Since 1998 - Historical and Genealogical
Resources
for the Upper New River Valley of North Carolina and Virginia
Embracing important topographical and historical information from recent and original sources, together with the results of the last census population, in most cases to 1854
By Richard Edwards
VIRGINIA, perhaps, in natural resources, as well as in geographical position, one of the most important States of the Union, lies generally between the latitudes 36 ° 30' and 39 ° 43' north, and extends east and west between longitudes 75° 40' and 83 ° 33' west, and is bounded on the north by Pennsylvania and Maryland, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, on the south by North Carolina and Tennessee, and on the west by Kentucky and Ohio. With the exception of the long tongue of land between Pennsylvania and the Ohio River, and the peninsular projection between the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean, the State has an average length of 355 miles, and a breadth of 218 miles, and comprises an area computed at 61,352 square miles.
Virginia is naturally divided into east and west by the Blue Ridge, a division which obtains also in the distribution of the federal judiciary; but according to the State constitution, it is divided into four districts or sections-the Tide Water, below the lower falls of the rivers; the Piedmont, between those falls and the Blue Ridge; the Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Allegany; and the Trans-Allegany-the latter comprising all the country west of the mountain ranges. The first mountains are found in the Piedmont section, which is traversed by a low ridge, under the local names of White Oak, Southern, etc., and running nearly parallel with the Blue Ridge, at a distance of 25 or 30 miles. The Blue Ridge, although pierced by the Potomac, James, and Staunton rivers, constitutes a well marked and continuous chain of more than 250 miles in length. In general, it forms rounded, swelling masses, but in several places, and especially the Peaks of Otter, shoot up in projecting summits to the height of 4,260 feet. The Kittatiny, or Blue Mountain, enters the State farther west, under the name of Great North Mountain, and forming the centre of the great plateau or table-land of Virginia, is continued, under various local names, until it takes the name of Iron Mountain, and enters North Carolina. It is pierced by the Potomac and James rivers running eastwardly, and by the New River running westwardly. West of this great ridge lie several detached masses, bearing the local names of Sideling Hill, &c. Still farther west is the great Allegany chain, which is broken through by New River and other streams to the north. Powell's Mountain appears to be an out-lier of this chain, and reaches to the height of 4,500 feet. Westward of the Allegany there is a general slope toward the Ohio; but several other consider able chains traverse this section, the principal of which is Laurel Mountain, of which Greenbrier, Great Flat Top, and the Cumberland Mountains appear to form a part. With the exception of Pennsylvania, Virginia is the only other State of the Union that has territory on both sides of the Allegany Mountains.
Virginia has noble rivers and streams, useful as channels of commerce or for industrial purposes. With few exceptions, the Ohio River west, and Chesapeake Bay east of the mountains, are the recipients of the waters of the whole State: those of Eastern Virginia flow, with an almost uniform south-easterly course, into the bay, carrying with them also the waters of the great valley, excepting only those of New River and the Holston, on the extreme southern part.
The Potomac rises in the Great Back Bone, but a few miles from the Youghiogeny, and pursuing a devious course, forces its way through the several intermediate mountain chains to the Piedmont section, where it is broken by falls nine miles above Georgetown, at which place it meets the tide-water, and about 100 miles below, after a course of 350 miles, it reaches the Chesapeake. At Alexandria, 290 miles from the ocean, it is 14 miles wide, and below the city gradually expands, till at its mouth it forms a broad estuary, 10 miles in breadth. Ships of the line ascend to the navy yard at Washington; above this it is obstructed by numerous falls and rapids. The principal tributaries of the Potomac are its South Branch, which rises near the head-streams of James River, the Great Cacapon, and the Shenandoah, the latter of which flows about 120 miles along the western base of the Blue Ridge, and joins the main river at Harper's Ferry. "The passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge," says Mr. Jefferson, "is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature."
The Rappahannock rises in the Blue Ridge, and receives the Rapid Ann from the same ridge, and falling over the primary ledge of Fredericksburg, 100 miles from its mouth, there reaches tide- water. Vessels of 140 tons ascend it to this point. York River, formed by the union of the Pamunky and Mattapony, partakes rather of the character of a long narrow bay than of a river; to the junction, 40 miles from the bay, it is from two to four miles wide, and large vessels pass to Yorktown-smaller ones ascend some distance above the bifurcation. James River, the principal river of Virginia, rises in the Allegany Mountains in several head-streams, of which Jackson's River must be considered the main constituent; after having received the Cow Pasture and the Calf Pasture rivers from the north, it forces its way through the Blue Ridge, and falling over numerous pitches, meets the tide 100 miles from its mouth at Richmond, which is accessible to vessels of 140 tons. The only considerable tributary of this river below the Blue Ridge is the Appomattox, which carries seven feet of water to Petersburg, 12 miles. The James River and Kanawha Canal, now complete to Balcony Falls, at the passage of the Blue Ridge, is constructed along the valley of the river, and is one of the most stupendous and important works in the United States.
The Meherrin and Nottoway are small rivers, which unite in North Carolina, and form the Chowan. The Roanoke is formed in Virginia by the junction of Dan River and Staunton River, two rapid mountain streams which rise, the former in the Blue Ridge, and the latter in the North Mountain. The larger part of the Roanoke is through North Carolina, which State it enters about 40 miles below the union of its constituent rivers. The great rivers of Western Virginia, flowing to the Ohio River, are-the Monongahela, one of the constituents of that river; the Kanawha; the Guyandotte; the Big Sandy, &c. The Monongahela is formed in Virginia by the junction of the West Branch and Tygart's Valley River, and beyond the Pennsylvania line it receives Cheat River, which descends from Greenbrier Mountain, and which is navigable for boats for a considerable distance. Little Kanawha River rises in the same district with the west branch of Monongahela River, and enters the Ohio at Parkersburg. The Kanawha, the principal river of Western Virginia, rises in the Blue Ridge, in North Carolina, and bears the name of New River until it unites with Gauley River, a small affluent from Greenbrier Mountain. The Greenbrier, above the latter, and the Elk and Coal rivers below it, are its principal tributaries. It is navigated by steamboats to Field's Creek, 75 miles from its mouth. The Covington and Ohio Railroad, and the James River and Kanawha Canal traverse the valley of this river. The Guyandotte and Big Sandy enter the Ohio below the Kanawha-the latter forming part of the boundary between Kentucky and Virginia. The Holston and Clinch, which drain the south-western section of the Great Valley of Virginia, pass into Tennessee, and, uniting at Kingston in that State, form the Tennessee River.
Virginia is an almost boundless field of mineral wealth, and within its limits, not only the useful, but also the precious metals are found in one part or the other. Gold, copper, lead, iron, coal, salt, lime, marls, gypsum, magnesian and alum earths, marbles, granites, soap-stones, and sand-stones are among the treasures, as yet for the most part lying unheeded in the bowels of the earth. Mining industry, however, has been commenced, and within the past few years has been wonderfully developed. The first coal-field is found at the junction of the Tide-Water and Piedmont sections; and this extends from the Pamunky by Richmond to the Appomattox, a distance of about thirty-five miles, with a breadth of from one or two to eight miles. The coal is bituminous, in seams of enormous thickness, being 30, 40, and even 60 feet thick, and of excellent quality. Coal has also been found on both sides of the Upper Appomattox. The coal of the Richmond basin is now extensively mined, and a railway to the principal mines has been built to facilitate its transportation to tide-water. Anthracite of great purity is found in the valley from the Potomac to the James River, south of which it contains a considerable portion of bitumen. Beyond the Allegahanies there are some of the most extensive and valuable deposits of bituminous coal in the United States, which derive additional value from their being associated with not less important beds of iron and salt. At Wheeling, on the Ohio, and for fourteen miles down the river, the bank presents an uninterrupted bed of highly bituminous coal, upward; of 16 feet thick. The Wheeling basin, indeed, extends for 30 miles up and down the river in Ohio and Virginia. Another vast field stretches above Clarksburg, on. the Monongahala to Pittsburg, and far beyond to the north-east in Pennsylvania. There is also a valuable coal-field on the head- waters of the north branch of the Potomac. Thus we have five tiers of coal seams, with an average thickness of from 30 to 35 feet. There are also coal seams associated with salt springs on the Little Kanawha, and springs of petroleum, or rock oil, occur in the same tract.
On the Great Kanawha is also a very rich and extensive coalfield: and on Coal, Gauley, and other rivers in this portion of Western Virginia, the beds of this mineral are frequently brought to view, and in fact no better general description can be presented of its extent than that it is almost continuous with the vast beds of sandstone which spread in nearly horizontal planes over nearly the whole of this broad region.
The salines of Virginia are almost wholly in the west. Saltsprings occur on the Holston, on the New River, and on the Greenbrier; but the most important works are on the Great and Little Kanawha rivers. The brine is raised by steampower, and evaporated in large cast-iron pans over furnaces. The brine of the Kanawha wells contains ver little gypsum or sulphuret of lime, and the process of crystallization is therefore attended with fewer difficulties than usual. The average yield of salt is about one bushel from every 65 or 70 gallons of brine.
The mineral springs of Virginia have long been noted for their efficiency in numerous chronic complaints, and as the resort of the fashionable world in the summer season. The State abounds with these, but the best known are the White and Blue Sulphur Springs of Greenbrier county, the Salt and Red Sulphur and the Sweet, in Monroe county, Hot and Warm in Bath, Berkley in Mlorgan, F'auquier White Sulphur in Fauquier, Shannondale in Frederick, Alum in Rockbridge, Jordan's White Sulphur in Frederick, Red in Allegany, Grayson in Carroll, Botetourt in Roanoke, Holston in Scott, Augusta Springs and Daggus Springs in Botetourt.
Of the metallic products of Virginia, gold is at present perhaps the most important. It is found on both the North and Rapid Ann rivers, of the North and South Anna near their sources, of the Rivanna, in the lower part of its course, and of James River, above and below the mouth of the Rivanna. Within the past few years, several rich mines have been opened and worked successfully in these and other sections of the State. We believe that Commodore Stockton was one of the first who introduced into Virginia effective machinery for reducing, on a large scale, the quartz rock, and demonstrating that a profitable business could be clone in this branch of mining. The Stockton mines are located in Fluvanna county. Among other at present productive mines are those of William M. Mosely & Co., and of the Garnett Mining Company, in Buckingham county. There are also mines more or less productive in Spottsylvania, in Stafford, in Fauquier, in Culpepper, in Orange, in Louisa, and in Goochland counties. It is a matter of not less mortification,"' says a Report of the Manufacturers' Convention, 1851, "than astonishment that Virginia, with an area of coal measures covering not less than 21,000 square miles, very much of which lies on or near navigable waters, and capable of yielding all the varieties of British coal, and of equal quality, should be reduced to the actual production of less than 200,000 tons of the value of $650,000, while Great Britain, with little more than half the extent of coal measures, produces annually, 37,000,000 tons, of about the value of $37,000,000 at the mines, and $180,000,000 at the market of sale. And in regard to the iron-trade, while Virginia has an unlimited supply of the finest ores, easily accessible for use and transportation, with the greatest abundance of coal, wood, and limestone for their manufacture, yet under the operation of the present revenue laws of the country, her production, in spite of all the efforts of the State to encourage it, has shrunk to an almost inconsiderable amount, and is in danger of utter ruin."
The soils of Virginia are naturally of a most fertile nature, but in the old settlements they have been exhausted by a vicious system of tillage. In many parts, however, a renovation has been effected by the application of proper fertilizers, and the adoption of a more scientific mode of culture. The Eastern and Piedmont sections are chiefly engaged in the production of Indian Corn and Tobacco, the latter of which is one of the great staples of the State. Cotton is also produced in these sections In the valley the crops are much the same, excepting that wheat takes the place of cotton, and the system of agriculture is superior to that followed in the lower country. Beyond the mountains, and westward to the Ohio river, is a fine country, adapted in soil and climate to the successful culture of all the grains, roots, and products of the Middle States, and equally propitious to the breeding and rearing of cattle and other domestic animals. It is not only a great agricultural district, but it is alike rich in minerals and metals of the greatest importance and value, and will eventually become the workshop of the State, as it is now the granary.
