause OF liberty and
human rights. An ancient church edifce stands
in the centre of old Berkshire, opposite majestic
elm, ninety feet in height from the ground 10 the
point of its first branching off, in which for many
long wears the first pastor of the place, Rev.
Thomas Allen, preached the true gospel. He was
q man Of firm will and fervent spirit, thoroughly
imbued with sense of the tyrannical treatment OF
Kine George, and not at all disposed to submit to
tho nnrigbteous exactons of his infatuated minis
trv The pulpit resounded with his indignant de-
nnnciations of oppression the part of the ruling
movers, and with sprit-stirring warnings against
snbmssion to it while with zeal resembling that
If peter the Hermit, he reused his countrymen to
resistance against their unholy enemies. Not con-
tent with these demonstrations of the pulpit, dan
s,erous though they might be in 80 doubtful con-
dict he sbouldered his musket, and at the alarm OF
more instant approaching danger, marched on TO
Rennin gton thirty five miles north OF Pittshed,
and Joined the ranks of the real fighters for in
dependence under the brave Stark Nor was the
ordinary proximity of the ranks to the battle array
of the enemy sufficiently close for him; for advanc-
ing beyond the line of American troops, as II in
spred by some spirit beyond that OF his fellow COM
hatants he called on the British to surrender to the
American forces What they denied to the single
impetuous soldier, whom they answered with a
hou,er of bullets that failed to harm his reverend
form, they yielded to stern necessity, and none re-
oiced with deeper gratitude in the victory OF the
18th of August, than Father Allen. II was In this
county that the famous ninth regiment OF the war
of 1912 was chiefly raised, said 10 have had In 1t
single soldiers, any one Of whom was match TOR
a half dozen red-coats. General Ripley, who as
colonel commanded the 2lst, married the beautiful
daughter vi the Clergyman ABOVE H'eh'ohe"- i"o
of his sons also were in the army
The system of internal Improvements Is finely
developed in this region. Where nature is propi-
lions in green meadows and fruitful levels, agricul-
ural ind ustry educes splendid results Where she
Is bleak and barren, stony and billy, that same
Midas like genius directs the streams to turn the
wheels, and wealth and plenty spring up on
every side Idleness being unknown, poverty is
stranger and the union of the States has no better
friends or stronger advocates than the population OF
Massachusetts.
The first cattle show and fair in the country was
held in Pittsheld under the auspices OF Elkanah
Watson, esq.,-I think in ISL Its almost iortieth
anniversary is to be celebrated next week. These
fairs have become common in the country, and
many of them magnificent, especially the State
fairs.
Governor Briggs livesa Pittsheld in plain, repub-
Hcan style,