Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-04-06
southwestern Virginia.

a correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch
writing from Wythevllle, gives an interesting
description Of the mioeral wealth OF tho
southwestern section of this State. We
make the subjUined extracts from his letter:
left Lynchburg 10 the night, and of course
could not see much until daylight but as soon
as it was light enough, began to look at the
formation OF the rock, in passing through the
cuts upon the road.
The first thing that noticed, was very fine
specimens of iron ore, projecting FROM the
sides CT the cuts, looming out In fine blooms,
almost pure iron. Occasional small spec-
mems of galena and copper pyrites were seen,
showing that all of these minerals abound IN
this county.
Within about fifteen miles Of this place |
was particularly struck with fine specimens
of iron pyrites from the bank, and within
few feet were two distinct veins or coal,
about two feet thick, dipping northward at
about so. Three hundred yards from the
cut, learn that the c9al vein has been open
ed, and is worked with success. The quality
of the coal is superior to any ever saw. IL
has fracture like the camel coal OF Nan
awha, but yet it is not bituminous, nor does
it yield the sulphurous gas of the anthracite.
1t ignites easily, and burns with little flame
in an open CRATE, aud the product OF the com
bustion is caIorc and white ashes.
Toa mineral region like this, the formation
of this coal field is Of incalculAble advantage,
for when the development OF future years shall
exhibit the mineral treasures, this coal will
be found suitable for furnace and smelling
purposes, without the process OF cOklng, to
dispel the sulphur.
The Union Lead Mine Company is situated
Is miles south of Wytheville. which yields 90
per cent. lead IRON the ore, and associated Is
shot-tower, which PRODUCES tons of shot
per annum The profits Of the working OF
this company have never fallen below So
900, and have in one instance gone up to $780,
900 per annum. Another mine Of lead has
been opened in the vicinity, which promises
equally as rich aud profitable.
The General Government could materially
aid this section of the country by giving
the contract for the musket and other balls,
which could be manufactured 20 per cent.
cheaper here than at any other place. An
outlay of few hundred dollars for ma
chiuery, to compress lead into the form OF
round shot, might be added with great ad-
vantage. As the freight on manufactured
shot and balls would be but little above
the freight upon pig lead-the facilities
of fuel and water power in the imme-
date vicinity Of the mines, aud the cheap
labor combined, would give advantages
10 where to be found so near tide-water,
added to such cheap freight as the Canal
and James River offer. There are three
CO., ait;n,z fnrpocos opl foryas One fnrra
furnace rolling mill, and nail works com
bined. doing 40 extensive business in Shis
cOunty.
The coal Geld has boen opened in two pla'
oes in this county, and is easily worked. In
the Southern part of the county there is q
mountain of iron orc, and in it is found the
red hematite, the magnetic and pure chrys-
tails of sulphato Of iron. Copper is also
found, and specimens have been exhibited
which afford So per cent OF copper.