Trinity Advocate (of Palestine, Texas) – Wednesday, January 25, 1860 – Page: 4
HOTEL FOR SALE
THE undersigned offers for sale, on accommodating terms, a
large and commodious HOTEL in Tennessee Colony, 15 miles
North-West of Palestine, on the road leading from Palestine to Pine Bluff. This Hotel is well
situated for the convenience of the TRAVELING PUBLIC. For further particulars apply to me, at Tennessee Colony, Anderson county, Texas.
J. N. WILLIAMS
July 27, 1859
IL49.tf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Same Issue; Same Page]
G. W. Strother –
Galveston
Z. P. Clough –
Fairfield
J. M. Sheperd –
Lexington, Tenn.
Strother, Clough & Sheperd
Cotton Factors and Commission Merchants
Galveston, Texas
Will give personal and prompt attention to all business intrusted to their care.
Liberal advances made on Cotton on hand or to Ship
Open policy to cover all shipments by river.
Sept. 29, 1858 7:1 y
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Same Issue; Same Page]
J. H. BONNER
Late of Palestine
COTTON FACTOR, Receiving, Forwarding and Commission
Merchant
Central R. R. Termini,
Navasota, Texas
References:
… W. L. Moody &
Brother, Fairfield, Texas,
Yarbro, Gorden & Co.,
Fairfield, Texas,
Peck & Boyd, Fairfield, Texas,
…
Semi-Weekly
Mississippian newspaper (of Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi)
August 17, 1860, page 3, column 1
Letter From Texas
The Excitement in Texas.—By our Texas exchanges we receive
further particulars in regard to the excitement growing out of the suspected
abolition conspiracy.
.....
[Amongst the lists of Abolitionist riots in Texas is:]
Trouble in Tennessee Colony —The Fairfield Pioneer, of the 9th inst., has the following:
Mr. Teague, a printer in our office, has just arrived from Tennessee Colony, Anderson county, and brings the news that he witnessed the hanging of two white men in that place on Sunday, the 5th inst., who were proven to be guilty of inciting insurrection among the slaves of that neighborhood. Their names were Antoney Wyrick and his cousin, Alford Cable. They were engaged near the Colony at their trades of wagon making and blacksmithing, where they have been living for three or four years. Wyrick had been previously taken up for harboring and selling liquor to negroes. Negroes were found in the possession of firearms and strychnine, furnished by these men.
Alamo Express (of San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas) – Sept. 10, 1860, page 2, column 3
Significant.” A correspondent of the Gazette, writing from Fairfield, makes the following significant remarks:
We are, however vigilant and are guarding our village every night, and expect to do so until the November election."
That is just what we have been telling people that this infernal agitation about the "Abolition plot" was only gotten up for effect, and that it would die out after the election." Intelligencer.
Tri-Weekly [Houston] Telegraph
Sept. 11, page 2; Sept. 18, page 2; Oct. 6, page 4; Nov. 8,
page 2; Nov. 29, page: 4
FAIRFIELD FEMALE COLLEGE
FAIRFIELD,TEXAS
The Fourth session of this Institution will commenced Third Monday of August, 1860.
FACULTY
REV. HENRY L.
GRAVES, A.M., President; Ancient Languages, Moral and Intellectual Philosophy
REV. JOHN C.
AVERITT, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and English Literature
MISS MOLLIE A.
GRAVES. Assistant in Literary Department
and Music
MISS HELEN A.
AVERITT. Music.
MISS BETTIE W.
GRAVES, Ornamental Department.
Experience per
session of Twenty weeks, payable in Advance:
Lower
Preparatory Department .............$15
Higher
Preparatory Department ........... $20
Embroidery,
Chenille, or Fancy Work ..... 15
Incidentals............................
1
Collegiate
Department ................... 25
Music on
Piano........................... 25
Use of
Instrument........................
5
Grecian,
Oriental, or Oil Painting........ 20
Board per
Month, Washing included..........12
The President and his Lady have charge of the Steward's Department. Young ladies are required to furnish their own
towels, lights, looking glasses. Pupils entering near the middle or close of the
Session, are charge from the time of entrance to the end of the session. All
letters should be directed to the care of the President. Every article of
clothing must be marked with the owner's name in full. The manners, personal and social habits of those reading in the College,
will be formed under the immediate supervision of their instructors.
They never leave the College grounds
without permission from the President. They never make or receive visits, to the neglect of their studies. They
study a portion of every night, under the direction of their teachers. They make no purchases, except by the advice of a matron. Instructions relative to their correspondence, will be carefully
observed.
Address H. L.
GRAVES, Fairfield, Freestone Co., Texas
Aug 30, w3m
Texas Republican (of Marshall, Smith Co., Texas) - December 1, 1860 - page 2
"Galveston, Houston, Gonzales, Tyler, Henderson, Dallas, Fairfield, Jefferson, and many other places have hoisted the Lone Star, and have passed unmistakable resolutions. Our people are almost unanimous for a Convention and for prompt action."
[Note - This refers to secession of Texas from the Union.]
San Antonio Ledger newspaper - January 14, 1860 edition – Page: 3
The Waco Southerner inserts a notice by J. M. Smith, of the Waco House, that Prof. Edward F. Alexander, (to whom our neighbor of the Herald gave an unenviable notoriety) has paid his board bill, sending the amount from Fairfield; where, we observe from the Pioneer, he now teaches Spanish. The latter paper says the Professor "has a happy mode of imparting instruction."
Weekly Standard (of Raleigh, North Carolina) - March 07, 1860 edition
LETTER FROM MAJ. JOHN T. GILMORE - May 02, 1860. We publish in our issue today
the first half of an interesting letter on the South, but more especially on the
Lone Star sister of our confederacy, the lovely Texas. It is from the pen of
Maj. John T. Gilmore, of Cumberland county, an intelligent planter of our State. Our
readers will find many things of interest in his letter, and highly instructive
comments on that beautiful country.
We return thanks to Maj. Gilmore for the Texas seed of various sorts sent
us. We placed them in the hands of a gardener, and they are already sown; we
will inform him of their growth hereafter.
Houston county, Texas, Jan. 30, 1860
W. W. Holden, Esq.,
Dear Sir: I wrote you from Allegheny Springs and also from Memphis, at which place I
remained about two weeks. I left for New Orleans on the 7th September, by the steamer
Capitol. The river was very low, by which I was enabled to see how the banks
were continually crumbling in upon the one side, and accumulating upon the
other. This process takes effect at every turn of the river, which forms a
cove-and thus gives occasion for many to remark, that inasmuch as the bed of the
river is more or less filling up, it will become necessary to increase the
height and width of the levees, in order to guard against an overflow of the
river, which has been productive of so much damage during the past few years. In
calling the attention of passengers to the subject, I was assured that these
alternate changes of soil from one side to the other were carried on in a still
greater degree by the Missouri river.
