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the volcano had been ignited, and was its lava up r
wards. The cry of battle not to be mistaken, shrill, wild
■nd fearful broke upon the dull ear of night. But all was
in vain for the fortress. Under the showers of grape, and
full in the red eye of battle the two gloomy, still unwaver
ing columns moved on, and the two van guards met in the
centre of the work. The British made an instant surren
der, to avoid the extermination which awaited the deploy
of tho columns upon the cntieneliments. Sixty-three
British soldiers lay dead nt theii guns, live hundred and
forty-three were made prisoners, and the spoils were two
standards, two flags, between pieces of ordinance,and othr r
materials of war. Os the sons of New England, ninety
eight were killed or wounded. Os L ent. Gibbins* forlorn
hope seventeen were no more. Os Lt. Knox’s about the i
game number were slain.
These spots, where tho life-blood of the free lias pour-'
cd like water, and where the traces of tho revolutionary
ditch and mound still remain, are altars sacred to tho high
recollections of freedom. Green bo tho turf over these
peparted patriots. Tho bold ihifl of Stony Point is clas
sic ground. Hither in future time shall the poet and sen
timentalist cone, to pay their tribute of affection and lion
cr, whero
— “Onr failure knelt
, In prayer ami battle for a world."
From the T.ondon Court Gazette.
CHOOSING A 111 SBAND.
“Caroline you are twenty-one.’’
“ I know it full well, and 1 assure yot| no one regrets it i
mere than myself, but really 1 cannot help laughing at the ,
idea of marrying Sir Thomas Lupton.”
“And why," said Lady Montagu, gravely. “lie is a
man of good family atid excellent estate —highly connected;
hit mother is the daughter of a duke, and he is a momber
of Parliament for the Borough of Dunderton.”
“ Yes, and ho sent tho Dunderton Journal containing
hit election speech with an account of how he was cheer
ed, feasted and flattered on that occasion showing that Sir
Thomas, whatever he may be here, is at least a great man
in Dunderton. Nay, nay," added the laughng girl, throw
ing balk the jet black eyes, “ putty, my dear mamma,
•urn to tho table's again.”
"Well, there is young Flowerdale.”
" A poet, and a man of sentiment; writes pastorals
■nd told me the other day with a simper that onr grand
mothers showed exquisite taste in being painted as shep
herdesses. Tho man may marry his grandmother as he
lists."
“Caroline, Caroline, pray be serious, Lord Flower-;
dale, I am convinced, loves you.”
“ The tablets! the tablets 1 my dear mamma, Iso long ‘
to hear the rest of the list.”
"The next then, is Captain Bolton, of the Guards,;
prospective heir to a maiquisate, and it is said has bro
ken the hearts of several ladies already.”
“So, indeed, it is, but until I heat some well authenti
cated fact of death having so occurred, such as tho ver- 1
diet of a coronet’s inquest,‘died by visitation of Captain,’ ,
or the certificate of two respectable physicians ; ‘ on soul j
■nd conscience,’ I’ll never believe it.”
“ Well really, now, I always imagined that the Captain
was it favorite of yours. I’m sure at Lady Vernon’s rout”
“Me talked to me of nothing but his uniform, and during *
“th# rest of the evening stood in loidiy silence in a
spicuous part of the room, with his lip curled a la
■nd in the attitude of Napoleon storming a bridge—pshaw 1 ■
I thought that even you had seen that man was a fool.—-
But who is next on the list?”
“ Mr. Dodridge, nephew, you know, to the bishop of i
■ ■ ■ , and a rising man in the church. He took high
honors at Oxford, and is besides an excellent worthy
• young man."
“ Good, perhaps, but prosy. Moreover, mamma, he
wears spectacles and n white neckcloth, things, to which
I have nn unconquerable aversion. However, he is a" very
• excellent worthy young man,’ as you so justly obsw rve ,
and is admirably qualified to be a ‘ friend to
But are these all ?”
" There is yet one more,” said Lady Montagu, mourn
fully, “ Sir Roger Templeton.”
“ A deargood old soul, a second Sir Toby Belch, but un
fortunately, equally dissipated. He would make a most
excellent uncle, I don’t dislike dissipated uncles myself;
but a nearer relation to such people is bad. But can you
really wish me,” said Caroline, more seriously while her
dark eyes brightened with sudden feeling, “can you really
wish your daughter to marry an old dissipated man, like
Sir Roger Templeton?”
“Neither so very old nor so very dissipated either,” re
plied Lady Montagu, petulantly. “He was n groat
friend of your father’s although a much younger man
than h®. His habits are those of the old school, but Ito is
one ol the wealthiest men in the House of Commons, where
he has represented the county of , for many years.”
