[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH
1864
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Nearly all the troops that arrive here, especially if they have been long
in the service, are destitute of socks. Quartermasters
are unable to buy them at the schedule prices, and consequently cannot issue
them. We have received and distributed many pairs to those needy men, and
solicit further contributions from the ladies for this purpose.
All socks sent to us for distribution, will be acknowledged, and will be
issued either directly to needy applicants, or be placed in the hands of the
Quartermaster of any regiment or the Captain of any company, as may be desired.
We urge the ladies to send forward their contributions at once. They will not remain long in our hands.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
We are pleased to learn that the Bastrop Military Institute will receive
twelve young men who have been wounded in the Confederate service, and are
unable to educate themselves, and educate them free of charge, except for actual
cost of boarding. It will also
teach twenty more without charge, provided they board elsewhere than at the
Academy. The only proviso is that
they are indigent, and have been disabled in the service.
The proposition is a liberal one.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 12, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We understand the Israelites of Houston yesterday presented some of the
soldiers in this vicinity with twenty india rubber tents. The present was a timely one, and speaks well for those who
made it.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 14, 1864, p. 1, c. 2-3
Resources of Southern fields and Forrests [sic]
Glenblythe, Dec. 29th, 1863.
Ed. Teleraph—Thanks for your loan of Surgeon Porcher’s “Resources
of the Southern Field’s [sic] and Forrests [sic];” in which I have found
very much of interest. And most
heartily wish that the surgeon general, or somebody else who hs it in their
power, would favor me with a copy sent to your care.
I begin my promised digest.
T.
A.
The Chinese Sugar Cane.
Dr. Porcher speaks in high terms of this plant, and of the syrup made
from it. I had a small crop last
year, and am so much pleased with the result, as to be now preparing for it as a
main crop.
Prepare the ground well and deeply, plant early with a view to a full
crop and early grinding, although it may be planted at any time, up to June.
One or two good showers will cause it to give a wonderful yield.
On our black prairies, rows 4 ½ feet, dropping two or three seeds at
every 16 inches, is about the proper distance, tend as if corn.
The plant throws up stalks in succession; the first watering their seeds
when the roots are about half grown, and so on, depending on the season and
showers.
I tried the experiment of cutting off the blossom, so soon as it showed
itself on the oldest stalks; and found them become, in four or five days,
decidedly sweeter than those not topped. But,
with the first shower, or within a week or ten days if the soil be moist, a seed
stalk is pushed at the base of every leaf, when these stalks soon lost their
sweetness until the seed again approached maturity.
My experiment was not sufficiently extensive, long continued or repeated
often enough to warrant saying more, than as yet I deem it best, to let the seed
of each planting become ripe or nearly so before beginning to cut and grind;
that [then?] push through with the piece as rapidly as possible.
I found it the most expeditious, to have the leaves stripped from the
stalks whilst standing, then cut down, hauled to the mill and the seeds cut off
there.
Oxen and mules are much fonder of the fodder when green than when dried.
The seeds are relished by all kinds of stock.
Hogs will keep in growing order on the stalks; but do not fatten.
As forage for anything but horses, cattle and hogs, I prefer drilled corn
to sugar millet.
For the making of syrup and sugar from the juice of this plant, Dr. P.
quotes at some length from the writings of northern chemists, writing from their
laboratories. The whole lacks
practicability.
I was fortunate enough to have the services of Negroes, trained on a
first-class Louisiana sugar plantation, worth a whole regiment of Yankee
chemists.
Four small wash kettles, the largest of about 30 gallon capacity, were
set in the furnace, in a row; the largest next the chimney, and called the grand.
They were set each about an inch or inch and half above the next; the
grand being the lowest; and had their capacity greatly increased by being cased
around above their edges, with thin stones set in cement or lime, with a
casement of wood over all; the top of which was some eight or ten inches above
the edges of the kettles, declining in height towards the grand.—The smallest
kettle, next the mouth of the furnace, which boiled most vigorously, is called
the siro.
I had secured an old-fashioned sugar mill, to be driven by mules,
consisting of three cast iron rollers, set on end, with cogs on their
circumference, at their upper ends. The
center roller being turned, caused the others to turn with it; the canes were
crushed between them, and the juice flowed into a trough placed below.
To have the work go on steadily and regularly, the capacity of the mill
and of the kettles should be, as nearly as possible, kept up to the same point.
There should be little interruption to the work, after it is started;
else it is difficult to make good syrup.
The cane is passed first into the grand.
To each charge a quantity of strong lime water is added, depending upon
the condition of the juice. My
canes were very ripe, yielding of course less juice, but a larger proportion of
sugar. Two quarts of lime-water was
put to each charge. Canes grown on
strong lime soil, as are these black prairies, contain a large proportion of
lime; and I am induced to believe the juice from them requires less lime-water
than if grown upon soil less calcareous or limy.
From the first moment the scum begins to rise, it must be carefully and
continuously skimmed off. As the
juice thickens by boiling, it requires more space, and is baled forward into the
other kettles. It will be seen that
the manner of setting each higher than the other, enables the attendant to strip
off the scum with a long, broad paddle into the next kettle below, and so into
the grand, where it is finally skimmed off.
By this careful and attentive skimming, the sediment, gum, starch,
&c., are boiled out of the syrup, instead into it, as by the usual practice.
The boiling is finished off in the siro.
I found none of the reported strainings, filterings, and other
manifestations, recommended by the Yankee chemists, quoted by Dr. P., to be at
all necessary.
It would be better for three or four neighbors to join, where kettles are
scarce, and set four, or even five in one furnace, though good syrup could be
made I presume, with even one kettle.
The syrup is excellent. Have
not tried yet making it into sugar. The
yield per acre is remunerating; say from two to four barrels.
[Yours, T. A.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Indigo.
The soil of the rich alluvial bottoms of Texas is peculiarly adapted to
the culture of the Indigo plant, frequently attaining the height of from four to
six feet, with comparatively no care in either the mode of planting or means of
cultivation. Farmers who attempted
its culture in Brazos county, utterly failed in procuring the dark blue
precipitate in which consists its chief value.
I have been informed by those who have experimented in the manufacture of
Indigo in Texas, that the invariable result has been a deep green precipitate,
not in a solid mass, but rather in floating follicles. To obviate this result is
the principal object of this article.