The banks of the Mississippi are low, with bluffs occasionally, which are
generally on the eastern side. The trees upon the banks did not appear to be
large, and the cottonwood seemed to be the favorite growth. As the river was
low, I did not have a commanding view of the plantations.
We reached new Orleans on the-and remained at the City
Hotel two days. I visited the custom house, which is a very large building, and
which I learn, has been in progress of construction about thirteen years. We
went over the Brashear City, on the east side of Berwick Bay, and remained a
day, in order to take what is called "the inside passage to Galveston." This is quite a
small place, and proves conclusively, that words are not always the
representatives of ideas. There was a time when a city meant something more than
a name. This place is connected with New Orleans by a railroad of 80 miles, which is
designed to be continued into Texas. We took the boat, had a clear sky, a calm
sea, and no one sick. We arrived at Galveston next day for dinner. This city was
a beautiful location, but very sandy; and when built up will be quite a handsome
place.
There is a great deal of business done here, and there is
said to be an increase every year in its population and wealth. During this trip
I formed many pleasant acquaintances: Mr. Wheate, a merchant at Houston city, and his lady, Lieut. J. P. Major,
U. S. Army (Camp Colorado), and his lady,
Mr. Oliver (a merchant at Springfield), and his
sister, Mrs. Strowd; all upon their return to Texas. I found them all
intelligent and accomplished, and was especially fortunate in forming their
acquaintance, without which, time would have hung heavily upon me. The
impressions were not those destined to live only for the occasion, but such as
will always be found deep in the recollections of the past.
We left Galveston in the
afternoon on the steamer Island City, bound for the city of Houston. We ascended
Buffalo Bayou, which, at that time, was
the only navigable stream in Texas; and during the night a friend informed me in
confidence that the yellow fever was in Houston, and we had best make no halt.
We arrived at about 6 a.m., and concluded to take breakfast; this was on the
15th September. We took the cars for Hempstead, and very soon
learned that one death had occurred in the city that morning, and two others a
day or two previous to that time. The next and succeeding cars, as I afterwards
learned, were crowded with passengers leaving the city. This disease prevailed
for some time, and was spread along the entire line of the railroad, as well as
in many other places, until it was finally subdued by the intensely cold weather
which prevailed some time since.
At Hempstead I took
the stage and reached Anderson, a flourishing village, that night. Learning
next morning that the stage would not run upon our route for the next two days,
one of our passengers, Mr. Green, of Kentucky, began to regret it very much, whereupon, I proposed we should take
Walker's line; to which he agreed. Mr. Caldwell, to whom I am indebted for acts of courtesy
and friendship, was to bring on our baggage. He is a young man of good talents,
and is the Associate Editor of a paper called the Pioneer, issued at Fairfield, which I learn is
well conducted, and has an extensive circulation. Green and I put off in the
afternoon, and reached Kellum spring, 10 miles, before sunset.
This is a place of great resort in the summer, and
might be made beautiful. According to my taste, the water is composed chiefly of
lime and sulphur. Next morning we left, and were joined by Joseph, of Ellis county. We reached Madisonville that night, 25 miles. Here Green stopped because his boots hurt him.
Next day Smith and I
reached Centerville, 22 miles, early in the afternoon. Upon the arrival of Caldwell in the stage that night I received my
baggage. Next morning I met with a friend, Col. Thomas Blake, formerly of N. C., who introduced me to the
landlord, Mr. Tubb, who took an active part in endeavoring to facilitate my
journey. Mr. H. G. Buckingham, of New Orleans, was here with buggy
and horses; he was traveling over the State for the purpose of making
collections. As he was going somewhat in my direction, he was kind enough to
offer me a seat, and even went out of his way to put me nearer my place of
destination. I found him a clever and intelligent gentleman, and regretted much
to part with his company. He left me within 8 miles of the place to which I was
going. I found no difficulty hereafter, and reached the residence of John Smith, Esq., formerly of Bladen county, N. C., on the 21st
September, where I have since resided during my stay in this country. Mr. Smith has a fine body of land on the eastern
side of Trinity river, has made a very fair
crop, and says he is well satisfied with the country.
Since I have been here I have visited several of my friends
from our own State, who appear to be well located, and to whom I am indebted for
hospitality and attention. I would especially mention Dr. Wm. Murchison and his brother, Col. John Murchison, who
are pleasantly situated near Elk Heart, and are doing well. With them I spent
much of my time, and enjoyed the pleasant and welcome hospitalities of their
house. Not long after my arrival here I made a tour, in company with Mr. Smith, of about 140 miles.
We started on the 6th October, and Dr. Wm. Murchison joined us on the same day
at Magnolia. We were invited by Mr. John McLenahan to enjoy the hospitalities of
his house for the night. We found him a polite, clever, and intelligent
gentleman. On the next day we passed through some prairie, but chiefly through a
woodland country, somewhat broken and sandy, and took up for the night at Dr.
King's, where we were hospitably entertained by the family. The Dr. was not at home.
Next day we remained a few hours at the Judson Association, where we parted with
Dr. Murchison, pursued our journey, and crossed the Trinity at Wild Cat Bluff, where the bottom land
is very wide and rich. We soon entered the prairies, and about ten miles from
this I first say the Meskeet [Mesquite] tree which has so long been identified
with Texas, even in those days when the savage and warlike Camanche roamed in
triumph over the land.
During this little journey we passed through the counties
of Houston, Anderson, Nevarro [Navarro], Ellis, Freestone and Leon, and returned through
the same, but different roads.
In the county of Ellis I
first saw the Grouse. This is a beautiful fowl-gregarious in habit, about the
size of a small hen, and resembling very much the Quail or Partridge in
appearance, with the exception that its color is much lighter. All attempts to
domesticate this fowl have failed. I have met with several persons who have made
the trial, but without success. It is very similar, though not so large as that
described by Capt Herndon in his exploration of the Amazon, as seen in Peru, and
there known in the Spanish language as the Perdiz Grande-the large partridge.
Here also was the Plover, the Quail, and the Bird of Paradise; which is
beautiful, and said to sing sweetly. The Hawk, too, was here, circling in the
air, and looking down for objects of destruction. The lark was likewise to be
seen sporting in playful mood over the prairie. With a low short flight he dives
into the grass and eludes the vigilant eye of his oppressor-yet still he is
brave, for he has stood his ground with many an Indian tribe, fearless of the
deathful arrow. He sinks not beneath the severity of cold nor the intensity of
heat, whilst his march, though slow, is onward, until he shall have gained the
Rocky Mountains-there, upon its lofty summit, with his wild romantic notes
warbled into the melody of song, to hail with joy the advent of spring, and
cheer aloud the first approach of civilization.
