Daily National Intelligencer

LETTER TO THE EDITORS OF THE PETERSBURG INTELLIGENCER.

Moorefield, Hardy County, Va. November 21st, 1818.

Sirs: I see a piece in the National Intelligencer, taken from your paper, giving an account of an oil spring, discovered in the state of Ohio; which led me to believe you were not acquainted with the fact, that similar oil was to be found in your own state. It is a fact, that on the waters of the Buchanan river, or some of its streams, near the line between the counties of Harrison and Randolph, there has been oil collected, of the Petroleum kind. I have seen several horse loads of it packed into this county for sale—16 or 20 gallons on a horse. Four or five years ago it was deemed a sovereign remedy for all complaints to which the human body was subject; however, on two or three years trial, it became of less repute, and would not sell; and I have not seen any for two years past. I inquired of a person who called on me to sell some, how he collected it. He informed me that they made a small ditch along the margin of the river, drawing the gravel or small stone next the current, to prevent its carrying away the oil, which runs out of the bank, and remains on the top of the still pool or ditch. When there is as much collected as they think sufficient, they put woollen cloths, or old blankets, to which it adheres; when they wring it into vessels prepared for the purpose. What I purchased was about the color of new tar, but not quite so thick. If you wish fuller information, I have no doubt but you can get it from the members of the Legislature for these two counties. I am, with respect, yours,

A. SEYMOUR.

N. B.—Those that sell it call it rock-oil.