It should be borne in mind that all the varieties of the indigo plant,
from the Indigofera tinctoria to the Baptisia tinctoria, contains
a greenish brown and greenish red coloring substance, each of which yields more
readily in the process of manufacture than the deep blue.
Hence great care is requisite in order to obtain the desired results.
Time of planting.—The ground should be thoroughly prepared by plowing
and harrowing, run out in furrows about three feet apart, the seeds planted in
drills about one foot distant from each other.
This should be done as early in the spring as the temperature and
condition of the soil will permit. One
or two plowings between the rows will be sufficient for the season, unless the
ground is quite foul with weeds or other undergrowth.
New ground is preferable, when it can be had, but even in old fields
there is no crop that will yield so rich a reward to the husbandman, with the
same amount of labor, as the one under consideration.
Time of gathering.—When the plants are in their greatest perfection,
the seeds well formed but not yet ripe, is regarded as the best time for
gathering the stalks by those engaged in its culture in the East Indies as an
article of commerce. Although an
inferior article of Indigo is manufactured from the stalks reserved as seed
bearers, after the seeds are gathered, the difference between the two articles
is so marked and apparent, that the latter always commands a much less price
than the former. The first is
always formed in firm dense cakes, presenting upon fracture, a bright glistening
blue, while the latter contains less of the blue coloring matter, and an excess
of the brown. The cakes are more
porous and more soluble in water, hence its inferiority.
Mode of manufacturing.—The plants having been gathered as above
indicated, they are placed in large barrels or vats, and covered with rain water
(no other kind of water should be used.) Our
streams and wells generally contain sufficient foreign matter, either of a
saline, chalybeate, or sulphuric character, sufficient in quantity to prevent
the desired result. These barrels
or vats should be allowed to remain in the sun.
In a few days the fermentive process will commence.
The stalks should be stirred up once or twice every day, from the
commencement. According to the
rapidity of fermentation will the stalks yield their several coloring principles
to the water. The length of time
which they should remain in the water is determined by the water assuming a deep
green color. The stalks are now taken out, and a small quantity of lime water,
or a solution of potash or salaratus [sic] is added to the water, in order to
aid the precipitation of the Indigo. The
water is now either decanted or drawn off by means of a faucet placed
immediately above the precipitate.
This precipitate now undergoes a marked chemical change, from a bright
green to a deep blue color—from a soluble substance to one that will but
sparingly yield its coloring matter to either water or alcohol. This change is doubtless caused by the rapid absorption of
oxygen from the air.
This precipitate is now collected, washed upon linen strainers, moulded
in such shapes as fancy may dictate, placed in the sun and dried.
The process is thus completed—the yield incredible, the reward
abundant—the result satisfactory.
**
Poppy.
The Poppy is too well known to require any description.
Its vast varieties have been cultivated in gardens as ornamental plants
from time immemorial—while all along our vast plains and wood-scoped prairies,
a variety may be found growing wild, presenting all the floral beauties of the
more highly favored members of this family, which has so long received the
fostering care of the tasteful gardener. But,
as a source of profit by the manufacturing of opium, the only variety that will
remunerate the laborer is the White Poppy.
This is distinguished from others by its round smooth stalk, growing to
the height of from three to six feet, and by its large white or silver
gray-colored flowers, often double and not unfrequently tinged with a deep
violet color at their base.
Mode of Cultivation.—The manner of cultivating the Poppy is quite
similar to that of the Indigo plant, it may, however, be planted much thicker as
the stalks are not so branching, and the plant absorbs less support from the
soil hence it grows well in comparatively poor ground.
In this country with early planting it will bloom by the middle of May or
the first of June. In a few weeks
thereafter the capsules will be nearly half grown, at which time its milky fluid
is fully elaborated and the process of collecting it should commence—this is
quite simple, consisting in making small longitudinal incisions with a sharp
knife, in the capsules and various portions of the stalk, from which a tenacious
milky fluid escapes. This is
collected every day, and the process of incision again renewed from day to day
until it ceases to flow. This juice
when collected is put in large deep plates and exposed to the action of the sun
until it acquires consistency sufficient to form it into flat cakes or which is
better round balls. In this
condition it should be allowed to dry for three or four weeks.
It is then fit for market, and sold under the name of Opium.
It might not be inappropriate to remark in this connection, that Opium
thus procured is entirely free from adulteration or deterioration and would be
more anxiously sought after by our physicians and druggists, than even the
Turkey Opium provided our trade with that country was at present entirely
uninterrupted.
Another process of extracting the active properties of the Poppy consists
in macerating the capsules and stalks, rejecting the leaves, previously bruised
to a pulp in a small quantity of water and straining it through flannel.
The inspiesated [sic?] fluid thus obtained is evaporated down by means of
a sand bath, or an opened mouth vessel kept in boiling water until the desired
consistency is attained. Although
the result of this process is vastly inferior to the first, it has this
advantage, it can be resorted to after the capsules and stalks have ceased to
yield any exudation by incision or acupuncture; and although the opium thus
obtained is vastly inferior to that procured by the former process, it is
nevertheless superior to the ordinary article of commerce.
Profit.—One acre of ground properly attended to, will yield from fifty
to sixty pounds of opium by the first process, and about twenty by the last.
Estimating the pure to be worth $100 per pound, and the inferior at $50
per pound, you have, as the proceeds of one acre of land, a sum exceeding six
thousand dollars, and that, too, by work that can be done by small negroes, at a
season when they have little or nothing else to do.
To us, especially at this time, there is another source of profit and
utility that should not be overlooked. All
the varieties of the Poppy yield a large amount of seeds which contain a great
quantity of bland oil, which is easily expressed. This oil is a complete substitute for the pure Olive Oil, and
can be used for all purposes, both in the arts and sciences for which that oil
has so justly commanded attention.
***
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c.
2
Moscow, Polk county, Jan. 4, 1864
Editor Telegraph—On last Wednesday, about noon, during one of the
coldest and hardest rains of the season, the monotony of our usual quiet village
was interrupted by the entrance of Capt. R. S. Poole, commanding detachment 24th
Texas Cavalry, with forty men in hot pursuit of some deserters from Sabine Pass.
