":»p*c Class. Book. (I Tie \l^ '01 Northern Men IW THIS PAMPHLET CO:KTAINS''Tli]g TEOOEEmXGS Held at Charlotte, Norili Carolma, Jaajuary 15tkv S8I9. , . 1.1. ulso/X/yMrs fioiii f>ersons giving individual exju-essiojis and fjicts lalive to Products ])e"r acre, Social Life in the South and other ihctg.Eegardiug liocalities Avhich are Important to those seek- Knowledge of the South and its People. These Letters should be read by all, and are of equal im])ortance with the Proceedings. V ihct M1< MED FOR THE CONVENTION BY N. DUMONT, OF CHARLOTTE, N. C. iblis.ed by order of the Convention of Northern Settlers in the ^outh by lesolution passed in /Convention, January 15th, 1879, orderinoots and shoes $750,000;" Avhiskies and high wines '|500,- 000: hardAvare $750,000; agricultural implements manufactured and sold here $.300,000; in leather, hides and findings, taii^ned and manufactu- red here $200,000; drugs $250,000. The four banks have a caj)ital of near one million of dollars; deposits in addition of over a million. Charlotte has one daily newspaper, and three weeklies. Charlotte is the centre of the gold, silver, copper and iron mines and the famous Rudisill Gold Mine, with Its largestamp mill, is less than two miles from the court house. There are, nea^ Charlotte, beds of barytes. A paint mill would pay largeh'. The people are driving, enterprising, intdligent aiid refined. Property is cheap and so is the price; of living'., ' ' COTTOX FACTQEIES. Within twelve to thirty miles of Charlotte, tfhere an Jiine cotton fac- tories, viz : :diM U.'fioi.i'J Oil. •'■fJl 4- 1. The Mountain Island Mills,' 12 miles frorii Charlotte ; 5,000 spin- dles ; 'kes osnalrargs, plaids, sheetin-gs, yarns and warps ; lights with gas of its own manufacture; sells its products in Philadelphia, St. Loni> and Chicago, and at Charlotte, N. C. 2. The Woodlawn Mills, 10 miles; employs 200 hands, 75 looms and 2,500 spmdles ; niannfaeturcs about 800 bales of sheeting and 240 bales (5) ■of yarn, awd sells -iiU its productions from this market. One luilo from Lowell. 3. The Lawrence Mill^ '16 miles ; 2,500 Piiimlles, capacity 5,000 ; makes warps and yarns; J mile, from Woodlawn Mills. At Lowell, Gaston county, distant one mile, is depot. 4. Mount Holly Mills, 12 miles, 2,000 spindles ; makes warps ; sells Xorth ; is increasing. ,. 5'. G'astonia Mills, 17 miles;- 3,000 spindles, makes warps andiyariis, and sells North. ' ■ •..;.. 6. Stowesville Factory, 10 miles; 2^000 spindles, 24 looms; makes yarns and shirtings loi' home market; is increasing. . 7. Odell & Co. Mills, 18 miles: a-uus 2,000 spindles and 50 looms; naakes yarns and shet'tingH tor homo, market. ' . ; * "8. Phifer & Allison, 35 miles; run 1,500 spindles and 30 looms ; makes .shirtings and -yarns for homo market. 9. Elocky Biver Mills, 20 miles ; 1.000 spindles. 15 looms ; yarns and .-heetings for home murket. The Lawrence Mills, mentioned above, are entirely new, h;t\'ing commenced operations in Jime 1879. Charlotte can show Ijettei-' opportunities for various manufacturing cntei*]-)rises than any other city in. the South. It has a start and cannot retrograde. All ij) all, persons locating in and aoout here will tiud a greater blend- ing of all the requisites which ])roduce business ease and home luxur}', .1,1 less cost and Vvith lighter effort than can be foiuid elscAvhore. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N. C. Mecklenburg Couiity|[hus a population of about 30,000. ' Its gold and other mines Jiow in operaticm, its mining advantages and water powers, its six railroads centreing at Charlotte, the county seat, its accessibility to market, its own population and the wide territory tributary to it, and for which this city is now the market, ^gives to the manufacturer and farmer an assurance of a read}- market, speedy and. direct transit Avith cheap fares and freights by through lines to any point on the con- tinent. THE ZS'OETIIEEX PAET of this county is gently rolling with occasional hills; is well watered by creeks, branches and some very fine springs. Considerable meadow and ?x>ttom land on Pcedv, Back, McKeeand Mallard creeks. The meadow (6) and bottom lands are easily drained at a trifling cost, and, when drained;, produce very fine crops of corn, wheat, oats, clover, etc. Very little land in this part of the county not tillable. Schools — Davidson College, one of the heaviest endowed and among; the first educational institutions of the South, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church; and Academy