Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-04-28
The Standard.
Lever from Mai. Sohn +. Gilmore.

ETS LIHe-Aetbcm topfihg--2h eSAeot-UTOhec
Grand Divisions Of Tea0s-BOis GArc or Ostgs
Orange Centipede and Observation-Disclosures
aud Observation-Disclosures Of 1eras
dgain--and a-Disenses-Fsrtility Of SOIL
Forest Growth-M eskeet--R attamn-- Pecan
Duoarf Plum-Burr Oak Wild UinG-Spee'es
of Haw-Wi Peach Yonklpin Mus
lana G,upe- Vines of NJ G-Drought-BOt-
tom Ldnds-Seamp Lands N C'-Grasses-
Gamd--Barer Tail Wild Rye
HorsTos COUNTY, TEXAS, Jan. 80, 1861
" ". Holden, Esq,
DEAR Sir: | wrote you from Allegheny Springs
and also from Memphis, at which place l renamed
about two weeks. | left for New Orleans on the
TIA September, by the steamer Capitol The river
was very low, by which | WIS enabled to see how
the banks were continually crumbling in upon the
one side, and accommodating upon the other. This
process takes effect at every turn Of the river which
forms a 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 an overflow OF the river, which
has been productive of so much damage during the
past few wears. In calling the attention of paSSen-
gers to the subject was assured that these alter
nate changes of soil from side to the other were
carried on in a still greater degree by the Missouri
river The banks of the Mississippi are low, with
bluffs occasionally, which are 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 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 a very large building, and which,
learn, has been in progress of construction 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 the inside passage
81 Cali ito ,lan md
proves conclusively, that words not always the
representatives of ideas. There a time when
city meant something than 4 name. This
place is connected with New Orleans by Railroad
of 80 miles which is des gned to be continued into
Texas. We took the boat had a clear sky,
a calm sea- and no one sick. We arrived at Calves
ton next day for dinner. This city has beautiful
location, but very sandy; and when built up Will
be quite handsome place. There is a 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 | formed many pleasant acquaint-
ances: Mr.. Wheate, merchant at Houston city,
and his lady, Lieut. j. P. Major, Z. 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
sions were not those destined to live only for the &C.
casion but such will always be found deep in the
recollections of the past We left Galveston in the
afternoon the steamer Island City, bound for the
city of Houston. We assembled Buffalo Bayou,
which, at that time. was the only navigable stream
in Texas; and during the night friend informed
me in confidence that the yellow fever 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 soon learned that one death had &C.
IL 49, IL
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 we'll in many other
places until it finally subdued by the intensely
cold weather which prevailed some time since. At
Hampstead took the stage and reached Anderson,
hourishng 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 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
culatlon Green and put off in the afternoon, and
reached Kellum spring. 10 miles, before sunset
This is place of great resort in the summer, and
might be made beautiful. According to nv 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. \, c reached Madison
Vile that night, 25 miles. Here Green stopped be-
cause his boots hurt him. Next day Smith and
reached Centerve, % 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
repf T.
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 wen. out
OF MS way to put me nearer my place of destina-
uon. found him clever and intelligent gentle
man, and regretted much to part with his company
He left me within miles of the place to which |
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 fine body of land on the
eastern side of Trinity river, has made very fair
crop ana says he is we'll 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 spent much of my time, and
enjoyed the pleasant and welcome Inequalities of
their house. Not long after my arrival here made
tour, in company with Mr. Smith, of about lao
miles. We started on the 9th October, and Dr.
Nm. Murchison joined us on the same day at Mag
nolla. We were invited by Mr. John McLenahan
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 some
prairie, but chiefly through woodland Country
somewhat broken and sandy, and took I'D for the
night at Dr. Kings, where we were Hospitality en-.
tertalned BY the family. The DIR. was not at home.
Next day We remained a few hours at TIM ,Iudson
Association, where we parted with DR.. MuschiSon
pursued our Journey, and crossed the Trinity At
Wild Cat Blntf where the bottom land is very wide
and rich. We soon entered the prairies, and aBant
ten miles from this / first saw the Mcskeet tras
which has so long been identified with Texas, even
in those days when the savage and warlike Canaan.