Learning that a body of the deserters were about fifteen miles ahead, the
Captain gave orders for immediate pursuit at full speed.
Although the rain was pouring down in torrents, and very cold, yet the
gallant Captain would not tarry a moment to partake of refreshments offered by
the patriotic citizens of Moscow. but
off they went at full speed, overtaking and capturing the deserters, 29 in
number the same evening. On
Thursday night Capt. Poole, with the 29 prisoners and guard of forty men stopped
in this place over night. The
citizens of Moscow desire to bear testimony to the gentlemanly conduct and
soldierly bearing of Captain Poole and his brave command, whom we know to be
performing good service in arresting deserters, and freeing the country from
Jayhawkers and turbulent characters, thus contributing to the peace and security
of the country and the morale of our army.
The discipline of Capt. Poole's company seemed to be perfect, and the
Captain's constant personal attention to business was marked by all.
Citizens of Moscow.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 14, 1864, p. 2, c.
4
We regret to observe the suspension of the Marshall Republican. It is the ablest paper left in the East.
In fact always was the ablest paper there.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
Miss Tucker, of Weatherford, deserves to bear off the palm.
She has made with her own fair hands a pair of cotton cards, and carded,
spun, wove, and made her own dresses. Who
can beat that.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
To the Ladies of Texas.
The troops of Gen. Tom Green's Division are very much in need of socks. l
It is impossible for Quartermasters to supply them with this most essential
article of clothing, and this appeal is now made to you for the purpose of
aiding us during the winter campaign. Very
few of our men have any socks, except such as are fortunate enough to have
received them from home. Agents
have been appointed to gather as many socks together as can be purchased, but
the supply is insufficient. Any
clothing deposited with Mr. Peter Crow, Brenham, Texas, or Col. Boone at
Hempstead, will be forwarded immediately to the Captain of the company to which
the soldier belongs. Those desiring
it, will be paid the maximum price allowed by Government for the articles
furnished. Socks and hats are most
needed for the men of the Division.
It will be made the duty of every Quartermaster of this Division, to see
that all contributions of clothing made to the troops of the Division, is
properly turned over to the commanding officers of company's [sic], to be by
them delivered to the proper owners. In
this way it is hoped that soldiers will receive all donations promptly that are
made to them.
J. H. Beck, Maj. & Q. M.,
Green's Cavalry Division.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 20, 1864, p. 2, c.
4
Wanted, at the Texas Penitentiary.—
800 bales cotton, not to class below Low Middling, for which I will pay
25 cents per lb., one half in cotton goods.
30,000 lbs. wool, clear of burrs, for which I will pay one dollar per
lb., either in money or cotton goods.
20,000 lbs. bacon, clear sides, for which I will give one yard osnaburgs
for 3 lbs.
15,000 lbs. lard, for which I will give one yard osnaburgs for 3 lbs.
10,000 lbs. flour, for which I will pay 30 cts. per lb. in cotton goods.
The above supplies must be delivered at this place within eight weeks
from this date.
S. B. Hendricks,
Financial Agent Penitentiary.
Huntsville, January 20, 1864.
Galveston News, and State Gazette publish 5 times and send bill to this
office.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 21, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
Indigo No. 2.
Dr. Porcher devotes several pages to this subject, but none of the
articles he quotes seem to me nearly so clear and practical as that of which I
have given you a digest.
To the north of this place, some ten or a dozen miles, either near the
Gegua or Davidson's creek, there is quite a patch of the native Indigo, to which
the ladies for miles around have resorted for many years, for the plant to dye
with. I was strongly in hopes that
some of them had stumbled on a more natural process, of dyeing their thread or
wool in the liquor in which the plant had been steeped, and before the process
of heating; but cannot learn that this has been done.
Here again, is a stumbling block in the way—that of explaining the why
and because, in simple language. This
heating is for the purpose of exposing the liquor to the air, so that a chemical
change may take place by the taking up of a gas from the air, by which the
coloring matter is separated and can be gathered together and dried. In order to dye with the dried indigo, it must be brought
back by the use of copperas, or alum or lye, to the condition in which it was
before it was exposed to the air in the process of heating.
I do not intend to enter into a discussion with the ladies, and
especially the old ones; who know infinitely more, practically, than I do, in
this case. But I desire to use the
suggestion as a test on which to remark:
That we of the South have been a very blind people!
Will we ever become less so? We
grow the cotton and the wool; can grow the hemp, the flax, the dyestuffs—as
Indigo, Madder, Wood, &c.; and the Teazles; can make the Pot and Pearlash,
the Barilla and Soda, the Sulphuric Acid; and in fact, every article used in the
manufacture of cotton and wool into cloth.
Yet we have, in the face of the volumes of facts published in this
connection, through a long series of years, done everything in our power to
continue subject to, because dependent on Yankeedom and Europe for every rag we
wore, until we had cultivated the feeling of contempt on the part of the Yankees
towards those to whom they naturally felt themselves infinitely superior, that
has brought about this cruel and ruinous war.
We have paid the heavy cost of transportation on both cotton and goods,
with all the large profits made by those whose hands they passed through—an
immense profit to the manufacturer—not only a legitimate profit, but derived
from every possible series of rascality, by cheating in the materials used,
&c.; and have also paid a big price, as the cost of bringing the baled
cotton back to the condition in which it was when it left the flue of the
gin-stand, when it was in a better state to make a good and strong thread, than
it can ever again be brought to. And
so it is and has been with wool, hides, &c.
Query.—Looking to the past, how long time will elapse after we secure
our independence, politically, before we again become entirely dependent, in a
commercial and manufacturing way, upon our bitter enemies, the Yankees, and our unfreens,
the English and French?
But to return to our subject, Indigo:
I do not think it necessary to be equally precise with the processes of
draining and drying, and of pressing the Indigo.
For home use it may be treated in a very simple manner. Any one proposing to engage in the crop as a business, will
inform himself more fully than he can do through a newspaper article.
When the heating process is completed, the liquor must not rest until the
mud or indigo settles to the bottom; when the reddish colored water must be
drawn off; the mud dipped out and placed on frames, covered with close linen,
hemp or even cotton cloth, to drain thoroughly; placed under cover.