Bold scenery is one of the distinguishing features of Virginia; and no other State presents so many or so magnificent results of Nature convulsed. At Harper's Ferry, where the Potomac breaks through the Blue Ridge, the disruption has left behind it indelible marks of its force. The "Natural Bridge" below Lexington, according to Jefferson, is the most sublime of Nature's works. It is an arch reaching across a narrow ravine, which extends for some distance above and below, at the height of 215 feet above the stream which flows under it, 80 feet wide and 93 feet long,;" and again he says, " so beautiful an arch, so elevated, so light, and springing as it were up to heaven, the rapture of the spectator is really indescribable." These are but a moiety of the magnificent scenes of the country; every where in the Great Valley, and among its mountain borders, are found spectacles of grandeur and sublimity. Virginia has also numerous caves and caverns of which Madison's cave and Weir's Cave, both in the vicinity of Staunton, are those best known. Madison's Cave extends about 300 feet into the earth, branching into subordinate caverns and terminating in two basins of water, of about 30 or 40 feet in depth. Weir's Cave is much more extensive, and its numerous halls and chambers are pillared with an astonishing profusion of stalactites, which in some places resemble stiffened water-falls, in others hanging in rich festoons and folds like tapestry, or seem to rise from the floor like columns, thrones, towers or statues; it extends 1,260 feet into the ground, and contains upwards of 20 large rooms, besides numerous passages and galleries. One of these halls is 260 feet in length, 33 feet high and from 10 to 20 feet wide; and another is 153 by 15 feet, with a height of 60 feet.
Counties.-Virginia is divided into 140 counties, viz: Accomac, Alexandria, Albemarle, Allegany, Amherst, Amelia, Appomattox, Augusta, Barbour, Bath, Bedford, Berkeley, Boone, Botetourt, Braxton, Brook, Brunswick, Buckingham, Cabell, Carroll, Campbell, Caroline, Charlotte, Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Craig, Culpepper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Doddridge, Elizabeth City, Essex, Fauquier, Fairfax, Fayette, Fluvanna, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Gilmer, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Greenbrier, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hampshlire, Hancock, Hanover, Hardy, Harrison, Henry, Henrico, Highland, Isle of Wight, Jackson, James City, Jefferson, Kanawha, King George, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Lee, Lewis, Logan, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Matthews, Mecklenburg, Mercer, Middlesex, Monongalia, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nansemond, Nelson, New Kent, Nicholas, Northumberland, Northampton, Norfolk, Nottoway, Ohio, Orange, Page, Patrick, Pendleton, Pittsylvania, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Powhatan, Preston, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Prince George, Prince William, Pulaski, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Rappahannock, Richmond, Ritchie, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shanandoah, Smythe, Southampton, Spottsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, Taylor, Tazewell, Tyler, Upshur, Warren, Warwick, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming, Wythe, York. Catpital, Richmond.
The whole number of dwellings in the State in 1850 was, 165,815; of families, 167,530; and of inhabitants, 1,421,661; viz: whites 895,304-males 451,552, and females 443,752; free colored 53,829 males 25,843, and females 27,986, and slaves 472,528. Of the whole population there were, deaf and dumb white 581, free colored 18, slaves 112-total 711; blind-white 536, free colored 121, slaves 339-total 996; insane-white 922, free colored 46, slaves 58-total 1,026; and idiotic-white 945, free colored 120, slaves 220-total 1,285. The number of free persons born in the United States was 925,795; the number of foreign birth 22,394, and of birth unknown 585. The native population originated as follows: Maine 271, New Hampshire 239, Vermont 231, Massachusetts 1,193, Rhode Island 100, Connecticut 556, New York 2,934, New Jersey 11,447, Pennsylvania 6,823, Delaware 542, Maryland 10,328, District of Columbia 1,184, Virginia 872,823, North Carolina 7,343, South Carolina 281, Georgia 93, Florida 26, Alabama 92, Mississippi 78, Louisiana 93, Texas 7, Arkansas, 150, Tenn. 1,501, Kentucky 2,029, Ohio 5,206, Michigan 33, Indiana 288, Illinois 126, Missouri 223, Iowa 37, Wisc. 11, California 4, Territories 3, and the, foreign population was composed of persons from England 2,998, Ireland 11,643, Scotland 947, Wales 173, Germany 5,511, France 321, Spain 29, Portugal 51, Belgium 7, Holland 65, Italy 65, Austria 15, Switzerland 83, Russia 8, Denmark 15, Norway 5, Sweden 16, Prussia 36, China 3, Asia 4, Africa 3, British America 235, Mexico 4, Central America 1, South America 7, West Indies 72, Sandwich Islands 1, and other countries 76.
The following table will show the decimal progress of the population since the first census of the State, taken by the United States authorities.
| Census Year | White Persons | Colored Persons | Total Population | Decinnal Increase | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Slave | Total | Numerical | Percent | |||
| 1790 | 442,115 | 12,766 | 293,427 | 306,193 | 748,308 | - | |
| 1800 | 514,280 | 20,124 | 345,796 | 365,920 | 880,200 | 131,892 | 17 .6 |
| 1810 | 551,534 | 30,570 | 392,518 | 423,088 | 974,622 | 94,422 | 10.7 |
| 1820 | 603,087 | 37,139 | 425,153 | 462,292 | 1,065,379 | 90,757 | 9. 3 |
| 1830 | 694,300 | 47,348 | 469,757 | 517,105 | 1,211,405 | 146, 026 | 13.7 |
| 1840 | 740,958 | 49,852 | 448,987 | 498,839 | 1,239,797 | 28,392 | 2. 3 |
| 1850 | 895,304 | 53,829 | 472,528 | 526,357 | 1,421,661 | 181,864 | 14.6 |
The aggregate statistics of the resources, wealth, productions, manufactures and institutions of the State, according to the census of 1850, and other official returns referring to the same period of time, are as exhibited in the following summary:
Occupied Lands, etc.--Improved farm lands, 10,361,155 acres, and unimproved lands, 15,792,176 acres- valued in cash at $216,401,441. Tile whole number of farms under cultivation on the 1st of June, 1850, was 77,013-in the Eastern District, 87,741, and in the Western District 39,272. Value of farming implements and machinery, $7,021,772.
Live-Stock.-Horses, 272,403; asses and mules, 21,480; milk cows, 317,619; working-oxen, 89,513; other cattle, 669,137; sheep, 1,310,004; and swine, 1,830,743. The live-stock of 1840, and the comparison of that with the live-stock of 1850, exhibit the following results:
| Description | 1840 | 1850 | Movement. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses & Mules Asses & Mules |
326,438 h'd | 272,403 h'd 21,380 |
decr. 32,555 head, or 9.9 per cent. |
| Milk Cows Working Oxen Other Cattle |
1,024,148 | 317,619 89,513 669,137 |
incr. 52,121 " or 5.1 percent |
| Sheep | 1,293,772 | 1,310,004 | incr. 16,232 head or 1.3 percent |
| Swine | 1,992,155 | 1,830,743 | decr. 161,412 head or 8.1 percent |
In 1850 the total value of live-stock was estimated at $33,656,659.
Products of Animals.-Wool, 2,860,765 pounds; butter, 11,089,359 pounds; cheese, 436,298 pounds; and the value of animals slaughtered during the year was $7,503,006. The wool crop accounted for in the census of 1840 amounted to 2,538,374 pounds; and hence the increase in the crop of 1850 was 322,391 pounds, or in the ratio of 12.7 per centum. In 1840 tile average clip per fleece was 31.4 ounces, and in 1850, 34.9 ounces, making, an increase in 1850 of 3.9 ounces per fleece, or 12.4 per centum.
Grain Crops.-Wheat, 11,232,616 bushels; rye, 458,930 bushels; Indian corn, 35,254,319 bushels; oats, 10,179,045 bushels; barley, 25,437 bushels; and buckwheat, 214,898 bushels. The several yields compared with those returned in the census of 1840 give the following results:
| Crops | 1840 | 1850 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 10,109,116 bus. | 11,232,616 bus. | incr. 1,122,900 bus. Or 11.1 per cent |
| Rye | 1,482,799 | 458,930 | decr. 1,023,869 bus. Or 69.7 percent |
| Indian corn | 34,577,591 | 35,254,319 | incr. 676,728 bus or 1.9 percent |
| Oats | 13,451,062 | 10,179,045 | decr. 3,272,017 bus. Or 24.3 percent |
| Barley | 87,430 | 25,437 | decr. 61,993 bus or 70.9 percent |
| Buckwheat | 243,822 | 214,898 | decr. 28, 924 bus. Or 11.8 percent |
Other Food Crops.-Rice, 17,154 (in 1840, 2,596) pounds; peas and beans, 521,581 bus.; potatoes-Irish, 1,316,933 bus., and sweet, 1,813,671 bushels. The potato crop of the census of 1840 amounted to 2,944,660 bushels, and hence the increase in 1850 is 185,944 bushels, or at the rate of 6.3 per centum.
Miscellaneous Crops.-Tobacco, 56,803,218 pounds; cotton, 3,947 bales of 400 pounds; hay, 369,098 tons; clover-seed, 29,727 bushels; other grass seed, 23,428 bushels; hops, 11,506 pounds; hemp-dew- rotted 90 tons, and water-rotted 51 tons; flax, 999,450 pounds; flax-seed, 52,318 bushels; silk cocoons, 517 pounds; maple-sugar, 1,227,665 pounds; molasses, 40;322 gallons; beeswax and honey, 880,767 pounds; wine, 5,408 gallons, etc. The value of orchard products $177,137, and of market-garden products $183,047. The principal crops exhibited in the censuses of 1840 and 1850 are comparatively as follows:
| Crops. | 1840 | 1850 | Movement. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tobacco | 75,347,106 lbs. | 56,803,218 lbs. | dec. 18,533,888 lbs. or 24.6 per ct. |
| Cotton | 3,494,483 | 1,578,800 | dec. 1,915,683 lbs or 54.8 per ct. |
| Hay | 364,708 tons | 369,098 tons inc. | 4,390 tons or 1.2 per ct. |
| Hops | 10,597 lbs. | 11,506 lbs. | inc. 9091bs. or 8.6 per ct. |
| Hemp-dew rotted Hemp water rotted Flax |
25,594 « tons | 90 tons 57 tons 909,450 lbs |
dec. 56,015,720 lbs, or 97.7 per ct. |
| Silk cocoons | 3,191 lbs. | 517 lbs | dec. 2,674 lbs. or 83.9 per ct. |
| Maple sugar | 1,541,833 lbs | 1,227,665 | dec. 314,168 lbs.or 20.3 per ct. |
| Wine | 13,911 gals. | 5,408 gals. | dec. 8,503gals or 61.1 per ct. |
"The correctness of the returns as to hemp, in the seventh census, has not yet been perfectly verified. There has been some doubt whether, in a number of instances, the marshals have not written tons where they meant pounds. (Has not the reporter in this instance written tons where lie meant pounds, and vice vesa.-Ed. of Gaz.) If, however, the returns are allowed to stand without reduction, it would appear that the cultivation of hemp or flax has materially changed since 1840. In the returns of that year, as stated above, both of these articles were included under the same head. In 1840 those of Virginia gave 25,594 tons of hemp and flax together. In 1850 only 141 tons of hemp, and 500 tons of flax were returned. Such a falling off would amount to almost an abandonment of the culture of hemp in that State, which there is no reason to suppose has taken place."--Report of Superintendent of the Census, Dec. 1st, 1852.
Home-made Manufactures were produced in the year ending 1st June, 1850, to the value of $2,156,312. The same description of manufactures returned in the census of 1840 were valued at $2,441,672. Manufactures.-Total capital invested, $18,108,793; value of all raw material, fuel, etc., consumed in the year, $18,103,433; average number of hands employed males and females; monthly cost of labor $ -male $ and female $; value of manufactures produced in the year, $29,592,019. The whole number of manufacturing establishments in operation on the 1st June, 1850, and producing to the value of $500 and upwards annually, was 4,433-in the Eastern District 2,293, and in the Western District 2,140, and these were distributed to the several counties as exhibited in the general table. Of the whole number 27 were cotton factories; 121 woolen factories; 122 iron manufactories-29 making pig iron, 54 making castings, and 39 making wrought iron; 341 tanneries, etc. Total capital invested in manufactures, in the year represented in the census of 1840, $11,360,861.
In the manufacture of cotton goods, the capital employed is $1,908,900; cotton consumed 17,785 bales, and coal 4,805 tons; value of all raw material, fuel, etc., $828,375; hands employed 2,963-males 1,275, and females 1,688; monthly cost of labor, $24,774-male, $12,983, and female, $11,791; products of the year-sheeting, 15,640,107 yards, and yarn 1,755,915 pounds, valued at $1,486,384. In 1840 there were in the State 22 cotton mills, and 1 dyeing and printing establishment, together employing 1,816 hands, and a capital of 1,299,020, and producing in the year, goods to the value of $446,063.
In the manufacture of woolen goods, capital to the amount of $392,640 is invested; wool consumed in the year, 1,554,110 pounds, and coal 357 tons, valued together at $488,899; hands employed 658-males 478, and females 190; monthly cost of labor $10,571 to males $8,688 and to females $1,883; products of the year cloth 2,037,025 yards, and yarn 398,705 pounds, valued at $841,013. The capital invested in the woolen manufacture in 1840, was 112,350, hands employed 222; value of yearly manufactures $147,792; which statements include also the statistics of fulling-mills.