Here, also, we passed over some prairies which are said to
extend from Trinity river to El Paso, a distance of more
than six hundred miles. In this county,
also, a few Antelopes are to be found; they are said to be beautiful
animals, exceedingly swift footed and very shy, but if taken when young, easily
domesticated, and perfectly harmless. They range upon the most elevated portion
of the prairie which is free of timber, and will suffer to be captured by either
dog or man, sooner than enter the little woodland that skirts the prairie, which
is generally devoid of undergrowth, and in no event would seem to produce any
material impediment to their running. I is, however, equally true that they
never abandon their flight until their breath is nearly exhausted, when, in a
few moments, they expire. We had not the pleasure of seeing one.
On the road we passed several wagons loaded with lumber,
drawn by five yoke of oxen, the usual team in this country, and bound for Dallas county, one hundred and twenty miles. The
wagoners bring down flour from the upper counties, sell it in the piney region
of eastern Texas, and make a return load in lumber. I have heard of lumber being
hauled for building purposes, two hundred miles, and even for making board
fences, nearly that distance. In some places cedar rails are hauled twenty
miles. The usual length of an oak rail here is eight feet, which makes the
strongest and best looking rail fence I have seen anywhere. The fences in this
country are generally very good.
Our farthest point of travel was near the northern line of
Ellis county, at a little village named "Possum
Trot." Here we saw a flour mill in operation, driven by three yoke of oxen
treading upon an inclined wheel 30 or 35 feet in diameter. I regretted we had
not arrived a few hours sooner, as then we could have seen sixteen Mexican ox
carts loaded with flour from Dallas county,
and bound for San Antonio. It was said they were in the service of a contractor
to supply our troops.
I was anxious to see the manner in which the oxen were
geared. All accounts agree that the yoke is placed upon the head, in front, and
just below the horns; so that the oxen may be said to push rather than to pull.
Almost ever nation has its own peculiar method of gearing work animals. In this
particular the South Americans differ widely from us in relation to the horse;
and the inhabitants of Morocco differ from us in a still greater degree, as
regards both horses and cattle. Of course each nation believes its own peculiar
method to be best, and it becomes a matter of interest as well as curiosity to
witness the diversity of the human mind, in the various applications which have
been made to attain the same object.
All the country north of Navarro county is said to be especially adapted
to the raising of stock of all kinds and to the production of wheat, rye,
barley, and oats. Wheat is said, in Ellis county,
to weigh 70 lbs. To the bushel, and the product of barley to be enormous. And
those remarks, I understand, will apply with equal force to all of northern
Texas. But little cotton is raised in that section. And here, perhaps, it might
be proper to say that Texas may be regarded in three grand divisions-the
Northern, of which I have already spoken, --the Middle, which is adapted to the
production of cotton and corn, and the Coast, which is adapted to the production
of sugar, cotton and corn. In this division, and very near the coast, I learn
that stock raising is carried on to some extent.
From the famous little village spoken of above, we turned
our course homewards, passed the flourishing village of Waxahachie, where we saw
another flour mill in operation, driven by the weight of three yoke of oxen upon
an inclined wheel, and within a few miles of this we saw some fields partly
enclosed by the Bois d'Arc, or Osage Orange, as it is called in some
sections-passed Chambers creek, where the bottom land is about a mile wide and
very rich. We stayed all night at Dr. Foster's, where we saw a large flock of
grouse. I have since learned that they are to be found as far south as the
coast, and, perhaps, in every section of the State.
We left in the morning and reached the village of Corsicana, where we
remained about an hour. Here Mr. Wm. Storey kindly
presented me with some curiosities, and among the number the Centipede and
Tarantula. The former is said to have a sting in every foot-the latter inflicts
its damage with its fangs alone. We passed Richland creek, where the bottom land is very rich
and covered with wild rye, which, although dead, was still standing. We tarried
for the night with Mr. Burleson, brother of the lamented Gen. Edward
Burleson, who was a native of Buncombe county,
NC. His memory is respected by all, and his deeds of service stand in brilliant
association with the history of Texas. Next morning Mr. Burleson, with horse and
dogs, rode out with us to see if we could start the Mule Hare, which is regarded
as one of the animal curiosities of the State. When our hunt was nearly over,
one sprang up within a few feet of our horses, ran in front of us about fifteen
paces, stopped and faced us. We had a good view for the time it lasted, but one
of our party calling for the dogs, one came up and the hare led off slowly and
in a playful manner at first, but soon its speed was doubled. The gap between
the racers widened rapidly at every pace, and in a few moments it was gone from
us forever. As well as I could judge, it was of a grey color, and its ears from
five to seven inches in length, and hence its name. It was three or four times
larger than the common rabbit, and its head present somewhat a bushy appearance,
arising perhaps from it length of hair.The same remarks I made concerning the Antelope apply with
equal force to the hare. Under no circumstances will it enter timbered land, but
is always found in the prairie, and sooner than violate this law, will suffer to
be captured by either dog or man. Several persons sometimes post themselves on
horseback around the prairie, and when one is started it is chased alternately
by the riders until finally it is broken down. Like the Antelope, it is said to
be easily domesticated. It is an unsettled question which of these animals has
the greater speed, and upon this point public opinion seems to be about equally
divided. They both run perfectly level like the horse.
We reached Fairfield in the afternoon, which is a beautiful
place. Here I was introduced to Mr. Huckaby, a polite, clever and wealthy gentleman,
residing a few miles in the country. To him I was indebted for the politeness of
an introduction to Mr. Bragg, the brother of ex-Gov. Bragg, of our State. I found him a polite,
clever and intelligent gentleman. We were invited by Dr. Milner, the friend of Mr.
Smith, to enjoy the hospitalities of his house for the night. He was polite, clever
and intelligent. His lady appeared to be equally so, and we were entertained
with an elegant hospitality.
It was there I was introduced to Mr. Henry L. Graves and his lady, both from our own State,
and the latter a sister of the Hon. Calvin Graves, of Caswell. They have charge
of a female college here, which is in a flourishing condition, with about ninety
scholars, and possessing a reputation in advance of any similar institution I
have yet heard of in the State. This of itself sufficiently proclaims for
themselves character, talent and capacity.
Having left Fairfield we arrived on the second day
thereafter at the place from which we originally set out. During this little journey I made it a point to stand by my old rule,
which was always to keep a good lookout for snakes. I saw but two, and these
were what we call highland snakes. The weather was quite warm, so much so I was
frequently compelled to use an umbrella. My attention was drawn to the fact that
I had not seen a snake of any kind at or near any of the streams we crossed,
although most of them were not running, but the water was standing in little
pools. In such places I had always been accustomed to see snakes, and especially
the moccasin. I was therefore led to the conclusion, that any water impregnated
with lime is unfavorable to the habitation of snakes. And this conclusion is
greatly strengthened, if not completely verified, by the fact that in those
localities in Eastern Texas where the water is free of lime, and especially
about the pond the moccasin is very abundant. From what I have seen and learned
upon this subject, I would say that snakes are not more abundant here than with
us. The rattlesnake and blacksnake are more numerous than another snakes in
Texas. I have heard of some localities far in the west where the rattlesnake is
said greatly to abound, but of this I am not sufficiently informed.
