Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-08-31
LETTER FROM VIRGINIA..
FAIRFAX County, Va,
August 24 1875.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA,
August "a, 1875.
Friend Haines FL left the county of
Loudonn on Friday, 21st inst, purposing to
hold up in Fairfax, and spend two or three
days at the camp meeting in that vicinity, af
ferding me an opportunity to see many old
friends whose kind inequalities and christian
amenities enjoyed during a scjourn of two
years as far back as sixteen years ago. Twas
four days at the Loudoun camp, which en-
joyed very much. The camp was beautiful
one. The number of tents experimenting
seventy. mostly of boards, and very subs
stantial The hospitality of the people was
proyerbial. The preaching was excellent
Rev. Rosser doing large part of it. The
congregations were large and orderly. The
social element for tine seemed to predom-
mate, retarding the spirituality of the meet
ing. The young beaux and lasses held high
carnival in promenading within the circle of
tents unchecked. Rain preventing my att
tendance on the meeting from Tuesday,
learned with pleasure, that the tide of revival
had set in-there being many penitents at the
altar. The meeting was 10 be continued over
the second Sabbath, and promised to be very
successful.
Leaving the county took private carriage
for 'tThe Plains" station on the Manassas
Gap Railroad, about thirteen miles distant.-
For two weeks or more, 1 had not heard the
thunder of the Iron horse or his shrill sounds
SO familiar to my ear, and not unpleasant
either, for 60 me they denote thrift, enter
prise, life and trade You may imagine was.
pleased that should SO soon hear the music
of progress. In my route passed through
the pretty town of Middleburg, in the South
ern part of the county. / suppose its popu-
lation is about four hundred, lis located in q
beautiful and fertile section,-has three
churches, q boarding school, conducted by
DIR. Haynes, formerly of Charlestown; several
stores, among which is that of Il. G. Brown,
Esq, man of wonderful push and energy,
the prince merchant of the place its ont and
inlet of trade and travel is by the Manassas
road to Alexandria, its depot the .sThe Plains :,
eight miles away by we'll Constructed graded
road, over which [ passed smoothly aud pleas
.antly. am now in the upper part of Faus
ouier county Itwss lovely drive, the coun-
try rolling aud picturesque. The farm houses,
mainly on elevated places, with ample shade.
were "beautiful for situation"-the rich grassy
meadows and hills, and the luxuriant corn
fields, all indicated q most prosperous section.
1 tarry here for day at Mount Mineral, the
residence fthe late VIM. Byrne, Esq. dis
tant relative, and gentleman in his day of
the olden time. I sm in the bounds of what
was known as "Mosby's Confederacy." From
hereabout the bold rider Captain, with his
brave clan, dashed forth to the dismay and
rout of the invaders. There are several gen.
tlemen of wealth and position living in this
Observation-Disclosures Beverly, Esq, who is
reputed to be worth million Of dollars Mr..
Thomas Henderson and Edward Turner own
magnificent estates aud live in princely STYLE
mile away, and in full view, is 1.-THE
Plains" pretty little village-there took
the cars for Alexandria, where I arrived on
Saturday evening. The old town is familiar
to me. Thirty-five years ago was youth
living here. 1t is much improved in its
private and public buildings. This is APP
parent, but its trade is stagnant. Though the
efforts of its citizens have been great, I ques-
ton if its mart of business is as flush and full
as it was at the time when boy, I trod its
streets. Some fatal cause keeps it in the back
ground. 1t wears no thrift-dilapidatio is
abroad, paralysis of trade settles about it
Washington City, the capital, overshadows it.
1t is brought by rail too close to Baltimore
fear it is not possible to rcsuscitate it and
iufuse new life. 1t is pity that the old
historic town Of Bellbaven, (for that was its
original name,) with its safe harbor opening it
to the world, and its grand stretch of country
behind, should deteriorate in this age of thrift
and progress.
On Sabbath morning took the cars on the
Washington and Ohio Railroad and soon
landed at Vienna, three miles from the Fair
fax camp. This little gap was speedily over
come and l found myself among the old
friends of ante bellum days, at their annual
feast of tabernacles. The camp is lovely
Oh lu ~ T
over saw, with about sixty canvass tents, and
great crowd of people seated to hear the
word. The scene was an inspiring one
Rev. Mr.. Gardiner, of Leesburg, preached a
strong, practical sermon. To-day, Monday, a
heavy rain storm prevails and I find myself
snugly and comfortably ensconsed at Mr.
Frank Sherman's, half mile from the camp
ground. The family are from the North,
came to this county before the war, and bought
this estate. It formerly belonged to the Fair
fax home, and doubtless ranked among the
best farms of this section. 1t is a pretty
place, the mansion large and stately and the
surrounding grounds with their grand old
oaks, truly charming. The lordly occupants
of the past have gone hence and strangers
have taken their places. was often a guest
at the house before the war.
The old county of Fairfax looks her
pret.ies. just now. The gashes and scars of
the great conflict (for you know this was the
theatre of the marches and clashings of mighty
armies) are almost entirely obliterated. New
aud neat homes are everywhere to be seen,
with their fruit orchards and growing crops
the villages have enlarged and donued fresh,
thrifty air-an additional railroad goes through
her territory, and taking the county as to To-
cation and contiguity to market, the soil SO
easy of cultivation and susceptible ofimprove-
ment, engrafted with population active and
industrious, we can but conclude a high
daorea IF rroe1ar;ty aua;ta bar