Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-29
Latter from Petersburg.

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PETERSBURG, Va, Sept. 81, lS59.-After
a brief scourn in this place, am favorably
impressed with the "Cockade City," both as
good point for business and as pleasant
place to reside in, for | have found genuine
Virginia hospitality to abound amongst its
inhabitants, whilst they exhibit spirit of
energy and enterprise which many might
copy to advantage. A stranger approaching
it from the Northern entrance, will not be
strongly inclined to pronounce tavorably IN
relation to its beauties, as that route lies
through its most uninviting portions; but as
he approaches the business marts, Il more
agreeable picture greets the eye, and as he
proceeds to those portions occupied as resi-
dences, his former feelings are entirely for
gotten as he gazes on the splendid struc-
lures every where visible, and whose neatly
arranged grounds bespcak great taste and
skill, and give to the whole scene an aspect
of beauty, combined with elegance and COM
fort, rarely rivalled. Indeed, have been
iorcibly struck with this feature in the Sc
lection Of building sites here, for instead OF
being crowded together as if to prevent the
light of Heaven from shining between them,
each house is provided on all sides, with
space sufficient to admit of decorations IN
the forms of trees, flowers, shrubbery, &C.,
thus not only promotive of the comfort OF
the occupants, but evidently conducting t.
their health. There are large number OF
Tobacco Factories, Founderies, FIGURING
Mills, &C., in successful operation here,
which doubtless contribute much to create
the hustle and stir that attracts our atten-
uion, and give to the business man more
elastic step, and strengthen his determine
ton TO do ali he can by his exertions to
promote the general prosperity. The varl-
Gus religious denominations are well repre-
scented here; having fine accommodations,
and presenting as fine IN array OF mnISte-
rial talent, as probably can be found in our
country. In this connection, | may be par
dnned for referring to the Rcvs. McSsrs.
Plat, Kean, and Edwards, rs their churches
seem of the most recent construction, and
are quite ornamental to the points they oc-
cupy. st. Paul's, where Rev. Mr.. Platt
ofliciates so eloquently and efficiently, is a
handsome ediiice of the gothic style OF archl-
lecture: its interior presents quite an antique
appearance--the rafters and the roof being
exposed to view--the whole has novel
though not unpleasant effect. The Baptist
Church, whose pulpit is 50 ably filled by the
Rev. Mr.. kean, is also fine specimen OF
Church architecture; its exterior exhibiting
bold and lofty appearance, whilst Its IN
terror, at night, produces surprising Ell
fect-being lighted by gas jets suspended
from the ceiling. which, think, decided
Improvement upon the Old plan, as it affords
soft and mellow light sufficiently strong 10
read by, and avoids the glare attending the
side lights and permits the audience to look
without interruption ut the speaker The
Methodist Church, where the Rev. Mr.. Ed
wards discourses with such great accopta-
bility, is entirely new, and is not behind the
others in beauty and accommodations; 1t Is
Tic only pewed church owned by that de-
nomination here and the congregation seem
devotedy attached TO their pastor, whose
distinguished talents have placed him i'll the
front rank of the ministers Of his particu-
lar persuasion. The Presbyteriuns are also
well represented by Revs. DR.. Pryor and
Miller. Great preparations are now being
made for the approaching State ASrlcultn-
| raj Fair, which is to take place here in the
first week in November, and to judge from
the arrangements in progress, 1t will likely
eclipse any thing Of the kind over before
held in this State. This, | believe, is the
second year that the State Society has selec-
ted Petersburg ~ the place for their annual
display, thus paying it a compliment SO
Justly deserved, and which its citizens owl
IDENTIFY know so we'll how to appreciate. BY
the way, | perceive that the subject OF form
ing an Agricultural Society, to have its head
quarters in Alexandria, is now being agita-
ted in your midst, and am sure that II
needs but small exertion upon the part OF
| YOUR citizens to insure this contamination,
for with the facilities you possess, uni sur
rounded las you are) by such populcds
and fertile district, it is a matter OF surprise
that this subject has not long ago engaged
| the attention of your energetic people. And
furthermore, with my knowledge OF the
Alexandrians) I'll guarantee that should
YOU conclude to have such an exhibition
it viii compare favorably with any Of It's
| predecessors, as yonr people never do things
| bv halves. Roll on the ball, then, and let Us
| soon hear that the sons of Alexandria nrc
determined to sustain the reputation OF their
fathers, in furIhrriGg every plan that VIII
have a tendency 10 promote the general
| anod, as we'll rs to add materially To Tie
prosperity Of their noble old city. II.
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