Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-03-27
Letter from Stanntnn

we read with a great deal of interest the fol-
lowing letter to the editors of the Richmond
Dispatch, which breathes forth the true spirit
Of our people struggling to retrieve their shat
tered fortunes. We take pleasure in inserting
it In our issue.
STAUNToN, March Is, 1866.
A1cSsrs. Editors Since | last wrote you,
while the politicians have been quarreling, our
old town has been improving, and the region a.
round rapidly recuperating. From all | can
learn, conclude that this fair valley, which
suffered so heavily during the war, is regaining
Its pristine prosperity more rapidly than any
other portion OF the late Confederacy. This is
due partly to our enterprising population, part
~ to the popularity and excellence of the soil,
and partly to the supply Of good labor At all
events, our farmers are pitching large crops, and
putting up substantial improvements, all seem
ing to feel that, however uncertain the future,
there Is little danger Of another raid
Among the buildings going up, or to be at
once commenced here, are two large foundries
and a manufacturing mill DR.. Madison, late
surgeon OF the Virginia Military Institute, is
erecting TOR his own residence a tasteful cottage
on the summit of the outrageous hill imme-
dlately fronting the passenger depot
George L.. Peyton Il Co. have just leased for
term OF years the famous Virginia Hotel prop
erty, and will open it to the travelling public In
a few days. As the hotel has lust been thor
oughly remodelled and handsomely refurnished,
and will be kept by real Virginia gentleman,
and a man who understands the business, feel
sure that he will enjoy a large and increasing
patronage.
In former letter I referred to the Lunatic
Asylum at this place. I would now say that
the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution, hav-
ing re-entered its fine building, so long used as
a military hospital, is now in regular operation,
and is receiving frequent additions to its pupils
1t certainly presents many advantages | have
just learned with pleasure that my old friend
JOB TURNER, for over quarter of century an
instructor IN the institution, proposes to receive
a limited number of deaf mute children into his
family, to receive his private tuition and to en-
no doubt succeed in building up a good school
On this plan, and be thus a benefactor to the
unfortunate class whom he proposes to serve
For the sake OF humanity, | would send this
notice as far and wide as the Dispatch travels.
There are at this time two claimants for the
pulpit Of the Methodist Church here-one, in
possession, from the late Alexandria Confer
ence; the other hang from the Baltimore
body learn that the latter does not intend to
make fuss, but will await legal decision.
[ but utter the sentiment Of my heart when [
say that the Dispatch is the peoples paper
| am glad to see it comparatively ignoring poll
tics, and devoting itself to the moral, education
al ana material interests Of the country. [ am
myself firm believer in glorious future of our
old State; and am contented to stay here, re-
pair my shattered fortunes, educate my children
and grandchildren, and bide my time Surely
one can afford to do this; especially if he is
hopeful Of ultimately going to "a better coun-
try" Yours,