The condition of the iron manufacture is exhibited in the following statistical aggregates:
| Specifications | Units | Pig Iron | Cast Iron | Wrought Iron | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital invested | dollars | 513,800 | 471,160 | 791,211 | 1,776,171 |
| Ore used | tons | 67,319 | - | - | 67,319 |
| Pig Iron used | tons | - | 7,114 | 17,296 | 24,410 |
| Blooms used | tons | - | - | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| Old metal used | tons | - | 205 | - | 205 |
| Mineral Coal consumed | tons | 39,982 | 7,878 | 66,515 | 114,375 |
| Coke & Charcoal consumed. | bush. | 1,311,000 | 71,600 | 103,000 | 1,485,600 |
| Value of all raw material, etc. | doll. | 158,307 | 297,014 | 591,448 | 1,046,769 |
| Hands employed-male | number | 1,115 | 810 | 1,295 | 3,220 |
| Hands employed-female | number | 14 | 9 | - | 23 |
| Monthly cost of labor | dollars | 14,328 | 16,312 | 30,469 | 61,109 |
| Iron produced | tons | 22,163 | 5,577 | 15,328 | 43,068 |
| Value of year's products | dollars | 521,924 | 674,416 | 1,254,995 | 2,451,335 |
In 1840, Virginia had in operation 42 furnaces, that in the preceding year had produced 18,810 1/2 tons of cast iron, and 52 bloomeries, forges, and rolling-mills, which had produced 5,886 tons of bar iron.
The tanneries employ a capital of $676,983; hands employed 906-males 900, and females 6; monthly cost of labor $13,705 - male $13,643, and female $62; sides of leather tanned 378,400, and skins tanned 74,573, together valued at $894,876. In 1840 there were in the State 660 tanneries, employing 1,422 hands, and a capital amounting to $838,141; and which had produced during the preceding year, 135,782 sides of sole leather, and 206,216 sides of upper leather.
The capital invested in the manufacture of malt and spirituous liquors amounts to $100,915. Quantities and kinds of grain, etc., consumed-barley 20,000 bushels, corn 250,700 bushels, rye 62,680 bushels, oats 450 bushels, and hops 14 tons; hands employed 123; qualities of liquor produced-ale, etc., 5,500 barrels, and whiskey, etc., 879,440 gallons. In the census year 1840, Virginia had 1,454 distilleries, producing in the year 865,725 gallons; and 5 breweries, producing 32,960 gallons; hands employed 1,631, and capital invested $187,212.
The manufactures, others than the above specified, consist of a great variety of important productions, as machinery of all kinds, carriages, harness, etc.; and Virginia has also a large number of merchant and other mills. As a flour-producing State, it stands first in its brands, and is only behind one or two other States in the extent of production. It has also large and valuable tobacco manufactories.
Foreign Commerce.-Virginia, in respect of foreign commerce, holds a seventh or eighth rank among, the States of the Union. According to the official returns for the year ending 30th June, 1850, the value of its exports to foreign countries amounted to $3,415,646, and of its imports to $426,599. This would indicate that the great bulk of its commercial material is carried to the ports of other States for exportation, and the foreign merchandise consumed within the State is brought through the same channels. That such is the case is well known, and hence we find that the coasting trade is unusually extensive, chiefly carried on by the shipping of northern ports. This was not always so, for at one time Virginia stood at the head of the commercial States, and its shipping held the same rank in foreign ports as that now occupied by the mercantile marine of New York. Of the total exports in 1850, $3,413,158 was the value of domestic products, and of these to the value of $2,365,241 was shipped in American and $1,047,917 in foreign vessels-the remainder of the aggregate value ($2,488) was foreign produce re-shipped in American vessels. Of the imports $172,878 was the value of merchandise landed from American and $253,721 from foreign vessels. The shipping employed in the carrying trade consisted as follows:
| Nationality of shipping. |
Vessels | Tons. | Crews. | Vessels | Tons. | Crews | Vessels | Tons | Crews. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American | 69 | 12,190 | 564 | 187 | 42,091 | 1,710 | 256 | 54,281 | 2,274 |
| Foreign | 88 | 18,775 | 828 | 98 | 23,367 | 956 | 186 | 42,142 | 1,784 |
| Total | 157 | 30,965 | 1,392 | 285 | 65,458 | 2,664 | 442 | 96,423 | 4,058 |
| Alexandria | 59 | 10,638 | 442 | 64 | 11,534 | 474 | 123 | 22,172 | 916 |
| Norfolk. | 74 | 14,281 | 684 | 140 | 26,765 | 1,163 | 214 | 41,046 | 1,847 |
| Petersburg. | 9 | 3,517 | 131 | 5 | 1,946 | 63 | 14 | 5,463 | 194 |
| Richmond | 8 | 1,811 | 76 | 69 | 24,321 | 908 | 77 | 26,132 | 984 |
| Tappahannock | 7 | 718 | 42 | 7 | 892 | 44 | 14 | 1,610 | 86 |
The shipping owned in the several districts of the State in 1850, amounted to 74,071 tons; of this 18,043 tons was "registered" shipping-7,092 permanent, and 10,591 temporary: 52,535 tons was "enrolled and licensed "-51,514 tons permanent, and 1,021 temporary; and 3,493 tons was "licensed under 20 tons." The tonnage of the districts was as follows-Alexandria, 8,738 tons; Norfolk, 24,135 tons; Petersburg, 2,708 tons; Richmond, 8,458 tons; Yorktown, 4,807 tons; Tappahannock, 5,824 tons; Accomac, 4,083 tons; East River, 4,869 tons; Yeocomico, 3,284 tons; Cherrystone, 1,232 tons, and Wheeling, 5,934 tons. Of the enrolled and licensed tonnage, all of which is employed in the coasting and river trade, 8,726 tons are navigated by steam power-in the Atlantic districts, 2,792 tons, and in Wheeling district, on Ohio River, 5,934 tons. Within the year specified there were built in the State-1 ship, 1 brig, 27 schooners, and 5 steamers-total, 34 vessels, of an aggregate burden of 3,584 tons.
[Chart Ommitted]
Internal Communication, etc.-The railroads and canals of Virginia, which are among the most magnificent works of the kind in the Union, extend generally from the Atlantic ports to the West, and are continued through Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, to all the chief places in the north-west, west and south-west. Alexandria, Richmond, and Norfolk, are the initial points on the Atlantic; from Alexandria diverge the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and the Manassas Gap R. R. the one directed toward Gordonsville, where it joins the Central road, and the other crossing the first mountains, and passing down the valley to Harrisburg and Staunton, there unites with the same line; the Central Railroad, starting at Richmond, passes through Gordonsville, Staunton, etc., to Covington, and there unites with the Covington and Ohio railroad, extending westward to Point Pleasant, on the Ohio, there uniting with the Ohio system, and to the mouth of Big Sandy River, where it joins the Kentucky lines to Maysville, Lexington and Louisville, and through them connects with the lines stretching to the north and toward Nashville and New Orleans, and from Norfolk and Petersburg a line extends through the southern counties to the Tennessee line, whence it is continued to Knoxville, connecting at that point with numerous lines directed to every important central station in the south-west, etc. These railroads furnish to the State ample means of transportation, and will carry to and from the seaboard an immense commercial material. They will also be the means of reviving the general commerce of the State, and of furnishing an outlet at Virginian ports for much of the produce of Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, which now finds its way to more northern markets. In the north-west several lines are being built to connect the systems of Pennsylvania and Maryland with those of Ohio and the West, and of these the North- western railroad is perhaps the most important, as it will furnish the shortest route front Cincinnati to Baltimore. In the south-east the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad furnishes an important route from the seaboard into North Carolina. The great southern line of railroads also passes through Virginia, having Fredericksburg, Richmond and Petersburg in its route, and being continued south and south-west to Wilmington, Columbia, etc. This is the route of the great southern mail. There are, besides these numerous short lines, branches, etc., diverging from the main lines to several important points. The whole extent of completed railroad in the State on the 1st January, 1853, was 624 miles, and about 800 miles more were in course of construction.
The canals of Virginia are-the James river and Kanawha Canal, the Dismal Swamp Canal, and the Alexandria Canal. The Baltimore and Ohio Canal, though in Maryland, is to all intents and purposes, as much a canal of Virginia as of that State, being only separated from it by the channel of the Potomac river. The Alexandria Canal, which is a continuation of the Baltimore and Ohio Canal, from Georgetown to Alexandria, is seven and a half miles long, and is carried over the Potomac on a splendid aqueduct. The James River and Kanawha Canal, second only in extent and importance to the Erie Canal of New York, is carried through the valley of James River, and is now complete to Balcony Falls, from which point it will be continued along the valley of the Kanawha River to the Ohio. This great work has been of vast advantage to the interior of Virginia, and on an average transports about $12,000,000 valuation of merchandise. "Without the Erie Canal," says Governor Floyd, " the city of New York would have been second still to Philadelphia." Great as the advantages of this work unquestionably are, those of the James River and Kanawha Canal are undoubtedly superior. It possesses the striking advantage of lying five degrees south of the great northern work, and is therefore free from the ice which obstructs the navigation there for so large a portion of the year. It touches the Ohio River far south of any water communication from the Atlantic whatever, and at a point south of which there can be across the country no other water connection. It will command all the trade of a great part of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, and most probably those regions lying still higher up toward the sources of the Missouri after that period it is unsafe to send produce north. " We will see," says the Governor, canal boats laden at the falls of St. Anthony or Council Bluff discharging their cargoes at Lynchburg, Richmond and Norfolk," etc. This work is now rapidly progressing to completion. The Dismal Swamp Canal connects Chesapeake Bay with Albemarle Sound, extending from Deep Creek to Joyce's Creek, 23 miles. At present it is chiefly valuable as an avenue for the transportation of the lumber, naval, stores, etc., of the region through which it passes. With such works as the above, who cannot but foresee that Virginia will, at no distant day, be one of the most successful commercial States of the Union, and its ports, so long forsaken, the marts of a trade not surpassed by that of the present great emporia of the country.
Banks.-In October, 1850, Virginia had 6 Banks and 31 branch banks. The condition of these establishments at that date was as follows: liabilities-capital $9,814,545; circulation $10,256,967; deposits $4,717,732; due other banks $338,841; and assets: loans and discounts $19,646,i77; stocks $269,914; real estate $764,282; other investments $210,498; due by other banks, $1;925,652; notes of other banks, $552,153; and specie, $2,928,174. Since the date of these returns several banks have been established in accordance with the new banking law, depositing security for the redemption of their notes. The returns above given are those of the old chartered banks, which enjoy a high credit at home and abroad. These are-The Bank of the Valley, at Winchester, with branches at Charlestown, Leesburg, Romney, Staunton, and Christianburg; the Bank of the Virginia at Richmond, with branches at Buchanan, Charlestown, Danville, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Petersburg and Portsmouth; the Exchange Bank of Virginia, at Norfolk, with branches at Abington, Alexandria, Clarkesville, Petersburg, Richmond, Salem and Weston; the Farmers' Bank of Virginia at Richmond, with branches at Alexandria, Charlottesville, Danville, Farmville, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Petersburg, Winchester, and Wythesville; the Merchants' and Mechanics' Bank, at Wheeling, with branch at Morgantown; and the North-western bank of Virginia, at Wheeling, with branches at Jeffersonville, Parklersburg, and Wellsburg.
Government, etc.-The present constitution of Virginia was adopted in convention on the 1st of August, and ratified by the people on the 25th of October, 1851. It superseded the constitution of 1776 and the amendments of 1831. The right to vote is given to every white male citizen 21 years old, resident of the State two years, and of the county, city, or town one year next preceding an election. The exceptions are those common to other States. Votes are given viva voce, and not by ballot; but dumb persons may so vote. The general election is held on the fourth Thursday of October biennially. The Legislature is styled the General Assembly, and consists of a House of Delegates and a Senate. The house consists of 152 members, chosen biennially, apportioned on the basis of the white population. The Senate is based on population and taxation combined, and consists of 50 members, elected in districts by the voters therein for the term of four years, one half of the number being chosen biennially. Delegates must have attained the age of 21, and senators that of 25 years, and none but qualified voters are eligible for election. Persons holding lucrative offices, ministers of the Gospel, salaried officers of banks, and attorneys of the Commonwealth are ineligible. Any elective officer removing from his district vacates his office. In 1865, and decennially thereafter, there shall be a re-apportionment. The sessions of the Legislature commence on the second Monday of January biennially, and continue not more than 90 days, unless a prolongation be concurred in by three-fifths of all the members, nor in any case shall a session be extended beyond the ordinary term for more than 30 days. Bills may originate or be amended in either house.
The executive power is vested in a Governor, elected by the people for four years, commencing from the 1st January succeeding election. The governor is ineligible for any other office during his term, and can be elected for two successive terms. He must be 30 years of age, a native citizen of the United States, and for 5 years a citizen of the State. He must reside at the seat of Government. A Lieutenant-governor, with like qualifications, etc., is elected for a like term, and is the constitutional successor of the governor in case of death or disability; he is also ex-officio president of the Senate.
