Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-03-27
Fauauier County, Va.

Correspondence o. inc Ate1d"dfto uo~eHe.
THE PLAINS, March 25.-l have lately
had occasion to travel through many parts
of this fine county, and feel disposed to write
you a few lines "anent." l find the wheat,
generally, looking remarkably we'll, and the
prospects considered favorable. Fauquier,
like most other parts Of the country, has felt
and suffered from the financial crisis, and
money matters have been tight enough in all
conscience. This is proved by the quantity
of Court business, to say nothing of the
amount Of COLLECTIONS" or arrangements"
to be made, placed in the hands of lawyers,
and others whose vocation it is to see things
Settled up" But, after all, with the stamina
here, it is impossible that this state of things
can last long, or that many will long remain
oppressed with debt. Whoever looks npon
the broad fields, the fertile lands, the fat cat
tie, the improved agriculture, and the thrift
and industry Ct the people of Fauquier, will
be satisfied, that it is o county which must
prosper. No finer climate, and no better
soil, can be found in Virginia. The raising
of Cattle and Sheep, already q source of 10
come, is destin ed to be largely increased
and some of the best breeds of both, | have
seen here, under care of those who take q
pride and interest in such matters.
Speaking of Courts, reminds me to say,
IT. A. ..,iast ,p1 raaiact coanoo
ever witnessed, came of last Court day, at
Warrenton-and would that you had been
there to see.w There was a very good atten-
dance al Cortland after dinner the sover-
eigns assembled in the Court House to hear
the speeches from the candidates for the
County Offices. Mr.. Amber and MIR. Jen-
nings, candidates for the Office Of County
Clerk, both made excellent addresses. Mr.
Norris, the other candidate, was confined at
home by sickness. After they had finished,
however, the real fun commenced-all good
humored-sometimes sharp enough-but re-
ceiyed, for the most part, in a kind spirit by
the candidates and the people. For the Of
fee of Commissioner of the Revenue, there
arc several competitors. and one of these,
Nj. Mccormick, fairly woke up" the Court
House, with an original, end humorous ex
position of his claims; not the less relished,
because to most of Us, it was entirely unex-
pected. Mr.. Butler and MIR. Gaskins were
not q whit behind hand, in their replications
and such q succession of anecdotes and
hits, as we had! For better than two hours,
The spectators enjoyed this discussion with a
zest. | don't think ] ever heard heaTtIer
laughter. If this kind of discussion" can
be repeated, it will draw more visitors to
Warrenton, than Douglass speech drew to
the Senate in Washington.
Later in the day, | saw John Bayleycorn,
in the crowd, making . disturbance with
some of his friends-but they ssy lie 10 a
troublesome fellow wherever be appears, and
is sure to hurt somebody, before he goes to
sleep,
Both the Warren Green, and the Warren
ton House are excellent hotels. tho landlords
kind and accommodating, and their tables
we'll supplied. Strangers will find as good
entertainment at these establishments as at
any Hotels in the state. The village Of
Warreaton, is, itself, o thriving aud handsome
place-with churches for several denomina-
tons of Christians, school and academies,
we'll SLED storeo, and beautiful private resi-
deuces. In the summer months, it must be q
pleasant resort-especially for those who do
not care to 20 the Springs. The farms IN
the neighborhood are in a high state of cul-
t~ivation, and the lands are profsable--con.
seauently sold only OF q tOlcrably high figure.
The villages of The Plains, Salem, Upper
Vile, &C., are all situated in a country
where the air and scenery invite and attract
the traveller. The Manassas Gap and
Orange Roads both pass through portions OF
Fauouier, and both are, therefore, justly con-
sidered of importance By the people here
The Manassas Road, which has experienced,
from causes which could not DO obViated,
much trouble, | hope will be enabled to take
advantage of the new appropriation about to
be made by the Legislature, to push forward
to Harrisonburg. 1t is, as a freight road,
certainly, o most valuable one to Alexandria
and farmers and merchants must be alike
interested in its success. If all the rich pro-
ducts of the Valley can be brought down
this road to your doors, the day will not be
distant, when its expense will be repaid to
you.
I cannot conclude without mentioning the
kindness and hospitality | have received du.
ring nv two weeks %sojourn in Fauquier,
from the inhabitants. They are true Virgin
ians, and, therefore, true men. But if the
men are as ! have described, what shall l
say of the ladies Of the county? That they
are beautiful, and accomplished, cannot be
denied, because they are, in general, married
as soon as they please. 1t is a common re-
mark that there is not q lady over sixteen, in
Fauquier, who has not been courted; and for
q smile from whom there are not at least a
dozen men who would not scruple to jump
into the Rappahanuock in mid wlnter-and
not 20 near a fire for W hours afterwards!
"Come then-expressive silence!D
4 TRAVELLER.
Speed on the Ocean.
The following extract Of a letter received
BY E. X. Collins, esq, showing the great
oo;n in steam noTer by adOpting the method