The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-11-19
MANCHESTER AND VICINITY.

The Ners from Chesterfield in Brief
From letters received and from converse
tions had with prominent persons from dif-
ferent portions Of the county the following
encouraging and interesting statement OF
affairs in Chesterfield county is made ::
The crops for the present year have been
large, and the farmers are more encouraged
than they have been for some years. The
county is out Of debt, and the levies are
small. The election passed off quietly, the
result has been acquiesced in good-na-
turedly, and the people do not care il an
other one does not occur for some years.
Nowhere is the pacific policy OF The Presi-
dent more strongly endorsed, and nowhere
the era of reconciliation and OF goodwill
to men more warmly welcomed. The roads
and bridges are in tolerable condition.
Game is abundant, and the labors OF both
the sportsman and pot-hunter are amply re-
Narded. .....
The jail is empty, and the poorhouse has
fewer inmates than usual.
The public schools are we'll attended by
white and colored OF both sexes. The
county has been blessed with some gracious
revivals OF religion this year.
Nearly all OF the churches have services
at least each alternate Sabbath. and they
are always filed. Sabbath schools are held
every Sunday at all OF the churches.
A number Of marriages have recently
taken place, and many others are announced
to occur before spring appears. The num-
Der OF births in the county for the past year
was considerably in excess OF the number OF
deaths.
There is but little sickness in the county,
and that not of virulent character. Mumps
has prevailed in some sections, but most OF
those afflicted were so fortunate as to have
it on only one side OF the face-only one
mump, as it were. The most diligent in
quiry failed to develop any fires, crimes, or
casualties for the past week. Notwithstand-
ing the number OF "big meetings." held
this summer the supply OF chickens, butter,
and eggs is by no means exhausted. More
attention is being paid to the raising OF cat
tie and sheep, and the, quality is being inn
proved. The same is true Of horses and
mules. The number Of the former has been
greatly increased. More hogs are fattening
for the good time coming than at any time
since the war. The good fruit year enabled
the thrifty housewives to lay in good stock
OF dried fruit and to save some apples for
winter use. ... ...s-.
Even the chestnut, hickory-nut, and
walnut crop is better than usual, and the
woods abound in acorns for the benefit OF
the pigs who stray FROM the barn-yard.
Many new settlers have come in, and
others are prospecting with view to To-
eating permanently. The sheriff. consta-
BILE, and civil justices are loud in their COM
plants Oh dull times. Feasts, festivals, so
cial gatherings, and merry-makings are re-
ported all over the county.
In the coal-felds considerable coal is be-
ing raised, and the prospects are bright for
the resumption OF all the mines. The pro-
ducts of tue forest have yielded considera.
BILE revenue, many persons being engaged
in getting wood, lumber, shingles, slaves,
hoOp-poles, &c. A number OF saw-mills are
| in successful operation. In some parts oil
the county sumac is still being gathered,
and the persimmon crop is very promising.
at the granite quarries some beautiful
stone is being taken out, and operations are
being continued cn.an extensive scale.
A large number of new dwellings and
stores have recently been erected, particu-
larly near Hallway Station and sNidlothian.
| Chesterfield is rich i'm all natural resources
but it is richer still in her sturdy yeomanry,
who, DESPITE war and every obstacle, are
striving to develop those resources, and in
its fair and lovely daughters, who are aid
ing them not alone with smiles. but with
more substantial encouragement. 1t has a
good climate, afertile soil, andi convenient
to market. 1t has been the nursery Of great
men, and has others who will yet make their
mark. knowing the thrifty, Iaw-abiding,
generous nature of her people, it is plea
sure to testify that from Manchester to Et,
tricks, and from Bellona Arsenal to Ber'
muda Hundreds, all is well, and that the
condition OF Chesterfield is healthy, hope
full, and prosperous.