The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1870-02-04
LETTER FROM FLORIDA.
JAoksovvIIIB FA., January Is, l87(

JAUkbONh4lsIb Il AZ OduudL FdJg 4otVs
FHRND FERGUSON:
am not apt to forget friends or disregard
their wishes. You wished me to write to you
after 1 had arrived in the land Of flowers. 1
arrived here on the 10th of Dec having left n.
7. on the llth, in the Steam Ship San Salvad-
Of, for Savannah. Arrived at Savannah on
the evening of the l4th; had a very pleasant
passage out, a good Ship and well oficered,
and pleasant company ON board. find
great change in this city. 1t has improved very
much and is still improving. THERE'S but few
old landmarks left, in the way of houses and
stores, but am perfectly astonished, to find
so many OF pg old acquaintances living, very
few Of the heads of families have died durin g
my absences period Of eight years and eight
months, Many of the young men and boys
were killed, in the war. One young man told
me that he was one OF six that came hack, out
Of company of 100.
There is no place that seems so much like
home, as this. When was approaching this
city, imagined felt like a boy that had
been absent from home, and was soon expect
ing to meet his relatives and friends. I must
say that Inever met with such warm recep-
ton before, and this strengthens my attach
ment to the State. think shall spend the
balance Of my days here, let them be few or
many. There are great many strangers here
from all parts of the Country, East and West,
and still they come. Every boat that arrives
brings new supply. Many OF them come to
escape the gold of the North, over winter, ana
some OF then. come to locate permanently but
good share Of them are in pursuit of health.
Some of them are benefited by the change
such as are not too far gone; others come here,
50 far advanced in consumption, that they are
scarcely able to sit up. Such as those leave
home to die among strangers.
have lnads up my mind not tq try to per-
suade any one to come here TO settle, but viii
sy to those that are disgusted with cold dis
agreeable climate, to come here and see for
themselves. If it suits them well and good, If
it don't, they can look farther. But I will
assure them, they will find no better climate
under our flag. have had an opportunity OF
hearing many opinions about this city, and
its surroqpdings. Some visitors seem to be
perfectly delighted and happy, as people can
be, in this world; while few others can see
nothing that suits them. Such as those 1 ad-
wise to leave, for think they were born in
bad humor, and will continue so to the end.
I expect yolswould like to hear something a.
bout the products OF the country, ! think, #
any one wishes to farm it here, sugar cane is
the most profitable and certain crop. Itnever
fails, if planted on good land. No insect
seems to disturb it, IN any way. Oranges are
doing very wed, ef lAts, ! think much better
than they did, when formerly resided here.
The only way 1 can account for it is this, that
they pay more attention to the trees, by en-
riching the s9iI, and kreniqg the ground clear
of weeds, Oranges sell her at wholesale, q
1925 to $500 per hundred.
To give you some idea OF the weather here,
1 will say, that / found it so warm walking,
to day, that felt like shedding some of my
winter clothing. am writing this letter with
the windows as wide open as I can get them,
and find it warm enough. Yesterday, the ther=
mometor stood at p iii the shade, and TO day
it is IS, and looks like a continuation OF the
same kind of weather.
have had talk with some Northern men,
who have Just returned from the middle and
Western part of the State They say It is the
handsomest country in the South. The land is
rolling and very productive. One of the party
q Western man, told me that he saw land in
Jeffersonia County, that was equal to bottom
lands Of the sSiota, or the Black Swamp Of
Ohio This land can be bought in large lots,
under fence, with fair buildings from to 10
dollars per acre. qhey say the climate is hne
and healthy.
! think the time is not far distant, when the
principle product Of Florida will be sugar.
Much Of the soil, and certainly the climate, is
well adapted to its growth. The cropis certain
and the profits are large. I am credibly in
formed that the yield is from two to five hund-
red dollars per acre.
must not close my lsiteE, without making
some mention of the colored population. In
the first place, must say that think they arc
the hsppiest creatures on Gods footstool.
They enjoy life better, III their humble way,
than the whites do, that are rolling in wealth,
and luxury. Some of the black societies para
ded the streets, on New Years day, and they
did themselves credit. Their conduct and APP
pearance were good. They were dressed i'll
black broadcloth, with blue sashes, and shiney
boots. They are very respectful and many of
them are trying to better their condition,
while others prefer hunger and rags, to labor
The latter class am told, is reryfoad Of frech
pork. When any one Of that class meets a pig,
in the rural districts, he claims him, without
regard to marks. Black laborers can be hired
for sl,25 per day, and they ind themselves.
have seen but very little dissipation among
the blacks, but occasionally see one that feels
exceedingly happy, from the effects Of liquor.
1t don't sesm to make them quarrelsonle I
will conclude, hoping this viii find you and
family in good health.
Respectfully yous
]. J.. RIPLEY
Voorhees, recently ventilated the views OF
the Indiana Democracy Cd the national debt
He clearly demonstrated that his party had |