Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-03-26
NOIyllI.
c.rr..pens.ne. Of tho Spectator.
McDokouaH Co LII

McDoFouGH 70 lLLINoE. =
.Mssp,. Editor: Without desire on nv part
to appear in public print, knowing a. do, my
inability to appear to advantage, is has oceursd
to me that possibly | can impars informs.ioa
which may be useful to some Of your numsrous
readers. -.
MyIlocalion is in McDonough county, I'll! This
county is just "a miles square the county seat 10
Macomb, and is at the centre Of the county. Is
IS but few years since its settlement commenced.
The settlers had to encounter, ss matter Of
course, all the privations, and difficulties conss-
quent upon the first settlement of all counties;
and suPeradded 10 those was the far greater trou-
bic OF defective land titles-a trouble, commsn .
this whole military district, and which, moro than
all things else put together, has retarded its on
ward prugress. But for that we should have been
tar IN advance OF what we are. But notwith-
standing all our embarrasments, we have .ad-
Ianced, and are now advancing rapidly. Land
titles have been attended 10, and hunted up, and
are IN much better situation than formerly, and
constantly getting still better. Purchasers now
know to reasonable certainty what they are do
ing, and the consequence is that the county il
Improving very fast.
In addition 10 the greater security in land titles
there is now another weighty reason why tho
country in this locality should take fresh start.
and that is the passage through our midst of the
Northern Cross Railroad. II commences at Qun-
cey, on the Mississippi River, passing through
our county town, terminating at Galesburg, ma
king there connection with another Railroad,
which goes on to Chicago /; thus bringing to our
doors, both Southern and Eastern market
The price Of land has greatly advanced, and Is
still advancing rapidly. Lands which were Of
fered for 3l5 per acre when | came to the county,
less than TWO years ago, are now selling in some
instances at $25. - a
Labor OF every kind demands and receives re-
munerating prices. Farm hands get from SIS to
$50 per month, and the demand is by no means
supplied. A good journeyrnan house joiner, $40
per month. Black smiths have from 3l75 TO ~
for shOeing horse, all round, with steel toes IS
to 40 cts. pair fur removes, &c., and so on. |.
ron is about as low hare as in Virginia.
have not the slightest inclination to speak
dsparagingly Of the great Valley Of Virginia, ths
land ofmy nativity, and my home nearly ali nv
life know it we'll and love its rocks and hiIIs.
its springs and sparkling brooks Of pure water.-
know. that taken as whole, it is one auonrthe
most desirable countries Of the world. With re-
gard 10 many ofits inhabitants, should cav lhsy
would act most foolishy wers they to leave It,
but do not hesitate to give 1t as my decided O.
pinion that there are hundreds there whose situa-
lions would BE- decidedly be.tered by coming 10
the great West. II is those, Gf any,) whom I
supposed might be benefited BY this communiss,
tion. e. eft-L tti--
1t is no little qualification to me to bs able 10
say with truth that am as well satisfied and feel
as much at home here, as ever did any where,
Ii ID certainly true, that we lack many of the
comforts and convenences which are common in
older settled countries this expected and there.
fore was not Disappointed.
As came cut up all the bridges, left no way
for retreat, and determined to be satisfied thsre-
fore have had no trouble on that score. will
hare take occasion to say to all who may decide 10
move to this new country, that in order 70 start
right they must expect to encounter many privs.
tols, set that down a. ga fixed faet.0 for they
will surely reaiise it as sush. sooner or later, aud
when one is expecting trouble, Or privation, tt
don't set % hard when it comes. The want Of Q
preparation Of this kind, is, / believe. the most
prolific cause Of dissatisfaction upon the part Of
immigrants. Ts e
To all, therefore, who can't come thus fortified.
would most earnestly say, don't como at ALL
They would only be trouble to themselves and
those around them, without any reasonable pros.
psctof success. B. IRVINE.
.