The New York herald., 1865-06-23
THE DEsoLATIoy dF VIRGINIA.


Our Esuquiey 6euyty Corrssponaense.
E90ouEa CouSTY, Va, June II, 1895.
- fRR on HORSEBACK
through the Sounsies Of Orange CulpsppsP and Ysu-
suier WITH distinguished cavalry ehaosr my oon-
pAnion has revealed 70 the fact that although ter
riby SCARED and desolated by the movements Of large
armies backwards and forwards for four years Of un
parasled warfare the lands generally have been I'm
proved by such season Of rest from cultivation and
now a the eye takes In from some spur Of the noun
tains the broad Of grass waving ripping and undu
lating over the fertile plains far - sight reach,
the feeling that In the land Of promise
comes back upon us, opening wide and well marked
though somewhat aborious pathway TO that wealth.
nnement and wholesome hospitality which have ever
been the distinguishing features Of this beautiful portion
Of the Old Dominion.
THE BROAD COMMONS OF VIRGINIA
With the exception Of small enclosures Of or two
acres, here and thore there is scarcely fence worthy
the name from the Rapdan 70 Bull run; and the fields
the pride Of the farmers hearts and shut in by
old landmarks obliterated bitches filed up, quarters
cornhouses and barns in ruins while the lone and black
encd chimneys Of the happy homestead stand like
some grim old sentries guard until the last.
THE LANDMARKS WAR.
The once majestic forests Of oak hickory, chestnut
and pine along the line Of the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad have disappeared and given place 10 the rude
hats and cabins improvised by the armies Of Lee and
Meade and instead Of whortleberrcs chinquepns and
chestnuts, kicks up old canteens, out KNAPP
sacks odd shoes bread boxes suggestive Of the neva-
BILE hard tack bayonet scabbards with here and there
stand Of grape ten FOUNDER Parrot SHE'LL and every
whore almost the hollow base ''iittle Mnies," who's
whstling tones 90 familiar to us ALL
THE DESTROYED VILLAGES
The village Of Raccoonford liz village no longer.
stevensburg is steveDsburg only the military maps
Brandy station Is brandy smash and all to pieces at
that and all along the route crossing and recrossng the
railroad, nothing where mans agency ID
lavish hand has bcngnly clothed the fields in waving
green. The air 10 soft and balmy, the glide
smoothly on regardless Of tho ruin around and all earth
and Heaven proclaim more forcby than ever the hand
that made us 10 divine.
are returning TO their once happy homes, after such
hardshps refugees only know and patching up
any outbuldlngs at hand for temporary residence,
until the "great house, Be rebuilt and former com
and earnest in their desire 70 something to live
upon and In Orange county they can be hired for their
food and quarters; but this does not pertain in
Culpcpper and Fauquier, where labor is scarce
and in demand, ~ nearly every negro-inan, woman
e hops an ey II M s
Of Alexandria and Washington. The supply, however,
will be equal and perhaps more than equal 10 the de-
tvate their lands but just there feeling of op-
preseve uncertainty banging every mans head, and
until courts are established magistrates sher survey
ORE commissioners &c, appointed, this feeling will
prevail and tend materially to retad the evelopment Of
the agricultural resources Of the country and Of that de-
sire to do their duty good and loyal citizens which
the sincere and hearty wish Of nnetenths of the people
Of Virginia. that the terrible struggle 10 over and
which has been decided finally against them The farm
ers need nearly every article necessary to successful
cultivation Of their lands and with but very limited
means Tor purchasing them, NO credit and entirely
new system OF labor TO contend with, the prob
lem Of success seems to be one Of difficult
solution; but with industry skill and integrity the
prolific soil will soon supply their wants, and in q few
years will scarcely be able TO recognize this the
classic battle ground or the celebrated armies Of the
Potomac and Northern Virginia
WANTED.
II 10 not the purpose Of your correspondent 10 touch
upon politics. for there other and interesting
subjects to the people Of these upper countless but
will not be out Of place TO say here that the great need
Of this upper country is law and the administration OF
In It's various branches ard with this secured feeling
Of contentment will give zest 70 the industry, the
energy the skill and the vim with which viii 90 10
work to make this splendid country the gar
den spot Of Virginia