The principal administrative officers are-a Secretary of the Commonwealth, a Treasurer, and an Auditor of Public Ac counts. These are elected by joint vote of the General Assembly for two years. For the purpose of electing the Board of Public Works, the State is divided into three districts, each of which shall elect one commissioner. Their term is six years, and they are so classified that one of their number shall retire every two years. The General Assembly, by a three-fifths vote, may abolish the board.
The judiciary is vested in a Supreme Court of Appeals, District Courts, and Circuit Courts. In each circuit, (21 in number,) a judge is elected by the voters for the term of eight years, and who holds two circuit courts in the counties of his circuit annually. In each district, (10 in number,) a district court is held by the judges of the circuits constituting the District, and the Judge of the Supreme Court for the Section, any three of whom may hold a court. Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals are also elected by the voters for 12 years, each section (5 in number) electing 1 Judge. The 5 judges so elected constitute the Supreme Court, any three of whom may hold a circuit. It has jurisdiction only where the matter in controversy is not less in value than $500, except in certain specified cases. Special Courts of Appeal may be organized. Circuit Judges must not be less than 30, nor Supreme Court Judges less than 35 years of age, and no election for judges shall be held within 30 days of the time of holding the election for President, for Congressmen, or for members of the State Legislature. Officers of the Supreme and District Courts are appointed by the Judges thereof; but Clerks of Circuits are elected by the voters for six years. When a Governor is elected, an Attorney-General is also elected for the term of four years.
County Courts are held monthly by not less than three, nor more than five Justices. Each county is divided into districts, and each district elects 4 Justices for the term of 4 years. The Justices so elected choose one of their own body to attend each term of the Court, and classify the rest for the performance of their duties. The voters of each county elect also a Clerk of the County Court, and a Surveyor, for 6 years, an Attorney of the Commonwealth for 4 years, and a Sheriff, and Commissioner of the Revenue, for 2 years. Constables and overseers of the poor are elected by the voters.
Among the miscellaneous provisions of the constitution are the following: the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, nor shall any bill of attainder be passed, nor any ex-post facto law, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts, or taking private property without just compensation, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or establishing any religion, or prescribing any religious test, or conferring any privileges or advantages on any one sect or denomination; no law shall embrace more than one object, and when amended, shall be re-enacted at length; provision may be made, rendering ineligible for office those who fight or are engaged in a duel; the Senate shall try impeachments made by the House, and may sit for this purpose during recess; slaves hereafter emancipated shall forfeit their freedom by remaining in the Commonwealth more than 12 months; restrictions may be im posed upon emancipation, but the General Assembly shall not emancipate; it may relieve the State from the free negroes by removal or otherwise; yeas and nays shall be taken on all tax and appropriation bills; no incorporated company shall be re leased from its liability to the State; nor shall the faith of the State be pledged for the debts of any company; seven per cent. of the State debt existing, 1st January, 1852, shall be annually set apart as a sinking fund to redeem said debt; no loans shall be contracted for a longer period than 34 years; whenever a debt is contracted, there shall be set apart annually, for 34 years, a sum exceeding by one per cent. the aggregate amount of the annual interest agreed to be paid thereon at the time of its contraction, which sum shall be a part of the sinking fund; stocks held by the Commonwealth may be sold, but the proceeds must be applied to the payment of the public debt; no charter shall be granted to any church, but title to church property may be granted to a limited extent; no lottery shall be authorized, and the buying and selling, of tickets shall be prohibited; no new county shall be formed with an area less than 600 square miles; powers shall be conferred on the Courts exclusively to grant divorces, to change the names of persons, and direct the sale of infants' estates; there shall be a periodical registration of voters, and of births, marriages, and deaths, annually; a census shall be taken every five years after the national census.
Federal Representation.-In accordance with the act of 23d May, 1853, Virginia elects thirteen representatives to the Congress of the United States.
The militia force of the State, in 1851, consisted of 125,128 men of all arms, of which number 6,494 were commissioned officers, and 118,634 non-commissioned officers, musicians, artificers, and privates. Of the commissioned officers 32 were general officers, 66 general staff-officers, 1,423 field-officers, etc., and 4,973 company officers. All white persons between the ages of 18 and 45 years are subject to military duty.
The principal benevolent institutions of the State are the Lunatic Asylum, at Staunton, and the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, at the same place. These institutions are liberally supported by annual legislative appropriations.
Public Finances, etc.-The aggregate debt of Virginia, on the 1st April, 1851, was as follows: Revolutionary War debt (6 p. c.,) $24,039.17; war debt of 1812 (7 p c.,) $319,000; internal improvement debt (6 p. c.,) $9,364,916 04; internal improvement debt (5 p. c.,) $1,065,600; internal improvement debt (5 « p. c.,) $25,300; debt for subscription to banks, $450,107 - total debt, $11,248,962 21; but of this there was held by State agents, under the control of the Legislature by Literary Fund $1,125,606 50, and by Board of Public Workls $375,912.41, or in all $1,501,518.91, leaving ln actual outstanding debt of $9,747,443.30. The State is also liable conditionally for guaranteed bonds for internal improvements $3,947,894. The State holds assets, consisting of stocks and debts due productive of $7,060,565.48, and-not now productive, $6,052,266.53: total $13,112,832.11. The valuation of property, real and personal, assessed for taxation, in 1850, amounted to $381,376,660. The valuation of the same, according to the U. S. census of that year, was $430,701,082. The valuation for taxes in May, 1852, amounted to $415,542,189 70, being, an in crease of over $34,000,000 in two years, and it was estimated that there was other property not taxed to the value of $50,000,000.
The chief sources of income for the year were as follows: ordinary revenue and taxation, $676,256.09; dividends on bank stock, $286.542.94; bonus on bank dividends, $46,093 36; internal improvements, $61,029; interest on loans to internal improvement companies, $90,771.61; militia -files, $13,509 76; annuity from Old James River Company, $291,000; loans obtained to pay subscriptions to joint-stock companies, etc., $1,238,395.19; temporary loans, $100,000; Washington Monument Fund, $22,115 69; and sales of articles made at the Penitentiary, $11,000. The expenditures were as follows: expenses of General Assembly, $103,867 25; officers of government, $93,647.45; criminal charges, $39,554.82; contingent expenses of Courts, $32,931 65; militia, $19,344 55; Virginia Military Institute, $20,710; public Guard at Richmond, $21,340 18; comm. of revenue, $32,106 90; lunatics and lunatic asylums, $100,390 l71; deaf and dumb and blind asylums, $18,901 29; interest on public debt, $559,634 47; contingent fund, $16,672 40; public roads, $5,601.50; general appropriations, $27,162 02; revision of laws, $28,801; penitentiary, $27,502 84; redemption of public debt, $239,500; advance to Board of Public Works, $197,000; Washington monument, $29,860 25; dividends to stockholders of Old James River Company, $20,895; surveys, $3,500 subscriptions to internal improvement companies out of loans received, $1,185,527 28; primary schools, $45,674 03; and annuity to University of Virginia, $150,000.
Educational Statistics.-The number of schools reported in 126 counties and towns, for the year 1850-51, was 3,904, and the number of poor children 72,876, of which 31,655 had attended schools during the year. Amount expended for tuition, including books, compensation of officers, and all other expenses, $68,135 93. Average actual attendance of each child at common schools, 521 days. Average cost per annum of each scholar $2 15. The permanent capital of the Literary Fund amounted on the 1st October, 1850, to $1,533,710 82; and the revenue derived therefrom, for the year, amounted to $97,883 66. Academies, seminaries, and private schools, are numerous in all the cities and towns, and many of these are institutions of favorable reputation. The statistics of the collegiate establishments and professional schools, in 1851, are as follows:
| Collegiate Institutions. | Location. | Founded | Prof's. | Alum. | Stud's. | Vols. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary Col. (Epis.) | Williamsburg. | 1692 | 7 | - | 36 | 5,000 |
| Hampden Sidney Col. | Prince Edwards co. | 1783 | 6 | 1,500 | 25 | 8,000 |
| Washington Col | Lexington. | 1789 | 6 | 600 | 50 | 4,950 |
| University of Virginia | Charlottesville | 1819 | 10 | 3,500 | 383 | 16,000 |
| Randolph-Macon Col. (Meth) | Boydton | 1832 | 7 | 14 | 80 | 8,000 |
| Richmond Col. (Baptist) | Richmond | 832 | 5 | 5 | 50 | 1,200 |
| Emory & Henry Col. (Meth.) | Emory | 1838 | 5 | 65 | 100 | 7,807 |
| Rector College (Baptist) | Pruntytown | 1839 | 3 | - | 50 | 2,500 |
| Virginia Military Institute | Lexington | 1839 | 6 | 107 | 120 | 2,000 |
| Bethany College | Bethany | 1841 | 6 | 80 | 141 | 3,500 |
| Professional Schools. | ||||||
| Episco. Theol. School of Va. | Fairfax county | 1822 | 4 | 229 | 38 | 5,000 |
| Union Theol. Sem. (Presb) | Prince Edwards co. | 1824 | 3 | 175 | 20 | 4,000 |
| Virginia Baptist Seminary | Richmond | 1832 | 3 | 67 | 1,000 | |
| Law Depart., Univ. of Va. | Charlottesville | _ | 1 | - | 70 | - |
| Law Dept. Wm. & Mary Col. | Williamsburg | - | 1 | - | 32 | - |
| Med. School, Univ. of Va. | Charlottesville | 1825 | 3 | - | 95 | - |
| Med. Dept. Hamp. Sid. Col. | Richmond | 1838 | 7 | 40 | 90 | - |
| Winchester Medical College | Winchester | - | 5 | - | - | - |
William and Mary College is, with the exception of Harvard University, the oldest literary institution in the country, and is distinguished for its large proportion of graduates who have risen to eminence, some of whom have held the highest stations in the nation. Thomas Jefferson was a graduate of this college. It was founded on a donation of land, 20,000 acres, granted in the reign of William and Mary. The buildings are of brick, and sufficient to accommodate 100 students. It was formerly allowed a representative in the General Assembly. Hampden-Sidney College was established in 1774, and named after those martyrs who perished in the good old cause-John Hampden, and Algernon Sidney. It was chartered in 1783. More instructors have emanated from this college than from any other southern institution. Connected with the college is a Literary and Philosophic Society, and an Institute of Education. There are also several societies among the students. The University owes its origin and peculiar organization to Mr. Jefferson. It possesses philosophical and chemical apparatus, together with a fine cabinet of minerals and fossils, and an anatomical and miscellaneous museum. The observatory, a short distance from the university, is furnished with the requisite astronomical instruments. The organization of the university differs materially from that of any other institution in the Union. The students are not divided into four classes, with a course of studies embracing four years, but the different branches are styled "schools," and the student is at liberty to attend which he pleases, and graduate in each when prepared. In order to attain the degree of M. A., the student must graduate in the several schools of mathematics, ancient languages, moral philosophy, natural philosophy, chemistry, and in some two of the modern languages. This institution is in every respect organized and justly regarded as a university of the first class. The Virginia Military Institute is conducted on the plan of instruction observed at West Point, and is a highly valued institution, and has been liberally encouraged by State appropriations. Religious Denominations.-The statistics of the several religious denominations in the State in 1850 were as follow:
| Denominations | No. Of Churches | Value of Property | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist | 639 | 241,689 | $689,918 |
| Christian | 16 | 4900 | 7,595 |
| Congregational | |||
| Dutch Reformed | |||
| Episcopal | 167 | 73,884 | 527,150 |
| Free | 107 | 35,025 | 61,900 |
| Friends | 14 | 6,300 | 18,825 |
| German Ref'd | 9 | 3,800 | 16,200 |
| Jewish | 1 | 600 | 4,000 |
| Lutheran | 50 | 18,750 | 52,445 |
| Mennonite | 6 | 2,250 | 5,550 |
| Methodist | 1,002 | 315,762 | $721,008 |
| Moravian | 8 | 1,500 | 2,550 |
| Presbyterian | 236 | 101,625 | 567,165 |
| R. Catholic | 17 | 7,930 | 126,100 |
| Swedenbourg | |||
| Tunker | 8 | 4,400 | 8,200 |
| Union | 47 | 13,250 | 24,025 |
| Unitartian | |||
| Universalist | 1 | 200 | 500 |
| Minor Sects | 8 | 2,825 | 18,050 |
Virginia forms a diocese of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and comprises the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Richmond and Wheeling, and also a portion of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the last being that portion of the District of Columbia retroceded in 1846.
Public Libraries.-The Report of the Librarian of the Smithsonian Institution, made in 1851, states the public libraries of Virginia as follows: one State Library-14,000 volumes; four social-3,313 volumes; nine college-45,790 volumes; eight students'-10,466 volumes; five academic and professional12,951 volumes; one scientific and historical-1,200 volumes; two public-1,460 volumes. Total-thirty libraries, and 89,180 volumes.
