The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-07-14
he Mineral Wealth of Augusta. Co.

The Mineral Wealth of Augusta Co.
From the Pittsburg American Manufactu,vr
we clip the following:
PITTsBUGH, June Is, 1881.
Fl m ~ AesSLA cyTIEs,IsF ~ en-
close you letter from the Hon. Alex. Fl. II.
Stuart, Of Staunton, Va, which contains infor-
nation of such value that hope you will
publish itlat an carly day. Mr. Stuartwas the 4
first Secretary of the Interior, under President
Fillmore, and is o gentleman of such high
standing that his statements are entitled to full
credit. H4 .isaESs ~ 791 aolji u S44t
Yours, very respectfully, 3i1nI siala
/ aai5a5. ndl!al-5. VIM. METcALF.
[ sy..a,i r .... STAUNToN, ,J une 10, 1881. !.
MIR. METCALF, President Institute Mining En-
gineers- ht2" "a 20 pig 'siiS - SO
DEAR SIR: Since l had the pleasure of
meeting you in Starnton some facts have been
brought to my notice, which it has occurredt to-
me would be Of interest to some of the citizens
of Pittsburg =, - ~" R.'a s't3b' ~ :"
Youhave heretofore beeninformed ofthe ex-I
istence in Augusta county (alongthe proposed
extension Of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad,
from Waynesboro to Big Lick of very large
deposits of iron ore, manganese ochre, lumber,
and inexhaustible beds ofikacolin, of the finest
quality, adapted not only to- the manufacture,
OF porcelain, terra-cotta, and common Wares,f
such as Rockingham and yellow baking
wares, but also of fine brick. - 1910 40 49la
The fact which / wish now, tosbringi to.theb
attention of your fellow-citizens is that we also
have IN the same neighborhood very large
beds of the purest white sand, whidh I am in
clined to think is equal if not superior, for
glass making to the best sand which Wheeling
and Pittsburgh import from Cape, .Girardeau.
L have been aware OF the existence of this
quality ofsanfin that locality for many years"
as l. have often known tito be sent for from
Staunton, to bepeedin connection with gypsum,
to make what is called ''hard finish,' on walls
Of some of our best houses But was not
aware until recently that it has been found
about four feet beneath the surface of the earth
in vast masses, fifteen or twenty feet thick,
which promise an inexhaustibe supply.
What knew to be used in former years
was thrown out by a very bold spring. 1t isl
rs white as the paper on which | write, and
when dried resembles granulated sugar.
Ii any of your glass manufacturers would
ike to see specimen of it, / will try and. get
'he owner of the deposit to send box of it to
such party as you may name, for inspection
md examination. Prof W. N Fontaine can
give Information in regard to it, both as to-
quality and quantity. n45lidaq4d SD IT, .f3sia
l have, also learned, since ], had. the pleasure
y seeing you, that some very fine deposits of
late, suitable tor roofing have been found
bout six miles south of Staunton, / have also,
een specimens of what presume tebe honey
;ombed hematte iron ore, which exists in the
anne neighborhood (six miles from Staunton)'
n great quantities andof superior quality ai'oE
1t occurs to me that it would be well if some
II your enterprising business men would send,
! competent expert to examine these unex-
oiored elements of wealth, ana make report Of
heir quality, extent and value. @-5ss tsi<a.Ala
You can make such use of this hasty letter
IS you may deem best.
Very truly, yours, &C., 81
FAss9 81 ALEX. III. Ell. STUART q