Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-05-02
IN sgaaSass.
= ~
s.es1ter iisSM Maj. John T. Gilmore.

Gatpeston---Houston City-Fslloao Fsrer- VAIL
er's Line oalr,a Hpring- Aeskeet- Grouse-
Bird Of Observation-Disclosures Mil
Grand Dir,sions Of 7sras-Bois d Arc or 0sage
Orongs- Centipede and Observation-Disclosures
and q Chase --Snakes--Dicisions Of 1e5ds
aoaia-and arsa-D iseases-Fsrtility Of Soil
Fdrsst iGrowth- Neskeet--R attama--Peean-
Dwdst Plum--Barr Oak-WiM Chtnn-Specaes
of Haw- Wild Peach tree Honkapin
tang Grape Vines Of NJ G:-Drought-Bot-
TOM yLands-Sramp Lands ~ C-Grasses-
GANG ,arer Tail Wild Rye.
~. Hors7os County,, TEXAS, Jan. 80, 1860.
" ". Holden, Esq.,,
DEAR SIR: wrote you from Allegheny Springs
about two weeks 1 left for New Orleans on the
7ta September, by the steamer Capitol. The river
was yery low, by which was enabled to see how
the banks were continually crumbling in upon the
enc side, and accumulating upon the other. This
process takes effect at every turn of the river which
forms cove-and thus gives occasion for many to
remark, that inasmuch as the bed of the river is
more or less filling up, it will become necessary to
increase the height and width of the Levees, IN or
der to guard against overflow of the river which
has been productive of so much damage during the
past few years. In calling the attention OF passen-
gers to the subject, was assured that these alter
nate changes Of soil from one side to the other were
carried on in still greater degree by the Missouri
river. The banks Of the Mississippi are low, with
bluffs occasionally which generally on the east
ern side. The trees upon the banks did not appear
to be large, and the cotton wood seemed to be the
favorite growth. As the river was low, did not
have a commanding view of the plantations. We
reached New Orleans on the - and remained at
the City Hotel two days. l visited the custom
house, which is very large building, and which,
hoo hoop in Of about
thirteen years. We went over to Brashear City, on
the east side of Berwick Bay, and remained day,
in order to take what is called 1.-The inside passage
to Galveston" This is quite a small place, and
proves conclusively, that words not always the
representatives of ideas. There was a time when
city meant something more than name. This
place is connected with New Orleans by Railroad
of 80 miles, which is designed to be continued into
Texas. We took the boat had clear sky,
ton next day for dinner. This city has beautiful
location, but very sandy; and when built up will
be quite a handsome place. There is great deal
Of business done here and there is said to be an in
crease. every year in its population and wealth.
During this trip I formed many pleasant acquaint-
ances Mr. Wheate, merchant at Houston city,
and his lady Lieut. j. P. Major, U. S. Army, Camp
Colarado) and his lady, Mr. Oliver "a merchant at
'Springfeld) and his sister, Mrs. Strowd; all upon
their return to Texas found them all intelligent
and accomplished, and was especially fortunate in
forming their acquaintance, without which. time
would have hung heavily upon me- The impress
sons were not those destined to live only for the
casion but such will always be found deep in the
recoections Of the past. We left Galveston in the
afternoon on the steamer Island City, bound for the
city of Houston. We assembled Buffalo Bayou,
which, at that time, was the only navgable stream
in Texas; and during the night friend Informed
me in confidence that the yellow fever was in Hous-
ton, and we had best make no halt We arrived at
about a. m and concluded to take breakfast this
was on the 18th Sept We took the cars for Hemp
stead and very learned that one death had oc-
CURED in the city that morning. and two others
day or two previous to that time. The next and
succeeding cars, as afterwards learned, were crowd
ed with passengers leaving the city. This disease
prevailed for some time and was spread along the
entire line of the Railroad as we'll as in many other
places, until it was finally subdued by the intensely
cold weather which prevailed some time SINCE At
Hampstead took the stage and reached Anderson,
dourishing village, that night. Learning next
morning that the stage would not run upon our
route for the next two days, of our passengers,
Mr.. Green, of Kentucky, began to regret it very
much, whereupon, proposed we should take Walk
ers line; to which he agreed. Mr.. Caldwell, to
whom am indebted for acts Of courtesy and friend
ship, was to bring on our baggage He is a young
man Of good talents and is the Associate Editor Of
paper called the Pioneer issued at Fairfield, which
learn is well conducted and has an extensive cir
culation. Green and put off in the afternoon and
reached Kellum spring, 10 miles, before sunset
Ihls IS place of great resort in the summer and
might be made beautiful. According to my taste,
the water is composed chiefly of lime and sulphur
Next morning we left, and were Joined by Mr. Jo-
seph Smith, Of Ellis county \, e reached Madison
vile that night, % miles, Here Green stopped be-
cause his boots hurt him. Next day Smith and
reached Centerville, % miles, early in the afternoon
Upon the arrival of Mr.. Caldwell in the stage that
night received my baggage. Next morning met
with friend, Col. Thos Blake, formerly of N. c..
who introduced me to the landlord Mr.. Tubb, who
took an active part in endeavoring to facilitate my
journey. Mr.. H. G. Buckingham, of New Orleans,
was here with buggy and horses; he was travelling
over the State for the purpose Of making collections
AS ne was going somewhat in my direction, he was
KIND enough to offer me seat, and even went out
OF his way to put me nearer my place of destina.
ton. found him clever and intelligent gentle
man, and regretted much to part with his COMPANY.
he lett me within 8 miles of the place to which I
was going. | found no difficulty hereafter, and
reached the residence of John Smith, ESQ.,, formerly
OF Bladen county, N c., on the 2lst September.
where have since resided during my stay in this
country. Mr.. Smith has a fine body of land on the
eaSserh Side OF TRINITY river has made very fair
crop, and says he is well satisfied with the country
Since have been here have visited several of nv
friends from our own State, who appear to be well
located, and to whom am indebted for hospitality
and attention. would especially mention Dr.. VIM.
and his brother, Col. John Murchison, who are
pleasantly situated near the Elk Heart, and are do
ing well With them I spent much of my time, and
enoyR the pleasant and welcome hospitalities Of
their 9se. Not long after my arrival here made
tour, in company with Mr.. Smith, of about lac
miles, We started on the 9th October, and Dr.
"m Murchison Joined US on the same day at Mag
noiia, We were invited by Mr. John Nehemiah
to enjoy the Inequalities of his house for the night
We found him polite, clever and intelligent Gen
tleman. On the next day we passed through som,
prairie. but chiefly through woodland country
somewhat broken and sandy, and took up for tn,
night at DR.. Kings, where we were Hospitality en-
serta'ned BY the family The DR.. was not at home
Next day we remained few hours at the Judso,
Association, where we parted with DR.. Murchison
pursued our journey, and crossed the Trinity a
Whd Cat Blnff, where the bottom land is yery wild
and rich. We soon entered the prairies, and abou
ten miles from this l first saw the Meskeet tire
which has SO long been identified with Texas eve
N those days when the savage and warlike Canaan