All the land over which we traveled west of the Trinity might be regarded as good; most of it
rich, and nearly all of it prairie. It is a limestone country, and hence the
drinking water is not good, inasmuch as but few persons are provided with
cisterns. When this provision shall have been made, good water may be obtained.
I learn that cisterns are more numerous as you proceed west. In many places
water for stock is deficient in summer and fall. This difficulty is now being
removed by the establishment of tanks, which is neither more nor less than
raising a dam across a ravine by which the rain-water is held in this little
pond for the benefit of stock. This water remains good throughout the season.
And here I will say that the State of Texas is divided by the people into three
divisions besides those I have already mentioned. Eastern Texas, extending from
the Sabine to the Trinity river; Middle
Texas, from the Trinity to the Brasos, and Western Texas, from the Brasos to the
Rio Grande. Whilst the importance of so many divisions might appear
questionable at first view, especially as no other State in the Union contain
more than half that number, yet when you recollect that it contains an are of
237,321 square miles, being more than four times the area of our own State, the
importance of those divisions will be readily conceded. Eastern Texas contains
less rich land than the other divisions which I have just named. The soil in
some places is prairie, in others sandy, and in many places is supplied with
short and long leaf pine. It is from these localities that lumber is obtained
for the supply of a large portion of Middle Texas. The water here is said to be
generally better and more abundant than in the two remaining divisions. In
regard to diseases, I would say that chills and fevers in the summer and fall,
pneumonia in winter, are the most prevalent. Here, as in other places, the
typhoid fever prevails occasionally.
Middle Texas is said to contain a much richer soil than the
division of which I have just spoken, especially the cotton lands of the Brasos
and its tributaries, some of which would of course be embraced in the Western
division. I have heard these lands spoken of as being equal, at least, to any in
the State, and perhaps the same remark might be made in relation to the bottom
lands of some of the rivers farther west, but I have been in no condition to
ascertain the fact. In regard to diseases, I presume that chills and fevers and
pneumonia prevail in every division. I have talked with several persons who
seemed familiar with the State, who say that the timbered land occupies only
about one-fourth the area of the whole State; all the rest being prairie. There
is quite a difference in the forest growth of this State and our own-fully as
great as there is in soil and climate. As well as I can learn, Texas has no
poplar, sourwood, forked-leaf black jack nor chestnut. In fact this latter tree
is said to be found nowhere west of the Mississippi river. All of these we have.
On the other hand Texas has the Meskeet, Rattama, Pecan, Dwarf Plum, Burr Oak,
Osage Orange, a species of Haw, wild China, and the wild Peach Tree, none of
which I believe are indigenous to our State.
As I intimated elsewhere, I regard the first as a beautiful
tree, although everyone might not consider it so. The largest I have seen would
compare in size with an apple tree, nor do I believe it ever attains a much
greater size. It has a bean from five to ten inches in length, resembling
somewhat in appearance the common field pea, of which stock of all kinds are
very fond, and of which the Indians, by preparation, made a very sweet bread. Of
the second I have seen but one, which is very beautiful, and I have no
hesitation in saying would be admired by all. Either of these would be highly
ornamental to the yard, more so, I think, than any tree I have seen either in
your city or mine; for since I have been here I have learned that Fayetteville
is about being lighted up with gas, and as all the ancient distinctions in
relation to cities have been destroyed, I regard coal gas and railroads as their
only true modern criteria. The Dwarf Plum tree is from 2o to 3 feet high and
bears full of fruit, which is not desirable for eating purposes, but seem
chiefly adapted to the taste of hogs and deer, by which it is eaten with great
avidity. The Burr Oak is a large tree, and bears an acorn of great size. Of the
remaining trees it is perhaps unnecessary to speak. Beside these in
south-western Texas, there are Ebony, Acacia, (Guisache,) Brazilwood, Lignum
Vitae-and in north-western Texas, here is the Dwarf Post Oak, from six to
eighteen inches in height, bearing acorns in great abundance.
If you will not consider it too great a descent, I will here mention
another article of growth, but which belongs entirely to the water. It is called
in this section the Youkapin, in Kansas, the Nocanut, and in Florida the Bonnet
Acorn or acorn of the water Lilly. It sprouts at the bottom of a pond and
continues its growth until it has reached the surface of the water. Its
limitation in this particular is not well defined, for it has been known to grow
eight or ten feet high, and it is believed would grow much higher, if necessary, to attain the top of the water. Its stem is
about half an inch in diameter, and had a flower on the top which gives place to
a burr which is smooth upon its upper surface, and divided into cells of about
fifteen or twenty in number, in each of which there is a nut in appearance and
taste very much like the chinquapin nut with a shell much harder. As it ripens
the burr turns down and the nuts finally fall out, sink to the bottom, and are
ready for the next year's growth. This plant was quite a curiosity to me,
inasmuch as I had never seen anything of the kind heretofore, nor do I believe
it is to be found anywhere in our State. I do not consider this section of the
State a good country for fruit. I have seen but few orchards or either Apple or
Peach trees. The latter appeared decidedly the better of the two. Nor do I
regard this country as by any means equal to our own in the production of
domestic grapes. It is true the season for fruit had passed before my arrival; I
therefore judge only from what I can see and what I can learn from others in
relation to the line. It is, however, worthy of the remark, that public
attention has not been directed to its culture, nor is it likely to be, so long
as the culture of cotton is profitable and the price of labor high. Yet I have heard it stated
upon good authority, that west of this an excellent wine has been manufactured
from the Mustang grape. I find grape vines very plenty in the woodland, and
where they have not been overrun by the fire, they attain a good size. There are
said to be four kinds of grape here. The Mustang grape, which is in clusters
upon the vine and very unpleasant to the taste; it ripens early in the summer.
The most common is the Post Oak grape, which bears in bunches; this is said to
be decidedly better for eating than the Mustang. Next is the common bunch grape, such as we have in our own State. I will
mention, that in certain localities the bullis and the muscadine are said to be
found. As it rains less here in summer and fall than in any of the States north
and east, the effect to be produced thereby upon the culture of the vine remains
to be tested. I consider North Carolina the premium State for the vine-the
scuppernong, the catawba and the white bunch grape are all of well know
celebrity, they are not excelled either for table use or for wine, and all of
them find their nativity in our own State. The scuppernong is now being
considered (wherever it can be grown) as the le plus ultra of all the grapes,
and yet we have a variety of the muscadine in Cumberland which is believed by
many to surpass it, even in the delicacy of its flavor. But this grape as yet is
unknown to some. We have also the Flower grape, a native of our State, which has
but recently entered the list for public flavor, and seems destined quickly to
attain it. Beside all these, we have a great variety of the black bunch grape,
ripening in the summer and fall. We can show an equal variety of the cluster
grape, covered by the names of Bullance and Muscadine. Let me here ask what
State in the Union can show a catalogue so full, and out of which as many have
acquired by their merit, a national reputation? Superior culture will have its
reward, and a soil and climate inferior in production may be made equal to their
superior; but I hazard nothing in saying, if the culture be the same, that
certain portions of our State cannot be surpassed in the successful culture of
the vine.