at Huntersville for boys; a number- of private schools; convenient common schools, kept four months in the year, where children between the ages of 6 and 21 years attend free of charge for tuition. Churches. — Me+hodist, Presbyterian, Associate Eeformed and Baptist.. Timber. — Oak, hickorj^, dogwood, ash, pine; &c. Near Davidson Col- lege much of the timber has been taken off, and it may be said that tim- ber is getting rather scarce; enough however for farm and firewood pur- poses. It is supposed that not over one fourth of the land is in actual cultivation. Products — Corn, cotton, Avheat, rye, oats, barley, clover ; evergreen., orchard and other grasses. Yield very fine under good cultivation. >S^]focA'.— Some fine horses, hogs, cattle and sheep have been raised in this section. Stock raising has been very satisfactory to the few who have been engaged in that business. This district is very healthful. The people are moral, religious, church- going, kind, hospitable, and will Avelcome strangers who may wish to^ settle among them. THE WESTEEN PAET Of this county is welUvatered by Long, PaAv and Davidson creeks,. small branches, and many very fine springs. This section bounded by the Catawba river, has much fine water- power, some very fine bottom lands, which produce very fine crops of corn, cotton, w4ieat, oats, barley and grasses. Generally gently rolling land, little but what can be brought into cul- tivation at trifling cost. Schools. — The educational advantages of this section consist principal- ly of common schools, taught four months in the year. Churches. — Several Presbyterian and Methodist. Timber. — This section is very well supplied with oak, hickory, ash., dogwood, pine, &c. Best timbered section in the county. There is less land in cultivation than in northern section. Prod\icts. — Same as in northern section. Yield good, under good cul- tivation. l^tock. — But little attention paid to improved breeds of stock, which, ■would do well under proper management. Scrub stock thrives well. This district is more broken and rolling than any other portion of the county, though not hilly nor having ravines. It is traveused at inter- vals by gold veins, over which lies a gray loam,, with clay subsoil, and it is susceptible of high cultivation. (7) THE SOUTHERN SECTION. Parts of this section arc level, gently rolling, and along the Cataw^ ba river hilly. About two thirds of the southei-n half of the county is nearly level, and is finely watered by the Catawba river. Steel and Sugar creeks, etc. The soil is adeej^dark loam, finely adapted to all forms of agriculture. The greater portion of this section has been cultivated. Some lands have been turned out, but could by proper management he brought into cultivation at light cost. Some of the most productive land in the county is in this section, yielding very large crops of cotton, corn, wheat, rye, oats, and many of the cultivated grasses. It is a health- ful district. Stoch. — But little attention paid to improved stock. Scrub stock thrives very well. Schools. — Several academies for boj's ; also common schools, kei)t four months each year. Churches. — Presbyterian, Associate Eetbrmed, Lutheran, Baptist and Methodist. Timber. — Xot so well timbered as the northern or western section, but some very fine timber near Catawba river, oak, hickory, dogwood, pine, &c. THE EASTERN SECTION Is rolling, but not hilly ; generall}' somewhat like the northern sec- tion. It is a little broken in the exteme eastern corner, but has no ra- vines or hills. The soil alternates a grayish sandy top with red clay subsoil, admirably adapted to cotton, tobacco, cereals, fruits and stock raising. There is much timber, mainly oak and hickor}', interspersed along the creeks — of which there are many — with ash ; on the uplands there is some forest pine. This district is thickly settled, although there is much unoccupied land which can be opened to culture at slight cost. Its schools are good, society excellent and church jirivileges equal to any part of the county. The above statement of fiicts is obtained from Messrs Wm. Maxwell, Register of Deeds, J. R. Erwin, Probate Judge, and M. E. Alexander, Sheritf. These gentlemen have spent the greater part of their lives here, belonging to old lamllies, and know the countv thoroughly. T. L. VAIL, Chairman Board of Co. Com'rs. State tax, 29 cents ; County tax. 29 cents per $100. This tax covers all items save City taxes. NORTHERN SETTLERS. A vdji::!i,;\i!:r', BBHAa;i.Ft:ioiF;f.x,H,^^^ Oil the 1-itli day of Dccoiuber. 