Alexandria Gazette

Correspondence of the N. Y. Commer. Advertiser

MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA, Sept. 4, 1844.

No one who travels much in Virginia will wonder that her citizens feel a pride in being inhabitants of the "Old Dominion." In soil, climate, scenery and natural resources, it may well be doubted whether it is surpassed, if equalled, by any state of the Union. To one from thickly peopled New England or New York, vast tracts of this state wear the aspect of a wild and almost unsettled country.

Between Staunton and this place (near the White Sulphur Springs) some ninety miles, there is not, on the great mail road to Guyandotte, a solitary village; and after you pass Lewisburg (a pleasant town of a thousand or twelve hundred inhabitants, nine miles from this,) you travel near a hundred miles before you see any thing like a flourishing settlement; indeed not till you arrive at the valley of the Kanawha. Yet stately and most luxuriant forests wave over these wide ranges, and clusters of mountains, and rich sunny valleys, smile between them.

The few scattered inhabitants obtain with ease all the necessaries and comforts of life; they are honest, simple in their manners, very hospitable, healthy (for how can they be otherwise in this pure mountain atmosphere?) and a number not small retain something of the rude and careless habits of the hunter state. On the road from Staunton to the White Sulphur Springs, you pass farm houses from three to ten miles apart, generally kept as inns, and here and there a log cabin between them. At the old stands for the accommodation of travellers you enjoy for breakfast or dinner the luxury of fresh venison, and at a few, like Cannanghan's, and at the Warm and Hot springs (only five miles apart,) excellent fare in all respects.

While we were dining at Cannanghan's, an old hunter was employed in dressing a fine deer under the shade of a tree, and when I was examining his old rifle, which appeared as much worn as himself, and inquiring about its merits, observed, "I do not care to exchange it, as it has killed for me a thousand deer or so." He wore a long thin jacket, seemed near seventy years of age, and with a spare person, matted hair, sunburnt visage, and a quick, clear eye, gave evidence at first sight of his active, hardy mode of life. The small old animal, his companion, with a saddle still older, so necessary for bringing home the game, showed the effects of abstinence, and perhaps had learned to bear it with as much fortitude as her master.

The old man sold his venison at four cents a pound, but found a market only for the saddle or haunches. This old hunter may, for aught I know, as do many of his way of life in this region I am told, possess a valuable tract of land, but while cultivating a few patches of corn and potatoes, most is left uncleared and his time spent in the more congenial employment of seeking and shooting deer in these mountain forests; occasionally a bear may be added to his game.

This whole country is adapted to the rearing of sheep, horses and other cattle. This is indeed the business of all prosperous farmers, since the difficulty is great of getting crops to market. I see not why manufactures may not be established in Western Virginia. I have no doubt this region would prove a delightful home to emigrants from New England and Old England. The winters are shorter, and the summers about the same as in Connecticut. There are few slaves here, and there will be fewer. Indeed, Western Virginia will not be satisfied with its present constitution.

The people, as far as I have seen them, appear to be sober, serious and virtuous. Although a mountain region like this would in Spain be filled with robbers, human life is no where more safe than in the mountains of Virginia. There is a great want of schools and churches. There is, however, much piety, and in no part of the country is there a stronger desire for the preaching of the Gospel. I hope those who contemplate emigration from New England and New York will turn their eyes to Virginia. No region is more inviting—land is cheap. There is room for a million. The character which will rise up amid these mountains and vallies must be worthy and noble, unless the eye and heart be closed to the most exalting influences of nature.

WANDERER.