Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-01-05
Correspondence.

| place, where we arrived on the evening of
the 4th; and as a number of the citizens of
Clearfeld county,as well other portionss.of
Pennsylvania, are becoming interested in
the progress and developement of this
southern country, | propose to give few
| ideas in relation to its present condition and
future prospects, compared with its past.
This once beautiful city, like many others
similarity situated, was almost depopulated
during the war. Nearly all the public build
ings, and very many fine private residences
were destroyed, while the surrounding coun-
try suffered materially from the ravages of
armed bands, disconnected from the main
armies, pursuing each other, alternately fol-
lowing in each others wake, consuming and
despoiling what had thus far escaped.
But these losses and difficulties were local,
while there we're others that were general in
their character and results.
First, by the celebrated emancipation
proclamation of President Lincoln and the
14th amendment, 100000 slaves were
freed, which at an average value of S400
per head, swept from the capital of the
country, (precarious capital though it was)
at one fell swoop, sixteen hundred millions
of dollars.
Secondly, and worse even, was the loss of
their currency, as gentleman remarked in
conversing upon the subject to-day:
1--WE could have stood the loss of our
slaves, without feeling it much, but the loss
sustained by the depreciation Of our curren-
cy was what ruined US. In addition to this
many had contracted debts which caused
still greater embarrassment.
All these circumstances combined neces-
sarily left the people financially in crippled
condition.
rance did not at once appreciate the import
ant results which must follow so sudden a
transition from the condition of chat.els, to
that of men entrusted with the rights and
privileges of citizens. And during the first
year after the close of the war, but few g.
mong them we're willing to work, choosing
rather to congregate in the towns and live
upon the donations Of the government, dis
tributed by the Freedmen's Bureau, or by
pilfering.
The second and third years showed some
signs of improvement among that class,
some were willing to work, and soon found
employment, which proved so advantageous
to them that others soon followed their ex-
ample, and the next year marked an era of
progress which is destined to be fraught
with important results. The great want
here now, is capital and energy to stimulate
business, in order that all these willing Ia
berers may be proftably employed. A great
change has been wrought, the transition
state has passed, and the blacks as a class
appreciate their changed condition as is
shown by their eagerness to have their chill
dren educated, and to become owners of
property themselves.
The past year has produced a favorable
change, the cotton and corn crops, though
materially injured by the drought in many
localities, were in this county (Pasquotank)
comparatively good, judging from the a.
mount of those staples which are being week
| ly shipped from this port.
The snfax of emigration from the North,
/ (mostly men of energy and means) together
with determination en- the part of native
residents whose means viii warrant it, to
| join In and help to build up the waste
Places afford great encouragement. Already
there arc twelve families from Pennsylvania
alone, settled in and near this city, most of
whom have purchased property and some
quite extensively engaged IN business, all
within the past twelve months; number
of others have been here to see the country,
purchase property, and gone for their fami-
| lies The cordial welcome extended to all
such, by most of the people here, is fea-
ture which cannot be ignored, and begets
confidence that our fine climate and superior
soil, with our many navigable rivers, and
close proximity to the sea, affordng such
great facilities for trade with the outside
world our splendid fisheries; our exten-
sive forests of excellent timber, together with
the present price of land, must tend to in
vite here continued emigration, which will
eventually cause this beautiful, sunny South
land to bloom and blossom like the rose.
| Will bring all the waste lands into cultiva
ton improve those now cultivated: intro
duce the mower and reaper, with various
other improvements of husbandry; build up
factories, Touring mills and machine shops,
and connect by rail the vast interior with
| the sea coast, that our increasing mineral
and agricultural productions throughout
this and our neighboring States, may ind
ready outlet tn market Eventually binding
us together as the people of one common
couatry, North, South, East and West,
having but one destiny and one purpose, the
greatest good to the greatest number.
The health of the place Is good The
weather beautiful in the extreme No
snow yet this season, and but light frosts.
Farmers are busy preparing the ground Tor
early spring crops. j. r.