1879, Mr. N. Duaiont, a iiortli.ern luaii Avho had settled in business in Charlotte, IST. C. abont two years before, caused to be printed and circulated through the press of the South, and by mail;, tQ;su6h northern residents whose names ho could find, this cir- cular letter, viz : "CiiAKLOTTE, X. C, Dec. 14, I6IS4 '•Djbah Siii: — I have consulted with a number of gentlemen who have moved from Xew York. Xew Hampshire and other Northern States ■ and settled in this State, South Carolina and (leorgia since the War, many of them ex-Union soldiers ; I myself am from Spring-field, Massachusetts. The- conclusion we have arrived at, is' that Northern men who have settled in the South, luive in their li;mds the solution of the question, as to whether any con- siderable number of good Northern men and iiclive Northern capitiil can be diverted to the Soutli. Many of the Northern papers are giving M-rong no- tions as to how Northern people are received. You knoW many of our friends will not put much faith in what Southern men or papers say on this head. We who have consulted upon this matter deem it wise to hold a conventioii of Northern men only, who have settled South since the, war — ,good, fair representative men. Your name has been given as such an one. It is thought wise to hold this convention about January 15th, at Charlotte, N. C, it being more central for all. Arran^-ements have Ijeen made with the railroads for tlie round trip at one fare. Will you be kind enough to signify if you will come or not, aaid if you cannot come, please address me a letter stating your views. It is desired in the convention to prepare a statement for publication in Northern papers, setting forth the soil, climate, prices, ease of making a living and social treatment of the individual Northern man. It is not desired to cov- er any question of politics or extreme vieM's of any kind. "In your letter, whether of acceptance or declination, please state if you were in the Federal army, company and regiment; where you moved from to your present residence, and how long you have resided at your present where- abouts. "We shall be glad to liear from you at the earliest day. "Your obedient servant, "N. DUMONT, "Charlotte, N. C." The sentiments therof but cryhtalized the thought in the hearts of Northern residents in the South, which only sought some mode of ex- presion, and in response thereto at noon, on the 15th of January", 1879, 75 to 80 delegates, representing Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro- lina, Georgia and Florida, assembled at the Opera House in Charlotte, JsT. C, when they were called to. order, the call. re?,d and iia a short speech the causes' ihspiririg- 'the ckn"'^ei'c'stated.''''' * "!'''/''", ''./''■''' ;'''' By a. imaiiinapu^ \';at,e,,the coaycntioii w.aa orgaiuzed,,)c>.);7,,,cpilUj^,,Mr Dumoni to the clp.air, ajud by voting the following nan\ed ^^entiemcii vice-j^rGsidents : .W. B. Middaugb, of Danville, Ya. ; A. J. Cnrti?, San Mateo, Flfl. ; P. P. Lawshe, Crainesville, (^a..; H. CojiCendaH; , ^pliick btation, h>. .0. ,!,,■■ ' • •-.'I ■! .ji On motion, the appointmoiit of the secretaries were placed, in the hands of i^he president ajid McBsrs E. E. McL'ona,ld, of Charlotte, Thos., J- Con- ger, of Conger's Station, Iredell county, iind Capt. John E.' WQP'cll^p-fee, of Concord were selected! *' .' \\ '\ . ' ' " '',■'■' COUBTSsms'OF TJIE CITY. .■■■■. \)y:':l (■;■■-':-.• •^^ -i' .: i •> (ii ;;,-■'-, • ii:frr'iii«>') "';:i' Sho;-tlw; /ftftej.- ,t}i@; oiigi^iwation the president was informed thafc a commit- tee of the citizens, Oi Chaiilptte were preseiit and had a communication to present to the convention. . Upon invitation of the chair Hon. B. R. .Smith, Mayor of the city came forward, and after a brief introduction extending to the members of tlie couventiaii Elie, liuspitalities oJL the city, aunouuced tliat Ji meeting of citizeiLs luwl.directed a •,,.;; o- The resolution was. read by the, secretary,, as follows: ' /,■ ,:' t,>jiii. , ,'\VtiEKKAs, The citizens of Qliarloite havebeen infDrmedtfkiJ.toe'rfcain, citizens froni the oSTorth, wiio have become residents of tliis and. otheil Southern States, contemplate meetiiig in convention in tins city on the l;jth inst., for the pur- pose of giving an exi)rehisi()n of opinion as to the jnateria.l.iVsources, and social and political condition of this, section ; and , , ., ,, ',.