It should be scraped off, and put on fresh cloths, until the mud becomes
stiff enough to be placed in a box, lined with a loose cloth, and subjected to
pressure; where it may remain twenty-four hours; then to be taken out and worked
over in a basin with a paddle; or better if beaten in a smooth mould, in which
it may be cut into squares of, say, two inches each way.
These squares are then taken out and dried. If any white mould appears on the surface, it must be
carefully brushed off.
There are other processes by which the coloring matter of the Indigo
plant is extracted—as, by hot water, and without lime or ley, and from the
dried leaves. But I will consider
your limited space, and refrain.
Dr. Porcher says: "According
to Lesunes, the decoction of the root possesses the property of action against
poison, and is useful in nephritic diseases.
In Jamaica, it is employed to destroy vermin.
The leaves are alterative, and are given in nephatic disorders."
These, your readers can look into their dictionaries, or consult the
Doctors.
This I can add, the dried Indigo has been found a useful remedy in croup,
giving so much of the powder as would lie on a dime, repeating if necessary.
The powder, moistened with water, and applied to the spot stung by a bee,
or wasp, will give immediate relief.
You have had enough of blueing for this boat!
Glenblythe, Jan. 11, '64.
T. A.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 22, 1864, p. 1, c. 4
To the Citizens of Texas.
Under the approbation of Lt. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, I have drawn up a plan
for supplying the soldiers and citizens of this Military Department with
Clothing, &c. I have obtained
from the Legislature of Texas a charter granting the necessary privileges; also
making a conditional grant, which, to the company I propose to organize, will
amount to between one and two hundred thousand acres of land. The privileges granted by the Confederate authorities will be
of great pecuniary advantage; the whole being equal to a bounty of some three to
five hundred thousand dollars. The
plan is simply to establish and operate a Cotton and Woolen Factory, of
sufficient capacity to manufacture some $8,000,000 worth of cloth per annum.
The machinery can be obtained. The
Factory can be established and operated by those who have had experience in this
business. The profits will be sufficient to satisfy the most craving.
Your Confederate notes can be invested in that which is equal to specie,
and at little, if any, discount.
While thus investing most profitably to yourselves, you will greatly
benefit the citizens of your State; the soldiers family; the army fighting for
your liberties.
Instead of depreciating our currency, our entire operations will tend to
enhance its value. These are bold
assertions, but they are based on clear calculations founded on practical
experience. To carry out its plans
the company will need $1,000,000 Confederate money.
This will be raised by shares of $1000 each.
One gentleman has already offered to take 100 shares in cash, and invest
200 bags of cotton at a fair valuation, in the same way. Will not the citizens and capitalists of Texas at once take
the 1000 shares and put the whole in operation.
I wish you clearly to understand that, to accomplish this, we expect to
meet great difficulties and run many risks.
Energy, activity, perseverance and prudence, will surmount the
difficulties. Your Government, by
its liberal offers and grants, have covered almost the entire risk.
As to profits the Company can reduce the present prices at least one half
and yet, when in full operation realize a profit of $25,000 per diem.
Should peace be established you will own a property that will produce you
annually in specie funds not less than 33 per cent.
For further information, I refer you to the bearer of this, or to the
undersigned at Washington, Texas.
Thos. Lockett,
Capt. P. A. C. S.
Austin, Dec. 16th, 1863.
Remark:--Maj. Lockett has the best endorsements possible in this
Department. He has over half the
stock proposed taken. He now offers
to the people of Houston an opportunity to enter into this matter. We urge their attention to it.
He is stopping at the Rusk House.—Ed. Tel.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
The Poppy and Opium.
Under any other circumstances than those now existing in our Confederacy,
the cultivation of the Poppy for Opium would be nearly as objectionable, on
account of the negroes, as would be a rum distillery, just over the fence and in
irresponsible hands. Let this be
borne in mind.
The variety cultivated for opium is one having a branching habit of
growth, having large white blossoms, and a capsule or head as large as a good
sized lemon, though all the Poppy tribe will yield the gum, proportioned to the
size and thickness of the capsules.
The cultivation of the large variety, as a field crop, is very similar to
cotton; rows, say, three feet; plants fourteen inches apart. Prepare the ground well.
Sow early, during lat of January and first half of February.
It is a plant that loves a rich soil, and pays well for suitable manure
on poor land. After the plant is a
foot high, do not cultivate deeply, but merely to keep down the weeds.
The opium is the sap of the plant, procured by scarifying the sides of
the capsule, when it is full grown and the petals, or flower leaves, are still
plump and fresh—some say, not until the petals have fallen off. This scarifying is affected by making, at sunset, two
longitudinal incisions, from below upwards, without penetrating the cavity, with
an instrument which has two points, as fine and sharp as a lancet; the incisions
are repeated every evening; until each capsule has received six or eight wounds,
and they are then allowed to ripen their seeds.
The juice which exudes is collected in the evening, and being inspissated
(become thick by drying) to a proper consistence, by working it in an earthen
pot in the sun's heat, is formed into cakes, for sale."
It is best to make the incisions circular and upward; by which more juice
will flow out and less of it drop on the ground.
I would be glad to have a little seed of a large variety.
T. A.
Glenblythe, Jan. 12th 1864.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
A Sensible Scheme.
About the time of the beginning of the war, some of the merchants of
Houston interested themselves in getting up a Manufacturing Company, and we
believe the capital for the company was readily obtained.
It fell through by reason of timidity, and nothing else.
Had the enterprise been carried out as it was in the power of the
projectors any time in 1860, every dollar of the stock would to-day be worth
five dollars in gold, while the profits of the establishment, costing as was
then estimated, about $40,000, would now be reckoned in millions.
No man can for a moment question this.
Since then it has been thought to be injudicious to undertake things of
this kind for the reason that the blockade would make them exceedingly
expensive, and that the expected short duration of the war would soon put a
period to the profits. Had the
machinery however been run in in 1861 or 1862 or 1863, the enormous profits
would have been beyond computation. We
have yet to suffer for the want of enterprise, and enterprising men still rest
in idleness, and prepare for the same regrets in 1865 and 1866.
Is not this childish? Is it
not time for us to begin to take the practical views of things?
