Hannibal Journal

We are indebted to a friend for a copy of the
"Chautauque Democrat" a paper published in the
State of New York, containing a letter showing
the impression which our city and beautiful surrounding
country leave on the mind of the transient visitor. Under the head of "Correspondence,"
the editor says:

"We have been furnished the following letter
for publication. It is from the pen of a prominent
citizen of this county:

Hannibal, Mo., June 3, 1853.

Dear Sir--Allow me to remind you that I
am yet within the limits of our "Glorious
Union," although for the time being I hail from
one of Uncle Sam's Slave States. I left St.
Louis last evening at four o'clock, and arrived
here at eight this morning. Have seen much of
the place, and have driven back some miles in
the country. The result of this is, I have concluded
that Hannibal is destined to hold an important
commercial position. It is singularly
situated among the bluffs on the banks of the
Mississippi, and the business portion of the
city is built in three large ravines, while the
knobs or bluffs are being occupied by private
residences.

The country lying further back from the river
is most beautiful; at some points you can see for
miles over a splendid undulating country, covered
with finely cultivated fields, where the
houses and barns are all richly stored with the
necessaries of life. Hospitality abounds here
in all its fullness.

A Railroad is being built to St. Joseph, on
the Missouri river, which is claimed as the Pacific
Road proper. An application will be again
pressed in the Illinois legislature, for a charter
to build a road from opposite this city to Naples
Ill. This would open a direct intercourse between
Northern Missouri and the eastern cities.

This city contains above 4,000 inhabitants,
and is rapidly growing. There are seven
Churches, several Hotels, Engines for machinery,
Flouring Mills, Tobacco Factories, Warehouses, &c.
Next the river is a very handsome
levee, which is soon to be greatly enlarged.

I have been to Palmyra, the county seat of
Marion county. It is in the heart of a rich agricultural
country. (not a "district," for I am
informed that there is no end to it). The scenery,
as you go from Hannibal towards it, is enchanting.
Palmyra contains about 1,500 inhabitants. I dined
there in Mr. Thompson's family. Now you may talk
of the good things of earth. We sat down at a table
loaded with every luxury, and there was beside an
open-hearted hospitality, which "walks right into one's
feelings."

There is, leading toward New London, a
plank road, the plank of which are white oak.
and laid down on the ground--no stringers,--
This is an improvement, decidedly. There is
also a fine Plank Road, leading up the valley of
"Salt River," where the soil is unsurpassed, and
the scenery delightful!

Near Palmyra are some of the finest places
for residences I ever saw: society good; all necessary
facilities for education and religious
training, in an abundance of seminaries and
churches; people generous, hospitable and enterprising,
and yet this is Missouri, the land (as
one of Chautauque's over-pious sons expressed
it) "of sighs and sobs." Let such know, that
here are many pious persons: and genuinely
devotedly pious too, they are, negroes and all.

No more at present. Affectionately your
friend,

J. R. B."