“ And is a good countyman, a spirited agriculturist,
■nd an enlightened member of the committee on turn
pike roads. My dear mamma, I know all his good quali
ties as well as a few of his bad ones, so be assured I do not
reject him ignorantly. But you have concluded your list,
now pray lend me the tablets and you shall hear mine.”
Caroline Montagu took up the pencil, and with a hand
«s white as the ivory tablets which she held, rapidly traced
■ name upon them, then looked at her mother as if hesita-!
ting.
“ Well, Caroline, proceed."
“The first then, is Edward Hastings.” •
“Mr. Edward Eastings,” cried the servant, throwing
opes the door, and the gentleman, as if by magic, stood
before them.
Lady Montagu drew herself upon her cushioned chair,
and put the tips of her jewelled fingers into Hastings’ hand,
while Caroline, with a face covered with blushes, permit
ted him to seat himself beside her on a sofa, while her eyes
glanced restlessly towards her mother, whose; look was
surprised and formal.
“Now I know not,” said Hastings, “ if you ought to
condole with mo for my bereavement, having lost a cousin,
• s the Scotch say, three times removed, or congratulate me
•n the acquisition of his estate.”
Caroline turned quickly round to Hastings, and Lady
Montagu’s looks relaxed.
“May I ask, said her Ladyship, after a moment’s pause,
who this cousin is?”
“Sir John Hastings, of Harthurst Moor.”
“ What! Harthurst Moor, of R shire?”
■“The very same ; and I assure you a iortune was nev
•er more unexpectedly acquired, or conferred upon one that
•tood in greater need of it, than the now present worthy
Bnronot of that name.”
“I assure you, Mi. Hastings—Sir Edward I mean,”
•aid Lady Montagu,-with a face all smiles and sunshine,
“1 sincerely rejoice at your good fortune, and so 1 am
■ure, does Caroline ; “ but,” continued her ladyship, ri
sing and looking at her watch, “ I hope you will excuse
me at present; as I have an engagement at ”
“Certainly,” cried Hastings, “1 hope you will notremain
• tingle moment on my account.”
Lady Montagu had almost reached the door, when sud
" Jenly turning round, she exclaimed, “ Oh! 1 forgot the
tablets."
“ Mamma, said Caroline, with an arch look, as she still
held them in her hand, “do you know 1 think they are
turned.”
“Give them to mo, foolish girl.”
“ Nay, let me keep them ; the/ contain a list [ much
with to preserve.”
“ Caroline, you are detaining me,” said Lady Mon
tagu, as she took the tablets and left the room.
• “ You look graver now,” said Hastings, observing a
shade on the brow of the fair girl by his side. “In sooth
it it not fair to banish your smiles at a time like this.”
“ 1 cannot choose but be so, for 1 have had a lecture
tbit morning on the choice of a husband ; a grave subject
you must allow."
“ And 1 heard a name as I entered the room,” said
Hastings, passing his arm tound the waist of the blushing
firl, “ had you the boldness, my Caroline, to ■ ■
“ Break the ice, but not quite thaw it—that has been l
Aqm by year <«miia, three timet removed I" 1
COMMUNICATION.
I
We - flic indebted to Gen. Wm. P. Ford, for thefol
, lowing' facts, which have been furnished him by Pro-
I lessor Cutting, State Geologist, which wc commence
■ this week, not doubting that it will be read with great
; interest by the citizens of the State. We shall con
clude the publication of this valuable document next
week.
Fort Gaines, Ga., 16th May, 1839.
To Prof. John R. Cotti.no,
Geologist for Georgia.
Dear Sir:—l am very glad of having tire pleasure of a
1 personal interview with you, as the Geologist for the State
iol Georgia. \on inform me that you arc now on the third
\ Geological division, embiacing in part the South-western
section of our State. Should time permit, will you be so
kind as to favor me with your views, in reference to our
section of the State thus far surveyed, detailing the gener
al appearance, the hnalthfulness, the w.iter, whether lime,
if so, to what extent and quality. The richness of our soil,
the component parts thereof, whether marl, day, or sand.
As you have been so kind ns to measure the bluff at this
place, please, give the height from low-water mark to the
} extreme summit. The latitude and longitude, together
, with the altitude above the ocean. Also whether this place
I is not higher than Darien, Savannah, or even Augusta, in
I this State ; if so, please state tho various differences. We
: have found a Mineral Spring near this village, at our fer
i ry landing, boiling out of tho marl rock on the margin of
> the Chattahoochee river. From external appearances, and
the peculiar taste, of the water, there, seems to indicate
strong symptoms of its containing medicinal properties.
