The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-04-29
MECKLENBURG.


HISTORICAL. RENISIscESCEs-jHE SITE OF
Projected CRY or LONG AG0-J0HN RAN
poJpH's PET BReAD-TRACKs or SHERIDAN
AND CUsTKR--TaE ToBAcC0.FLY ON THE
WING.
correspondence Of the Richmond DisDatch.I
ABBYyrLLE, Va, April 27, 1880.
There are some historical and interesting
circumstances connected with this place.
even II its location IS not generally Known
1t is situated in short distance OF tue
junction OF the three counties OF Chsr-
lotte. Halifax, and Mecklenburg. About
a half century ago 1t was ptanned LOT
n city. with lis streets, lots, canal, aud
pyblic buildings, but now a few resi-
dnpces. storehouse, and mill only remain.
Here the waters of the Staupton and Dan
Srst unite. The bed Of the former being
higher, divides its stream and runs across
nearly mile to the latter. They then now
parallel for four miles, when the Dan be-
comes higher, and, in apparent reciproca-
ton, returns an equal volume to tue
Staunton. The island thus formed OF
five hundred acres is named "Tatero,"
after a tribe OF Indians which Colo
mel ByrS, the English engineer, relates
were found occupying it when be first ex-
pIored this section. There are now TO be
seen indications OF rellcs-huntiDg iRple-
ments. mounds, and skcletons-of the abo-
riglues. Colonel Byrd was so well pleased
with these lands that be "took up"
a large number OF acres. and rem
nants OF Byrd's old mill can still
be seen near here. A short distance
below here Is the old Burwell or Nelson
mansion, erected nearly a hundred years
ago, with large aSd solid heart timbers and
with wrought nails. but still in a good state
OF preservation. An old servant OF The
frs; Major John Nelson informed me that
he had often seen John Randolph a guest
at this house, and that when Mr.. Randolph
was occasionally sick be would send from
Roanoke down to Mrs. Nelson for loaf OF
her bread The distance i about twenty
five miles. This trip for bread would &C.
cur several times a week.
The Staunton river rises in Montgomery
county, in this State, passes through the
Blne Ridge mountains, and It's deposits are
richer and low-grounds far more fertile than
the other river. The Dan rises 10 Patrick
county, runs through the counties OF Stokes
and Rockingham in North Carolina, crosses
the Virginia line five times in the county OF
Pittsylvania, and brings down in ireshets
immense quantities Of white sand. Stock
of all kinds pasIuring in the island and
crossing these streams invariably prefer to
driGk from the Staunton instead OF the Dan,
which is unaccOuntable.
The view from this place Is one OF cX-
ceediDg beauty and grandeur. As far as
the vision extends, luXuriant fields OF grain,
variegated landscapes. gently unduating
bills, crowned with lofty forests and bor-
dered and inteispersed with shrubbery OF
perpetual verdure. present themselves be-
fore you, while the placid surface OF the
broad and sllvery streams glittering in the
sunshine make scene upon which the eyes
delight TO rest.
Here Sheridan, with twenty thousand
cavalry, in April, Go, after Lees surrender.
crossed the StauntoD, and his soldiers ma
rauded the country for miles below aud
above. then first saw the Inflated Custer,
with streaming hair, at the head Of his CON-
mand, and conversed with The famous Sheri-
dan in the house OF private citizen, which
he unceremon,ously took possession Of. and
assigned to the owner certain part for his
family.
There are great many northern settlers
in this section, who purchased estates |
on the highlands. The United Presby- |
lerians have erected in a few miles from |
here a mission-school building, which cost |
about $4,000, and intended for the edu- |
cation OF the negroes. Over one hundred |
and forty now attend OF all ages, sexes, |
and conditions. The only prerequisite |
Tor Omission Is to he Of the colOred pOpu-
ation.
AS an evidence OF how tobacco is con-
'umed will mention that one citizen above
here puts aside annually three hundred |
pounds Of the natural leaf for the Use of his
amily, and one man below here says he
smokes fifty pounds per year. All are
hearty and healthy.
Near here lives gentleman whose
brother commanded the sbp
which brought General Grant safely across
he Pacific ocean.
The mails arrive here three times per
week, and have never been known to miss
single day.
The people In this vicinity are I'm more
condition than q few years ago,
md signs OF better times stimulate them 10
increased productions. Crops Of wheat are
exceedingly promising, and extensive pre-
,erations for tobacco and corn are in pro-
,ress. Serious complaints are MADE OF the
avages Of the tobaccc-ny doing Ct at injury
o the plant-beds. The health OF the people is
o good about here that all the doctors have I
cu!tivating the soil.
The famous Buffalo Springs are In short
is'ance from here, and, judging from the
reat quantity OF water shipped from there,
be star OF the Litbia Is still In the ascend ,
ncv. Its virtues and efficacy defy CON-
edition.
The presidential question is often dis
used, and Seymour and Hendricks the ,
eneral favOrites, and a determination to l,
upport the Cincinnati nominees.
Weather cool; fruit all killed, and no ice u,
Or summer. j. y