The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-08-28
AUSTIN, TEXAS, Aug. Slh,

AUSTIN, lEAAS, Aug. OIL, loif.
MIR. EDITOR; 1 received your paper Tuesday
last and after carefully perusing it, observed
that there was not q solitary word concerning
the Lone Star State, that in q few brief years
will be the greatest State of our Union After
such observation, l anticipated that would not
be presuming to write you brief letter about
1,tstin and Vicinity. The site selected for this
beautiful city fronts upon the Colorado river
somewhat exceeding three miles in BREADTH
Nearly the whole front is bluff of from thirty
to forty feet elevation, being at the termination
of q prairie containing perhaps two thousand
acres, composed of q chocolatc-colored, sandy
loan, intersectcd by two beautiful streams of
permanent and pure water. These rivulets rise
at an elevation of from sixty to one hundred feet
on the back part of the site, by means of which
the city might, at comparatively small expense,
be well watercd, in addition to which are seye-
raj fine bluff springs of pure water on the river
bank Mt convenient distances from each other.
The city is about two miles distance from, and in
full view of the mountains or breaks of the table
land, which, Judging by the eye, arc of about
three hundred feet elevation They are ola lime
stone formation, and are covered with live oak
and dwarf cedar to their submits. On the site
and immediate vicinity, stone in ineyhausti-
BILE quantities and great varieties is found almost
fashioned by nature for the builders hands. The
timber is not of so fine character as might be
wished, though it is shipped by railroad at Il
small expense.
stone; some few brick The streets are wide,
regularly laid out, and for the most part hand
somely adorned with shade trees.
The inhabitants are, as might state, "arcprc-
sentalion of the world" for to be candid, be-
leye there are people here of most every nation
ality, vet the majority are immigrants from the
Northern and Western States. There is a vast
amount of floating population, owing to this
being the western railroad terminus. The pres.
cnt population is estimated about $4,000, yet
~ t,,t lie hot tod
all of whom as you always find human kind are
somewhat cannish Therefore it may be said
that the city is divided in several different parts
as follows:
Germans and Swedes in the northeastern part ;
negroes in the southeastern; Spanish and Next
cans in the western, and the Americans occupy
the northern, central and southern part.
Good and benevolent people have combined
in one general purse with the design OF proyld-
ing for all invalids. Therefore, we have the
several edifces for those unfortunate beings
The Blind Asylum is situated in that part styled
German town. The building is large, and sur
rounded by an extensive, level and coy yard,
that reminds Inc so much of some of our be-
loved Hartford homes. The insane asylum is of
A fine model and erected in the northern suburbs,
on the brink of large and beautiful prairie, and
commands view Of the city and country for
many miles. The Deaf and Dumb Institute is
situated on the southwest and opposite side of
the Colorado, on bluff overlooking the city.
Our churches are many and of most every de.
nomination. There are many fine schools The
most noted are the "Ausin Female College, and
the 'Texas Military Institute" the latter being
located on ridge some distance west OF the city,
and from the city has the appearance of fort.
The Land Office and State House stand on knoll
in the centre Of the city, overlooking the sur
roundings for miles in almost every direction
The latter is very prominent and extensive
structure, though not near so majestic as the
Land Office, which is of such a fine and more
-.Nfta.., ,NNt,