As I have said elsewhere, this State is very subject to drought; and the
seasons are almost as much defined by wet and dry as by heat and cold. And this
is the case in a still greater degree the farther South and West you go. Bishop Pierce, in his eighth letter published in
the Texas Christian Advocate, says that at El Paso he was informed that no rain had fallen
there in two years. You will not suppose, however, that such is the case in this
section of the State. Rain, nevertheless, is very scarce during the spring and
summer, and generally so in the fall. If rains could be obtained here as in some
other States, there would scarcely be a reason-able limit to the production. I
heard a respectable gentleman say, that upon one occasion he had made about thirty
bushels of corn to the acre without any rain after the corn had come up, with
the exception of a very light shower that did not lay the dust. In fact, I have
been told by many who ought to know that if corn could be planted early enough,
that is before too much of the moisture had dried out of the ground, a fair crop
could be made without any rain. But if planted too early they run the risk of
having it killed by the frost; in which event they are set back farther than
ever. I have likewise been informed that the bottom lands stand the drought far
better than any others, and that fair crops of cotton or corn can be made
without rain. If this be so, then the bottom lands are decidedly best and most
desirable of any. In this section of the State, that which is known as the Gama
Grass Prairie, is perhaps considered the best. In taking this name because that
grass is densely set in those bottoms. I have heard it said that wherever this
grass is found the land is subject to overflow, and this I believe to be true.
Here I will say once for all, that possessing as we do a favorable
climate, and being generally supplied with abundant rains in spring and summer,
I regard the swamp lands of our own State as equal to any lands in the union for
the production of corn. The experience of past years I think full sustains this
position; for during those occasional droughts which have sometimes proved
disastrous to the hilly and rolling lands in the production of that important
article of food, it has been abundantly supplied by the swamp lands of our own State. Nor have the benefits
arising from this production been confined to ourselves alone, but they have
been felt in other States through the medium of their ports. Considering the
extensive area of those lands, the general advancement in reclaiming the same,
and the vast improvements in modern agriculture, no human foresight aided by the
light of reason, can discern any diminution of those advantages in the future, nor any change in the high limit
of position to which we seem destined to attain. I do not allude to those
localities where irrigation is at command, for in such, the greatest production
has ever been obtained combined form, in comparative measure, but a speck upon
the globe.
You must not suppose from anything I may have said elsewhere, that the
production of the grasses is confined to any distinct division of this State.
Every county in which I have been seems well adapted to their growth, and I
learn that the same is true in relation to those portions of the State which I
have not yet seen. I observe, however, in eastern Texas, that the undergrowth is
not only taking possession of the woodland, to the exclusion of the grasses, but
is also advancing rapidly upon the prairie. This arises, no doubt, from the fact
that the lands have been heavily pastured by the stock, thereby leaving but a
small amount of grass, which renders an effectual burning of the woods
impracticable. Some, however, are of opinion that it was the density of the
grasses which kept back the undergrowth, and not the burning. However this may
be, the process is now going on, and I have observed the same on the western
side of the Trinity. The result of this is, that certain parts of the State must, after
a while, be deficient in pasturage. If we judge from a statement in the Crockett Printer, which I saw some time back, the
emigration to this State must be very great. It was there stated that two
hundred wagons were then on the road between Crockett and Alexandria.
Upon the little journey, to which I have heretofore referred, I perceived
that the encroachment of the undergrowth became less as we proceeded north. This
undergrowth is nearly all of what is called scrub oak. Since I have been here I
have observed some ten or twelve different grasses, and most of them entirely
new to me. Among the most important in this section I would name, is the Gama
grass, which is the same as that in our own State. This, however, is liable to
one great objection. The people here say it will "tread out," that is it will
die and disappear, under the pasturage and tread of the cattle. But for this, no
grass in this particular section of the State would stand in higher repute. I
could but remark the different estimate placed upon this grass by the people
here and those of our State. With us, you know that this grass, for many years
past, has been considered worthless, whilst here its position in that regard is
reversed. There is another grass in this section which grows in rich bottom
lands-is highly valued, and known as the Beavertail. It derives its name from the fact that its head
is flat, and is supposed to correspond in likeness with its name. I do no
believe that this grass is to be found in our State. The crow foot and crab
grass is here, but in a more limited extent than with us, and neither of them
flourish in prairie soil. I have also seen the wild rye here in the creek
bottoms, as I have elsewhere stated. This is considered most excellent food for
stock, especially when green. I have seen none in our State, although I have
seen what is there called wild rye.
In one of the counties above I have also seen the wild oats, none of
which have I seen in our State. Many of the remaining grasses to which I have
above alluded are considered excellent, having been identified by name, I am
content to pass them over. … Some few spots of ground in this section of the
State are now being set with a grass, thought by many that it has been brought
hither by the cattle. The people here appreciate it very much, and are desirous
of it propagation. Although a very short grass, it is known to be very
nutritious, and is possessed of that great and overruling merit, a capacity to
resist the hoof and not "tread out." It will maintain its ground even upon a
traveled road. It receives the various names I have mentioned because it is a
running grass, has many joints, from which it puts forth roots, and when the
blades dry up they present a curly appearance. It resembles very much that which
is know in some localities as the Bermuda grass, in Cumberland and Harnett as
the Cane grass, and in your county, the Wire Grass; which last I think is
decidedly a misnomer, and am of opinion would be so decided by any Agricultural
society. Because we have in our State another brass bearing the same name, from
which brooms and baskets are manufactured, and whose stem resembles very much
the article from which its name is derived. I will, however, adjourn this
question until I see you.
From what I have already said elsewhere, it may now, perhaps, appear
useless to repeat that cotton is the staple production of this section of the
State. There are many different kinds of cotton planted here, but that in most
general use is the Petit Gulf. When in Raleigh, Mr. Fab. Hutchins asked me to
select him some cotton seed. I have, therefore, procured some for him, and some
likewise for Bledsoe, of the same sort, which, for the want of a better name, I
shall denominate the Trinity Cotton. I made this selection
because I believed it best adapted to our climate. It does not grow so tall as
the Petit Gulf, but bears very cull and has a good staple. It, however, does not
stand the drought of this country as well as those kinds of cotton which have
fewer bolls; but inasmuch as it does rain in Wake sometimes, at least, that
objection will be removed. We have had several good varieties of cotton in our
State heretofore, but they were soon allowed to run out, and this remark applies
with equal force to many other articles of production. When the cotton begins to
open, those stalks should be selected which bear the greatest impress of purity,
and the seed selected from these should be planted to themselves. In addition to
this, a sufficient supply of seed should be kept on hand so as to plant every
other year, that is, the seed raised in the fall of 1860 should be planted in
the spring of 1862, and so on. This process continued annually will preserve
them in their purity, and render new importations of seed quite unnecessary.