As yon have fully analyzed the same., please communicate
the component parts of medicinal properties there may be
in th® water. I should be much gratified you would give
me a description of a certain cave in Decatur county,
known as the blowing cave, together with any other infor
mation you may think proper to communicate, relating to
our section of the State, since you have commenced your
Geological Survey of the, same.
With due respect,
I remain your obedient servant.
WM.P. FORD.
Fort Gaines, May 22, 1839.
To Gen. Wm. P. Fotin,
Dear Sir:—Yours of the 16th instant wasduly received,
; in which von request my views in regard to your section of
| the Statej thus far surveyed. It affords me much satisfac-
I tion to answer your inquiries, as far as in my power, con
! sistent with my duties to the State. I have kept a daily
journal of all my investigations, and have recorded every
occurrence at the time and place, agreeably to instructions
i from the Executive Department of Georgia; by referring
' to that, I can more readily and correctly comply with your
' requests.
I I commenced my annual routine of duties on the 14th
| of March, and have been constantly employed tlms far, in
!in the.connties of Decatur and Early. Tho great variety
'] of formations and interesting geological and agricultural
I features which these two counties present, have protracted
'my labors much farther than lat first anticipated. But I
j could not do justice to the State, nor gratify the interested
■kwishes of the citizens of these counties in a shorter time.—
ply object has been to make a thorough investigation, to
satisfy those immediately interested, as well as to obtain
materials for the consolidated report of the survey of the
whole State.
The north part of Decatur, except a small tract immc
l diately on the river, is “pine barren,” with occasionally
j small circular patches, denominated “ sinks.” land
is unproductive, except for two or three years after'clear
ing. It has a subsoil of coarse ferruginous sand and clay,
and there is a small portion of lime in some of but
this depends on the contiguity of the shell rock. A large
proportion of the limestone has been changed, by some
process of nature, into silex, or flint, and which 1 call si
licious shell rock. The limits assigned to this communica
tion docs not admit of my stating the theory of its transmu
tation. •
There is a small tract of excellent land, on the eastern
bank of Flint river, owned by Mrs. Williams. It is about
three miles long, and half a mile wide, in the form of a tri
angle, the base being on Baker line. It is well proportion
ed with sand, clay, lima, and oxide of iron. Except this,
and some small strips of alluvium and hammock, there is
not much good land near the river, north of Bainbridge.
At the north-east of the county, about 20 miles from
Bainbridge, there is a tract of as good land, perhaps, as can
be found in ilia count v east of the Chattahoochee river.
The best part of this tract is owned by Messrs. McKinley
&. Barrow, gentlemen whose scientific _ at.tainmo*its will
qualify them to improve it to the bust advantage. The
soil is well proportioned with sand, ckty and vegetable
matter, these ate in a very fine state and intimately
mingled; in many parts the soil contains lime.' There
ate beds of soft decomposing limestone and tnarl on the
plantation. The lower 'edge of the lime formation passes
direi tly through- this tract.
The lime and marl formation of Decatur is a contintia
[ tion of that on Savannah river, in Burke and Scriven
counties; and runs ftom the northeast to the southwest
through the State. On the Savannah river, it is 35 miles
J wide, on the Chattahoochee it is more than IGO miles wide.
The lower edge enters Decatur county from Baker, near
the northeast corner, and passing diagonally through De
catur, terminates at Mount Vernon, in Florida, I say
terminates, that is so far as 1 have examined it, I have no
doubt however, that it extends to the Gulf of Mexico.
Decatur is divided by this formation into two sections ;
southeast of the dividing ridge I could detect no line in
the soil, or in the water of springs, nor in any rocks found,
in place.. The limestone region comprises, by far, the
largest sectionof the county and contains extensive tiacts
of excellent land. Even the soil of the pine woods with
a few exceptions produces better than the pine woods land
on the eastern section of Georgia. Below the lime for
mation the good land is principally confined to the allu
vium of the creeks and branches. And those which have
their source in the lime ridge have a deposile containing
some lime.
There is excellent alluvium on Richland creek, a brand:
of Fired creek 21 miles east by north of Bainbridge;
the tract extends nearly six miles, and in some places it
is half a mile wide. It is a deposile of vegetable matter
intimately combined with ferrerginous sand and clay.
There is a large tract of rich alluvium on Fired creek
and its branches, hut it is subject to inundations. This
evil might be remedied by straightening the creek. The
upland immediately contiguous to the swamp is rolling,
contains an abundance of "pimples” or lenticular oxide of
iron, and is not so good as one would be led to suppose
from the extraordinary natural growth. The soil is thin,
the water good and it affords pleasant and healthy situa
tions.
