Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

The New York Statesman gives the following letter from Gen. LAFAYETTE, addressed to Mr. Skinner, of the American Farmer.

La Grange, May 28th, 1826.

My dear Sir: I have, with much gratification, received the 7th volume of the American Farmer, and hope, early in June, by Capt. Allyn, to hear from you, and to know how you all are in the beloved city of Baltimore. Capt. Macy has been pleased to take on board a couple of Shepherd's dogs for you: Mr. Worthington, son to the former Governor of Ohio, took charge of them at Paris--they are of the best breed, and well trained. But I fear the American method of keeping a stock will not give so much scope and usefulness to their instinct as when they are under perpetual admonition from their master. And since I have entered on farming topics, I must tell you, my dear sir, I am making great improvements, founded on American importations. Your hogs are beautiful, and while I keep some individuals of pure breed, I generally cross it with Anglo-Chinese animals of the same kind. But yours are better shaped, and I have arranged a piggery after your own principles. Of the handsome Holkam cows, given me by Mr. Patterson, three are alive and thriving--the younger bull, and two females. Of the wild turkeys, only one has been preserved; I particularly regret the giant turkey which my friend had so kindly provided for me, and if such a one could be obtained, it would be a new condescended obligation. The surviving one has mixed with the hens of the country, and I have got a number of crossed eggs--but a few wild ones of both sexes would be very welcome. So would be, my good friend, some American partridges, a variety unknown in Europe; and of terrapins, two sorts of novelty which I would like first to nurse at the farm, then to naturalize on my grounds. The splendid boiling steam machine given to me by Mr. Morill, has been much admired: drafts have been taken, and it shall be in a few days placed in a building I have made on purpose to receive it. You see that my Baltimorean farming obligations have not been lost upon me. And since you allow me to utter all my wishes, I will add that one or two couple of American rabbits would also be a new introduction on this side of the Atlantic,--As to the justly celebrated canvass backs, they can only be enjoyed in the vicinity of the Susquehanna and the Potomac, a condition to which none more heartily than myself would like to submit.

I receive three times a month, accounts from the United States by the Havre packets, an insufficient compensation for absence; they are, however, very precious to me. Every particular of public and personal nature, are eagerly looked for, and when you are pleased to write, I beg you to let me know as much as you can of my Baltimorean friends. Present me very affectionately to them.

Permit me to enclose a letter to Mr. Cornick, a Virginian, who certainly is known to you, as well as the plough which has been presented to the examination of the Agricultural Society in Paris. You will learn the favorable opinion that has been expressed.

Most cordially, I am your affectionate friend,

LAFAYETTE

[*The McCormick Plough is manufactured in this place--We are warranted by several practical Farmers in saying, they are decidedly the best Plough now in use.--Ed. Mar. Gaz.]