The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-03-19
[Correspondepce of the Dispatch. !

F2orida-Conrention Of Inralids IN Search
Of Health-mast arrice betore consumption
as tn The last stage, 10 be Geneftted---Jack
Sonr,He
Jupsos HOUSE, JACKSONVILLE, Fla,
March -, 1855.
MR. EDIToR-Sir: As mere visitor and
perspector in this little city, seated as it is on
the banks OF the st. Johns river in the East
ern part of Florida, and which is so extensive
ly known as place Of resort in escaping the
cold and rigorous weather of the North, I de-
sire to speak few words in relation to it ge-
nerally, and to acquaiht your readers with
the beauties of the climate and the growing
tendency of the place in particular.
In the first place, there are at present hun
dreds of visitors here for the benefit of their
health representing in fact nearly every
State in the Union, and more especially the
Northern States, some emaciated with dis
ease, others laboring under a slight affection
OF the throat, or something else not quite so
cmacisting as those laboring under the more
dreaded and fatal disease, COnSmmptioa-
which seems To be getting more prevalent
and unmanageable every day. Indeed, every
year brings forth to this little State, scores
and even hundreds of new subjects; some of
recent date, others OF long standing matu
rlty, with their lungs all unstrung, and in the
last stages of respiration, bearing the i'm
press of bitter despair even under the bright
and glowing sun of the South, which they
have chosen as their remedy; whereas, if
they had come sooner, at the opening of the
disease upon them, before it had DESTROYED
the vital part OF life, they would have been
revived, regenerated and thoroughly reclaim
ed from their desponding situation
However, this is a fact which they all ad-
nit after it is too late for any remedy, either
natural or Inventive, to stop the progress of
their wasting constitution; and, as an evil
dence of the fact of this climates possessing
all the virtues Of curative character, we see
numerous individuals, who were once DANCE
rously affected with the disease, entirely re.
stored to their original health, after coming
mere ana remaining a sufficient length of
time to eradicate the disease, instead of com
ing and returning, as many do, winter after
winter Tor several years, without ever effect
ing permanent cure. From this, it will be
seen, that 1t IS not only essential that persons
should spend a winter in Florida and then
return to their homes, but that they should
remain throughout the entire year, as the eli.
mate IS equally as congenial to the human
system, through the spring and summer
months, as during the winter.
In relation to the business of this place
winch is properly speaking the metropolis
OF the State and which is perhaps destined
" poCollo great SOutnern mart, Judging
from the present attitude of affairs which pro
poses the construction of railroads, canals,
&c-l should suppose from what | have seen
that 1t had seen better times. Its timber
mills interspersed all along the banks of the
river, extending from one end of the city to
the other, are nearly all husEed at present,
owing to the little demand among ship build
ers and others appropriating the timber to
other purposes; but it is presumed that the
present insutficiency of demand will not last
long, and 1t is to be earnestly hoped that it
will not, as believe it is the principal busi
ness and staple of Jacksonville.
Since the fire last spring, which consumed
large number Of buildings and DESTROYED
considerable amount of property, the ground
which was left vacant after the confederation
has been nearly entirely regenerated with
tine large brick buildings, which both re.
deems the place from future danger and adds
greatly to its beauty and business appear
ance, and so far as regards the beauty of the
place; from its commanding view of the St.
Johns River, Just at the bend where the
stream changes its course from direct North
to East, do not believe there is q more en-.
chanting prospect anywhere on its banks
A VISITOR