There are some tracts of good land at the southeast
corner of the county on the Ochlockonne river, hut viewed
as a whole, they are very indifferent. The soil is thin
and coarse, there is nothing to render it permanent. It
abounds in siliceous white sand, the water is pure.
Between the Great and Little Attapulgus rivers and
som® of the branches which enter them there is a tract of
good land comprising an area of 21,000 acres, on which
the village of Attapulgas is situated; it extends five miles
to the State line. The alluvium of this tract is a deep
deposito of decomposed vegetable matter intermixed with
clay and coarse sand forming a rich black, or rather grey
mould. Growth, magnolia, cornus; red, white and post
oak, hickory and a variety of under brush. The land
round and in the village of Attapulgas is elevated, and
the soil strong but it will require manure to enable it to
produce its full etfect. Tho addition of lime or marl
would produce astonishing changes in this soil. I could
detect no lime in the water of any of the springs.
, There is another tract of excellent land 10 miles east of
j Bainbridge, belonging principally I’owel and Dun
t can Curry, Esq. Tjtis is on the lime formation, the soil
j is of a grey colour, fertile and permanent, containing a
i portion of lime, even the limestone in a decomposing state
is (bund cropping out in various places in this tract. Al
most all the water contains lime in solution, but not suffi
cient to render it insalubrious.
I,act ”* the first rata land, and perhaps the
best, all things considered, in proportion to its extent, on
tho cast ol I' lint river, is Fowltown, 9 miles south of Bain
bridge. It was originally a lake, or pond containing seve
ral hundred acres. It is situated on the lime formation
containing beds of shell and angillaceons marl. Much of
the soil resembles the prairie lands of the west. It is of a
grey or black colour. It is not very extensive, and is
succeeded by a light coloured soil resting on ferruginous
sand and clay. These two descriptions of soils alternate
through the lower part of the tract. Springs of excellent
water issue from the elevations and form branches which
uniting form a creek of considerable size. The plantation
of Daniel O. Neal, Esq., I consider the best, though the
whole tract is valuable. It is well calculated for corn, cot
i ton, sugarcane, Spanish tobacco, oats, barley, and in some
I seasons, wheat.
A ridge of land separates the tract called Fowltown
from the river swamp, it is from a quarter to half a mile
wide, from all appearances, I conclude that this formed
a part of a chain of lakes extending northeast thromrh
the county. °
1 here are some good swamp lands on both sides of
Flint river, but they arc not of much width.
All the water of Bainbridge except one vvell contain
lime in solution, and even that of Flint river has a large
proportion. The land iri and around the town is not of
the first quality.
Between the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers frern their
confluence, to Early line, except near the streams, the
land is a pine barren composed of sand, coarse clay, gra
vel and grey sandstone, with an abundance of “pimples.”
t here are some fertile spots, “ like oases in a des«rt,”
they are better calculated for cotton than corn. It ’is
bounded on the Chattahoochee by a high ridge of land,
consisting of coarse ferruginous sand and gravel resting
on fine sand, and a stratum of shell limestone. The al
luvium near the confluence of the rivers is not of the first
quality. But a few miles above, it is naturallv divided
mle first, second and third alluvium, and this continues,
with little variation through the county. They are of
different qualities, but are all fertile.
The following description of these alluvia will be found
correct in Decatur.
I he first, or that which is subject to annual inundations,
in some places, is a dark vegetable mould intermixed
with fine sand, containing particles of clay. It is very
pulverulent and will average about three feet in thickness.
A blufl on the river afforded me an opportunity of (,‘itrn.
ining the ordet of stratification. It is as follows:
1. Superficial soil composed of sand, gravel, clav
iron, lime, vegetable and animal matter, * ’ 3 ft.
2. Coarse ferruginous sand and clay,
3. Coarse sand and grave), " g
4. A stratum of light blue clay, qi
5. Seliceous white sand, t' g
6. Shell limostone,
rri tn-. 30 ft.
1 no second alluvium is not subject to inundations except
in some extraordinary wet seasons. It is similar, in tex
ture and composition, to the first, only there is more of the
oxide of iron in the soil, and probably a little more lime.
1 he sub-soil, which is f< miginous sand and clay, is near
er the surface. Jt is more elevated and is not quite so
easily tilled. It is better fitted for corn than cotton.