Periodical Press.-Virginia, on the 1st June, 1850, had 100 periodical issues-in politics 31 were Whig, 22 Democrat, and 47 neutral, the latter including those devoted to literature, science, religion, and all the character of which had not been ascertained. Of the whole number, 20 were published daily, 6 tri-weekly, 7 semi-weekly, 60 weekly, 4 monthly, and 1 quarterly; and the circulation of the dailies was 32,750 copies at each issue; of the tri-weeklies, 700 copies; of the semi-weeklies, 6,500 copies; of the weeklies 41,936 copies; of the monthlies, 13,150 copies; and of the quarterly, 1,000 copies. There were published in Augusta County, (Staunton,) 3 weekly; Albemarle, (3 in Charlottesville,) 3 weeklies and 1 monthly; in Alexandria, one daily, one tri-weekly, and one weekly; in Botetourt, Berkeley and Brooke, each two weeklies; in Campbell, (Lynchburg,) three semi-weeklies; in Dinwiddie, (Petersburg,) two dailies and one tri-weekly; in Fauquier, two weeklies; in Fairfax, one weekly; in Frederick, (Winchester,) two weeklies; in Greenbrier, one weekly; in Harrison, two weeklies; in Hardy, one weekly; in Hampshire, two weeklies; in Henrico, (Richmond,) six dailies, one semi-weekly, two weeklies, five monthlies, and one quarterly; in Jefferson, three weeklies; in Kanawha, one weekly; in Loudoun, two weeklies; in Lewis, Marshall, and Monroe, each one weekly; in Mononogalia, three weeklies; in Marion and Nansemond, eachl one weekly; in Norfolk, (Portsmouth 6, and Norfolk 1,.) seven dailies, four tri-weeklies, and two weeklies; in Ohio, (Wheeling,) three dailies and two weeklies; in Preston, Prince Edward, and Pittsylvania, each one weekly; in Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Shenandoah, each two weeklies; in Spottsylvania, (Fredericksburg,) one daily, two semi-weeklies, and three weeklies; in Tazewell, one weekly; in Washington, two weeklies; and in Wood and Wythe, each one weekly.
Pauperism.-The whole number of paupers relieved and supported within the year ending 1st June, 1850, was 5,118, of whom 4,933 were native born and 185 foreigners; and the whole number of paupers at the date specified was 4,458; of whom 4,356 were natives and 102 foreigners. Cost of support, etc., during the year, $151,722.
Powhatan relented, and soon after permitted Smith to return home. Two years after, when the Indians had plotted the destruction of the colony, Pocahontas, faithful to the attachment she had formed, disclosed the plot to the English, and the Indians finding them on their guard abandoned the project. Such was the distress of the colonists in 1610, that the survivors had actually embarked to return to England, when Lord Delaware, who had been appointed Governor, arrived with supplies and 150 men, and persuaded the colonists to remain. Under this governor and his successor the settlement prospered; useful industry succeeded to their previous habits, and aided by a fertile soil, they were enabled to raise large stocks of provisions. In 1619, the first legislature was convened, and about this period 1,200 additional emigrants arrived, among whom were 150 young women, who were sold to the planters for wives.
Negro slaves were first brought into the country at this time. In 1622 the Indians surprised the settlements and massacred some 347 of the colonists; and the whole colony would have shared the same fate, but that timely information had been given the inhabitants of Jamestown of the conspiracy. To this famine succeeded, which was, however, alleviated by the arrival of provisions from England. A reinforcement arriving at the same time, war was levied against the Indians, and in a short time most of the neighboring tribes were subdued or slain. Two years afterward the company was dissolved and the charter resumed by the king. All power was vested in commissioners, and under their rule the colony suffered grievously. Sir John Hervey, the royal governor, appointed in 1629, was seized by the people and sent home a prisoner. He was succeeded by Sir William Berkeley, who called an assembly of burgesses, and governed the province with mildness and prudence.
On the revolution in England, the Virginians adhered to the cause of the monarch, and even after the death of Charles I refused to acknowledge the commonwealth. Submission was forced by sending against them an armament; but the sentiments of the colonists were again declared, for even before the restoration in England the authority of Charles II had been acknowledged in Virginia. In 1661, an assembly was called by the governor, and in the succeeding year the Church of England was established by law. Notwithstanding this remarkable loyalty of the Virginians, they were made to suffer grievously from the arbitrary and monopolizing system of the home government. The navigation act, and other measures of a similar nature adopted to this time, weighed heavily on the people, and in addition to these grievances, the king, regardless of the rights of the landed proprietors, granted to his courtiers large tracts of land, to which the settlers were legally entitled.
From these causes arose an insurrection, memorable in the history of Virginia, and known as Bacon's Rebellion. Colonel Bacon, an eloquent and ambitious man, put himself at the head of the people, who had assembled with the ostensible object of a foray against the Indians. The governor, by advice of the legislature, issued a proclamation of rebellion against them, and so exasperated the leaders of the expedition as to direct its object from hostilities against the Indians to war against the government. They marched to Jamestown, and after dispersing the assembly, Bacon called a convention, and assumed the reins of government. Civil war with all its horrors now ensued. Jamestown was burnt, and the colony given up to pillage. After several months' bloodshed and confusion, Bacon died suddenly, and for want of a leader his party dispersed. It was long, however, before prosperity revived in the colony.
Soon after these events, Berkeley returned to England, and was succeeded by Lord Culpepper, who brought with him several bills drawn up by the ministry of England, to which he required the assent of the legislature, on pain of being treated as rebels. The objects of these acts was the increase of his emoluments. During the reigns of Charles II and James, the colony suffered much, and rejoiced greatly in the change of government that drove the Stuarts from the throne. The Revolution, indeed, brought to Virginia internal tranquillity, and a long succession of prosperous years. Nothing occurred to interrupt its growth in wealth and power. In 1732, she gave birth to the most illustrious of her sons, the great statesman and warrior, who was destined afterward to achieve and consolidate the independence of all the colonies. During the war between France and England, prior to 1754, her local situation exempted her from hostilities. From 1754 to 1758, when the French began to put in operation their scheme to unite Canada and Louisiana, the frontiers of Virginia were harassed by incursions of French and Indian parties; to repel which a regiment was raised, in which Washington first distinguished himself. On the conclusion of peace, when the British attempted to raise a revenue within the colonies, the statesmen of Virginia were among the first to raise the voice of opposition.
The eloquence and talents of her orators contributed greatly to excite public feeling on this occasion. The services and sufferings of Virginia in the war of the Revolution were at least as great as those of any other State, and in Virginia the last important measure of the war took place, in the surrender of Cornwallis. Since the peace of 1783, Virginia has retained an elevated rank in the family of States. Fruitful of illustrious men, that State has given seven Presidents to the Union. Du ring the war of 1812, her citizens displayed great patriotism in opposing the common enemy, and her maritime frontier suffered severely from predatory incursions. Within the last few years the progress of the State in population and material greatness has been wonderfully rapid; and her territory beyond the mountains-a wilderness to the last generation, has become equal to the old settlements in all that constitutes national wealth. In 1850 the constitution of the State was adjusted to its present condition and circumstances.
PRESIDENTS OF COUNCIL: Edward Wingfield, 1607; Jno. Radcliffe, 1607; Jno. Smith, 1607; George Percy, 1608;
COMPANY'S GOVERNORS: Lord de la War, 1610; Sir Thos. Dale, 1611; Sir Thos. Gates, 1611; Sir Thos. Dale, 1614; Captain George Yeardly, 1616; Samuel Argal, 1617; to the year 1618, Sir Thomas Smith presided over the council and company in England, while the above-named actually governed in Virginia;) Sir George Yeardley, 1618; Sir Francis Wyatt, 1621; Sir George Yeardley (acting,) 1626; Sir George Yeardley, 1626; Francis West, 1627; John Pott, 1628; Sir John Harvey, 1629; John West, 1635; Sir John Harvey, 1636; Sir Francis Wyatt, 1639; Sir William Berkeley, 1641; Richard Kempe, 1644; Sir William Berkeley, 1645; Richard Bennet, (elected), 1652; Edward Digges, 1655; Sam'l Mathews, 1656; Sir Wm. Berkeley, 1659; Francis Morrison (appointed;) Sir William Berkeley 1662; Herbert Jeffreys, (Lieuten't Gov.) 1677; Sir Henry Chichely, (Dep. Gov.) 1678; Lord Culpepper, 1680; Nicholas Spencer, (Pres. of Council,) 1680; Lord Howard, (Gov.)1684; Nathaniel Bacon (Pres. Council,) 1688; Francis Nicholson (Lt. Gov.), 1690; Sir Edmund Andros (Gov.,) 1692; Francis Nicholson, 1698; EdwardNott, 1705; Edmund Jennings, 1706; Alexander Spotswood, 1710; Hugh Drysdale, 1722; Robert Carter (Pres. of Council,) 1726; Wm. Gooch (Gov.,) 1727; Thomas Lee, (Pres. of Council,) 1749; Lewis Burwell, 1749; Robert Dinwiddie (Gov.,) 1752; Francis Fauquier, 1758; John Blair (Pres. of Council,) 1767; Lord Botetourt (Gov.,) 1768; Wm. Nelson (Pres. of Council,) 1770; Lord Dunmore, 1772;
PRESIDENTS OF CONVENTION (Provisional Gov.,) Peyton Randolph, 1775, and Edmund Pendleton, 1775;
CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNORS; Patrick Henry, 1776; Thos. Jefferson, 1779; Thomas Nelson, 1781; Benjamin Harrisoh, 1781; Patrick Henry, 1784; Edmund Randolph, 1786; Beverley Randolph, 1788; Henry Lee, 1791; Robert Brooke, 1794; James Wood, 1796; James Monroe, 1799; John Page, 1802; William H. Cabell, 1805; John Tyler, 1808; James Monroe, 1811; George W. Smith, 1811; James Barbour, 1812; Wilson C. Nicholas, 1814; James P. Preston, 1816; Thomas M. Randolph, 1819; James Pleasants, 1822; John Tyler, 1825; William B. Giles, 1826; John Floyd, 1829; Littleton U. Tazewell, 1833; Windham Robertson (acting,) 1836; David Campbell, 1836; Thomas W. Gilmer, 1839; John Rutherford (acting,) 1841; John M. Gregory (acting,) 1842; James McDowell, 1842; William Smith, 1845; William Smith, 1847; John B. Floyd, 1849; Joseph Johnson, 1852.
RICHMOND, on the bank of James River, 130 miles above its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, is the political capital of the State.
RESOURCES, INDUSTRY AND IMPROVEMENTS OF VIRGINIA-HER CONTEST FOR THE TRADE OF THE WEST, AND PROPOSED FOREIGN TRADE. -The committee appointed to report to the convention the most efficient means of achieving its important objects, have performed that duty, so far as the materials existed for a proper statistical exposition of the value of the trade of Virginia, as well as the facilities completed, or in progress, for its transportation to the exporting cities of the state.
The commercial prosperity of Virginia is based upon the employment of the Chesapeake ports; and no project for acquiring the materials or the means of exportation, can be successful, which does not contemplate their employment.
The country tributary to the Chesapeake, possesses advantages not surpassed by any other on the Atlantic. Nature has been so bounteous, that the difficulty has been, not so much to discover a good site for a city, but to discriminate between the numerous excellent locations presented. Norfolk, Richmond Petersburg, Fredericksburg, and Alexandria, have all been established to receive and conduct the trade of Virginia.
From the individuality of these local interests, it has been heretofore impossible to adopt any system of improvement calculated to promote the exclusive advantage of any one of cities referred to. Apprehensive that the limited trade legitimate to each might be diverted to some rival, impediments have been thrown in the way of great lines of communication with the interior of our own and other States, calculated perhaps, to vary the local direction of some particular trade, but destined, in the end, to compensate each of these cities, by its dividend of a trade far surpassing in magnitude and value any particular loss. The evils of rivalry will, however, be no longer felt, each of these cities having received a line of internal communication, many of which are now converging to a common point of union; interests heretofore supposed antagonistic are now harmonized in the completion of a plan common to them all, and weapons brightened by the conflict of a generous rivalry are now wielded in the achievement of a common triumph. It is thus that the construction of the Southside railroad, and the James River canal, makes the prosecution of the Virginia and Tennessee railroad alike important to Lynchburg -to whose public spirit is so largely due the conception and execution of that great project-to Richmond and to Petetersburg. The extension of the great central-railroad to the Ohio, no longer a subject of exclusive interest to Richmond, appeals to the support of Alexandria. The completion of the Dock connections will connect Norfolk with the James River and Kanawha Canal, and interest that city in its extension to the Ohio. The Richmond and Danville railroad is, upon the same principle, a work from which Petersburg and Richmond may derive common benefits.