Maj. Lockett, who is now in town, an old and experienced manufacturer
endorsed as such, as well as a man of entire probity and of business habits by
the highest authority in the Trans-Mississippi Department; has a charter for a
cotton and a woolen factory, to be built on a capital of $1,000,000 Confederate
money. Of this, he has $500,000
already taken. His plan appears to
be simple and certain. His showing
of the cost of machinery, the cost and mode of getting it here, the cost of
building and the cost of working is lucid.
By it no one can fail to see, that as a business operation, there are few
opportunities in a lifetime equal to it.
Many business men affect to regard Confederate money as worthless.
they have cart-loads of it packed away, and pretend that they know not
what to do with it. We commend to
them the experiment of putting some of it into this enterprise.
They will at least do the country the service of helping to supply the
army with clothing, even if they do not gain a good return for their investment,
in profit.
We hope Major Luckett will meet with the encouragement due to an
enterprise so useful and promising, and that timidity in business matters so
unusual in our people, will not stand in the way of his success.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 26, 1864, p. 1, c.
3
Editor Telegraph:--I noticed in your paper a short time since a request
for information relative to the culture and growth of the White Poppy.
I herewith send you Mr. Kerr's method of procuring opium in the East
Indies. He says:
(See Kerr's method of cultivating the White Poppy—Papaver Somneprum.)
The field being well plowed and harrowed, it is reduced to an exact level
superficus [sic?]. It is then
divided into quadrangular areas of seven feet long and five feet in breadth,
leaving two feet of intervals, which is raised five or six inches, and excavated
into an aqueduct for conveying water to every area, for which purpose they have
a well in every cultivated field. The
seeds are sown in October or November, the plants are allowed to grow seven or
eight inches apart, and are plentifully supplied with water.
When the young plants are six or eight inches high they are watered more
sparingly. The cultivator spreads
over all the areas compost of ashes, human excrement, cow manure, and a large
portion of nitrous earth scraped from the highways and old mud walls.
When the plants are nigh flowering, they are watered profusely to
increase the juice. When the
capsules are half grown, no more water is given, and they begin to collect the
opium. At sunset they make two
longitudinal, double incisions upon each half ripe capsule, passing from below
upwards, and taking care not to penetrate the internal cavity of the capsule.
The incisions are repeated every evening until each capsule has received
six or eight wounds, then the seeds are allowed to ripen.
The ripe capsules afford no juice. If
the wound be made in the heat of the day, a cicatrix will be too soon formed.
The night dews, by their moisture, favor the exstillation of the juice.
Early in the morning the juice is collected by scraping off the wounds
with a small iron scoop. It is then
deposited in an earthen pot, where it is worked by the hands in the sunshine
until it becomes of a considerable spissitude.
It is then formed into cakes of a globular shape and four or five pounds
weight, and laid in little earthen basins to be further exsiccated.
These cakes are covered with poppy or tobacco leaves, and dried until fit
for sale.
In the fall of '59, in southern Arkansas, I gathered from one-third of an
acre, sown in poppies, three pounds of good opium.
My mode of culture was very similar to the above; I, however, found it
unnecessary to water the plants more than three or four times, from the fact
that I had good seasons. I used
only cow manure, and found a sandy soil the most suitable.
In this portion of Texas, I believe Mr. Kerr's method of watering, as
well ad the manner of planting, is the proper one. In conclusion, if you will influence the medical Purveyor to
send me a supply of seeds, I will engage to furnish him some good opium next
fall.
M. D.
N.B. The proper time of
planting is from 1st to middle of February.
Bellville, Austin County, Jan. 16th, 1864.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 26, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We are informed that Capt. E. C. Wharton has been relieved from charge of
the Clothing Bureau, etc., at his own request, and Capt. E. W. Taylor has been
assigned to duty in his place. The
change was necessitated by the fact that Capt. Wharton was not able to make up
his returns while attending to the business of the office.
We wish Capt. Taylor joy of his appointment, though we question if he or
anybody else can derive much joy from so laborious and responsible a bureau.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 26, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
Editor Telegraph—Allow me through your columns to acknowledge the
donation of eight hundred dollars from the citizens of Houston, for the purpose
of buying Bibles for the soldiers at the post of Galveston.
The Bibles have been bought and distributed to the soldiers, but we need
as many more. I also take pleasure
in announcing to the well wishers of our Savior's cause, that we are passing
through a most gracious revival amongst the soldiers. There have been eighty conversions, with sixty-five
accessions to the Camp Church, which is composed of each Evangelical
denomination of Christians.—The good work is still on the increase. The Camp Church is nightly crowded, and many are seeking the
Great "I Am." We solicit
the prayers of God's people for the descent of His spirit upon the entire
soldiery upon Galveston Island.
L. H. Baldwin,
Post Chaplain, Galveston.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
Capt. Wiggins, A. Q. M., has shown us a very convenient mode of turning a
blanket into a hooded-talma and over-coat, which any soldier can readily put in
practice, if they can understand our directions. It is much more easily made, however, than described.
At the middle of one side edge of the blanket, strike a curve—a semi-elipsis,
that shall be two feet across on the edge, and 18 inches deep.
On this sew a strip of clothe [sic] at the edges, leaving space for a
stout cord, or a tape (a peice [sic] of listing will do,) to pass through.
This when drawn up makes the hood. Now,
at each of the two corners on the same edge as the puckering string, put button
holes, having a diagonal direction. Two-thirds
of the way across the end edges of the blanket from these button holes, and in
the opposite side of the blanket from the puckering string, sew two buttons, and
your talma is complete. Now put it
on, and make, at will, a close coat, or an open talma—or use it as a blanket.
The invention is worth a premium.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 27, 1864, p. 2, c.
5
Wanted to Hire—Thirty Good Coopers for whom I will pay a liberal hire,
to be employed in making flour barrels for the C. S. A.
Persons hiring them to me will be entitled in the Labor Bureau to a
credit of two common hands for each cooper thus hired.
Address me through McKeen & Co., Houston; Trabue & Deadrick,
Millican; or myself at Wheelock.
J. B. Durant.
Wheelock, Jan. 23, 1864.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 28, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
The Southern Dramatic Association will play the thrilling drama called
the Guerilla Chief again this evening, at Perkins' Hall.