I he third is that adjoining the ridge, containing a rich
deposito of vegetable matter, and a good proportion of
sand and clay. Lime, and fragments of shell marl are
frequent in the soil. It has mure ferruginous sand and
clay diffused through it, and it rests on that substance.
The water of tho springs in the alluvium generally con
tains lime, but tb it from the side of the ridge is pure.
I have lints endeavored to give you as concis* a descrip
tion as possible of the soils in different parts of Decatur
county. Taken as a whole, it is an excellent county of
land; ard full equal, in my opinion, to the celebrated
Burke lands in their pristine fertility. More cern and
cotton can be raised on an acre in some parts of Decatur,
than on the best lands in Burke. And so far from its be
ing 1 a low sunken Frog pond,” as has been represent
ed, it is a dry, healthy county; much higher above the
ocean than Burke. 1 made particular inquiries of physi
c tans jn regard to health, indifferent parts their answer}
" a \v f’ l, fl ver yf 6u > cases of autumnal fevers ever occur.”
\v bile in Decatur county,! will endeavor to give you a
short account of a certain cave called the Blowing Cave.
Numerous caves and boles of great depth are found in
Decatur. In fact, most of the county is walk,
as it were on the top of an arch, which its con
cavity an immense abyss, into which most of the streams
loose themselves. Few of those which rise in the interior
ever find their way to the river above ground.
I uete are incontestible evidences of volcanic agency.
Such as the glazed surface of the sandstone. The horn
stone and porphyry found in the great sluiceway, as it is
calb d. The cellular and glazed state of the siliceous shell
rot ks. the total annihilation of organic remains in these
rocks, yet retaining impressions and cavities so distinct as
to enable us to designate the species of animals destroyed
by the catastrophe. The craters of elevation and de
pression. Lastly, the traces of real basalt which rise in
pointed columns and form the walls of some of these cra
ters, particularly in a crater of elevation in the sluiceway,
where 1 likewise found sulphur. These facts, among a
variety ot others which I could name, would my limits
permit, g<J to coroberate the theory and teduce it almost to
a demonstration, of a volcanic agency in the formation of
the present coast of the earth in this region.
1 he blowing cave is a crater of elevation, so I term it,
it is not a “sink,” for the matter is thrown out, rather than
sunk down. It is situated at the northeast corner of the
county, 20 miles from Bainbridge and in the great lime
formation, directly in a line with the sluice, within a few
rods of the main road. The first time I visited it, I ar
rived at the place 20 minutes past 2 o’clock in the after
noon, and encamped within the crater for the night, in or
der to make a thorough investigation.
j he orifice is ab<>ut 18 inches diameter, and is sur
rounded with calo sinten,or, as it is called by some cellu
la lava. When I arrived, there was a strong iminission of
air, which continued with increasing velocity until 1 o’-
clock at night, when there was nearly a cessation for
about half an hour, but at no time, during my stay, was
there any emission of air. At 2 o’clock the current was
found perceptibly to increase, until I left at half past 8 in
the morning. It is worthy of remark that Vlien 1 visited
the cave it was a very windy cold day, for the season, and
although the air rushed in with considerable velocity dur
ing the day, yet when the wind ceased and there was a
dead calm in the atmosphere, at sunset, the current of air
increased in the cave, and the noise of its rush was much
louder.
As tlicrc was no way to descend the cavern, I was
obliged to content myself with what examination I could
make at the orifice. The rock is evidently of igneous
origin. It contains imbedded impressions of shells, or
rather parts of shells, for I could find none entire, and
these are all vitrified, very translucent.
In order to ascertain, il possible, if it had a communi
cation with any other in the vicinity, or with fissures in the
walls of the crater, which could afield an exit to such an
immense volume of air as was continually rushing in, and
to all appearance, accumulating in the cave, I kindled a
large fire of pine wood, about ten feet below the surface.
It burnt with the noise and intensity of a blast furnace,
and no smoke ascended through the orifice. I then ex
amined the fissures and craters in tho vicinity to the dis
tance of a mile and a half, but could discover no traces of
smoke, or the emission of air.
An impression has long been prevalent in this county,
that the wind blew in half the day, and out the othei half,
and that this depended on the tides in the gulf with which
it was supposed to communicate. This is a gratuitous as-
sumption. I was there 19 hours with Duncan Curry, Esq.,
we examined it constantly, taking our turns at the watch
during the night, and lam confident that neither air nor
smoko was emitted during the time.
On a subsequent day, preparations were made to inves
tigate the phenomenon further. I arrived at the cavern
at 12 o’clock, noon. It was blowing out, with about the
same velocity that it was blowing in when I first visited it.
