Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-01-16
cow MUNIC TIONs
HANOVER Co., January S, 1850.

.Me,srs. Editors-I'have been sojourning for TIT
last week in ,he "!Siashes of Haaouer"-a locality
famous as The birthplace and early home Of Henry
CLAW Most Of your readers are familiar with The
name as connected with the origin of this dfssln
opished man, but many of them, doubtless have very
indis,iuct conceptions of the region of country
which it is applied. Having promised you an oc
casiona letter, brief description OF this section
Hanover County, may serve the double purpose
barally redeeming my promise, and Interesting
your readers. 3.
The "Slashesn comprise small strip OF country
wing between the Chickahominy and Pamunky-
r,vo beautiful streams, intimately associated with
the early history of our State, whose tranquil wa
ters and yineclad banks, must ever render them at
irac,iye haunts to the lovers ofegend and the yoa
ries of the Mise On their borders are to be found
some of The finest and most highly cultivated low
lands in the State but the intermediate c0uHtTy is
dense wilderness Of pines, inhabited BY race pos
sessing many and marked pecuarltles in the eyes
of the stranger. The surface Of the country isgen-
eraIv level and the soil relenlixe of water, So that
farming is rendered very expensive by the necessity
a. extensive draining Here and there, even upon
the high ways, are small, shallow ponds of waller,
deaominated slashes, which render travelling, in the
winter season, extremely dsagreeable. fine spe'
cimen OF the slashes may be seen from the stage
coach which runs from the junction" to Rich
mond. Cat this point prompted by sad souvenirs,
feel much inclined 10 discant upoa the comforts OF
the so called Hotels, at which passengers are COM
peled TO larry between Stanton and Richmond,
but forbear.) 1t is an interesting fact, which
have learned from persons residing here, that the
population is much denser than in more favored re-
gions, an unusually large proportion of which con-
ssis of females, apparently poor, but really indie
pendent. Many Of these are old maids, living to
themselves, in the midst Of the pines in little log
cabins, which present an appearance ofprinitive
simplicity and rudeness. MIR. Clay mother is said
10 have been noble specimen Of the ladies' Of her
day.
One Of the interesting spots in this region is the
"Slash Church." all old colonial building, the tim
hers of which are said TO have been imported from
England. Mr. Clay's father, Baptist Minister,
preached in the Church. Under the Establishment
il was known as "St Johns Church" it is now
occupied by the Campbellite Baplists. The great
Gentle Of attraction to political pilgrims is the birth
place of Hesry Clay, now owned and occupied BY
Beverly Dabney esq. Thedwelling- house saPlain,
neat flame building, constructed in cottage style,
and the apartment in which the great statesman
was born is still exhibited to the curious visitor
Abou, hundred yards from the house IS one of the
most remarkable Springs have ever seen. AT the
head of the ravne, there is sem-clrcular and per-
pendicular excavation below the general surface,
from the sides of which the chrysal drops percolaie
and reach basin still lower as reservoir, the wa
ter by natural descent passing off down the ravlne
The excavation is so Over-shadowed by trees and
shrubbery that the sunbeams never play upon the
waters below. These trees are covered with the
names Of those who have visited the spot, and among
them is that Of HENRY CLAY, carved with his
own hand when he last visited the home of his child
hood. On this occasion he is said TO have pointed
out the precise spot where The body of his Father
was inferred.
Some few relics of past generation still live in
the Slashes, who remember Mr.. Clay as the COM
panion of their school-boy days. An aged and re-
spectacle lady Of this neighborhood, relates, that in
the hours devoted TO amusement, Henry was always
at his books whilst the other boys were engaged IN
their sports. This is an interesting fact and an in
structive lesson.
Lasting impressions are made upon the mind OF
moun,aineer by visit to these low-lands, SO rich
in historical "reminiscences and patriotic associations.
The soil upon which tread is linked with The inn
mortal memory of Davies, Henry and Clay. This
wilderness Of pines BY which am surrounded once
echoed the cheerful song of the "Mill-boy Of The
SIashes," as he irudged along with his grisl, and
upon the bosom Of that quiet little stream, whuse
waters glide along as blithely yoe, the master
shirt of the Revolution was wont TO foat his fly.
Such scenes kindle in the breast glow of patriotic
emotion, and bring into lively review the paImy
DAYS and by-gone glories of the Old Dominion
Nav her future prosperity surpass her former re-
nown. l..