The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-02-03
FOR THE JEFFERsONIAN.
Eastern Virginia..
Centreville, Fairfax County, Va,
January 24th, 1859.

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this occasion, having parted with many
kind friends and connections, many Of
whom, suppose, still live in Stroudsburg
and vicinity, aud who no doubt would be
pleased to hear of this Country, | will
give them birds eye view and perhap
at some future period, may still further
eulighten them.
The Eastern portion Of this State, since
the date of my emigration hither, has
been undergoing great change in con-
sequence of the change of inhabitants =
The old native citizens have continually
kept going further South, in order to get
further from Washington and keep their
slaves from rnnning of. For that city
is filed with those who profess open hos
tility to the institution, and embrace eve-
ry opportunity to entice the slaves to a
stampede, and assist the in M aking good
their escape to Canada. Their lands
were sold at low figure to settlers from
the North, East and West; and in many
locations, the land is wholly owned by the
latter, for many miles. In such cases
the face of the country has put on, an en-.
tire new aspect. And now, instead of the
large tracts, dotted with uegro cabins. re.
lieVed occasionally and at the distance oi
4 or 5 miles, by a plantation house, the
land is divided into small and neatly cul.
tivated farms; with tasteful houses, barns
aud other buildings all giving it the
appearance Of Northern country, in a
warm climate. And such is destined tc
be the case with this entire country
Slavery will soon, entirely disappear Ii
is found, that taking into.account the bigh
price of slaves, an investment 10 that kind
of property, to devote to the raising ol
grain and grass, is not wise one. They
can only be made profitable further South,
in the cotton, cane and rice fields ,--and
where the climate is too hot for the white
man. As for our climate, perhaps the
world does not own its superior. Any
one who has experienced the delightful
climate of Washington, can form an idea
of it. We have a clear sky aud pure
atmosphere. Consequently our country
is remarkably healthy. Our soil is free
from ncs,-easy to cultivate and easily
improved. 1t is extremely tenacious ol
manure; showing its effects for M any years
after its application. The face of the
country is gently undulating,-tbus rem.
dering the land easily drained; while VIC
have no bills disagreeably steep. Indeed
this seems to have been intended for The
paradise of the farmer. And the North.
ern men in most instances have turned to
good account, the many natural advan,
tages of the country.
How much better, it would be, for your
citizens, who 6pding it necessary to Sc.
Iect new location, to como here, instea d
of exposing themselves to the thousand
and one hardships of border life in the
west! J! We have the best of markets
Washington, Georgetown and Alexan.
dria are all adjacent to this county. In
either of these cities We get New York
prices for whatsoever is raised on the
farm. Our county is being intersected
by Railroads in various directions. The
Orange aud Alexandria R. r. is comple.
tec and doing fine business; and sever.
al others are in progress all leading in.
to Alexandria,--an excellent sbippino
port,-Where the largest ships that tray.
erse the ocean can come. Then what j.
there to hinder this from becoming the
greatest country in the world! Nothing
Land of good quality, with fruit and good
buildings, aud within 90 miles of Wash.
ingtOn, and by the side of R. R., ma,
be bought for $50 to $50 per acre. Tba,
which is in state of nature,--woodIand
can be had at So to SI2. Our cron,
range according to the degree of cultiva.
tion, as follows: Wheat 5 to 30 bushels;
Corn 25 to 100 bushels; Oats 25 to &c
bushels per acre. Flax of the best DUAL.
ity is easily raised, and sells in the cities
at $40 to $40 per ton. All things con.
sidered, know of no other place, where
an investment of money or labor pays
better than it does here.
Respectfully yours,
DANIEL G. ROBERTS.