It becomes necessary to settle the question. Why does
it blow in atone time and out at another? This 1 was
convinced must depend upon one, or other of the following
causes. 1. That the cavern had a communication with
the sea, and was affected by the ebbing and flowing of the
tide: or 2. That it must depend on the rarefaction of the
external air. As it respects the first hypothesis, it is with
out data, I was particular to calculate the time of high
water at the Gulf of Mexico on one side, and St. Simons
island on the other, and tarried several hours past either
of those times. The current of air was not, in the least
affected by either.
In regard to the second hypothesis, - though it may have
its difficulties, I am convinced, by’ experiments made at
the orifice, and below the surface, that it will be sustained
by those who will take the trouble to make a thorough ex
amination.
The mean temperature of the earth, several feet below
the surface in the latitude of 31° north, is 578 Farenheit’s
scale, as was previously ascertained by a number of ob
servations. Phis is nearly the same during tho year. When
the mean temperature exceeds that of the extern?! air, the
wind blows in to restore the equilibrium, or to reduce both
to the same temperature, when thore will be no motion
either way. On the other hand, when the mean temper
ature in the cave is lower than that of the external air,
that is, when the atmosphere is above 578 ; it will rush
out with a velocity increasing with the temperature.
When I visited the crater the first time, the mean tem
perature of the atmosphere was 558 at six feet above the
orifice, the air was rushing in. At twenty minutes past
12 o’clock at night, the thermometer indicated an atmos
pheric temperature of 568 and the current of air into the
cave, hardly distinguishable. After this the thermometer
fell rapidly and the velocity of air continued to increase
until sunt ise, when the thermometer stood at 38, and the
wind at the orifice resembled a whirlpool, giving t® the
leaves and other matter a rapid whirling niction.
The last time I visited it, the temperature of the atmos
phere was 84®, and there was a strong current of air issu
ing out, sufficient to waft the leaves ten feet high. There
can, therefore be but little doubt of the temperature of the
air being the cause of the phenomenon, and that it finds
egress through the fissures of the rocks which are here bro
ken into fragments, and are cellular, or porous, affording
numerous tortuous passages, which would act on the prin
ciple of suction.
1 here is another blowing cave, one and half mile north
east of this, in a crater of depression, jhe probability is
that they are connected as they are both affected in’the
same manner, both blew out, or in simultaneously.
There are many other interesting craters of elevation
and depression, as well as limestone caves, in Decatur, but
tho description must be deferred at present. It will appear
tn the general report of the geological survey. I shall
now proceed to answer your inquiries in regard to Early
county, in which you are personally interested.
1 he Chattahoochee bottoms are similar in composition
and fertility to the best in Decatur ; but the pine land on,
and near the line, and through to Baker county is of very
little account, except as a range for cattie. The sail is
extremely thin, consisting of silicons and ferruginous sand,
corase gravel, grey sand-stone, pebbles, and “ pimples,”
the stratum of lime-stone lies at a great depth, and tha
soi is not benefitted by it—in fact there is no soil of con
sequence, to be benefitted. Some is so sterile, that noth
ing but saw palmetto will grow.
1 he plantation of Dempsey Harrell is the lowest on
the river, at the southwest corner of the county. The al
luvium is of three different qualities as in Decatur. The
first is silicons, but has a deep deposile of vegetable mat
ter to which it principally owes its absorbent properties.
If the season be not too dry, it will very fertile;
there is a portion of lime in it, but very little clay.
The second alluvium contains a large portion of clay,
little sand and lime, with a portion of oxyde of iron, and
muclr vegetable matter. It is very fertile but not equal
to the first. The third, in this place, is a fine ferruginous
sand and clay* with lime, it is a strong and feriile soil, but
not so productive as the first and second alluvial land.
The land bordering this is of a yellow color, of a coarse
rocky surface containing boulders of grey sand-stone.
That adjoining Spring Creek fifteen miles East of the
Chattahoocljpe, abounds in a fine, white sand-stone, and
silicousshell-iock. Rod and white clover grow luxuriantly
on the plantation of Dempsey Harrell, and might be cul
tivated to advantage on the Chattahoochee bottoms. It
would make excellent hay and fodder.
I examined various points of the river 1 tnds to Magnolia,
and found them similar. The land is excellent and high
ly productive. The upland for some distance back is a
strong fertile soil, and the adjacent evil of the pine woods,
in some places, is productive, though, in general, it is to >
much obstructed by “ pimples,” which abound in some
parts of the county.