Convinced, therefore, that their interest and duty alike demand a cordial alliance, the cities of Virginia will hereafter bestow upon the extension of the great lines of improvement here indicated, their earnest and combined co-operation.
Since, however, the partial completion of these great improvements has already bestowed upon the cities of Virginia a large accumulation of trade, it becomes necessary to encourage the establishment of a commercial marine, of sail-ships and steamers, to convey abroad our own trade, and exchange for it the productions of other nations. The export and import trade of Virginia is now taxed with transport coastwise for exportation from northern cities: it is burthened with the charges of northern merchants; whilst the whole commercial profits resulting from freights, exchanges, as well as from the importation and supply of the goods received on exchange, result exclusively to northern capital and to northern enterprise.
We state this fact in no spirit of sectional prejudice, but as a consequence of our own supineness. We think it time that a trade so circuitous, and a tribute so unworthy, should cease. We should export from and import into the Chesapeake cities of Virginia, by vessels owned and manned by Southern men. No State can expect to preserve its prosperity which does not provide for its citizens the varied pursuits in which industry and enterprise shall receive an adequate reward.
In estimating the present value of the Chesapeake trade, so far as materials are at hand for a correct estimate, we will find that the James River and Kanawha Canal, its principal tributary, contributed during the last year $6,123,865 49, the products of the interior; whilst it carried into the interior, merchandise and other articles, valued at $7,727,224 29.
The business of the central railroad has doubled within the past year; its downward tonnage amounting to 25,000 tons, and its upward transportation is perhaps one-half that amount. The Richmond and Danville, the Richmond and Petersburg, and Richmond and Fredericksburg railroads, contribute considerable additions to the aggregate of trade upon the James River.
Amongst other important items of an export trade, we may mention that the total inspections of Virginia tobacco amount to 50,000 hogsheads, of which the larger portion is shipped to Europe; whilst the remainder, with a large amount not inspect ed, is manufactured in the interior for consumption at home and abroad.
The flouring mills in Richmond manufactured, last year, 1,723,100 bushels of wheat, and are expected this year to manufacture 1,587,100 bushels. This flour is shipped to Rio, through northern houses, in vessels whose return cargoes consist chiefly of coffee. This coffee is, in turn sent back in Northern vessels to Virginia for consumption-the freights, commissions, and commercial profits of both the export and import trade, being a direct loss to the State of Virginia, to which this trade right fully belonged.
During the present year, however, some-of the most enterprising, merchants of Richmond have shipped nine cargoes of flour, directly to Rio, the vessels to return to this port with hides, coffee, and other products of South America. We are moreover informed that a larger amount of goods will be imported this year to Richmond than has been imported in any one year for a series of years; and that the direct import would have been far larger but for the want of ships in this trade, which compelled our merchants to ship through, northern ports.
During the year ending July 1st, 1851, the foreign trade of James River gave employment to a number of foreign and American vessels. From a statement furnished from the Custom House, in Richmond, it will be seen that the tonnage employed in the direct foreign trade between Europe and the waters of the James River amounts to nearly 30,000 tons. This amount is itself amply sufficient to give employment to two steamers of 2,500 tons burthen.
If it were in our power to present the commercial statistics of the cities of Norfolk, derived from the Roanoke River, the Dismal Swamp Canal, and other sources; the rapidly increasing, trade of Alexandria, derived from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and from the country adjacent to her; of Petersburg and Fredericksburg; we do not doubt but that an amount of Chesapeake trade could be demonstrated adequate to sustain at once, by the energetic and united patronage of our merchants, a direct trade with Europe and South America. The materials for this trade already exist. Any doubt, however, which may be entertained of the present amount of Virginia commerce becomes unimportant, in view of the immense accessions to follow the completion of the improvements referred to.
Whilst we pause to make the figures, the fact is upon us. A succinct statement of the works of artificial improvement now in progress and actually completed will serve to embody the facilities upon which we may rely, and to develop the capacity of transportation upon which the future trade of Virginia must principally depend. We think, therefore, it sufficiently appears that, looking alone at the present trade of our cities, we have ample encouragement to commence at once upon this undertaking, with the fair prospects of trade enough to insure handsome profits to capitalists who may embark therein.
But when we glance upon the future trade which these cities must enjoy, we are still more encouraged. We will first inquire in regard to the number of miles of railroads and canals now constructed. Your committee have been furnished with the following very valuable statistics by the second auditor:
| Railroad | Length | Completed. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore and Ohio Railroad | 251 | 90 |
| Richmond and Danville Railroad | 147 | 35 |
| Richmond and Petersburg Railroad | 22 | 22 |
| Clover Hill Railroad | 15 | 15 |
| Southside Railroad | 122 | 10 |
| Manasses Gap Railroad | 60 | - |
| Petersburg and Roanoke Railroad | 60 | 60 |
| Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad | 77 | 77 |
| Appomattox Railroad | 9 | |
| Winchester and Potomac Railroad | 32 | 32 |
| Virginia Central Railroad, including the Blue Ridge Railroad. | 138 | 98 |
| Virginia and Tennessee Railroad | 208 | 10 |
| Orange & Alex'a RR. including branch to Warrenton, 10 ml's. | 100 | 10 |
| Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad | 76 | 76 |
| Greensville and Roanoke Railroad | 21 | 21 |
| Northwestern Railroad | 120 | - |
| Miles | 1,455 | 565 |
| Chesapeake and Ohio Canal | 185 | 185 |
| James River and Kanawha Canal | - | 200 |
| Dismal Swamp Canal | - | 23 |
| Fredericksburg Valley Plank Road | 40 | 1 |
| Staunton to James River | 40 | - |
| Boydton to Petersburg | 75 | - |
| Junction Valley | 65 | - |
It thus appears that there are now completed in Virginia 565 miles of railroad, and 418 miles of canals; and that there are now in the course of construction 890 miles of railroad, and 220 miles of plank roads. We have, then, the gratifying result, that there are nearly 2,000 miles of rail-roads and canals constructed, or in progress of construction, in our State. The appropriations for these works are already made, and the money has been almost entirely raised at home, without the necessity of incurring a foreign debt. The State of Pennsylvania, to make her improvements, has incurred a debt of near $40,000,000, to pay the interest on which requires a semi-annual export of over a million of dollars, to be paid the foreign bondholders. On the other hand, our State debt is comparatively small, and owned chiefly at home by our citizens.
But this view becomes still more encouraging, when we recollect that these improvements will be finished at the farthest within the next four years. As each mile is finished, an increase will be given to the trade of our cities; and when the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, the Richmond and Danville Railroad, and the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad are finished, they will be at once connected with a net- work of railroads through North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, on the one hand-and Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana on the other. It is certainly a source of pride to know that we have quietly effected so much. Speculation would be at fault in estimating the trade that must follow the completion of these works. The rapid increase of our cities will be one certain effect, while the appreciation of real estate, and the profits of every industrial pursuit, will be increased. At the same time the heart of the patriot will rejoice that this acquisition of strength, wealth, population and power must result in restoring the South to her former position in the Union, and may render that Union, as bequeathed us by our forefathers, more stable and firm-its obligations every where observed, and every where sustained and beloved for the benefits conferred upon its citizens.
Georgia has now 1,000 miles of rail-road-South Carolina is extending her iron arms in every direction, and in two or three years every part of the State will be provided with railroad facilities. North Carolina has giant schemes on foot, which she is prosecuting with a giant's strength. Tennessee will soon extend the Virginia railroad, and the railroad extending from Charleston and Savannah to Chattanooga, to Memphis, on the Mississippi. Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana are seeking connections with these roads, and soon we shall see the South more highly improved by railroad facilities than the North, owing to the level nature of the country and the cheapness of labor and materials in the South. Charleston alone is moving, with far-seeing sagacity for this increased trade. We feel pride and pleasure in her means, and we heartily hope she may prosper in her former enterprise to establish direct trade by means of ships and steamers, owned by Southerners. We believe there is space enough, and a back country sufficiently ample, if we are true to ourselves, to secure the prosperity of all our Southern towns; and their prosperity, so far from causing us to fall, will but add to our own prosperity. But how can the people of Virginia hope to contend with Charleston in the generous competition for this trade, unless equal facilities are provided in our harbors for shipping directly to Europe? If we pause in the contest, the trade will have been fixed in the direction of Charleston, and we may strive in vain to regain what is strictly our own.
To illustrate the advantages to be anticipated, we may refer to the enlightened and enterprising commonwealth of Massachusetts. The large expenditures made for the construction of railroads, and the results of that system, have there vindicated the wisdom which dictated it.
In that State the length of railroads in 1840 was 433 miles; it is now 1,033. The value of property in the several counties of the State has increased from $299,878,329 in 1840, to $590,531,881 in 1850-an increase in the value of property during ten years, of $290,653,552, or about one hundred per cent.
In Boston, which is the centre of the whole system of Massachusetts railroads, the following result is obtained:
| Year | Population | Wealth. |
|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 171,992 | $120,114,574 |
| 1850 | 269,874 | 266,6446,844 |
Showing an increase of 60 per cent. in population, and 140 in wealth.
Looking at the commercial returns of our own ports, the seaports of Virginia do not appear to have increased with that rapidity which the general prosperity of the State would indicate: indeed, our direct imports appear to have diminished.
These unfavorable indications are, however, contradicted by the positive gain in the assessed value of real estate, and by the increased value of subjects of taxation within the State.
The stagnation of our commerce is to be attributed to physical obstacles which separate the productive interior from our seaboard, whilst the enterprise of other States and cities has actually constructed improvements for the mere factorage of our produce, which we would not undertake for the positive increase of the fee simple value of the property, and the exclusive commerce of its enhanced products.
It is thus that towns in Western Virginia have sprung up, manufactures have been established, minerals have been made available, agricultural produce has been created, all of which seeks a market in the cities of Cincinnati, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Baltimore; whilst even Savannah, in Georgia, has participated in those productions of Virginia, which could not have paid the cost of exportation eastward to the Chesapeake cities of Virginia. The cities enumerated have supplied the Valley and Western Virginia with merchandise in exchange for its productions The commerce of Virginia, like some fountains choked up and neglected, cheers with its shattered streamlet every region except that to which its free and fertilizing current would naturally and gladly have directed itself.
We cannot make this valuable, though dispersed trade, the subject of exact estimates It is reflected in the increased population and taxable resources of the State, so lately the subject of elaborate exposition in the constitutional convention.
We select, however, for illustration of its value, and of the obstacles which impede its exportation, the trade on the Monongahela. This river has been improved by lock and dam, so that steamers can ascend probably within the limits of Virginia. Its trade will compare favorably with that of many rivers in Eastern Virginia; yet the natural line of exportation of its products, is by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and coast of the Atlantic, to the markets of the East, or to Europe. The aggregate line of water transportation from Clarksburg, in Harrison county, to New York, is not less than 4,000 miles. The time employed is not less than 90 days; yet the direct line of transit to the Chesapeake, would not exceed 400 miles, whilst the time in reaching market might be reduced to a few days.
Baltimore is providing a means of direct transit to accommodate this region of country, much of which has heretofore traded with Philadelphia; but after Baltimore shall have loaded her vessels with this product of Virginia, and supplied in return the merchandise for its consumption, she will be compelled to send it within the territory of Virginia for exportation to the outlet of the Chesapeake.
A similar difference between the natural and artificial communication of that part of Western Virginia bordering on the Ohio river, and of the valley of the Kanawha with the Atlantic cities, will be found to exist, whilst a small portion of southwestern Virginia sends produce to Alabama and Georgia, purchases groceries in New Orleans, and imports its merchandise through Charleston, South Carolina. Let it be remembered that this is a trade to be developed. The land is not a wilderness, requiring the life and labor of generations to reduce it to efficient production. The trade already exists; it has grown up under obstacles. It has been driven from its natural outlets, to enrich a distant and foreign interest in other States. But the fact of its development under such disadvantages, proves that it may readily be secured, whilst the anxious interest of the whole West proves the alacrity with which it would cooperate in the regeneration of the commercial interest of the Virginia cities.
There may be persons, however, incredulous that the trade of Virginia, now exported from northern, western and southern cities, can be directed to the ports of the Chesapeake. It will not be doubted that the greater portion of the products of the valley and western Virginia are destined for consumption in the northern States or in Europe. These products would adopt the most direct line of transit between production and consumption, but for the natural obstacles which intervene and condemn them to the tedious, tortuous and perilous navigation of the rivers and coast. The direct line of transit would pass through the Chesapeake ports of Eastern Virginia.
So long as the route of the water-borne produce of Western Virginia was cheaper than any artificial line of direct transit, any attempt to divert that trade might have been hopeless.