The play is founded on facts that have taken place during this war in
Virginia, and are of the most truthful and thrilling character.
The Hall has been crowded nightly by delighted audiences, and all who
have attended pronounce it the best play ever produced on the stage in this
city. Mr. John English, the
unrivaled actor, and Mrs. Sala sustain the leading characters.
If our reader wish to witness an interesting play, they should not fail
to attend.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We learn that small pox is prevailing in Brenham, Chappell Hill,
Fairfield and other towns in the interior.
New cases continue to occur in this city, but it attracts little or no
attention. We hear of few deaths.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We met two boys, Thomas and Robert Bostick, yesterday, who have had
adventures enough in the last six weeks to deserve a paragraph.
They are twins, fourteen years old, belong in Washington county, Ala.,
their father being in the Confederate service at Dalton, Ga.
About six weeks ago they started from home to come to Texas, to visit a
sister, who lives near Danville, Montgomery county.
They came by railroad to Brandon, from whence they undertook to travel on
foot to Texas. They made their way
to Grand Gulf, where meeting a
Yankee gunboat they went on board, and asked to be sent to the coast of Texas.
The captain put them on a river steamer and sent them to New Orleans.
After remaining there two days they saw a transport taking on troops to
leave for Texas, and they fell in with the soldiers and came aboard.
They were not noticed till the steamer got off, when they told the
Yankees where they were going, answered all their questions, etc.
The Yankees gave them food, and after a ten days delay, landed them at
Deckrow's Point. There they
remained until last Friday, one of them escaped through the lines.
The following Sunday the other was paroled and sent after his brother.
They went on to Montgomery county yesterday.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c.
4
Capt. J. T. Cleveland,
C. S. gunboat "J. H. Bell,"
At anchor off Sabine Pass, Texas:
Sir:--We, the undersigned, present this flag to the officers and crew of
the "J. H. Bell," as a testimonial of our love for the Confederacy,
and gratitude to, and admiration for, the brave hearts and strong arms engaged
in our defence.
Never permit the light of Hope to grow dim, while a single star remains
upon this banner of Liberty; but may it gather new luster from the deeds and
daring of its gallant defenders.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Samuel Watson,
Mrs. K. D. Keith,
Mrs. R. J. Parsons.
Sabine Pass, Texas,. Jan. 25th, 1864.
Ladies:--In the name and behalf of the officers and crew of the C. S.
gunboat "J. H. Bell," be pleased to accept our thanks for the
beautiful C. s. flag, herewith received at your hands.
In the hope that your anticipations and aspirations may be fully
realized, I am, ladies, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. T. Cleveland,
Com. St. gunboat "J. H. Bell."
To Mrs. Samuel Watson, Mrs. K. D. Keith,
Mrs. R. J. Parsons, Sabine Pass, Texas.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 1, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We are requested by Col. Hendricks of the Penitentiary to say that the
institution has received the supplies of bacon, lard and wool for which he
advertised, though he will not reject black wool at any time unless brought in
unreasonably large quantities.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 2, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We were pleased to meet our old friend, Major I. C. Stafford, in town
yesterday, and to see him in good health. he
is now Post Quartermaster at Columbia, one of our main depots of supplies for
the army. The Major thoroughly
understands his business, and is winning golden opinions from his superiors for
his strict attention to his arduous duties.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 3
Yankee Tyranny in
Vicksburg—Banish-
ment of Ladies.
Mr. Editor—I herewith send you a copy of Major General McPherson's
order banishing certain ladies of Vicksburg beyond the Federal lines, together
with a circumstantial account of their offense, which I hope it may please you
to publish in the Mississippian:
[The circular we have already published.—Ed. Tel.]
It is known that the citizens of Vicksburg, with but few exceptions, have
not attended church since the occupation of the city by the Federals.
But having been informed by a Federal officer, that the services in the
Episcopal church, on Christmas day, would be conducted by the Rev. Mr. Fox, an
old and esteemed minister of that church, a citizen of Warren county for many
years, and well known in Vicksburg, and having been assured, both by the officer
and the minister, that the prayer for the President of the United States should
be omitted, and that the services in all respects should be congenial, after the
most urgent solicitations on the part of each of these persons, many of them
consented to attend.
Their own chosen ministers, knowing that a fanatical and unprincipled
enemy would place the most grievous and offensive restrictions upon their
ministry, if they remained, had gone within the Confederate lines, with the
consent and by the advice of their respective congregations, very soon after the
fall of the city. To a people,
therefore, who had been so long debarred the pleasure of congenial religious
services, this promised privilege afforded a peculiar satisfaction, was composed
of citizens and Federals, both officers and soldiers.
The services commenced as usual until the prayer, which it was pledged
should be omitted, was audibly read, and followed by a prayer for the Federal
Congress,--whereupon some of the members of the congregation arose from their
knees, and quietly took their seats,--others gave vent to their feelings in a
flood of tears,--while a young lady of impulsive disposition, feeling indignant
at the bad faith of those who had invited her to attend, arose and left the
church, and was immediately followed by four other ladies, who were actuated by
the same feelings.
Under the circumstances, they regarded it their right and their duty to
withdraw from a place which thus had been rendered unpleasant to them, and from
a people with whom they had no sympathy. Judge
of their surprise, therefore, when on the next day they learned, from undoubted
sources, that a number of Federal officers had signed a petition for their
banishment.
This first petition, it is believed, did not reach the commanding
General, but a feeling of shame had found its way to the heart of some one at or
about headquarters, and it was destroyed. It
was soon succeeded, however, by another, urgently requesting that the offenders
be sent beyond the lines; and this, we understand, was signed by two-thirds of
the officers in the city. The
General commanding held a consultation on the grave question with his advisers,
and the magnanimous officials, many in number, were unanimous with but few
exceptions for the banishment of the offenders.
The Provost Marshal made an official visit to demand the names of the
ladies, when he was informed that no apology would be made by the parties
offending, and the Federal authorities could take such action in the matter as
they pleased. Accordingly a copy of
the above order was sent to each of the ladies in the afternoon the same day,
and also placarded throughout the city. The
General was applied to on behalf of some of the parties, for longer time to make
arrangements for their transportation beyond the lines, and for the adjustment
of their financial matters. No reply was made to this, but the second order was
then sent, shortening the time five hours.