•■■ WiiEiiEAS-', It is the desire of our people that; the factk in tlils co]iVenti,on shall be fairly and fully stated by men ,>yhp have come . . ., u^pfiu- enced by the prejudices of Southern birth ; and , ,',' Whereas, "We believe that tlie facts y.'ill be '^o st9,ted',by ' .aveniibn, without regard to sectional sympathies, ,]'.' ' ' ' '/ ''. Now, Theit fori'. We, the undersigned coihmitted, in behalf of ; '• citlztns of Charlotte, tender to the delegates of this convention a cordial \velc<»uie and the hospitalities of tlie city, :>nd request oxir cliairm;in to priSi^ent ilus'ln person to the convention. ' 1^' ,', B;^.',*jMiT'n, ChiiVh. TL r. 'JOJ^ES. ^Y. ,T. Yates. C. I)0W15. IL M. IMlLLEI.. BUSiNE.^s A ^ [ I . ■■ : : ■- i I ESsro:^s OF; M j:;}pp^Rb. ,,.,.,, I The communicatio}!, as veli as (li,; r-!,;arks of the mayor, were''' received and a committee was appointed to prepare an answer to both. ' It was: suggested that the next thing in order wonld be the aiipointnvent of ;i committee on resolutions to prepare business for the convention. The president said before proceediugto this, he would prefer to iiear an ex- pression of tlie sentiments of the delegates on the subject of the call. In reply to this sugge^iion Mr. J. C. XJates, of Union county, addressed the convention at some lengtlj. lie was pleased with the idea of llie convention at iirst, and was satistied" that it could be made the instrument of great good. (10) He was in favor of taking local rather than general vieAvs. It would not be the part of wisdom in the convention to attempt to speak of that whereof it did not know and had not seen, but to confine its assertions to what had come under the observation of the delegates. He also thought all questions of politics should be excluded. He himself was a miner in Union county. He had al- ways received the kindest possible treatment while in Charlotte, and since he and his family had resided in Union county. He believed that North Carolina possessed special advantages to an agricul- tural people, and was satisfied that the mines in this section of the State could be woj."ked to great advantage. He said further that as a sheep growing country the Piedmont region of Xorth Carolina could not be surpassed. Mr. H. H. Bollman, of Polk county, N. C, formerly of Pittsburg, Pa., next spoke. He said that so far as the treatment of Northern settlers by Southern people Avere concerned, he hardly thought it was necessary to touch upon that question. Since he came here eight years ago, he hadexperienced . one continual expression of kindness. He had 1,100 acres of land in Spartan- burg county, S. C, and 600 where he lived— more land than he wanted. One liundred acres of it would support a family the size of his own. He himself felt the need of active, intelligent men to settle on it and cultivate it. The great need of his section was public schools for the dissemination of general infor- mation. If the people knew better they would certainly do better. Mr. Cushing, of Lincoln county, N. C. followed, saying that he had come to North Carolina under the most unfavorable auspices possible — as a yankee soldier, his company having been disbanded in the South. If the people had treated him any better, it would have made a fool of him. They would treat the most galvanized yankee the sameway. Why it was that Northern people kept on talking aboiit this thing, he couldn't for- the life of him see. He said we could offer them everything but equal advantages in public schools, and Ave were improving in this particlar. Mr. T. A. Hoyt, now of Earlsville, S. C, said he had been engaged in real estate business for some years, and had looked forward to this convention with liigh hopes. He had found as many well disposed and Christian people at liis present home as anywhere he had ever lived. He had received hundreds of letters asking the very questions which it was proposed that this conven- tion should answer. At this point he read a letter from Mr. L. N. Wilcox, late of Pennsylvania, who, in speaking of the advantages which the South of- fered, said that he would rather embark in business with $5,000 in the South than with $25,000 in the North. He now owned three hundred acres of bottom land in Polk county, which he wouldnot sell for $150 per acre. Mr Hoyt said he was satisfied that the climate, soil and general character of the country in North Carolina afforded as good homes as could be found anywhere. He also believed that any prejudices which Northern men might have would be removed by a residence in the South. At this point in the proceedings, a motion was made and carried