Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-11-12
Letter from Petersburg.

PETERSBURG, Va, Nov. 9.-The longer |
remain in this place, the more am convn-
c.d uf the energetic character Of its citizens,
and Of the great amount of trade that CEN
tres here and if the same spirit Of progress
which has marked the past be any indication
Of the future, can see nothing to prevent
Petersburg lin point of business from becom-
ing the lea'ling city Of the Old Dominion.
Last week was made memorable by the large
crowds in attendance OH the State Agricul-
tural Fair, which was held here, and had
hoped that dcputation from Alexandria,
would have been present to have gained
some idea Of how they do things III the
Cockade, as they would doubtless have
been sratifed at the great display, as well
as have received some important suggestions
in relation to the management OF the Socie-
" which am pleased to learn has been re-
Gently formed in your place. have not
time nor space to speak of the Importance
Of these assemblages to the business men in
the places in which they are held: but firm
" believe, that any time or means which
may be spent by your merchants and others
in the furtherance Of this Association, Will
be an investment that will repay them more
than four-fold The ground occupied BY
the Society here. is beautifully located, and
very easy of access. 1t is within fine en-
closure and 50 situated that u visitor may
stand in almost any position, and have
view of the whole area The main entrance
is at the north, from whence you descend by
gradual slope to miniature lake, around
which is the trottlng course; aud doubt
whether handsomer and more tastefully
fitted ground in all its arrangements, can be
found anywhere. As full account OF the
exhibition has been given in the papers OF
this city. will only say that | have been
Informed by competent judges. that II was
equal, if not superior, 10 any heretofore
held on this ground. and proved (as every
thing undertaken BY the people here seems
tol decided success.
There were many attractions during the
evenings Of the week, including two Fairs.
held by the Ladies of the Baptist and Catho-
lie Churches, for the benefit Of their respec-
tive denominations, and you may Judge OF
their success, when informed that the re-
ceipts of one, (St. JoSeph's, Catholic
amounted TO upwards Of $4,000 thirteen
hundred dollars. Amongst the articles ON
exhibition at the latter, saw several contrl-
buttons from some Of your benevolent cltl-
zens, and am authorized by the recipients
10 return their heartfelt acknowledgements
10 the donors, for these timely remembrances.
The thanks If the writer are especially due
to an OLD friend, for his interest In tie matter.
Private advices bring me the pleasing m
telligence that business has improved In Al
exandria very much of late, and high hopes
are entertained of brilliant future, yet III
store for your noble old city. And why
shall it not be thus? Is there any thing TO
prevent this contamination? Situated upon
one Of the finest navigable rivers on this
Continent-with natural advantages excel
led bv no city III the lnion-with Railroads
leading through the most fourishlnS Asri-
cultural resi0ns-with Coal trade, winch,
of itself, should be sufficient to start Hour
ishing city-and with II population whose
intelligence and morality are deserving OF
all praise-Why. ask, is not Alexandra
in the front rank of cities: think very
easy solution Of this question may be found,
and that the remedy is within the reach OF
YOUR citizens. The reason believe Is that
your manufactures have not received that
attention which they deserve; for 1t IS an
established fact. that manufactures increase
population, beget commerce, and INSPIRE a
spirit Of enterprise that give vigorous and
healthful tone 10 all branches OF trade, and
think that no declining city can ever nope
10 build up its failing fortunes, except
through the influence of their lite-slvlnS en-
eryieS. know that these suggestions may
he regarded BY som" as Idle >peculat'"hs'
but if the skeptical will examine the history
Of some Of our most important cities, they
will find that to the encouragement OF home
manufactures ii not all OF them, are
indebted for their prosperity. | might cite
many instances in proof of this. but as
have already written more than had III,
tended, and taxed your patience far hey ond
| what had wished, my apology must be, the
| deep and abiding interest feel in any thing
| that relates to the welfare of Alexandra; Tor
| wherever | may 90. or whatever may he
| nv future destiny, neither time nor change
can ever wiring from my heart the love that
| | bear 10 my own native home, or the aifec,
ton | feel Tor your esteemed citizens. !
started with tbs design Of giving you let
ter relating solely to Petersburg, but rs
have wandered far from that point, must
reserve for another occasion, the execution
| of this purpose, and until then say adieu.
IL.