The Portland daily press., 1865-10-16

Letter from our Travelling Correspondent
pt ROCHESTER,, N. H., Oct. ~, 1865.
To the Editor of the Press
This beautiful and thriving village has been
a marked exception to the general prostration
and business dearth which has fallen on most
manufacturing towns during the past four years.
The extensive woolenm mills here have been tax
edto their utmost capacity insupplying the de-
mand for army goods. During portion Of
the time two sets efhands were employed and
the mills were run both night and day. Since
the close of the REBELLION, things have re-
yerted to their old channels, and all is busy in
supplying the regular demand for peaceful
consumption. Several new mills have been
erected during the past three years and
another very large and fine one is nearly COM
pieted. Just at the present great annoyance
is experienced from the scarcity of water con-
sequent on the drought, and but a very small
portion of the machinery'is kept in operation.
The prosperity which has attended the shoe
business in this place has been in equal con-
trast with the experience of other places. The
pluck and energy of the Messrs.s Wallace en-
abled them to continue operations when al
most every other concern in the county had
shut down. They have reaped the reward of
heir foresight and have now on hand orders.
nue. in advance of their manufactured stock
The recent change of name OF the York &c
Cumberland E. r. to that of Portland and
Rochester r. r., and its proposed early compile
lion fbic NJ &c hla OF.
IGNITION among the business men here. There
seems but one opinion among all well inform
ed men; viz. that the proposed extention will
prove greatly to the advantage ofPortland and
ofthis section OF New Hampshire. Many of
lhe merchants here, say "give us ready COM
nunication with Portland and we sha IL buy
all our goods there in preference to go
ing to Boston for them" Not only is this
the feeling here, but in all the extensive coun-
ty above On the line of the Cocheco and Con-
way Roads. The business on both these lines
passes directly through this place, and by prop
er and judicious management may be nearly
all directed to your city instead Of passing on
to Boston. 1t is earnestly to be hoped that
this matter will receive that attention from
your merchants and capitalists which its i'm
portance merits.
Theusual quiet and reposs Of the citizens here
was somewhat disturbed to-day by the alarm of
fire. The bakery of Mr.. Frank Moore was
discovered 10 be in flames, for a little time the
high wind prevailing threatened an extern
siye con1agration. The exertions of the two
FIRE companies, aided by the citizens and
the usual amountof shouting and incoherent
ordering by women and portly magnates, con-
lined the flames to the building first involved.
Mr.. Moore's loss is about $780, The building
vas owned by Mr.. Walter Hodgdon and was
July insured.
The short but heavy rain of last night indi-
Gates that "the drought is broken" and that
the cry Efor rain viii no longer go up from the
he land. While write the north wind is
whistling about the windows and the chilly
air reminds one that summer is over" and
sthe wintry days are coming" The trees
have assumed their autumn attire ,rivalling in
briIliancy and gorgeous eoloring the finest
works of art Winter comes apace. S.