Without this they must degenerate. I gathered most of this cotton myself in
order to obtain the seed in their original purity, and should my two friends
fail to give it a fair trial and good attention, you may be your "bottom dollar"
I'll gather no more cotton seed for them My old friend John Hutchins said to me
one day that he would like to have a cotton which would not fall out of the
boll, but remain until it was ready to pick. I suggested that perhaps it might
be better if it would also jump into the basket, but he said it would be quite
sufficient if it would only wait until he sent the basket round. So whilst I was
here and my hand was in, I determined to accommodate him also. I have,
therefore, got cotton which is said, by those who plant it, to grow of good
size, to bear well and to have a fine stable. That it will demand a cent per
pound more than any other upland cotton and that the winds of this country will
not blow out. In fact that you may let the first and last boll ripen, and when
you send round to pick the cotton you will find it all there. I think this is
coming quite up to his mark. But I make it a rule to take everybody's opinion,
and I find that those who do not plant this cotton swear they would not have it
at all. Whilst they admit everything I have said in relation to it above, and
especially its capacity to resist the wind, they say in the energetic language
of the country, that you can scarcely blow it out with a double-barrel gun. Thus
you see there are two sides to every question, even in Texas. However, I have
got this seed, and if my good old friend is not suited it will be his fault,
certainly not mine.
I have seen it stated in well authenticated writing,
based upon tradition, that the devil was once an inhabitant of Spain. That after
having devoted three months to the study of the Basque language, he made a
failure; whereupon, I presume, he quit that country and settled in Texas, which,
at that time, was a department of Mexico, and the latter a colony of Spain.
Having resided here for a long time, in various places, he was finally driven
out by the Texans. And as most persons, in leaving a country, are unable to
carry off all their goods and chattels, and especially when driven out in haste,
so it was with him, whereupon he left behind several of his pincushions. As he
was never known to slight his work, they are always abundantly provided with
pins and needles, and woe be unto the man who puts his foot there-on. Travelers,
from time to time, in passing over these vast prairies have occasionally found
them, and although low in statue, are still in a flourishing condition, and
standing forth as vegetable monuments of skill and ingenuity. I plucked the seed
from one of these, which are herewith enclosed. Give five to Fab. Hutchins, five
to Bledsoe, five to Sylvester, five to Wilson, and keep the balance yourself. Whatever may be thought of this
matter by some, I feel assured it will be properly appreciated by Wilson and
yourself; for, if I mistake not, there is attached to your establishment the
printer's devil, or the devil's printer, and I see no sensible reason why there
should not be a pin cushion among them.
I was under the impression, some time ago, that I had read of the
existence of the Mule Hoof Hog in Hungary, but could not find any authority. I
was also of opinion that I had heard of its existence in Texas, but could not
recollect my author. I am now prepared to affirm the fact that it does exist
here. Some six or more of these hogs, in company with others, were driven from
Middle or Western Texas, through this part of the State, whilst one of them,
becoming lame, was left with Mr. Wm. Radford, about 14 miles distant from this
place. Its name is derived from the fact that every foot has a hoof in form just
like the mule. I am not informed of any peculiar excellence attached to this
breed, but the owners, as far as I can learn, evince no desire to change it. I
have a friend here from Fayetteville, NC, who, some years ago, saw a drove of
these hogs at Shreveport, and I have talked with others who have seen them also
in Arkansas. I am not prepared, at present, to give any opinion as to the place
of their nativity. I will here mention that I have recently made a short tour
towards the coast. My friend, Dr. Thos. Smith, was with me the first day, 21st November.
We remained at Crockett for the night. This is the
capitol of Houston county, and a small place,
but improving very fast. The stores are large and full; several stages meet
here, and the travel is considerable. Next day I passed over prairie, bottom,
post oak, and sand lands respectively; remained for the night at Sumter, the
capitol of Trinity county. Next day the sandy
and post oak lands prevailed; but as I approached Livingston, there were some
prairies. I passed through the capitol of Polk county,
which, although small, is improving fast, and took up for the night with my
friend, the Rev. Reuben E. Brown, by whom I had been previously invited. He has quite a beautiful
place within three miles of the village. It was here I first saw the Umbrella
China of which I shall say more hereafter. I remained with him for two days and
enjoyed the pleasant and welcome hospitalities of his house. He is a preacher of
the Baptist denomination, and maintains a character and reputation, wherever he
is known, equal to the best. Here I was introduced to his son, John Brown, who
is a lawyer, and settled in Livingston. He is a young man of good talents, and I
think of much promise in his profession. After leaving here I found the land, as
heretofore, diversified in it character. I passed through a portion of Liberty county, and reach Sour Lake, in Hardin county, the 27th November, which is
situated in the midst of a prairie, and covers about two acres of ground. About
two feet of prairie soil over-lies a white substance deeply impregnated with
lime and sulphur. At this time the lake was dry, but there were several wells
from three to four feet deep, and all of these had water. I drank from several,
and the water was very sour. In one the water was very clear, pure and
beautiful, and had a very peculiar grass growing in it. None of the other wells
had any grass at all, either in the water or upon the side of the banks. There
was also observable, in places, a bituminous substance emanating from the soil,
which finds its way into many of these wells. It has the appearance and
consistence of tar, but differing in the smell. I noticed one or two places in
the soil where this substance was quite abundant. The lake when covered with
water, which is the case generally, is said to be apparently in a boiling
condition over all its surface. This is believed to be the effect of gas. The
water is said by some to be curative in all cases except consumption, and the
place is regarded as one of the curiosities of the State. It is owned and kept
by Col. Lacy, a very intelligent gentleman. This State is not deficient in
mineral waters. Beside those I have already named, I could mention several
springs I have heard of in different counties, but most of them receive but
little patronage. The Lampasas spring, situated in Lampasas county, is more
numerously attended than the rest.
Sulphur is said to be the predominating ingredient in all.
The geological survey of the State has developed the existence of iron ore,
coal, lignite, copper, lead, gypsum, limestone, marbles, potters, pipe, and fire
clays. The coal formation in the region of Fort Belknap is most extensive and
best could but observe on my way to the lake, as heretofore in the prairies, the
elevations of soil which are thrown up by the ants-some of them from 15 to 20
feet in diameter and from 3 to 4 feet high. Upon leaving there I passed through
Hardin county, over some broken swamp lands-also
some sandy lands covered with long-leaf pine; and here I found these mounds or
elevations more numerous-most of them were from 25 to 40 feet in diameter, from
two to three feet high, and covered with a large growth of pine. This presented quite a new and curious feature. At first I was at a loss
to account for their formation. Not an ant was to be seen, and the growth of the
forest, from its size, presented the same age; but a little reflection gave me
to understand they were all made by the same small labors-years, and perhaps
centuries gone by-and when their work was completed, their residence was
changed. In passing over these sandy lands, the traveler may often form a proper
estimate of their value for production, by means of the small hills which are
thrown up by the "Salamander" from the soil below. I enter the county of Tyler, where the land was
more rolling, and took up for the night at Mr. Arrant's, and here again I saw
several trees of the Umbrella China. From him I obtained its history. He said
the original tree stood at Lynchburg, which is at the junction of San Jacinto
river and Buffalo Bayou, and on the
South side of the former. Two of his neighbors went there to work, and he had
one or more slaves at work at the same place. If I mistake not, he said that
Col. Washington owned the place at the time.