The creeks which empty into the river, are bordered
by tracts of good land near their mouths, and some of them
as high as their somces—but for the most part, they have
their source in the siliceous sand of tho pine woods, and
unless there be beds of shell limestone and marl near the
surface, the land of the banks is but of little account ex
cept near the river. Safibld’s Mill Creek, Sowhatchie,
Cahela and Coolooinookee pass through beds of decom
posed limestone and marl in many places, it makes its
appearance in the soil, which by proper cultivation,
might be rendered very productive. These creeks have
ridges of ferrugineous sand, and clay, which are likewise
fertile, even where pine woods grow ; but the soil is
thirsty: it will hear better crops of cotton than corn.
Magnolia, the seat of James IL Truluck, Esq. is sit
uated 128 feet above low water in the river. It is on the
ridge, which runs parallel with 'he river, nearly through
the county except broken by creeks. The soil is of a
dark chocolate color', it is very strong, but requires ma
nure to render it very productive. That of S. Scarbor
ough, Esqr. at Smithville is similar.
Mr. Truluck’s plantation, on the river is narrow, but
first rate alluvial soil; it is somewhat uneven, but taken
as a whole, it is a tract of excellent land. It has the ad
vantage of not being inundated by the highest freshets.—
The rivsr, in this place, makes a deep cut through the stra
ta, down to tho shell-lime-stone. The plantation adjoin
ing this immediately above on the river, is similar in com
position and quality’.
The soils of the Chattahoochee bottoms are yery irreg
ular, as river lands generally aie. Some plantations
contain adue proportion of clay, and all the other neces
sary ingredients, while others abound in river sand, and
vegetable deposite. The latter are warmest and quicker
in their growth, but they are permanent &are liable to suf
fer from drought. Fordville. 10 miles south of Fort Gaines
is a tract of good land, a 11 things considered, it is more val
uable than any on the river below. Not that it is intrin
sically a ter soil than others, but they are comparatively
narrow, betand irregular, while this retains its uniformity
throughout an extended level plain.
• (To be Concluded in our next.)
Pope's Last Illness.— During Pone’slast illness,a squab
ble happened in his chamber between his two physicians,
Dr. Burton and Dr. Thompson, they mutually charging
each other with hastening t ie death of the patient by im
proper prescriptions. Pope at length silenced them, say
ing, “ Gentlemen, I only learn by your discourse that I
am in a dangerous way ; therefore all I now ask, is, that
the following epigram may be added after my death to
the next edition of the Dunciad, byway of postscript:
Dances rejoice, forgive all censures past,
’file great® t duneo has k l ed yrur foe at last. j
For the Standard of Union. w
“STATE RIGHTS AND UNITED STATES’ RIGHTS."
No. 90. -V
COLUMBUS ENQUIRER—LACON—PAjMgpjjbt'
“We expected” says the Enquirer, vol
cano would pour forth its lava, as there were manifest
premonitory symptoms during the Convention." I
was much at a loss for the “premonitory symptoms”
of which the gentleman speaks. I had spent my
time, with a part of my family, at the bouse of a friend
in Milledgeville ; I had devoted a portion of it to a
respected friend and relative, now far advanced in the
vale ol years ; both these friends being opposed to
me in politics ; and I bad mixed but.little in political
circles. I was “ a looker on in Venice,” (a careful
looker on to be sure, but still a culm one. So far
from feeling gloomy, I thought things were working
well, and should have expected my countenance had
assumed a corresponding aspect. On some reflection,
however, I recollected a good-humored hit or two
between my friend Dr. F. and myself, under the Hos
pitable roof of the Governor, in presence perhaps of
the worthy editor of the Columbus Enquirer. These
jests however, had reference to other matters than
those which drew forth the bile of the Enquirer on
the sth June. But how the editor, in a single breath,
could bound from the “ squibs” of Lacon to the “ vol
cano pouring forth its lava”—“ ti.e uneasiness of
die mountain portending the forthcoming destruction,"
is indeed a matter of no consequence. I fear, how
ever, that I am trifling with the public.
“As a general rule,” say the editors, “we never
notice any thing proceeding from an individual ibro’ _
the public press.” Very dignified ! It is uot the first *
time, however, that very dignified gentleman con
ducting machines for the manufacture of slander and
abuse, have condescended to notice “ Lacon” and
Examiner.” “ But when we see a man laboring
with the proselyte’s energy to prostrate a party which
he once labored to sustain,” say the editors, “we
think he may be a proper subject of animadversion,"
&ic.
