The colored Tennessean., 1866-03-24
NOTES By THE WAY.
Florence, ALA, March 16, 1896.

have, during the past week, certainly
had new facts with which TO enrich
their peculiar science. The books tell
us that there are, in the North Tenn
perate Zone, four seasons, and they
have presumed to state during which
months of the year each of the sea-
sons comes. But, either we do not
live in said division of the earth, or
else the works on climatology sadly
need to be q revised and corrected
Here, we have had Winter on Monday,
Spring on Tuesday, Summer on Wed
nesday, and Autumn on Thursday.
The weather has been tickle and
changeable as woman.
The town of Florence is rightly
named, being one Of the most beauti-
fully located places we have ever seen.
1t is situated on the right bank of the
Tennessee river, and from the eleya-
ton Of it's site and pure water from
its hillside springs, cannot be other
than healthy and desirable locality.
The scenery in the vicinity of the
town, is beautiful, even with the gloom
Of winter still around it. Stretching
away to the northward, is the broad
Tennessee, whose south bank is over
looked by precipice one hundred
feet high, extending for miles down
the river, forming wall of natures
masonry, and the whole affording a
view at once grand and delightful to
the spectator. In the river near here,
are two islands, one Of which is under
cultivation, it being about seven miles
in length.
No place, in proportion to its size,
has suffered the devastation and des-
truction of property, which this place
has suffered. The finest buildings
were destroyed, yet, the town has
many attractions Notwithstanding,
Florence bids fair to become the most
fourishing town in Northern Alaba-
ma, having the advantage of its neigh
Dor, Tus cumbia, in everything that
goes to make mp commercial place.
A great loss was suffered in the
burning Of the bridge over the Ten
nessee, at this point, and travellers are
compelled to use the hazardous and
inconvenient method of crossing in
the ferry boat. We learn that the
bridge will be replaced within a year
from this time
The colored people of this town
are, upon an average, doing better
than in any place we have yet visited.
Not single idler is to be seen on the
streets. Every one seems to have
something to do. There seems to be
good feeling between the whites and
the freedmen, and instances of trouble
are very rare. There are no troops
stationed here, and the common sense
way in which the citizens act toward
the freedmen, induces the belief that
there is need of none. Laborers are
doing better, perhaps, in this section,
and are receiving higher wages than
in most other counties. The sub
commissioner of the .Freedman's Bu-
reau at Florence, is Captain C. A.
Tingy, gentleman every way quail
fed for the position, and who takes a
deep interest in the welfare of the
freedmen. f.,- --tl
Colored men Of this place are rap
idly acquiring homes and independ-
ence. Numbers of, them are in good |
business and are making money. The
best livery stable in the town and the
one which does about all the business,
is owned by a colored man, Mr. Rush
Patton, an old citizen of Nashville. |
To this gentleman and his family, we
are indebted for numerous kindnesses.
Mr.. Patton has consented to act as
agent for the Tenaesseaa, and citizens
of Florence and vicinity can subscribe
for our paper or transact any other
business, through him.
The schools at this point are in
charge of Mr.. Mears and lady. Quite
a number of pupils are in attendance,
who seem to be making good pro
gress. o. M. W.