Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-03-25

the summer averages about so deg have never known
of chils and fever to originate in this place. In
the interior they have occasionally chs and fever but
nothing to compare with North Carolina. In 1854 we
had few cases OF yellow fever, brought from New Or
leans but it confined to certain locality, and did
not spread generally throughout the city. This past
summer as you are aware it was very fatal in New
Orleans and prevailed to great extent in all the Coast
towns Of Texas, tis place, Matagorda and Lavaca
cepted. We established a rigid quarantine, and am
satisfied have cause to fear yellow fever if these laws
are rigdly enforced. Our city remained healthy all
summer. We have now population of about 1900,
and increasing. Many families induced to move here
on account OF health Our society is good-cannot be
surpassed IN proportion to number for intelligence and
morality. We have Methodist, PRESBYTERIAN and
Catholic church, and good schools. In a word, every
thing in social way to render it desirable as place of
residence
The business here at present is quite SMALL but in
creaslng and WILL as soon as the channel is deepened,
increase to become important commercial point
all the produce from the border States in Mexico to-
geher with the products of the extensive mining opera
lions in that country, must as soon as we have sufi
Gent depth OF water, pass through here. A company
have the deepening OF this channel under contract and
are now at work. At present have six feet of water
to our wharves and it is to be deepened to nine feet
By examining the map, you will at that this is
the nearest seaport TO the section of Mexico above men,
toned. We have triweekly mail to New Orleans,
and semWeekly mails to five different points on the Rio
Grande-time from New Orleans about four days
on will find the present season of the year pleas
ant time IN which to visit State and to examine
thoroughly Western Texas This is favorable point
to start from it is almost the extreme Western portion
OF the State and here you purchase horses and
plore the country east. [ would advise you to go to
New Orleans, take the steamer from thence to Calves
ton and Saluria from the latter place by stage along
the beach to St. Josephs-time hours-and from
thence by sail vessel in three hours this place. where
shall be pleased to meet you and aid you in exploring
the country.
In regard to loss by theft and disregard of law and
ORDER, permit me to say word am aware that many
in the older States look upon the citizens of Texas as
awess, desperate people, but it is great mistake.
have resided here over five years. thoroughly ac-
quainted with the people and their habits and feel no
hesitancy in saying that have never found people in
my life who more law abiding, and, before re-
marked, more intelligent than rancheros | have
served several grand ures and there is less crime
here, venture to say, than in North Carolina. | do
not think there have been ten twelve indictments
for stealing stock have been here and those were
trivial 1t is true that have in this country
like all others, occasionally struggling vagabond but
such characters cannot long remain in community like
this Stock raising is the business of the country and
associations have been formed for mutual protection
these associations meet quarterly, ard duty ncum
bent upon each member u.s. that the interests and stock
of his fellows in his range shall be protected and it is
further obligatory each to report all supicous char
acers roaming through the country at every meeting OF
of all such characters
| have neglected to answer your 18th question -
" Where do those in the sheep and cattle find market
for their stock, and how much do the different kinds OF
animals sell for ?'
We have buyers from New Orleans and Missouri
FOury earod beeves worth at the pens $l5 to $l9
three-y ear-od, ST. to $50 Should you ship them to
New Orleans refer you to the Price Current of that
city for prices Quite number of rancheros have
driven to Missouri and Illinois, and have realized hand
some profits.
conclude this hastily written reply, by referring you
to the annexed statement table of increase of loo
COWS and calves for ten years. by Ranchero.' 1t is
considered here by all the intelligent stock rasers
being correct and the result of their experience.
frequently called upon to answer interrogatories
similar to those propounded and for the information
my friends and Others in North Carolina, who wish to
learn something in regard to Texas, have concluded
to publish my letter in our home paper and send you
few copies of the same.
am personally known to many in North Carolina,
and should be pleased to have them visit and if suited
locate in this section Of country We have now quite
number, one from the Sound, near Wilmington. His
old friends would hardly recognize him in his comforta
BILE home, with fine field, upon which he made good
crop last year, hs first in the country and his herds
cattle increasing and growing up around him. Hoping
soon to meet you, am yours respectfully,
CHARLES RUSSELL.