The mothers of some of the young ladies requested permission to accompany
them, and place them under proper protection, which was granted, when, according
to the order, they reported at the Railroad depot during a violent rain storm at
the appointed hour. They were
conveyed to the terminus of the railroad, where hundreds of Yankee soldiers
stood to witness their departure. Thence
they were conveyed to the Confederate lines by an officer and an armed guard,
where the Confederate scouts received them and conducted them at once to the
hospitable mansion of a Southern gentleman.
Here they were furnished, by the kindness of Gen. Starke, with
ambulances, baggage wagons, etc., and by the courteous attention of Lieut.
Moore, they were conducted to warm hearts and hospitable homes, where they are
free from insult, in "the land of the free and the home of the brave."
One of the Banished.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c.
1
We made some mention, the other day, of Col. Lockett's enterprise of
building a cotton and woolen factory. We
publish a letter of his to-day; also some advertisements.
We urge the people to come forward at once and secure some share in this
enterprise—not for the sake of the enterprise, for it will be carried out
whether they help or not—but for their own sake, as we believe it will be the
most profitable to stockholders, as well as advantageous to the public, of any
corporation in the State.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c.
5
Wanted by the Brazos Manufacturing Company, to hire for one year or by
the month, 6 good Stone Masons; 6 good Brick Layers; 6 Carpenters; 2
Blacksmith's; 150 common Laborers men and boys; 3 Women for cooks; 50 Wagons,
teams and teamsters. Also, to
buy—300 head beef cattle, 3,000 bushels of corn, 100,000 lbs. of wool, 1,000
bags cotton, 50 barrels lard or grease.
The above hands will be exempt from military service, and be employed in
the central portion of the State. For
further information address the undersigned at Washington, Texas.
Thos. F. Lockett.
News copy, and send bill to this office.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c.
5
Surgeon General's Office,}
Richmond, Va., March, 1863.}
Medical Purveyors will make endeavors through cards published in
newspapers, to induce the ladies throughout the South to interest themselves in
the culture of the Garden Poppy. They
may thus render the Confederacy essential service.
Purveyors will furnish the ladies with the seeds of the Poppy, if on hand
or procurable, and will instruct them, that the juice exuding from the punctured
capsules, when sufficiently hardened, be carefully put up and forwarded to the
nearest Purveying depot.
(Signed)
S. P. Moore,
Surgeon General C. S. Army.
To Surgeon Howard Smith,
Medical Purveyor,
Houston, Texas.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, February 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
The Cotton and Wool Factory.
Houston, Feb. 4th, 1864.
Editor Telegraph:--I have received numerous letters from various parties,
enquiring more particularly about the enterprise in which I am engaged, will you
permit me sir to answer them all through your paper for the information of the
public, as well as those making the enquiries.
On the 23d of Oct. last, I was ordered by Col. R. R. Lawther, to report
to Major Gen. Price with a recommendation that I be assigned to duty in some
manufactory established in the State of Texas.
I was sent by Gen. Price to Lieut. Gen. E. K. Smith with
Col. Lawther's recommendation endorsed.
I reported to Gen. Smith and was ordered by him to inspect certain
factories in Northern Texas, which I did, and reported by the 26th of
November. I then drew up a plan and
presented it to the clothing bureau for establishing a factory which would
supply the wants of the army and people of this Department.
This plane was approved by the Clothing Bureau and by General Smith, and
I am now engaged in putting it in operation, having obtained from the State of
Texas a charter for this purpose. I
have nearly the minimum ($1,000,000) amount of stock taken.
The shares are $1000 each, to be paid in Confederate money or cotton at
its market value.
The plan is not a speculation. It
originated in the army, and was devised by those who have been in active service
from the very first, and who expect to be to the very last, let it be long or
short. It has the entire support
and hearty approval both of the military and civil authorities of both the
Confederate and State governments. Its
first and great object is to supply the soldiers with clothes and blankets.
Second, the benefit of the people at large, and pay those who invest a
good per cent. on their investment both now and after the war.
He who gives his time and money will be doing his country as good
services as he that carries the musket, but we do not intend to take men from
the field, but as far as possible employ negro labor and ole men.
A few energetic, active business men are absolutely necessary.
No more will be taken. It is
a private company, acting under a special charter.
The State gives 320 acres of land for every $1000 expended in buildings
and machinery, provided it is in operation by March, 1865.
I expect it to be in full operation by September next.
The company is partially organized; a portion of the stock has already
been paid in. The directors of the
company will be elected on Tuesday the 17th inst., at Navasota. Those wishing to take stock can do so by applying to me, or
Henry Sampson, Esq., at Houston, and paying 10 per cent. down, or giving their
legal obligation to deliver required amount of cotton, on demand of the
Directors, or by attending the meeting of stockholders and paying the 10
per cent. required.
Thos. F. Lockett. [sic]
[next issue]
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Auction Sale! . .
.
November 16, 1864
By M. Reichman
& Co.,
Houston, Texas.
The Largest
Assorted Stock
Imported Since the
War.
This Sale is
worthy of the attention of
Quartermasters and
Merchants
Over $200,000
worth of Goods,
All of Which will
be sold for Specie, Cotton or Currency.
20,000 yds. Brown Shirtings,
25,000 yds Imperials,
32,000 yds. American ¾ 7/8 ¼ Bleached Shirtings,
37,000 yds. American Prints,
5,000 prs. of Brogans,
1,090 prs. Ladies Shoes. . .
10,000 yds. Demins [sic]
2,000 yds. Sattiet [sic]
3,000 yds. Cottonades and Hickory Stripes. . .
100 sacks of Coffee,
5 bbls. Crushed Shugar, . . .
50 dozen Linnin [sic] Shirts,
200 dozen Flannel Shirts
2,000 Men's and Boys' Shoes and Boots, . . .
20 bales of Flannel, assorted colors,
Blankets,
Bed Ticking,
Alpaca. . .
Cassimeres,
Hats,
Clothing. . .
200 dozen Men's and Ladies' Hosiery. . .
