The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-03-16

poRTsMoUTH.-One of the most interesting
and promising towns in the Commonwealth
Is Portsmouth. We were greatly pleased, On
q recent visit, to see such manifest evidences
of its growth and prosperity. Portsmouth
was established a town in 1772. 1t is beau
tifully situated on level plain, on the south
side of the Elizabeth river, Immediately OPP.
posite the city of Norfolk Its water front
extends to the channel of the river, which is
deep enough to accommodate ships of the
largest size. The town is divided into two
parts by ravine or narrow branch of the
river, the one part called Portsmouth and
the other Gosport, both under the same mu
nicipaf authority The U. s. Navy Yard, the
most important naval depot in the United
States, is situated at the Southern extremity
of Gosport, and is the great rendezvous for
Our ships of war. There, too, most of our
armed ships are built and launched. Some
fifteen hundred mechanics and laborers are
constantly employed at this depot. 1t is
great school for naval architecture and some
of the first mechanics in the world find en-
cOuragement in this establishment.
The streets of Portsmouth are laid off at
right angles, alternating in width 100, 80 and
80 feet. The population in 1850 was about
so O, and is at this time about 10000. Many
OF b buildings are ancient in appearance
AMI Instructed of wood; but those of mod
ern construction are chiefly of brick, espe-
cially on the business streets, and bear the
marks of progress.
There are three large public houses, the
Crawford House, Macon House and Ocean
House, besides others of less Importance
The Ocean House is now in progress of con
struction and presents amagnii cent appear
ance on its central location near the court
house. 1t is said that these establishmr nts
are conducted with great lberalty. How
could it be otherwise, where all that earth or
ocean can afford is i'll their immediate reach?
Oyster bankS which never break, and ever,
variety of fish at the very doors of the ii.
habitants.
Portsmo nth shares with Norfolk a consid
cradle trade with the counties of North Car
DINA on the lower Roanoke, whose waters
are united with those of the Elizabeth by the
Dismal Swamp Canal. Here, too, the Sea-
board and Roanoke X 4ilroad, which connects
with Weldon, Wilmington and Raleigh, ter
inmates. This road is great source of trade
aud travel. The splendid lines of steamers
to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York
connect with it. Richmond and Petersburg
are now connected with Portsmouth by rail
road, though the route is somewhat circuit
Gus, by Weldon
portsmouth may be SAID upon the whole.
10 De thriving, prosperous town. It has
cheerful air and attractive aspect. Its nuh.
lie works, its proximity to the seaboard ,o
oio foint ana the cities of the North, all
pofnth out as place of decided interest =.
the traveller. "
Among it's manufactures are the Gosno..
Iron Works and recently established a..
mandatory. Its public sch ocls are an how
and a blessing to the town, and mipb, VIII
demand a separate article.
The U. s. Naval Hospital, in the ne;ehhor
hood of Portsmouth, is one of the most mas
sive and beautiful edifces of the kind in ,bs
country. Its cost exceeded that of the State
Capitol. The soliditg and neatness of its ma
terials and workmanship, the spacious and
well-ventilated apartments, the thousand ap
pliances for the cure and comfort of tbs sick
and the magnificent water view which it
commands, make it noble harbor in which
Jack may rejoice to cast anchor and retit
his shattered bark for a cruise either in this
world or the next.
With all the Injuries of earth, air and OCEAN
with delightful climate, a pure and inyigo
rating sea breeze, great commercial facilities
and fine back country, Portsmouth mnst
one day take its place among the FIRST citiss
OF the Commonwealth.