Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1860-06-22
KEY WEST, &c.

I
sively in the Newspapers, at present, thar
in our Biographies, l will endeavor, in thu
present letter, partially to supply the de
ficiency. This is the largest city in ,h.
State Of Florida, but numbers only 4,00(
inhabitants. For the purpose Of better
government, and also on account Of its iso
lated position, it has been incorporated
into "city," with all the customs Of +:
quiet coun,ry village. The island OF
which it is situated is scarcely six squar,
miles in area, and forms part of the grea
Florida Reefs. 1t is about GO miles from
the main land Of Florida, in . southerlJ
direction-about 80 miles north Of Ha
vana-ald is the most southern town j.
the United States. The inhabitants arc
kind and bOspitable, and thoroughly COS
mopolitan. The temperature varies but
little throughout the year, y that rich
and beautiful flowers are constantly bloom
ing all over tie island.
On account of the treacherous coral reef.
abouuding in the neishborhood, and the
constantly varying currents and eddies Of
the Gulf Stream, the Banks (of which this
island forms parD witness many noble
vessel ending her days in sight Of this cozy
little island. A large portion of the peo.
pie are engaged di,ectly or indirectly in
assisting vessels in distress, Or in saving
wrecked property. Several million dollars
worth of property are annually brought
into this port, for the decision Of the Ad-
mirality court in reference to the salvage
due the wreckers. They reap their harves,
from tie misfortunes Of others" This is
in fact the great source Of revenue, although
considerable money is made in collecting
spopges, and also in providing fresh fish
for the Havana markets.
Although the island is nothing but coral
rocks, still, light covering Of sandy soil
nourishes considerable shrubbery in wild
state. The island generally can not be
cultivated. In the city, by forced efforts,
they have succeeded in surrounding their
pretty cottage homes with great abun-
dance Of flowers and trees. The cocoa-nut
and other palms are the pridepf the island,
giving it truly pleasing and tropical ap.
pearaDce.
The Harbor of Key West, is one of the
best in our Southern States, and on this
account has been selected by the Govern
ment as naval station. 1t is now being
protected by the erection of magnificent
tortifcatioD, named "Fort Taylor" and it
is estimated that it will cost over one mil
lion of dollars before completion. In case
Of war with any maritime nation, the
possession Of Key West will DO invaluable
to US, both as safe retreat for our mer-
chantmen, and as convenient harbor for
men-of-war to recruit or get coal, water,
and sea stores. Even at present, it is of
great value on this account, as at nearly
all times some vessel of the home squad.
ron is here for this purpose. Our naval
steamers particularly find it convenient,
as several thousand tons of Pennsylvania
is always in store for use.
The great object of interest here at
present is the "Atrican Embassy" who are
all comfortable quartered in the "Greeley
House." (as the barracoons are called by
the Key West people) There are now
about l400 left, as l20 have died. They
are kindly treated, and are having right
jolly time. A guard Of U. S. marines
and soldiers protects the negroes from be-
ing kidnapped again. Many of them, on |
account of the horrid treatment on their
voyage from Africa, are still weak and |
'ickly, and must probably die. am glad |
10 say that not single one of the Crusa.
ler's negroes have died since their capture;
several Of them, however, are quite sick.
We expect to start for our cruising
,round this evening. five capture anoth-
IT prize, we will take her North. The
Weather is very bot, and the yellow fever
S commencing to sweep off the uuaccli-
mated in Cuba. We were in Havana q
ew days ago, and found good many of
ur friends suffering from the fever, yet
Havana is reported healthy. At present,
be health of our crew is excellent, but
ruising on the coast of Cuba in the sum- :
ner season is certain death to some of US.
will tire you no more at present. G.
"A story is told of these people, showing
ow thoroughly everybody is imhued with
ie desire 10 save wrecked property and get
lie salvage money. In days gone by, as, one
uiet Sunday morning, the heads of the COM
lunity were collected in the solitary church,
stening to the exhortation OF an earnest
reacher, a messenger entered, apparently
caring some mere stirring news. Ii was
hispered from one TO the other. Hats were
ervously grasped. The quick eye of The
reacher noticed the excitement. He stopped
the midst of his sermon, descended from
e sacred desk, invoking his congregation ,
n the name of the Lord" to keep their seats.
e walked TO the door, locked il, and then in
lired the news. "a vessel was on The i
efs ~ Enough. He unlocked the door, say
g, "Come, now, let US all take fair siart"'
nd then led the jealous wreckers 10 their Q
-ize.
REAsoNABLE.-TheS Seneca Falls Cou-
er makes the following appeal to those /;
our Democratic friends who are so sad I
1er the disappointment Of the illustrious
n of New York:
"The Democrats feel very bad about the d
feat of Seward at Chicago. They mourn
m as the great Statesman, the high a
inded and noble Republican, whom they
,nted to rule over them for the next four q
ars. We sympathise with them in their I
liction. Our love for him is not bound
/, however, BY this year alone; the future 4