The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-11-11
Prospects Of the Cotton CROP.


The following letter, written by
Marsh Atkisson, Of the firm of Martin,
Gardner s. Co., viii be found interest
ing to our readers. Dir. Atkisson has
been travelling through the cotton
sections for some time, and is a close
observer:
SALTILLo, TENS, Nov. 8, 1869.
Having made an extensive trip
through the country adjacent to the
Tennessee River, as far south as
Florence, Alabama, and having
noticed particularly the condition Of
crops, business, &c, a few remarks in
relation thereto might be Of some
interest to your readers, especially the
wholesale trade of Evansville.
The cotton crop, from Eastport,
Miss, down the Tennessee River, [
am sorry to say, has fallen short, at
least one-fourth below the expeeta-
ton of the farmer. La some counties
in Tennessee, (Hardin and Hender-
SOM, not more than tW0-thirds of
crop viii be realized. The recent
cold weather and heavy frosts, IN
usual at this season of the year, have
caused this result. AS cotton is now
the staple Of this country, and upon
which the farmer relies, to purchase
his necessities and luxuries, this
short" together with the steady de-
cline in the staple. has caused rather
stagnation In business. at this par
tieular season.
The pea nut crop, the cultiva-
ton of which is becoming quite ex-
/ tensive IN this region Of country, has
also been materially effected from the
same causes. There is a great scare
ity of hogs also, through the region
| of country in which | have travelled.
But, whilst We regret the misfortunes
which have attended portion of the
crops of these people, We are made to
rejoice when We behold the large
| fields of corn. Your correspondent
has seen most Of the fine corn lands
in the United States, yet no has never
! seen a more abundant yield than there
! is this season in this country. AS
the crop planted was large, there will
be a great surplus, which must find
It's way to the markets and bring con-
siderable revenue to the planter.
In noticing the character and quail
ifcations of tn many men who are
engaged in mercantile business. l am
pleased to state that they are prudent
and very cautious. They evince a
| great desire to dispose of their mer-
| chandise, proposing to take IN ex-
change every kind of produce, for
which they offer the highest market
prices. Yet, as the present prices do
not meet the views Of the planters,
there is q great disposition to hold Z
for higher figures, which, as cOnse7
quence, rather staguates business as
| this present time.
| In the vicinity of Florence, Ala
bama, | am pleased to state, that the
crops are very fine, aad there will be
| a large Weld OF cotton and corn. The
Weld OF cotton is not only large. but
| the STAPLE" is as fine as ever grown In
this country. The merchants OF that
place buy all the cot which is Of
fered for sale il their market.
l was also pleased 70 note the many
changes which have taken place IN
Florence within the two years past.
Then, but few Of the business houses
we're occupied, and everything pre-
sented a dull and almost ifeless APP
pearauce. Now, when you enter the
" Young City" and see the many
wagons 6ischarging sheir cargoes of
cotton, and relosding with merchau-
die OF every description, and notice
the cheerful smiles and business-ike
move Of the merchants, and enjoy the
hospitality Of its citizens, (than whom
Ia more generous and hospitable people
| do not Iive), you are forced to con-
oluds it is destined to be a city of
considerable business important at
no distant day.
The fair at this place, which com
meneed on the I'd and closed on the
5th inst, was a complete and perfect
success. 1t was largely attended by
| its citizens aud those of the county,
as we'll as by strangers from abroad.
| The attendance of the fair sex was
very large, and Capt. j II. Swope, the
President Of the Association, and the
other officers, exerted themselves to
| give universal satisfaction.
Begging pardon for. being so
lengthy, Respectfully,