Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-10-21

| % The Editor of the Parkersburg Gazette,
spent lew days in our town short time since,
and while here, wrote the following letter to his
partner which we take pleasure in transferring
to our columns, on account of its general in
terest.
STAuNToN, Va, Oct. 1st, 1850.
| DR.. Mac Il arrived at this place on Saturtla y
Evening, alter a long, tedious aud lonesome
| ride, yet highly pleased and somewhat benefited
| by the rip. The Parkersburg and Stanton
Turnpike is one OF the finest in the country, with
the exception of some fifteen or twenty miles.
which, having been but recently macadamized
are rough enough TO cure dyspepsia in its worst
| form. Over most OF the route travelled alone.
which was net very pleasant, considering was
twice belated in the mountains, where night
overlook me, several miles from any house
Tuesday evening found me at Weston, where
whiled away the lime most comfortably lat our
old friend Maj Bailey's, which, by the way, is a
very good house. On Wednesday morning |
took stroll through the village and was pleased
to observe indications of growth and prosperity
on every hand. The town appears TO be ex.
tending its limits quite rapidly for an inland VIII
lage Several buildings are in the course OF
erection, among which is fine new Church be-
longing to the Epscopaians.
In the Eastern section OF Lewis County, the
spirit of improvement seems to prevail. About
sixteen miles from Weston, on the Buckhannon
River, fine town has sprung into being within
few years. This place takes its name from
the stream on which it is SO eigibly located and
already numbers many residences among its re-
cent acquisitions. Upon inquiry, learned that
the cool citizens Whereabouts Contemplate secur.
ing the erection OF a new County in that vicinity
of which Buckhannon is designed to be the seat
of justice. This village is surrounded by fine
lands, lying pretlily along both sides of the
river.
On Thursday, I reached the beautiful region
River. This is, decidedly the finest grazing
country have ever seen. the land being ADM.
rably adapted for stock raising. The farmers
con plain bitterly, however, OF the long drought
They have had no seasonable rains; hay is
scarce & the cattle market dull in consequence.
On Friday, passed through Pocahontas and
Highland counties, noticing vast bodies of rich
land, of which the latter county claims as much
as can be found within the same extent, any,
where in Western Virginia. Monterey, the
county seat is pretty little place. The Court
house, Clerks Offices and other public buildings
are very neat and tasteful edifices.
On Saturday entered this lovely Valley of
Virginia, of which had heard so much praise.
1t is truly noble Valley aud pleasant to look
upon. slaunton is delightfully."- situated, sur
rounded by hills and presenting welcome sight
to the weary Traveller. The approach from the
West affords nothing attractive, that being the
oldest quarter of the town, where the streets are
so narrow s. contracted as to occasion difficulty
in turning vehicle. There are many fine
churches, public buildings and private residen-
ces, which, together with the State Institutions
renders the place altogether attractive The
private residences are generally elegant. evinc-
ing much taste in the people, who number up-
wards of 5000 and are, like Eastern Virginians
generally attentive and hospitabe to strangers.
The public institutions are honorable to Vir-
GINA and would be a credit to any other State
visited the Hospital or Lunatc Asylum yes
tertiay. These buildings are commodous and
comfortable; besides an additional edifice, de-
signed for chapel, dining room &C.. is nearly
finished. | was pleased to see such order and
neatness prevail throughout the establishment.
Dr.. Strbling, principal, is very thorough and
efficient officer, much beloved by all under his
charge. The grounds attached to this insttu
ton are extensive and well laid out Every
thing that can be done, IS done 10 promote the
happiness and well being of those unfor,unates
who are sent hither of whom there are now
more than 500 in this asylum.
To-day spent two hours very pleasantly in
the Deaf Dumb and Blind Institution Rev
Mr. Tyler is Principal of the Deaf Mute Depart
rnent, and, in his absence, | was conducted
through the institution by Mr.. j. c.. Covell Assis-
tant with whom | witnessed the recitations of
several classes in Geography and Arithmetic
| was truly amazed at the advance made by
these pupils, and to see how apt they were at
learning-deaf and dumb as they are
DR.. J. c. Merillat, Principal of the Blind De-
kindly took me thro his rooms and
manifested pleasure in directing my attention
to the many objects of interest therein Seve- I
raj young misses sang and played ON the guitar
tor me- also one performed admirably on the |
piano. Some dozen boys form band and play
very well. The grounds belonging to this in
stitution, also, are well laid out and handsomely
decorated, afording handsome promenades for !
the poor inmates, of whom there are now Ga in
the Mute Department and 43 in the Blind De-
partment.
Order and harmony reign supreme over these
institutions. Their establishment has proved a
but for these retreats, would have been depend
ent upon the cold charity of the world for edu-
cation and sustenance. The workshops, &C.
are we'll arranged and continue to pay their ex-
penses, besides furnishing the pupils trade
wherewith they may obtain livelihood after
leaving these quarters.
By the bye, must not close without word
about Meetings. Hotel, where | am stopping
and find capital accomm odations, plenty of ser.
wants, good beds, and last though not least with
me-choce eatables in profusion, Nothing
further, just now, from your itinerant partner
D. G. NJ
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