The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-06-29
letter from Southwestern Virgtnka.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dlspstch.l

letter from Southwestern VIrstDsg,
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dlspstch.1
PULASKI COUNTY, June 26, 1871. 5.
Engagements of professional Character
having recently called me to pass through
the counties of Pulaski, Wythe, Smyth.
and Washington, have thought that few
5ottlngs by the way might prove not unac-
reputable to you'll we'll know the interest
The Dispatch takes in the development of
the material wealth Of Southwest Virginia.
emporium an imperfo Is the fitting designa-
tonof this happy land of Canaan land
swell watered," !" !" with fiocks and herds. y
: out of whose mountains come forth iron,
and from whose hills you may dig brass -
"a land flowing With milk and honey" r.,
THE ANCIENT TOWN OF ABINGDON,
venerable alike from its history, It's distin-
Ruished children, and its literary iDstitu-
tlons- presents evidences of business, thrift,
ana energy that are gratifying. The sound
or the hammer is heard, and the rubbish
OF Drick and mortar In many places shows
q spirit OF Improvement. A large and
handsome brick hotel is rapidly approach
ing completion, which will be an ornament
and an honor to the.place, while the court
house, near the centre of the town, is an
imposing building, and one of the hand
soonest halls Of justice in Virginia.
Abingdon is rapidly becoming
TOWN OF FEMALE SCHOOLS,
three institutions being in successful oper-
alton, and Il fourth about to be organized.
The Catholics have convent, the Metho-
dists college. and the Presbyterians III in
stitlite. The fourth, under the patronage
of the Episcopal Church, will be q semi
nary.
A stranger is at once attracted by the
beautiful and ample grounds of the
MARTHA WASHINGTON COLLEGE, ,
and the large and handsome buildings. The
institution is manned by an able corps OIL
instructors, and though it must ieel keenly
the loss Of its President, Rev. K. Arbogast,
who removes to Kentucky, his place will
doubtless be we'll filled.
1t was my privilege while in Abingdon tc
attend the examinations and closing eXer
cises Of the
sToNEwALL JACKSON INSTITUTE"
under the presidency Of Rev. S. D. Stuart
It may not perhaps become me to speak o
the character of the examinations or of The
evidence OF thoroughness Of instruction or
the part Of the faculty. or of the diligence
and proficiency Of the young ladies', being
stranger and q visitor. But l may say, tina
the report of the committee of gentlemen
who attended the examination (of Whlct
Prof. Longley, OF Emory and Henry Col
lege, was q member), comments III th'
highest terms both instructors and stu
dents. their faithfulness, scholarship, ant
advancement. Special commentator wa
made of the thoroughness and fidelity witt
which the solid and standard branches O
education were impaired and received
Such high testimonials might indeed be eX
pected when are taken into consideration
the advantages afforded in the instruction
of Its abe corps Of eminent teachers.
On Wednesday night was literary festi
| val, at which time chosen representative
of the graduating class read essays. Th
young ladies acquitted themselves wit.
great credit, especially considering the try
| ing ordeal, and the compositions were no
only well written, but generally remarks
bly, we'll read.
THE ANNUAL ADDRESS
| was delivered by Rev. James D. Thoma;
of Wytheville, and occupied three. quarter
of an hour in delivery. The orators sui
ject was "Higher Female Education" an
| the discussion eyinced taste, delicacy IN
ability. He spoke with earnestness, and {
times with eloquence. The speaker paid
most graceful ana touching trlDule 10 I'll
memory of the gifted Col. JAS. w. Hume:
who had been chosen the orator of the OF
casion, and whose untimely death Virgini
mouriiS. More than once did he win tn
highest laurels of an attentive audience b
heartfelt tears or merry laughter.
THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
took place on Thursday night and th
concert, under the conduct Of Prof. Ernc'
W. Rau and Miss Peterman, was Il sourc
Of pleasure to the large audience assen
bled. Many of the pieces deserve speci:
mention but cannot tarry longer, lool
ing ever in memory at the galaxy OF you'll
beauty, and happiness that adorned I'll
stage. A large graduating class 60 forth
the 1irst-born daughters of this institution
any many tears Qhe sincere tribute of n
ture to eloquence) fell rs the beautiful val
dictory addresses were read by the accon
nli>hed graduate upon whom the hone
fell.
one word more about the concert
word Of censurc after commendation III
exercises on Thursday night were, like th
| letter, entirely too long. Your correspon
| ent, however, may add the hearty EXPIRE
sion of his own feelings, echoiDg back u
| repeated remarks of others-that this i
stitulion not only should be, but is a tlttlr
monument to Stonewall Jackson. STA.