The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-28
LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM
COUNTY.
NoKEsv1LLE, Oct. 2sd, 1871.
Especial Correspondence OF the State Journal,l


The country around Nokesville is more
level than at Manassas, but is covered with
the same chocolate colored clay soil, which
here shows to such fine advantage in the
splendid farm of Col. Snow, about one mile
from the station.
Col. Snow is an old resident, and
has one of the best improved farms
we have seen in Virginia. His build
ings are commodious and well-arranged,
and his fences models Of strength and
iieatness-those along the road being
white-washed, and contrasting pleasantly
with the green of the meadows and the
wastes of the broom-sedge and old field
pine, through which we had ridden for
miles. Our meeting at Nokesvllle was
not largely attended, but very orderly and
pleasant. The Democratic candidates for
the Legislature, Purcell and Lewis, were
present. Mr.. Rounds, our candidate for
The Legislature, and Colonel Daniels, cam,
didate for the State Senate, were adver-l
tised to speak. 3liagfe
After discussion of Republican princi-
pies by Colonel Daniels, the Democratic
candidates were requested to speak, but de-
clined till Mr.. Rounds had spoken. Mr..
Rounds made telling speech, exposing the
ing the school system and the county organi-
zation, and showing the incapacty Of the
Conservative party to administer the govern
ment. lie was answered by Mr.. Purcell,
who admitted most of what was said on the
Republican side, but maintained that Radi-
calism was fearful engine, crushing and
destroying everything, and that it must first
be destroyed. He was with us III prin-
ciple and sentiment except our Radicallsm.
This Radicalism was fearful thing, but
precisely what it means, our friend did not
say. lie announced himself as a liberal
Conservative, and certainly treated us IA the
kindest and most courteous manner. We
went on to Brentsvlle for an evening meet
ing, but found q very interesting religious
meeting in progress, under the auspices OF
brother Boyne, young Methodist preach
er Of great power, from Manassas. Not
wishing to interfere with the deep religious
impression prevailing there, the appoint
mcnt was postponed. Here we spent the
night with that sterling Republican, Isaac
p. Baldwin, who has a large farm which
he is steadily improving by the pasturage
and iudicous management. Mr.. baldwin
and several of his Republican neighbors
lave been the objects of Democratic
hatred for some years, for their steady
loyalty and adhesion to principle. a
series Of political suits were instituted
against them two years ago. designed to
annoy and drive them FROM the county.
These suits were kept hanging over
them for two years, but by the
able management Of MIR. Rounds,
counsel for the defense, they were at last
brought to trial, and the cowardly prose-
cntors defeated before a Southern jury.
The day is past for this kind Of persecution,
even in Prince William county.
After a delightful night, spent with Mr..
Baldwin and his excellent aud accomplished
lady, we proceeded through the county by
Rrentsyille. Here we met Major Thornton,
the efficient Superintendent of schools for
this county, who is actively engaged in the
good work Of education. We noticed
throughout Prince William large poppla-
ton with no schools for their children. Major
Thornton has a grand field to distinguish
himself in, and we think the county is iortu-
nate in procuring the services of so good a
man. ssfa skiseg 4la