Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-08-24
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

tlemanly and accommodating Conductor, Capt.
Smith, We speed along through the beautiful
Valley of Virginia, and in rapid succession
pass the historic localities of Winchester,
Kernstown, Cedar Greek, Fishers Hill and
New Market-each made memorable as the
scene of deadly conflict during the war
between the States. Where then opposing
armies joined in conflict, and ruin and de-
VISITATION vas visible on every hand, pros
perity and plenty now greet the eye. Rains
have been plenteous throughout the entire
Valley, and as general thing the growing
corn crop promises to be of abundant yield
and the best quality.
At Broadway, in Rockingham county, the
novel spectacle of Bear chained to tree
may be seen by travellers passing to and from
on the Valley road, and in passing Harrison-
burg one might almost imagine that Gordons-
vile. with Its 'tsnacks," had been removed
thither. But thanks to the wise management
of the B. & o. R. R. Co., the occasion for
these uuisauces is now in great measure
Hbolished-beiug supplanted by the admirable
hotel arrangement on passenger trains, by
means Of which Clearly and attentive walters
from the Company's "Yiaduct HOTEL" at the
Relay, constantly pass through the cars,
and in trice serve you with all the sub
stantiAls and delicacies of the season-from
nice sandwich to glass of the best ice>cream.
Falling in on our route with the Rev. J. G.
Wheat, the excellent Principal of the Epis-
copal Female Institute, Winchester, Va, we
find him to be not only an agreeable travelling
companion, but most estimable gentleman
In every respect. We learn from him that
the prospects of his School for the next
session are the most fattering.
STAUNToN.
At four o'clock we reach Staunton-the
Queen City of the Valley-and make short
stay here until the arrival of the night Ex-
press train on the g. o. r. R., bound East.
Here We find number of persons from the
Lower Valley. Capt. Thos. D. Ransom and
lady, both from Jefferson, reside here-the
Captain being engaged in the practice of law
in connection with his uncle, the Hon. 4. Il.
II. Stuart Secretary of the Interior under
the administration of President Fillmore, ex-
Congressman of the Stauntou district, and
member of the last House of Delegates of
Virginia.) Mr.. Charles E. Haines, for short
time after the war a resident of Charlestown,
conducts prosperous cigar manufacturing
business here. Mr.. Jno. N. Opie, son of tie
late Hirsm'L. Opie, of Jefferson, resides in
Nd ~ G.
young countyman, Mr.. G. Fsyette Coyle, in
the mercantile establishment of Timberlake &
Bell. Mr.. Andrew Woods, son of the late
Jno. K. Woods, formerly of Chsrlestown, is
also in the mercantile business here. Capt.
]. C. Marquis, formerly of Winchester and
we'll known to Z number of our citizens, con-
ducts . large marble business in Staunton,
with branch houses in Charlottesville and
Harrisonburg.
The most prominent points of interest in
Staunton, and which indicate most strongly
the causes Of Its prosperity, are the two State
Institutions for the Insane and the Deaf and |
Dumb and the Blind and the excellent female |
colleges located here. OF the latter there are |
four-the Wesleyan Female Institute, Au>
gusta Female Seminary, Virgins Female In
ssitute, and StauutOn Female Seminary, CMeth-
odist, Presbyterian, Episcopal and LutheranO
under the charge respectively of the Rev.
VIM. A. Harris, Miss NJ. J. Baldwin, Rev.
Phillips, and Rev. j. j. Miller, and all in a
prosperous condition; the first three named
being the Oldest and NEST fourishiug-the
latter established only since the war The
Rev. j. 1. Miller, Principal of the Staunton
Female Seminary, was tho popular pastor of
the Lutheran Church at ShepherdstoWn few
years ago.
Several extensive manufactures are also
located in staunton, among the chief of which
was the foundry and machine shops of Messrs.
Eylsr, Cooper & Co., which unfortunately
was destroyed by FIRE on Saturday night last.
These shops contained at the time of the ere
s12, 900 worth of finished work, among which
were four engines and two saw>mills. Mr..
Eyler estimates the loss of the firm, exclu-
sive of the loss of their books, at about s4s,-
900. There was no insurance; their policy
Of insurance expired in March, and Was not
renewed. Several small dwelling houses
were also destroyed by this fire. The citizens
of StauntOn, We are pleased to see, have held
. public meeting and initiated measures for
the relief of Messrs. Eyler, Cooper & Co.
We were shown the fine hall of the Stone
wall Brigade Band whilst in Staunton, and
also had the pleasure of hearing the Band
practice. The organization is chartered and |
is composed of twenty>one members, under
ths leadership Of Prof. A. j. Turner, father J