The opinion that no railroad could succeed, unless it connected populous points by a short line, has been reversed by experience. Considering the railroad and locomotive almost as a revelation for the South, we may be pardoned for referring to the causes which are now producing through their agency such important social, commercial, and political results. Time has become an essential element in the value of merchandise and staple productions. No producing region, and no mercantile community can adopt a slow and circuitous delivery in competition with others producing or vending the same articles with greater facilities of transportation than themselves. Travel and postal communication now tolerate no delay or impediment. It is impossible to present any formula to show how far shortening the time of transit is equivalent to a positive reduction of freight. The telegraphic and express lines, every where well sustained, prove the estimated value of time to be very great; though it varies of course, with the fear of competition, with the value of the commercial subjects, and with the relative importance of individual transactions. But we see from the opening of the artificial lines of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, that the commercial patronage of the interior is immediately transferred to the most rapid and direct lines of outlet and intercommunication. It is thus that the great cities of the North have severally penetrated the interior with artificial lines, until they have taken from the open and untaxed current of the Mississippi the commerce produced upon its borders. These great artificial outlets have been competing among themselves for the commerce of the interior, until they now offer not only superior certainty, and reduced time of delivery, but they offer upon many articles cheaper freights than the river and coast routes referred to. We copy from the New Orleans Crescent a notice of the reversing of the natural current of trade, resulting from the construction of the great artificial lines referred to:
"For years past cotton has gone up the Ohio River from Tennessee, through the Pennsylvania and New York canals, to all the factories in the interior of these States, and often the cities of Philadelphia and New York. We recollect, last September, of one shipment of upwards of seven hundred bales, shipped from Louisville, via the Ohio and New York canals, to New York city. The freights were less than by the way of New Orleans, and the difference in exchange and insurance was near two per cent. in favor of the northern route.
"The amount of cotton that passed up the Ohio last year is estimated, by one familiar with the trade, at sixty thousand bales. This season, nearly all the boats from the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, bound up the Ohio River, are freighted more or less with cotton. The packets between Memphis and Louisville and Cincinnati, of which there are several lines, take cotton up the rivers nearly every trip.
"The quantity of tobacco that takes its course up the River from the lower Ohio, for the Eastern markets by northern routes, is rapidly increasing. That raised in Ohio and Kentucky, above Cincinnati-and among the latter, the celebrated Mason county tobacco-nearly all goes by the way of the canals to the Eastern markets. By a statement recently published, the difference in the cost of transportation from Louisville to New York is four to five dollars per hogshead in favor of the northern route, while the article escapes the sweat which it undergoes on shipboard while passing through our latitudes.
"Grain is now carried from the Wabash to New York by the canals, at the same cost of freight as is charged by the way of New Orleans; but by the northern route they incur no waste, no risk of damage by heating, and save the whole cost of sacking, for it is carried in the bulk, and the same number of measured bushels are delivered in New York as are received on board the canal boat from the shipper. The lard, pork and flour from the same region are taking the same direction. Last autumn the rich regions of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois were flooded with the local bank-notes of the eastern States advanced by the New York houses on produce to be shipped by them by the way of the canals in the spring.
"These moneyed facilities enable the packer, miller and speculator to hold on to their produce, with the opening of navigation in the spring; and they are no longer obliged as formerly to hurry off their shipments during the winter by the way of New Orleans, in order to realize funds by drafts on their shipments. The banking facilities at the East are doing as much to draw trade from us as the canals and railways which eastern capital is constructing.
"All the lead from the upper Mississippi now goes East by the way of Milwaukie. But the most recent and astonishing change in the course of the northwestern trade, is to behold, as a friend tells us, the number of steamers that now descend the Upper Mississippi, loaded to the guards with produce, as far as the mouth of the Illinois River, and then turn up that stream with their cargoes to be shipped to New York via Chicago.
"The Illinois canal has not only swept the whole produce along the line of the Illinois River to the East, but it is drawing the products from the upper Mississippi through the same channel; thus depriving not only New Orleans, but St. Louis, of a rich portion of their former trade."
To this we may add the fact, that cargoes of corn have been recently shipped from Iowa, down the Mississippi, along the Illinois canal, by way of the lakes, to the city of New York.
The cause of this astonishing result may be thus explained.
Artificial lines afford not only the most speedy means of transportation, but the unity and system of their administration gives them great advantage over the efforts of individual enterprise. They have a basis of travel and mail monopoly, which enables them to discriminate in favor of any specific article of commerce, the factorage and financial results of which may be sufficient to generally indemnify them for the abatement of freight, whilst the revenue of the improvement is sustained by an increased charge upon business not subject to competition, or by the large amount of trade which they command. These exclusive resources, rapidity, certainty and safety of transportation, with the power of discrimination, has enabled, these great lines to wrest from the Mississippi so much of its produce.
To establish the capacity of artificial to compete with natural lines, we publish the following tabular statement, showing the contest between New York and New Orleans for the trade of the Mississippi:
| Year | Population | Coal Trade. |
|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 2,429,721 | 66,303,892 |
| 1850 | 3,093,813 | 156,397 929 |
An increase of 25 per cent. in population, and 150 per cent, in trade, by canals, in ten years.
| 1842 | $22,751,013 |
| 1850 | $ 55,474,937 |
An increase of 145 per cent.
| 1842 | $43,716,045 |
| 1850 | 96,897,873 |
Or an increase of 120 per cent.; or a comparative increase by New York, of 25 per cent. over New Orleans in Western pro duce in five years I In the three years, 1848, 1849 and 1850, the receipts at New Orleans by river were 2,312,121 bbls. flour; at New York, 8,636,207 bbls. Pork - New Orleans, 1,536,817; New York, 211,018 bbls. Beef:-200,901 bbls. New Orleans; New York, 264,072 bbls. Wheat:-New Orleans, 852,497 bushels; New York, 8,798,759. Corn:-New Orleans, 9,758, 750 bushels; New York, 11,178,228 bushels. Bacon:-New Orleans, 135 millions pounds; New York, 26 millions. Lard: New Orleans, 293 millions pounds; New York, 21 millions. Butter:-New Orleans, eight millions pounds; New York, 97 millions, &c.
We have adverted to these well-established facts, and explained the rationale of their operations to show that the trade of northern cities is derived by artificial ways from the great producing valley of the West. If this be the case-if productions prefer the lakes, railways and the canals of the North to the river and gulf outlet-why should not the products of Western Virginia, which almost circumnavigate their own State, which pursue a distant, indirect and unsafe line of transit, replete with every danger of river, cape and coast, prefer the direct communications through Virginia, and the more congenial destiny of encouraging our own ports? There is no reason. Their anxiety to complete these artificial outlets proves its practicability. All the vast aggregate of trade, now existing in Western Virginia, destined for Atlantic exportation, may be safely added to that which we have already demonstrated as subject to be employed in this great enterprise.
We may safely say, that if all the existing commerce of Virginia, for exportation, could be collected in her own Atlantic ports, it would not fall short of twenty millions of dollars, nor would her consumption of merchandise be less. Besides this, the very organization of commercial facilities would guarantee an immense accession of mineral and agricultural productions. In this connection, we must press upon all interested the indispensable importance of providing for the improvement of the James River, the common outlet of much of the Chesapeake trade. Its obstructions affect the trade of Norfolk, Richmond, Lynchburg and Kanawha; and each of them is alike interested in securing the perfect navigation of this noble stream. Your committee have not chosen to awaken controversy by designating any particular mode by which this shall be done; they are aware that if the interests now appealed to, shall be convinced of its paramount importance, the means will be readily devised for its accomplishment. The able and comprehensive report of Lieutenant Stansbury will prove the entire practicability of this work, and the moderate means to be employed in its completion.
We may properly add to these resources, which are directly derived from Virginia alone, the products of the States connected with her, by the lines of improvement now under construction. Tennessee, and Kentucky, and North Carolina, will naturally find their most direct outlet through the Virginia and Tennessee, the Southside and Seaboard rail-roads, now under continuous and connected construction to the interior of the State referred to. The prosecution of the Canal or Central railroads, or the construction of a branch road into the Ohio Valley, will add much from those quarters; and but a few years will elapse before the perfected facilities will bring this great commerce to the legitimate ports of exportation. We will not enlarge upon the commercial results of extending these lines into the interior of the southwestern States, and the national and international intercourse which will pour through Virginia, invigorating her local improvements, freighting her vessels, and filling her ocean steamers. It will be plain, upon investigation, that no cities South of Virginia have the commercial advantages of her own-none have the varied products, the local patronage, the rapid communication with transatlantic cities. Enterprise is now doing all it can to shorten the line of ocean transit. In this the cities of Virginia cannot compete with Boston or New York for the transatlantic intercourse of the northwestern States; but the mail and merchandise transportation, with the travel between the great southwest and the cities of Europe, belong legitimately to the Virginia ports of the Chesapeake, and will be certainly secured.
In embarking in this contest her citizens and commercial cities have a high duty to perform; they must shake themselves of every sin of selfishness or of jealousy. They must cooperate with a rivalry of devotion to the common cause. There should be no greater jealousy between Richmond and Norfolk than between Philadelphia and New York-yet, though separated from each other by a greater distance, the joint population of the two former cities is scarcely equal to a suburb of either of the two latter. There can be no incompatibility of interest in the harmony of these and other Virginia cities. Let them unite their patronage upon the great designs of internal improvement, and upon the organization of a foreign commerce, and their destinies are established.
Yet the competition will be intense. It will require energy, union and perseverance. The North has enterprise, capital, experience; the South possesses the world staples of cotton sugar, tobacco, with an immense mercantile consumption. The prize is worthy the efforts of the most gifted intellect, or the most matured experience. It is a strife to be fought with weapons congenial to the enlightened humanity of the present age.
It is a contest fraught with consequences scarce inferior to those which hung upon our first great struggle. Virginia bas the deepest veneration for the Union, a cordial admiration of those sister States with whom she contends for her heritage; but she cannot break the bread of dependence, or sink into the position of an inferior to those who were her equals.
If the commerce to which we have adverted be not utterly fabulous-if its capacities be not perverted by a mere introduction into our own cities-if the sons and brothers of those who subjected a wilderness to civilization, and gave an empire to freedom, who, braving a deadly climate and a desperate strife, planted the flag of Yorktown upon the Sierras of Mexico, be not utterly recreant to the instincts of their race, then must the glorious and peaceful triumph of commercial independence reward their patriotism and enterprise. The rewards of industry and of enterprise will be reserved to our own citizens, and the shameful tribute be abolished for ever.
The committee respectfully recommends the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that lines of mail or other steamers, or other vessels, from Hampton Roads to some port or ports of Europe, ought to be established; and Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and such other States as are disposed to aid in the enterprise, should be appealed to and an appeal should also be made to Congress to bestow upon such line the same mail facilities which are extended to the northern lines; and the bars which now obstruct the navigation of James River should be removed.
Resolved: That committees be appointed to memorialize Congress and the Legislature of Virginia, and to prepare an address to the public, upon the subject aforesaid, and the great importance to the people of Virginia, and the South generally, that tie+y should conduct their own trade directly on their own bottoms, and with their own men and means.
Resolved: that lines of packet-ships, screw-propellors, or mail steamers, oight to be established between the exporting cities of Virginia, and the West Indies and South America.
Resolved, also, That the people of Virginia be requested to hold meetings in their several counties, cities and towns, to effect the object of the foregoing resolution; and that to this end it be recommended to them to adopt some organization by the appointment of standing and corresponding committees, or otherwise as to them shall seem best.
Resolved, That the merchants of our Atlantic cities ought to import directly to our Virginia ports the productions of foreign countries used and consumed in this and the adjoining States; and that it be recommended to the merchants of the interior, and the people at large, to aid them in this noble enterprise.
ABB'S VALLEY, a post-office of Tazewell county, Virginia.
ABINGDON, a handsome town, capitol of Washington county, Virginia, is pleasantly situated in a valley between the main forks of Holston river, about 7 miles from each, 304 miles W. by S. from Richmond, and nearly 8 miles from the boundary of Tennessee. It is the most considerable and flourishing town in the S. W. part of Virginia. The situation is elevated, the town is well built, and the principal street is macadamized. It contains 6 churches, 2 academies, 2 printing offices, and manufactories of leather, saddles and harness. Abingdon is on the route of the great railroad which is in progress of construction between Lynchburg on one hand, and Knoxville, Tennessee, on the other, which, when finished, will form part of the most direct route from New York to New Orleans. Population about 1,800.
ACADEMY, a post-office of Pocahontas county, Virginia.
ACCOMACK, a county in the E. part of Virginia, bordering on Maryland, has an area of about 480 square miles. It forms part of a peninsula which is washed by Chesapeake bay on the W., and by the Atlantic on the E. The county is about 48 miles long, and 10 miles wide. It comprises numerous low, sandy islands extending along the seacoast, one of which is 8 miles in length. The county was formed from Northampton in 1662, and the name was derived from a tribe of Indians who once frequented this region. The surface is level, the soil light and moderately fertile. Wheat, Indian corn, and oats are the staples. Capital, Accomack Court-House, or Drummond Town. Population 18,790, of whom 12,903 are free, and 4,987 slaves.
