Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-04-26
A Letter from the Sunny Sonlh.
sHUoUALAK. NTss- AnriI 1s IN

sHUQUALAK, Miss, April Is, 1871.
DEAR CHRoNICLE:-Having derived
much pleasure through the columns of
your worthy sheet, 1 have ventured TO
intrude upon its readers, thinking it
might be interesting 10 them 10 hear
something from this section Of Missis-
sippi. I left Ohio in December last.
when all nature seemed buried in that
delightful element-snow I; and YOU can
imagine the change experienced as we
neared this sunny cline. We spent
ONE lime in beautiful Cincinnati, and
when compelled to bid adieu to old
Ohio, it was with mingled feelings OF an
ticipatiUn and regret. We crossed the
river, and aboard the L. c. & L. r. r.,
rapidly continued our journey to Louis
vile, enjoying the beautiful scenery
along The route. But here our hitherto
good fortune was reversed. On leaving
the train to go to the Nashville depot,
one Of our number left his carpet bag
an article so necessary in this country in
order to gain respect and position, and
without which one feels every empty
handed, as we heardou friend remark
lin the car. Despite the search, we
were unable to get any clue TO the pre-
cious carpet bag.
Our ride through Kentucky was very
romantic attention frequently
directed to the immense peach orchards
aud numerous log cabins so novel to US.
Passing through Bowling Green, KY,
and other places. the names Of which
were familiar to US in time Of war, and
where yet may be seen ruins Of old for
tifcations, we preached Humboldt, Tenn,
Just in time TO take the train on the
Mobile and Ohio Railroad, southwark
bound, thus causing us no delay and
were soon greeted by our well known
conductor, Mr.. Robins, and in our sur
prise and delight at meeting friend
the sad feelings occasioned by Il mis-
fortune passed away. AtJackson, Tenn,
one of our number left us. consequently
the remainder of the evening was spent
in meditation and reflection, and at II,
P. NJ, we arrived at ShuQualak. The
route through Mississippi lays princi-
pally through low, msrshy land, and tho
railroad stations are very inferior to the
thriving little towns on the Western
Reserve.
Ballard Plantation is the most beauti-
full place 1 have seen in this part of the
country, being at a distance Of six miles
from S~buqualak, a small town, although
there Is considerable business done, it
being the only shipping point in this
vicinity. Macon, the county seat, is also
six miles from the place, crossing the
Noxubee river by means Of ferry boat.
This plantation, owned by a party from
the old Buckeye State, is quite exten-
sive, comprising about ,0OOaeres ofland.
The house is a large, two-story, frame
| building, the style and architecture be-
ing entirely southern. 4 little balcony
above commands a very fine view Of the
surrounding country. To the east,
about half a mile, are the Quarters, as
they are called, a collection OF log cabins,
the homes of the freedmen. There is a
gin house, cotton press, corn mill, black
smith and carpenter shop OF the place ;
the cotton, gin and corn mill being run
by an engine, doing a great amount OF.
work. There is much valuable pine
timber, extensive orchards, both peach
and apple, with quantities Of small fruit,
such As figs, grapes, Strawberries and
raspberries; also 4 dne yard and flower
garden containing several varieties Of
rare s~hrubbery and choice flowers. OF
the monthly rose there are thirty varie-
ties, blossoming nearly every month
during the year. The magnolia, Grape
myrtle and holly are beautiful trees
peculiar to this warm climate. The
Spanish dagger. a plant OF tropical ma
ture, exeites the wonder and admiration
OF all who see il.
Nj. Us Douglas, Of GAINESVILLE, Ohio.
came here in March, and is engaged in
erecting a steam saw mill, which will be
very beneficial to the surrounding
try, being the only one in this vicinity.
The colored people, as a general thing,
are industrious, and seem anxious to
improve the opportunities afforded them.
The free school system, their only saliva
ton, is working admirably. There has
been some reluctance on the part of the.
whites to teach the cOlored schools, but
it is gradually wearing away. Many
northern teachers, Of superior qualifca-
tons, are coming into the field Of labor,
and I think the effect a desirable one.
The friends OF education feel very hope
full for the future, and think the good
that will be reaped in the rising genera
ton will fully compensate for all diff
fculties to be overcome. a colored
school of sixty members was taught on
the plantation during the winter, and
with great success. Alter a few weeks
vacation it was reopened, numbering
about twenty-five in regular attendance.
There is a grand opening in the south
for many departments Of labor and its
delightful climate, so well adapted to
Embarrassing, and its abundant resources,
of wealth, is calculated to encourage
emigration, and it is destined to become
the country at no distant day.
We are indebted 10 J. L. Gimperling
Assistant Superintendent Of the L. c. &
L. r. r. for the restoration Of the lost
carpet-bag. LETA.