Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-01-28
HARD LUCK OF A COLONY.

During the early part of 1867, directly
after the war, scheme was proposed to es-
tablish a colony in Brazil. The scheme
originated in Texas, and was under the
charge Of a Rev. Ballard S. Dunn, who,
backed by considerable influence and capital
secured the steamer Marmion, Capt. Berry,
which had been fitted out for the purpose,
was given permission to dispose of it upon
arriving at their place of destination. The
majority of the people to form the. new
colony were drawn from the States of Ala
landing, the settlement was known as the
Confederate colony. The new scheme was
unsuccessful, and the recent arrival of Mr..
Irving l.. Miller, together with his wife and
grandchild, on the bark Gamaliel from
Rio, recalls some of the experiences and
failures of those who chanced their future
in the new country. Mr.. Miller, while stop
ping in Baltimore, was seen by reporter,
to whom he furnished some interesting in
formation of the results of the colony.
Mr.. Miller stated that he was native of
South Carolina, and previous to the break
ing out of the war settled in Barbour coun-
ty, Alabama. When the war broke out he
enlisted as private, and went through the
entire service. He for a while resided in
Texas, and when the proposed scheme to
colonize was first spoken Of he expressed
his willingness to be one of the party, and
together with his family and in company
with several hundred others embarked on
the steamer Marmion at New Orleans and
went to Brazil. The party started for the
port of Rio, and upon their arrival in Bra
zil divided. The majority of the emigrants
were we'll provided for, and had good pros
poets for the future. The first efforts Of the
many were directed toward the raising of
In fxpn Of 10 Iohnr
proved unsuccessful, and experience showed
that the land in that section would not pro-
duce. In some sections rain was seldom
seen, while in other portions, especially in
Eguipe, they received too much, which was
ruinous to crops.
On the other hand, those who tried their
luck in Piricacaba district, in Santo Bar
bara, were moderately successful. A few
made progress rapidly, but, as rule, the
colony was not successful, and the majority
of the party lost nearly everything. The
party gradually learned the customs and
business pursuits of the natives, and in the
course of a few years managed to exc out an
existence, but never accumulated what
might be termed wealth. The principal
business in Brazil, Mr. Miller stated, when
he left, was the packing Of cotton, coffee and
cane growing. In the latter industry he
was in late years engaged, and very success
full. The southern people, he says, were
induced to emigrate, owing to the condition
of the country, but he thinks they made a
great mistake in going too far into the in
terror of Brazil. Had they remained near
Rio, their prospects would have been much
brighter. While few of the colony resided
only temporarily in Brazil, number were
so reduced, that to secure passage to the
United States was difficult. A number of
families still remain in San Paulo, number
ing about sixty; but whenever an opportu-
nily presents itself they return home. They
appear contented, but, naturally, like to
return.-BahimOre american.