Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-04-26
For the Spectator.
HONEY GROVE, Texas, /
March 3lst. 1870.

Mr.. EDITOR Upon leaving the land Of
our home and friends, among the lovely High
lands OF Virginia, We promised to submit
short communication though your columns
which might be of interest to those who may
wish to seek their fortunes in the Star State.
We are now stopping at lovely and attrac
tive village, whose name we'll accords with the
beautiful and attractive scenery by which it is
surrounded: Many years ago the celebrated
Davie Crockett passed through this country on
his way to San Antonio. Then this was wild
waste of forest and plain, with only pioneer
here and there, living upon the spontaneous
productions of the wild frontier.
From one of these Crockett procured bot
tie of whiskey and in grove near by he found
bee tree. Thinking that whiskey and honey
might be made harmoniously to combine, he
at once struck camp by the margin of silvery
brook, which yet flows beside the blooming
grove. There in Bacchanalian revels the night
was passed, and Honey Grove given as a name
to the romantic place.
Unfortunate Crockett! He pursued his
journey to San Antonio, from whence he re-
turned no more. There in combat with the
blood-thirsty Mexican he madly threw his life
away, leaving name that long will live upon
the page Of his country's story.
At this season OF the year Texas possesses
many attractions for the stranger. The face of
the country consisting Of richest soil is inter-
spersed with a variety of pleasing scenes,
which are of continual interest to the admirer
of nature loneliness
At times the travellers path may lie through
an extended prairie, without tree or shrub to
wave its branches in unison with the sea of
grass and flowers that bend to the passing
breeze and cast their fragrance on the balmy
air. Upon these broad prairies may be seen
immense herds of cattle and horses that quiet
ly Craze the year away and live without the
care or attention of man.
Here and there neat little country cottage
appears, bespeaking the abode of rural love
and happiness, whilst wild flowers in beauty
round it breathe, Occasionally sivery pond
or lake inhabited with variety of the most beau
tiful fish, CLEANS In the distance, and as the in
truder approaches, flock of geese or ducks
may arise from its ripping bosom and lave
their azure plnlons in the calm light Of day
Or again he may watch the flying feet of
herd OF deer as they move across the grassy
plain, whilst hocks Of prairie chickens and wild
turkeys are continually rising before him, ma
king the air vocal with the sound Of their re-
treating wings, as they disappear in the dim
distance and are seen no more.
At times the whole country is succession of
verdant lawn and grove continually varied in
extent, form and surface, embellished with con-
tinual glimpses Of limpid waters, from foun-
tains, brooks and streams, that often flow by
the way, presenting scenes of SURPRISING love-
illness, such as nature rarely reveals to the ad-
miring gaze Of the traveller. These brooks and
streams wherever found are shaded by forest
trees OF live oak, cotton wood and cypress,
whilst towering vines hang trailing from tree
to tree and festoon the forests brow with rich
and gaudy wreaths of Floras brightest hue
Mingling with these may be seen the misle
toe-that classic shrub, whose brilliant ever
green leaves CLEAN In gorgeous beauty through
the sivery strands of long grey moss that are
frequently suspended from the forrest branches
and drape the whole scene in garb of mclan-
choly loneliness
But many are the attractions of Texas besides
the beauties and harmonies of nature. The
soil is the most productive in the world and can
be obtained for, from ST. to $40 per acre, offer
ing every lnducement to emlgrants Money is
far more abundant here than In any other Of
the Southern States, and gold is the only cur
rency in circulation, greenbacks being known
only as an article of commercial value. Farm
hands can get from $25 to $50 per month, and
mechanics may make from $3 to Sc per day
All who work can make money here, and if
they use proper energy and industry may ac-
quire fortune in few years.
The professions are all we'll filled, but by men
of but little talent. Those who use diligence
and application are acquiring wealth and fame
yet those who do justice to their profession are
rarely found.
1t is enough to say that this broad and fer
tile country is only waiting for population,
when she will be the Empire State of the
Union, If the Union then may be.
Those who emigrate now can procure lands
on the lowest TERMS and soon they may gather
around them the luxuries and comforts of life
o,,1 ho L., -,
coming evening Of age.
Yet it must be said that politically Texas is
in deplorabe condition. The country is
ruled by horde of petty tyraats,. who, In the
name of sacred liberty commit the most afro
cious and ungodly crimes against peaceful and
unofendipg citizens Upon the slightest prov
ocation men are thrown into prison and per-
haps loaded with chains, whilst the reporter
and perhaps guilty party, if he belongs to the
Radical element, is lauded for his noble deed
We know some counties where military orders
are in force, requiring mercantile houses to be
closed at 6 clock in the evening and opened
at the same hour In the morning, under penal
ty of heavy fine and Imprisonment There
was an instance short time since where pre-
scription for dying man was sent to a Drug
Store on Sunday. But military order preven-
ted the house from being opened. The physi-
clan implored the Lieutenant tyrant in the
name of mercy to allow the Store, for once, to
be opened, but the stern reply was-''I never
countermand orders. . The patient died for
the want of the medicine, leaving posterity to
reproach this military satrap with his murder.
These are stern facts, yet we may fondly hope
that the day is not far distant when quiet may
be restored to our distressed country-when
this temporary physical oppression must yield
to the power Of mind, and dove-eyed peace
again brood over "the land we love. l-E -@e
MONTANTIS