I have never labored to sustain the Nullification
Party. I never entertained the doctrine of Nullifi
cation as understood in Carolina. I always consid
ered it a forcible, not a ll peaceful remedy.” Hence
I have been unwilling to resort to it, except in cases
of intolerable oppression, and in default of constitu
tional remedies. These were the original views of
the Troup and Crawford party. Gov. Troup’s “early
and uniform disrelish,” is remembered, (alas ! his late
and strange relish is also remembered.) Mr. Craw
ford’s views are well known. The whole current of
opinion among Troup men is remembered, and the
celebrated resolution of Mr. Nesbitt, on which Troup
men in the Senate recorded their unanimous vote
against Nullification, is well As-Jong
as the Troup party was true to these:-vTews, I was
true to them. When they abandoned these views, l
abandoned them.
Every body knows, that, in 1833, there was a re
organization of parties. New’ questions had come up,
of sufficient importanQc to justify this new formation.
I he fact that one party went one way,
and the body of. ffae ytjiCr,' went the other wav, does
not alter the that new parties were formed, on
new and vital pffmciplei, and that many individuals
who had heretofore acted with each of the old parties,
felt themselves justified in forming new associations
in reference to the new qqesyons. Early apprising
the public of my views on these*questions, I never,
sot a moment, acted withsthe Troup .party in sustain
ing the doctrine of'Nullification. In a printed ad
dress to the people of the county in which I live, and
in a public declaration in the House of Representa
tives, in 1832, I proclaimed my uncompromising hos
tility to Carolina Nullification. It will perhaps be
admitted that from that time to this, I have not wa
vered.
If it be supposed that any part of my conduct be
fore favored the idea of Nullification, I say mv great
confidence in Gov. Troup and his party may have
lead me a little too far, though I am not fully conscious
of the fact. It should be remembered, however, that
the Troup party did not then consider themselves
Nullifiers, but opposed the doctrine at least as late as
1832. Upon their own principles, then, I could not
be a Nullifier.
No, I have never, for a moment, supported the
Nullification party; and the idea of my being a
“ proselyte” from that party vanishes into thin air.
If the editor of lhe Enquirer can say (hat he is not a
“proselyte” to the doctrine of Nullification, notwith
standing former opposition, he can say more "than
most Troup men now acting with the Whig party
of the day. LACON.
June 26th, 1839.
From tlic Southern Literary Messenger.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Mr. M hite—The character of Washington is only now
beginning to be appreciated by Europeans—or, at anv
rate, by Englishmen. In the October No. of the Edinburg
Review, a brilliant writer, said to be Lord Brougham,
closes a series of masterly sketches of the prominent men
of the reigns of the two last Georges, by a highly wrought,
yet discriminating eulogy, in which he styles him the ‘great
est of our own, or any other age ; the only one upon
whom an epithet so thoughtlessly lavished by men, to fos
ter the crimes of their worst enemies, may be innocent
ly and justly bestowed 1’ In the fullness of patriotic pride
and filial reverence, his countrymen have always enter
tained this opinion ; but we believe Lord Brougham is
the first distinguished Englishman who has come up to the
American Standard, in his estimate of the character of
Washington.
The following tribute is from a different, but scarcely
less distinguished source. It is from the pen as the Rev.
Wm. Jay, of Bath, England, Mr. Jay is,perhaps, the most
distinguished minister of the gospel among the dissenter*
of Great Britain. His writings are read and appreciated
by every denomination of Christians, and few men have
ever been the honored instruments of more extensive good.
The verses have never appeared in print on either side of
the Atlantic. n
LINE S.
Written impromptu on seeing the picture of Washington's villa, at
Monnt Vernon.
BY THE REV. WM. JAY, OF BATH ENGLAND.
There dwelt the Man, the flower of human kind.
Whose visage mild bespoke his nobler mind.
J here dwelt lhe Soldier, who his sword ne’er drew,
But in a righteous cause to Freedom true.
There dwelt the Hero, who ne’er fought for fame,
Vet gained more glory than a Ctesnr’s name
There dwelt the Statesman, who, devoid of art,
Gave soundest councils from an upright heart,
And O! Uolunibin, t>v thv sons caressed,
There dwelt the Father of the realms ho blest,
M ho no wish felt to make his mighty praise,
Like other Chiefs, the means himself to raise,
But there retiring, breathed in pure renown,
And felt a grandeur that disdained a crown.
Translation of the Spanish.— What is wedded happiness
made ol ?
Mutual forbearance, tenderness and respect.
Is it dear? It cannot bodear at any price.
Will it break? When it is broken by death, it is rejoin
ed in heaven.
What is beauty ? A key to the heart of the beholder,
an apology lor many follies, and the inducement for manx®*|
more.
Can I buy it? Not the thing itself, but you may buy
the person who has it.