These neighbors brought back with them some of the berries of this tree, and
gave some to him, which he planted in the fall of 1851. This tree, from its
size, as they represented, could not have been more than seven years old at that
time. In September 1853, known as the September storm, this tree was blown up
and washed away by the overflow of the San Jacinto river. He stated (what I had
heard before,) that no one knew how it came there. It is said to have been the
only tree of its kind in Texas. In fact it is said and believed that there is
none of its species within the limits of the union, except those trees now
growing in Texas. However this may be, I will say I have seen nothing of the
kind either north or south. This tree is beautiful, and would be admired by all.
It differs materially from the common China, in the multitude and arrangement of
its branches, together with the density of its foliage. Otherwise they would be
alike. It is regarded by all who have seen it as one of the curiosities of the
State. I reached Moscow, a little village in Polk county, on the night of the 1st December,
at which time there came up a norther and snow storm. I was delayed thereby
several days on the road, and when I reached Crockett I learned that the thermometer was down
to 5 degrees on the 6th of December. Nearly all the persons I heard speak upon the
subject admitted this to have been the coldest weather ever known in Texas.
I reached the place of my departure on the 8th December.
The game in this country may be considered plenty. Wild turkeys are abundant,
and there is quite a sufficient number of deer, although the number existing
heretofore has been greatly diminished by the black tongue disease, which
prevailed here as well as in our own State some year or so ago. Ducks, Brant and
Geese are said to be numerous in the fall and winter. Of the first I have seen
but very few; of the second none, but of the last I can say they are very
abundant. During the months of October and November they were passing here
nearly every day on their way still further south. Smaller birds, such as are to
be found in some of the south western States are also to be found here.
Upon my return, Dr. Smith informed
me that whilst in Crockett, a gentleman arrived having two Leopard skins, one full grown, the
other less than half that size. The animals from which these skins were taken,
he said he had killed in the west, perhaps last fall, between the Rio Frio and
the Neuces river. This statement appeared to be at variance with the natural
history of the country. At all events, I had never heard before of the existence
of that animal upon our continent. Dr. Smith had seen the Leopard in the
Menageries, and was therefore fully competent to distinguish the existing
difference between that and the Catamount or spotted cat as it is sometimes
called. Nor would I have ventured to call your attention to the subject, were it
not for the fact that a few days ago I was favored with the perusal of a letter
from Bishop Pierce in relation to his
travels across the continent, published in the Texas Christian Advocate, of
September 1st, 1859, wherein he affirms upon the authority of the settlers the
existence of a species of Leopard on the Neuces river. In certain parts of Texas
the Bear is said to be abundant, and also in the same localities the Panther may
occasionally be found. I have heard of four well established cases where this
latter animal has made an attack upon different individuals, but all escaped
death, some however, very narrowly. In north-western Texas the Mexican lion is
know to exist, as also the Ibex. Wherever I have traveled there has been no
scarcity of prairie Wolves. They exist in reasonable numbers in almost every
neighborhood.
The wild cat and catamount are also here, and such other
animals as are to be found in any of the south-western States. The Mexican hog
is said to be an animal of some little note; he is small but fierce in battle,
and is rarely seen this side of western Texas. The horned lizard claims his
place on paper as one of the curiosities of the State, but I record him
reluctantly. There is also another animal here more diminutive in size, though
not quite so harmless, possessing a higher order of instinct, and entitled at
least to an equal share of respectability; I should be doing injustice not to
give it a place in this communication; I allude to what is here called the
scorpion spider, which has its weapon in its tail, and upon the slightest touch
is ready to use it.
I will here call you attention to Capt. Stansbury's Report,
wherein he speaks of the villages of prairie dogs as seen on his route to the
Salt Lake, and wherein he mentions that seemingly unnatural family, the dog, rattle-snake
and the owl inhabiting the same hole. Although he became perfectly satisfied of
the existence of the former two, that of the third he derived from the evidence
of others. A statement like that, at variance with the general sentiment of
mankind in relation to the distribution of animals, presenting an apparent
reversal of instinct by which they could harmonize together under one social
compact and in one common habitation, required some moral courage to announce
it, and cannot at any time be too strongly fortified by evidence. Belief is more
or less educational, and observation has proven that evidence which is
abundantly sufficient for the establishment of a fact at home becomes wholly
inadequate when taken from abroad. But such is the character of the human mind,
and it is now too late ever to be changed. I must here again refer to another
letter of Bishop Pierce, written to the editor
of the Texas Christian Advocate,
wherein he states that he was present when one of those holes was dug out, and
the snake, the dog and the owl were all there. I regret that I have not the
letter at my command that I might quote the precise language. The entire letter
is full of interest, and withal the Bishop is one of the most accomplished
writers of the day. I find this subject also spoken of in Parley's Kaleidoscope
as matter of curiosity. None of the writers I have named have ventured to assign
any cause for this singular association. The idea that the snake feeds upon the
young of either of the others cannot be reasonably entertained. No statement has
ever denied the fact that any but three occupy the same habitation. But even
suppose for a moment that the snake does subsist upon the young of the others,
it is very evident that no great length of time would be required to accomplish
the extinction of the dog and the owl, for they would
necessarily die of old age, yet they appear to be as numerous as when first
discovered. And when it is remembered that both these animals are quite as small
as others upon which that reptile has been known to feed, the supposition above
becomes still more unreasonable. But again, if it be admitted that the offspring
of either is used for the subsistence of the snake, thereby leaving the original
occupants untouched, it will be seen at once that this very act passes the
limits of instinct and becomes the exercise of high rational power which
hitherto has been considered to reside in man alone. The exercise of that power
has been absolutely denied to those classes of animals bearing the greatest
resemblance to the human species; and I hazard but little in saying an economy
equal to that does not exist in some of the African tribes nor in some few
Indian tribes upon our own continent. This question, therefore, more of
curiosity than worth, must remain unexplained until further developments shall
have been made.
I regret that it was not in my power to be present at the
Agricultural Fair in Cumberland. I was gratified, however, to see that your
address upon that occasion met the full and just expectations of your friends
and the audience. I have read it in the Observer, and have no hesitation in
saying your topics were judicially selected, well arranged and ably discussed.
