Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-02-07
Letter ksn Seuth Carsllna.
.CnAaLrsros, J.n. 2s, 1871.

| 1ettef Hom S0ot4 Co1O4
CHARLESTON, jan. 26, 1871.
Mr.. Editor LET me trouble you
with few notes Of our trip to this place.
The difference between the North and
South il 60 marked that the traveller can
not help noticing it. For example, take
the line of Railroad from Baltimore to
Charleston. Here we have . good illus
tion Of the entire South.
THE CHARACTER OF THE LAND.
The land in Virginia Is more or less
sandy. and the sand and reproductive.
ness increase as we go south. We re-
member looking out of the car window
at night and coming to the astonishing
conclusion that there had been Novem-
be: snow in this warm climate. In the
morning. however, we found that our
snow had turned into fields and lanes of
white sand. Now we are not certain
that our farmer friends will agree with
US in saying that sand is of little account
besides raising melons. sweet potatoes.
and peanuts. Let this be as it may. one
of two things is certain, either the land
is not cultivated right, or it is unproduc-
tive, for there seems to be more or less
leanness wherever you 60. A good cot
ton crop is raised. but very few vegeta-
bles and very little corn and wheat. In
consequence the people who live in the
large cities must depend mainly upon
the productions of the North. In Charles
ton. California -four is the only -four from
which we can have palatable bread.
SIGHT OF MEN AND THINGS.
In the northern States, we passed
every mile or two. large barns and beau
tiful country residences. with we'll stock
ed and well cultivated farms. Every
thing hetokens thrift and a thorough
knowledge of business. It is not SO in
our passage to the south. What diff.
ference Here are very few residences
worthy the name-nothing but huts,
with few sickly looking horses and pigs
and chickens, and farm to match. These
either belong to or are rented by the COL
ored people. But few whites live in the
country. 1t is left in the hands of the
blacks In time of slavery the land was
divided into large plantations. giving to
every two or three square miles white
family as lords of the realm. But slavery
is crushed and these lads are either
sold or rented to negroes. This is the
best thing they can do. The whites
will not work this land themselves-for
with them labor is degrading-and as
the whip cannot be used, consequently
they rent the land and move away or live
as landlord among his tenants. Hence
the future of this country depends upon
the negro to great extent. Shall these
huts then become mansions, and the land
as fruitful as garden We shall know
before half a ceatury rolls away.
DEPoTs, PEANUTS AND COZ
FEE.
Railroad fare in the south is high, and
accommodations poor. The emigrants
going over the Penn'a Railroad 20 in
much better cars than we were compelled |
to ride in from Portsmouth. Va, to
Charleston. Passengers are scarce. but
peanuts plenty The southerner must
have his peanuts as German bis Lager
Beer
Depots along this line are nuisances |
instead Of advantages to the through pas |
senger. Around are gathered few
sleeping looking blacks aud whites. gaz
ing at the passengers as if they never
before had seen any one. At such places
you desire TO get refreshments. bat the
charges are enormous. One dollar for
breakfast This is moderate if the income
was only half way decent-but the very
sight sours your stomach. And if you
resort to a refreshment stand you are
charged so cents for roast partridge
Is cent for biscuit and 25 cents for a.
tin Of Golfer. l. this not enough to make
"A hungry man mad In all our purchases
during our trip, we were forced to the
conclusion that these people were as
rauch reduced that they had to resort to
such meanness.
But enough concerning our trip. Our
next will be about this great and inter.
esting city.
SNOW STORM.
Last night a snow storm visited us
something new in this climate The
ground was white, astonishing many
who never befor saw snow fake. The
poor thing soon went away-it was not
aclimated.
Your friend,
W. A. PATTON.
-----s->se
A.