ACCOMACK COURT-HOUSE, (DRUMAMOND TOWN,) a small post-village, situated nearly in the centre of the above county, of which it is the capital, 193 miles E. by N. from Richmond. Population about 500.
ACQUINTON, a post-office of King William county, Virginia.
ADALINE, a post-office of Marshall county, Virginia. ALBEMARLE, a county in the E. central part of Virginia, has an area of about 700 square miles. The James River forms its south ern boundary, and it is drained by the Rivanna and Hardware rivers, affluents of the James river, which rise by several small branches in the W. part of the country. The Blue Ridge forms its N. W. boundary, and a ridge called South-west Mountain, or Carter's Mountain, extends across the county in a N. E. and S. WV. direction. The surface is beautifully diversified, and the scenery in all parts of the county is exceedingly picturesque. The soil of the valleys and river bottoms is remarkably fertile, and a large portion of the highlands is susceptible of cultivation. Indian corn, wheat, oats, lay, tobacco, wool, and butter are the staples. In 1850 it produced 798,354 bushels of corn; 278,575 of wheat, 191,549 of oats; 4,328 tons of hay; 1,456,300 pounds of tobacco, and 14,882 pounds of butter. The produce of corn was greater than that of any other county in the State. It contained in that year 44 churches, and 4 newspaper establishments. There were 550 pupils attending public schools, and 465 attending academies and other schools. The Rivanna river is navigable in the eastern part of the county, which is intersected by the Central railroad of Virginia, lately constructed, while the James River Canal passes along the South border. Albemarle is among the most populous and highly cultivated counties of Virginia, and is distinguished as the native place of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, whose residence, Monticello, is beautifully situated 3 miles S. E. from Charlottesville, commanding a magnificent view of the distant mountains, and of the Rivanna river, which flows in the immediate vicinity. Capital, Charlottesville. Population, 25,800, of whom 12,462 were free, and 13,338 slaves.
ALDIE, a small post-village of Loudoun county, Virginia, on Little river, 149 miles N. from Richmond. A slackwater navigation is in progress of construction, which will extend from this village to the Potomac, a distance of 17 miles.
ALEXANDRIA, a county in the N. E. part of Virginia, bordering on the Potomac river, opposite Washington City, has an area of about 36 square miles. The surface is hilly; the soil thin. Indian corn, wheat, oats, and hay are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 28,380 bushels of corn; 6,238 of wheat; 6,312 of oats; and 412 tons of hay. There were 1 cotton factory, 1 grist mill, 2 iron foundries, 1 tannery, 2 chandleries, and 2 agricultural implement manufactories. It contained 12 churches, and 3 newspaper establishments. There were 619 pupils attending public schools, and 304 attending academies or other schools. The Potomac is navigable for large ships on the border of the county. The Orange and Alexandria railroad terminates at Alexandria, the capital of the county; and a canal has been made from that city to Georgetown, District of Columbia. Population, 10,008, of whom 8,626, were free, and 1,382 slaves. This county formerly constituted a part of the District of Columbia. It was retroceded to Virginia during the Congress of 1845-6.
ALEXANDRIA, a city port of entry and capital of Alexandria county, Virginia, on the right bank of the Potomac, 7 miles below Washington. Lat 38 ° 49' N., Lon. 77 ° 4' W. The river, here one mile wide, forms a commodious harbor, sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleasantly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the capitol at Washington and of the broad Potomac. The streets cross each other at right angles, and are generally well paved and lighted with gas. The public buildings are a court-house and about 12 churches. There are 3 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and several excellent schools. The water of the river has recently been introduced into the city by means of machinery. A c6nsiderable amount of shipping is owned here, in which corn, tobacco, and stone coal are exported. A canal has been opened to Georgetown intersecting the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and a railroad 90 miles long extends from this city to Gordonsville on the Central railroad. These improvements were finished in 1842, and have attracted considerable trade to this port. The manufacture of cotton cloths has recently been introduced here, and is carried on quite extensively, a number of mills being in successful operation. Population about 5,000.
ALLBRIGIIT, a post-office of Preston county, Virginia.
ALLEGHANY, a county situated a little S. W. from the centre of Virginia, has an area of about 500 square miles. It is intersected by Jackson's river, which unites with the Cow Pasture river on the E. border, to form the James river; and it is also drained by Potts and Dunlap creeks. The main Alleghany chain forms its boundary on the N. W.; a ridge called Middle Mountain extends along the S. E. border, and the Warm Springs and Peter's mountains extend across the middle of the county. The scenery of this county is remarkably fine, particularly at the passage of Jackson's river, through one of the mountains. The soil of the valleys is fertile.. Indian corn, wheat, oats, hay, and butter are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 88,426 bushels of corn; 16,937 of wheat; 42,210 of oats; 1,211 tons of hay, and 29,712 pounds of butter. It contained in that year 2 iron furnaces, 2 forges, 2 flour mills. There were 10 churches, 153 pupils attending public schools, and 30 attending an academy. Iron ore is found in the county. The James River canal is designed to terminate at Covington, the county seat. A railroad is projected from this point to the Ohio river at Guyandotte. The Red Sweet Springs of this county have some celebrity, and have been finely improved. Capital, Covington. Population, 3,515, of whom 2,821 were free, and 694 slaves.
ALLEN'S CREEK, a post-office of Amherst county, Virginia.
ALPINE DEPOT, a post-office of Morgan county, Virginia.
ALTO, a post-office of Louisa county, Virginia.
ALUM ROCK, a post-office of Alleghany county, Virginia.
ALUM SPRINGS, a post-office of Rockbridge county, Virginia.
AMACETTA, a post-office of Wayne county, Virginia.
AMBLER'S AIrILLs, a post-office of Louisa county, Virginia.
AMELIA, a county toward the S. E. part of Virginia, has an area of 300 square miles. The Appomattox river forms about half of the boundary, inclosing it on nearly all sides excepting the south: it is also drained by Namazine Flat and Deep creeks. The surface is somewhat diversified; the soil of the valleys is naturally fertile, but impoverished by long cultivation. A portion of the land has been 'turned out," and can be bought at a merely nominal rate. Indian corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, and butter are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 250,251 bushels of corn; 109,960 of wheat; 70,075 of oats; 1,786,788 pounds of tobacco, and 56,790 pounds of butter. It contained in that year 3 grist mills and 2 coach factories. There were 14 churches, 145 pupils attending public schools, and 61 attending academies or other schools. The county is intersected by the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Organized in 1734. Capital, Amelia Court House. Population, 9770, of whom 2951 were free, and 6819 slaves.
AMELIA COURT HOUSE, a post-village, capital of Amelia county, Virginia, 47 miles S. W. from Richmond; contains very few dwellings.
AMHERST, a county in the S. central part of Virginia, has an area of 418 square miles. The James river flows along its S. W. and S. E. borders, forming in its course almost a right angle, and constituting about half of the entire boundary. The Blue Ridge forms the boundary of the county on the N. W., and the surface is beautifully diversified by mountains and valleys. The passage of James river through the Blue Ridge is a sublime feature in the scenery of this region. The soil is naturally fertile. Indian corn, wheat, oats, hay, tobacco, and butter are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 358,183 bushels of corn; 122,088 of wheat; 94,262 of oats; 948,261 pounds of tobacco, and 84,968 of butter. It contained 24 churches; 250 pupils attending public schools, and 130 attending academies and other schools. A canal has been opened along James river, on the border of the county. The county was formed from Albemarle in 1761. Capital, Amherst Court House. Population, 12,699, of whom 6746 were free, and 5953 slaves.
AMHERST COURT HOUSE, a small post village, capital of Amherst county, Virginia, about 15 miles N. by E. from Lynchburg.
AMISSVILLE, a small post-village of Rappahannock county, Virginia, 121 miles N. W. from Richmond, has about 75 inhabitants.
AMSTERDAM, a post-village of Botetourt county, Virginia, 181 miles W. from Richmond, contains 1 brick church and several tradesmen's shops.
ANANDALE, a post-office of Fairfax county, Virginia.
ANDREWS, a post-office of Spottsylvania, Virginia.
ANGERONA, a post-office of Jackson county, Virginia.
ANNSVILLE, a small village of Dinwiddie county, Virginia, about 75 miles N. W. by W. from Norfolk.
ANTHONY'S CREEK, a post-office of Greenbrier county, Virginia.
APPERSONS, a post-office of Charles City county, Virginia.
APPOMATTOX, a river in the S. E. part of Virginia, rises in Appomattox county, and flowing in a general eastward direction forms the boundary between several counties on each side, passes by the city of Petersburg and enters the James river at City Point. It is a valuable stream for navigation, having a narrow and deep channel. Large vessels ascend to Petersburg, about 20 miles from its mouth, and batteaux to Farmville, perhaps 100 miles farther. The whole length is estimated at 150 miles. The navigation is good at all seasons for boats of 5 or 6 tons to Farmville.
APPOMATTOX, a county in the S. E. central part of Virginia, has an area of 260 square miles. It is bounded on the N. W. by the James river and canal, and drained by the sources of the Appomattox river, from which the name is derived. The surface is diversified by several small ranges of mountains, and covered with extensive forests. The soil is generally fertile. Indian corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, hay, and butter are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 186,855 bushels of corn; 76,345 of wheat; 92,116 of oats; 964,100 pounds of tobacco, and 83,299 of butter. It contained in that year 1 iron furnace, 5 flour mills, and 2 tanneries. There were 22 churches, 361 pupils attending academies and other schools. It is intersected by the South Side railroad, extending from Petersburg to Lynchburg, which is a source of much improvement. A plank road has lately been laid in the county. Capital, Clover Hill. Population, 9193, of whom 4394 were free, and 4799 slaves.
APPOMATTOX DEPOT, a post-office of Amelia county, Virginia.
AQUIA creek, in the E. part of Virginia, flows through Stafford county into the Potomac river, and is navigable for schooners several miles from its mouth.
AQUIA, a post-office of Stafford county, Virginia.
ARARAT, a post-office of Patrick county, Virginia.
ARBUCKLE, a post-office of Mason county, Virginia.
ARCOLA, or GUM SPRINGS, a post-village of Loudoun county, Virginia, 146 miles N. from Richmond, contains a few stores.
ARNOLTON, a small village in the S. W. part of Campbell county, Virginia, about 110 miles W. S. W. from Richmond.
ASHLAND, a post-office of Cabell county, Virginia.
ASHTON'S MILLS, a post-office of Frederick county, Virginia.
ASPENGROVE, a post-office of Pittsylvania county, Virginia.
ASSAMOONIC, a post-office of Southampton county, Virginia.
ATHENS, a post-office of Caroline county, Virginia.
AUBURN, a post-office of Fauquier county, Virginia.
AUGUSTA, a county in the central part of Virginia, forming part of the Great Valley which extends along the N. W. base of the Blue Ridge. The area is about 900 square miles. The Shenandoah and Calf Pasture rivers arise in the county. The S. E. boundary is formed by the Blue Ridge; the surface of the valley is elevated and hilly; the soil is calcareous, and very productive of grain and grass. In 1850 there were raised 419,006 bushels of wheat; 505,800 of Indian corn; 250,026 of oats; 15,225 tons of hay, and 275,483 pounds of butter. The quantity of hay was greater than was produced in any other county of the State, except Rockingham county; and that of butter greater than in any except Loudoun county. There were 41 flour and grist mills, 20 saw mills, 2 iron furnaces, 2 iron forges, 13 tanneries. It contained 41 churches; 745 pupils attending public schools, and 226 attending academies or other schools. Fine limestone underlies a great part of the valley, and extensive beds of anthracite coal have been opened. A description of the celebrated Weyer's cave of this county will be found under the head of VIRGINIA. The Central railroad of Virginia passes through this county and connects it with Richmond. Augusta county was formed from Orange in 1738. Capital, Staunton. Population, 24,610, of whom 19,557 were free, and 5053 slaves.
AUSTINVILLE, a post-office of Wythe county, Virginia.
AVO, a post-office of Patrick county, Virginia.
AYLETT'S, a post-office of King William county, Virginia, 28 miles N. E. from Richmond.
BACK CREEK, in the N. E. part of Virginia, rises in Frederick county, flows northeastward through Berkely, and enters the Potomac about 10 miles N. from Martinsburg.
BACK CREEK VALLEY, a post-office of Frederick county, Va.
BACON'S CASTLE, a post-office of Surry county, Virginia.
BAILEYSBURG, a small post village near the S. extremity of Surry county, Virginia, about 50 miles S. S. E. from Richmond.
BAIER'S RUN, a post-office of Hardy county, Virginia.
BALCONY FALLS, a post-office of Rockbridge county, Virginia, on James river, 153 miles, W. from Richmond.
BALLARDSVILLE, a sm