Although I may here transcend the legitimate scope of this communication, I will say that your remarks upon the great
value of our swamp lands and the importance of reclaiming the same, deserve the
especial notice of our people, and cannot at any time be too strongly pressed
upon their attention. For whilst an allusion to those lands has generally been
regarded as applicable almost alone to the extreme eastern section of our State,
it is worthy or remark, that all the counties upon the Cape Fear are abundantly
supplied with swamps, presenting in depth and appearance of soil and growth upon
the same, the highest evidences of fertility. Nor have these usual badges at any
time proved deceptive. These lands have been tested in several counties, and
their production would compare favorably with that of any land in the State. I
would here do injustice to my own feelings were I to fail in concurrence with
the views you have expressed in relation to the future prosperity of
Fayetteville and the adjacent country, founded upon the completion of our
railroad to the coalfields . I am sure you were gratified to witness the energy
with which that work had been carried on, for your were its friend from the
beginning to the end, and no one is more sensible of that then myself. There
were others, too, in your city and various other localities in the State, who
were the strong advocates of the passage of the bill upon which depended the
speedy and successful termination of the work. I would be unjust to myself were
I not here to record my grateful acknowledgment of the generous feeling of the
Senate upon that occasion, whether prompted by the great merit of the work
itself or by the past services of former member from my section, mingled as I
trust it was, in either event, by a friendly consideration for those I had the
honor to represent. Nor has any measure at any time during the passed
legislation of that body been sustained reflecting a higher compliment upon the
constituency of any section or demanding a deeper gratitude. Nor will I fail
here in like manner to express my grateful remembrance of the generous feeling
of the Commons by which that measure was likewise passed, being the only
appropriation which was made for works of internal improvements during the past
session of the legislature. And here again I must be permitted to say in
reference to all that a full and just appreciation is felt by myself, and I
trust and believe by those I had upon that occasion the honor to represent. John
T. Gilmore
Trinity Advocate (of Palestine, Texas) - May 23, 1860 edition - Page: 2
The Fairfield Pioneer of the 18th inst., says that John Cockrum, who has been lying in the jail of Freestone county, for the last two and half years for the murder of his brother-in-law, Wm. Self, was at the adjourned session of the District Court, sentenced to fifteen years hard labor in the penitentiary. It was a cold-blooded, deliberate murder.
[same issue]
The Fairfield Pioneer of the 18th inst., mentions the organization of a cavalry company in that place. We would like to see a similar company here. What do our military men say? We are certain we have as good material as can be found in the State.
San Antonio Ledger - June 16, 1860 edition
Negro Killed
The Fairfield Pioneer says that a negro man, belonging to Rev. H. L. Graves, while descending a well at the Female College, at Fairfield on Monday last, loosed his hold and fell several feet to the bottom, which fractured his skull and produced death in a few minutes. It is said that he came in contact with the damp, (carbonic acid-gas) which caused him to release his hold and fall.
State Gazette (of Austin, Texas) - June 16, 1860 edition
Democracy of Freestone
In accordance with previous notice, a meeting of the
Democracy of Freestone county
was held at the Courthouse, Monday, May the
28th; when Hopson Burleson was called to the chair, and
J. L. Manning requested to act as
Secretary. At the request of the
chairman, Wm. F. Daniel, Esq., in a few pertinent and well turned remarks, announced that
the meeting had been convened to take into consideration the action of the Texas
delegation in the late Charleston Convention.
On motion, a Committee of five, consisting of Dr. Thomas B. Grayson, Col. J. B. Johnson, Wm. L. Moody, Wm. F. Daniel, and F. C. McMillan, was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
During the absence of the committee, Dr. D. J. Moody and Wm. C. Wilson, Esq., addressed the
meeting in an able and dignified manner, on the political issues of the day.
The committee through its chairman made the following
report, which was unammously [sic] adopted.
The Democracy of
Freestone county,
having a feeling and sentiment in union with the people of the great
agricultural districts of the South, in Convention assembled, declare:
1st.
That the people of several States composing these United States, are
united as parties to a Constitutional compact, to which the people of each State
acceded as a separate and sovereign community, each binding itself by its own
particular ratification, and that the union of which the said compact is the
bond, is a union between the States ratifying the same.
2nd.
That the people of the several States thus united by the Constitutional
compact, in forming that instrument, and in creating a general government to
carry into elect the objects for which it was framed, delegated to that
government for that purpose, certain definite powers to be exercised ????? ????
residuary mass of powers to be exercised by its own separate government, and
that whenever the general government assumes the exercise of powers not
delegated to ??, since that would make its discretion, and not the Constitution
... an equal right to judge for
itself as well of the ?fraction as of the mode and measure of the redress.
3rd.
That the maintenance of the Constitution and of the Union is identified,
and that faithful adherence to the former is the most powerful cement to the
latter.
4th. That the
Constitution recognizing property in slaves draws no distinction between that
and any other species of property, and therefore the general government or all
its department, is bound to protect slave property to the same extent that my
other species of property is protected in the Territories of the United States.
5th. They
heartily approve of the Texas delegates in the late Charleston Convention
believing they acted as the truthful defenders ...
The Weekly Telegraph (of Houston, Texas) - June 19, 1860 edition - Page: 1
How to Dispose of Them - The Democracy of
Freestone county,
justly indignant at the impudence of the bogus Texas delegates in the Chicago
Convention passed the following resolution:
That justice demands the immediate execution, by hanging,
of those miserable, deluded miscreants who at the late Chicago Convention
pretended to represent ...
[also in that issue]
The Fairfield Pioneer says that the web worm is making mischief in the cotton fields of that locality.
State Gazette (of Austin, Texas) - July 7, 1860 edition - Page: 2
The rumor that Judge John Gregg of Freestone, was about to leave the state for Alabama, is unfounded. It arose, we expect, from the fact that he was about transferring his location to some portion of Eastern Texas.
The Weekly Telegraph (of Houston, Texas) - August 14, 1860 edition
Texas Items
The Fairfield Pioneer urges the importance of an artesian well being bored in that town. We presume the editor has counted the cost, and also considered that no artesian well yet bored in Texas has brought water to the surface.
[also in that issue]
The Fairfield Pioneer on throwing off its neutrality on the Presidential contest and ??lecturing for Breckenridge and Lane, gives reasons for its course which should weigh with every Southern man. After showing the importance of a united South, ...
The Weekly Telegraph (of Houston, Texas) - August 21, 1860 edition
Texas Items
The Fairfield Pioneer says:
If we are not seriously mistaken, there is a well in Corpus
Christi, that belches forth an abundance of the healthful beverage, and
many others are being bored.
The Weekly Telegraph (of Houston, Texas) - September 11, 1860 edition
The Fairfield Pioneer gives a very complementary account of Wharton's speech in that place.
The Weekly Telegraph (of Houston, Texas) - September 15, 1860 edition
The Fairfield Pioneer mentions the deliberate shooting of M. R. F. Bowman, about fifteen miles south of Fairfield by Mr. Thomas L. Crowson. The account in the Pioneer makes the thing look like murder. A reward of $150 is offered for Crowson.