M. Reichman & Co.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1864, p. 2, c.
2
The following letter from Capt. James Martin to his brother appeals to
the people of Houston for clothing, and we trust no time will be lost in making
up a good shipment for this command. Many
of the men went from this city, and, being men of small means, are unable to
clothe themselves. They must not be
permitted to suffer:
"Prairie du Hand, Ark., Oct. 18, 1864.
"I have to write you a begging letter at last.
My company is completely destitute of clothing, and there is none in this
Department. It is very cold.
You must try and raise us enough to keep the boys from freezing.
And don't be too slow about it either.
Send the clothing to Jas. Martin, Capt. C. Madison's Regiment, Lane's
Brigade, Major's Division, Wharton's Corps, Ark., via Shreveport.
*
*
* Yours,
Jas. Martin.
"P.S. Our regiment will
probably be consolidated with Baylor's.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1864, p. 2, c.
3
Notice.—The stockholders of the Brazos Manufacturing
Company, are hereby notified that a call of twenty per cent. is made in the
stock of the company, payable in New Issue.
Payment can be made to John Y. Matthews, secretary, at the office of the
company in Robertson county, or to Mr. Henry Sampson, Houston.
T. F. Lockett,
President B. M. Co.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1864, p. 3, c.
1
The following neat hit ought to be posted in every car in the country:
A lady entered one of the State street cars yesterday and found every
seat taken. A gentleman rose and
invited the lady to accept the seat he had vacated.
She did so, politely thanking him for his kindness.
The lady wore a dark delaine dress, plain shawl and an ordinary tan
colored straw bonnet. She had a
fair complexion, smiling countenance, keen black eyes, and an expression that
indicated a good degree of intelligence. Her
appearance was neat and tidy, her face was free from dirt and paint, her hair
was smoothly combed, without curls, frizzies or beau-catchers.
There was nothing in the appearance or deportment of this individual that
would attract special attention or lead any one to suspect that she was not in
sound mind, save the fact that she bowed politely and thanked the gentleman who
gave her his seat. This
eccentricity is sufficient to show that the lady is not of sound mind, and she
ought not to be at large.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1864, p. 4, c.
5
Wanted—A skilful Vintner to take charge of my vine yard at Cold
Springs, Polk Co.
C. G. Vitze.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 7, 1864, p. 4, c.
5
Specie!—An experienced Potter can get good wages in specie, by applying
to the undersigned at the Brazos Manufactory, 7 miles west from Wheelock.
Wheelock, Oct. 6th, 1864.
Jno. Y. Matthews.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 9, 1864, p. 4, c.
5
The ladies of Courtney have received the contribution of buttons for the
soldiers' Clothing, from the Houston Merchants.
Small favors are thankfully received.
[HOUSTON] TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, November 14, 1864, p. 3, c. 2
Letter from Gonzales.
Special to the Telegraph.
Editor Telegraph:--I am again in the saddle traveling over the prairies
of Texas. Leaving Houston on the
cars of the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado railroad, I soon found myself
right side up with care at Alleyton. This
town derives its importance and prosperity from being the present terminus of
the railroad; when the march of progress extends that important road further
westward, Alleyton will be a town of inferior importance.
Columbus, on the west bank of the Colorado, is destined to be a place of
considerable importance at some future day; the most of the buildings in the
town are constructed of wood, and the majority of the male population are in the
army, and the place is rapidly going to ruin. After leaving Columbus we pass through a beautiful farming
country, the lands are rolling prairies, and present a pretty landscape.
We soon come to Fayetteville, a pretty little rural village, surrounded
by well cultivated farms and presenting the appearance of prosperity on every
hand. The citizens are very
intelligent, and schools are numerous and well patronized.
After leaving this town we passed over a beautiful rolling prairie until
we come to RutersvilLe. This place
has gained considerable renown abroad from being the seat of the best military
academy in the State. The town
consists of four or five unpainted buildings. The
academy buildings are situated about a quarter of a mile south of the town. These buildings are now unoccupied save by long-tailed rats
and bats. The buildings are in a
very good state of preservation, but the windows are all destroyed.
Well cultivated farms are seen on every hand, and the citizens of this
region are very prosperous and intelligent.
The land throughout Fayette county is mostly of a rolling prairie.
These lands cannot be excelled for farming purposes.
I have no doubt but what wheat and other small grains can be raised with
profit.
Passing over a rich farming region, we come to La Grange, the county seat
of Fayette county. This little city
shows signs of her former prosperity. It
is the heart of a rich farming country, and numerous population. Quite a number of stores are doing a good business.
The town is built in a beautiful location, being in the valley of the
Colorado, on its eastern bank about one half mile from the river.
The city has few buildings to boast of for a city as wealthy and
prosperous. The place supports two
newspapers, the True Issue and Patriot. Both
seem to be well patronized. I did
not have time to visit the government hat factory and shoe shop established
there. These establishments render
the city quite brisk and lively. I
have formerly heard considerable slanders on the people of Fayette county,
questioning the loyalty of many of its citizens, and I am now satisfied that the
majority of the men who started these slanders did so through malice and spite.
There has been too much of these kind of persecutions by some men.
Some of the planters have protested against the wholesale impressment of
the mules, wagons, and negroes by some indiscreet government agents, and they
retaliate on the planter by slanders. This
is the key to nine tenths of the defamations circulated against the people of
Fayette county. The county has sent
as many men to the army as any other county in the State considering the number
of the population, and her soldiers have always won laurels upon every field
they have fought.
The country after leaving La Grange, and as we near Gonzales, is not as
rich a farming country as we saw on the east side of the Colorado, although in
some localities the land is rich and well adapted to farming.
The land is mostly covered with post oak timber, and of a sandy quality.
The country is not very thickly settled, but the people are clever and
intelligent. Gonzales bears
unmistakable signs of her former prosperity.
The city is built in a beautiful location, and surrounded by thrifty
farms. The town has a number of
good looking buildings, the most prominent of which are the Court House and
Keyser House. There is a couple of
well conducted schools in successful operations.
They are well patronized. The
place supports a good newspaper, the "Inquirer."
The people are very clever and intelligent.
There is no cod-fish aristocracy to be found any where in Western Texas.
This is not to be found in some localities of Eastern Texas.
The Confederate States Court adjourned last week.
The treason cases of Messrs. Porter, Inman, Parsons and Lane of Goliad,
were not tried. They have been
postponed until the next term.