New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-08-20

entities her to the distinction of being one
of the most intelligent counties in the State.
She is solid for the denomination of Mr..
Stowell, which is a clear vindication of the
society, wisdom, and intelligence of her
citizens.
Twas at Farmville, the county seat of
Prince Edward, that had the good fortune
to meet and receive an introduction to the
honorable Tazweu Branch, at presents men,
Der of the Legislature from the county. I
regard him as one of the representative COL
ored men in the country. Mr.. Branch had
no early educational advantages, but lately
he has devoted much time to careful study.
He Is self-made, self-taught, man. His
natural abilities are rare, and his conversa-
tional powers are really remarkable for gen.
eral and varied intelligence, sound reasoning,
and great force Of intellect. In this State
to-day he is the foremost man of his race of
quiet, retired, dignified manner, high moral
character, a Christian gentleman, without
the leaststain upon his character In any sense
whatever.
Some time since he was offered a bishopric
in the M. E. church South, but declined.
He entered politics, not as matter Of
necessity, but his people demanded his pres
ence in the political councils of the party,
and he to-day possesses the confidence and
esteem of the people at large to greater
extent than any other man in the district.
In the Legislature last winter during an i'm
portant debate on bill relative to the pen
itentiary, Mr.. Branch took occasion to make
speech. which was listened to by every
member o. the House, and pronounced to be
one of the best of the season. When Mr..
Branch had concluded, the Hon. A. II. II.
Stuart, of Augusta, lately Secretary of the
Interior, went to Mr.. Branch's seat shook
his hand and congratulated him. When it
will be remembered that Mr. Stuart is one
of the bltterest Conservatives in the State,
this compliment amounts to something, and
can be appreciated.
Among the leading white Republicans in
Farmville 1 met Major Henry p. Hooper,
late chief quartermaster for the State of
North Carolina, &. S. A., and his brother,
Captain Benz. S. Hooper, late chief Of staff
to General Marmaduke. c. S. A.; II. Bliss,
Esq, formerly neighbor and intimate per-
sOeal friend Of the late Mr.. Greeley; Capt.
Henry Owen, who entered the rebel army at
the outbreak Of the war and fought for three
years, being in command of company dur
ing the time. Shortly before the Hampton
Roads Conference he stated to his men that
this was rich mans war, threw up his
sword and advised them to dispense. For
this remark he was arrested and incarcerated
in Castle Thunder, and would have been
shot but for the entry of the Federal troops
which prevented it.
These are some of the representative men
that compose the Republican party of Prince
Edward.
spent whole day in Charlotte, the home
Of Patrick Henry, and the late John Ran
dolph, of Roanoke. This is a flourishing
and wealthy county, and has three elegant
schools for the education of colored youth.
One of the best friends that the colored
people had in this county was Mr.. Cardwell,
deceased, very wealthy citizen. Mr.. Card
we'll was an extensive slave-owner before
the war, and when hostilities ceased he
invited his former slaves to remain on his
vast estate until they could better their con-
dition. The invitation was offered in good
faith, and accepted in the same manner, and
many of those who were his, slaves are now
his peaceful tenants. This invitation was
not extended only to his own slaves, but to
all who had been driven from other planta-
tons.
Mecklenburg county is the seat of the
celebrated Sulphur Chalybeate springs, and
is visited each year by many of the rich plant.
ers Of the "South.sid " Virginia and North
Carolina; very rich county, and intelligent,
thrifty people.
The leading Republicans of Mecklenburg
are Hon. Ross Hamilton, colored, and Col
Geo. w. Young, white. Mr.. Hamilton is
! among that number Of colOred men that We
term representative men of the day ant
time. He is at the present time member
of the Virginia Legislature, and is one 0
the leading men of his race in that body.
Politics, like religion, in this county, are
quiet and firm. The county will cast he
| vote in the convention for Hon. w. H. H
| Stowell.
| Greensville county is in good order ant
we'll conditioned. 1 met Hon. Peter X
Jones at Hicksford, the county seat. Thu
ERA is read here by many of our people
whom found intelligent and hospitable. II
this county you find many colored farmer
and planters, cotton and tobacco being thu
two kings. The Republicans have charge
of the politics, but Democrats fill many o
tie most lucrative places, because of Their,
being scarcity of Republicans qualified.
Mr.. Stowell is very popular in Greensville
and will receive the entire convention vOt,
from there. &C.. Biz
l cannot say much for Cumberland.
really don't know who is the leading colore,
man in the county. Mr.. James Lipscomb i
the present member of the General Assem-
bly,, but failed to meet with him. There i
a lack of educational facilities in this count
for colored children, and the leading colore'
men, whoever they may be, should look int
the matter. We must educate these chill
dren, and if our leading men will not tax
hold, throw them overheard aud take u
others, and keep on thus until you get lead
ers who will look to the interest of those
who elect them to position.
Nottoway is the county that contains tn