Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-11-19

Especial Correspondence of Cincinnati Gazette
Topography and Scenery of the Kan.
awha Valley-Its Importance
4 Charloston-Its Sufferings from
War. IS .z--Ea
CHARLESTON, kanawha Co., Va,
Friday, Oct. 81.
Words fail TO express my admiration OF
this beautiful valley. | cannot imagine
a disposition of hill and vale, of river and
ravine more charming. There is but lit
tie Of the magnificent, or that which pro-
duees in the beholder a sense Of the sub
lime, as he gazes on the extended plain
and the picturesque hillsides in whatever
direction he may turn; but there is. at
present, quiet beauty on which the low
er of nature dwells with inexpressible de-
light.
Yesterday, furnished by the kindness
and politeness of General Cox with one
of his fine horses, galloped into this part
of this valley, too rapidly to admire all,
even, of its superficial beauties; but to-
day | have spent visiting the encamp-
ments of the Sixteenth and Forty-second.
renewing Cumberland Gap acquaintances
and talking over past "reminiscences. ALI
were disposed to institute a comparison
between the hills, valleys and mountains
of Kentucky and Tennessee, and those
OF the Kanawha, much to the disparage-
mept of the former. However, our pres
ent contemplatiOns have been very favor
able, enjoying as we have most delight
ful and balmy atmosphere, much more
like that of June than the expiring hours |
of October.
That your correspondent may not be
deemed extravagant in his praises of the
lovely valley, you will permit him to give
q brief outline of its natural beauties.
" The Kanawha oughtto be ranked among
oqf great rivers. Its principal branch
lakes Its rise near the southern line of
DID Sirginia-far tothesouth of the great
railroad, connecting Tennessee and Vir-
gInia. 1t flows through half score of
counties before it reaches the Ohio. One
1t its tributaries-the Elk, flows through
our counties, and at its junction with
he Kanawha, forms a point on which
tands the little city of Charleston. On
he left bank of the Kanawha, opposite &
charleston, the bottom land is quite mar
ow, but the hills rise gradually and pre- !
ent beautiful slopes OF pasturing and
Iood-land. Standing on one of these
iopes, looking OFT to the east and north,
'efore you the Elk appears wide, placid l
tream. On your left stretches out I
road, high piece of rich bottom extend
ne down the Kanawha indefinitely, and
Ip the Elk, before you for several miles.
lore than LOCO acres are under your eve
estitute of any valuable improvements. n
nd much of it like virgin prairie. On :
Pc LEFT bank OF the Elk, andan the night Ii
f the Kanawha, Charleston exhibits her +
Elf, stretching up the bank of the latter p
'r mile. On both sides of the Elk and r,
p and down the KanaWha, as far as the n
ye can reach, the hills rise gradually .,
'om the rich bottom lands till they as &
lme the proportions of high elevations, n
ct frequently broken by raYines and the Il.
lndings of the river, so that they appear h
: hills of various conformations. Below n,
he Elk there are fineresidences, nesting y,
I'D half hidden among the forest trees Ii
. the graceful rolls and beautiful slopes =
sing from the broad intervals TO which fl,
1ference has already been made. Be n
cath the surface zealand salt in mex Il,
austible quantities abound. With such he
soil and climate, with abundance of the en-
nest timber of all kinds, and all the ap- 10
iances necessary for carrying on all kinds m
manufacturing, the people should be ar
e most happy and prosperous on the on
ODE. But We look in vain for any kind ms
business but that really thrust upon br
e people by their present absolute ne ab
ssities. ...'' mr.