that the chair appoint a committee on resolulutions to draft the views of the con- vention. The chair appointed the following: Rev. Dr. Mattoon, president of Biddle University, Charlotte, N. C, formerly of New York. A. J. Curtis, of San Mateo, Fla., formerly of New York. H. Coykendall,of Black's Station, S. C, formerly of Des Moines, la. AV. ]i. Middaugh, of Danville, Va., formerly of Pennsylvania. H. D. Ingersoll, of Loudsville, Ga., formerly of New York. The committee then retired to prepare the I'esolution. Several other short addresses were made in the same strain as those already re- ported. The convention then, on motion, adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock to hear the report of tlie committee on resolutions. (11) AFTERNOON SES.SION. When the convention re-assembled in the afternoon, a communication was read from Northern citizens of Newberne, N. C, and subsequently one from those resident in Mooresville, and also from Highlands in Macon county, also from Charlootte, K.C., setting forth the advantages which these localities offered to settlers, and on motion both communications were ordered to be tiled with tiie proceedings of the meeting. These documents will be found in the appendix. KEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. Thecommitteeonresolutions through its chairman. Rev. Dr. Mattoou, an- aiounced that it was prepared to report, and the convention decided to vote on the resolutions seriatim. The committee offered the following for adoption : To the People of the Several Commmiwealths compoHng the United States of America • We, the representatives of Northern settlers in tlie Southern States, and be- ing ourselves immigrants from localities in the Northern States to tlie re- si)ective States following our individual signatures, in convention assembled, do call your attention to the following, feeling assured that cool judgment up- on the facts shown will set in flow the currents of reason, and action will fol- low reasoning without prejudice. "We prefer to make findings specifically and at length, and we find : 1st. That in the States of our former homes there exists an active })rejudice against the South, and its people; that this prejudice is mighty in its inliuence for evil on the nation ; that by it and through it the conditions of the country are largely disquieted; that it is fomented and kept alive for ends ulterior to the common weal; that the real interests of the nation are kept out of sight in keeping alive this prejudice. That much of this prejudice, if not all of it, is due mainly to wrong information concerning (and paid ;d and total ignorance of) the facts existing in a large portion of the Soutli. 2d. That in the portions of the South in which we reside, the right of any man, from no matter where, to express publicly as well as privatt iy his opinion upon any subject and of every nature, is nowhere and in no mjiun.r restrained. That alllaws are well administered and as truly enforced against the wrong- doer as in any part of any State of the Union. 3d. That any man who has so conducted himself at his former home as to win the regard of honest men and decent people, by pursuing the same course of life in the Soutli, does gain and keep the regard and respect of all people, regardless of any question of politics or religious faith ; and we fur ther find that being a Northern man is certainly no disadvantage. 4th. That every" citizen recognizes that he is amenable to the law, and that local self-government is as much required and encroachments upon these as much deplored as in any State Nortli, East or "West. 5th. "We find, too, that persons foisted themselves upon the polity of the South, and by their conduct cast discredit upon tlie Northern name. 6th. Those of us who were in the army of the Union never for a moment pretended to think of denying our uniform or the old cause. The Confeder- ate soldier has always evinced the true soldier instinct in the grasp of tliose who were his enemies in war. 7th. That considering reputed outrages, if these were carefully sifted it will be found that the complainants for like acts woiild have suffered at the handa of any people under like provucatjaia. BUSIKESS AMD SOGtAJL iiEl^ATIOHS. 8tb. We iind that in business relations the ex-Confederate in willing to< sell his land on time to Northern men, even to people who could not get the same accommodations at the ]Sorth, East or West. We find, too, that in the ramitications of business they endorse our notes and bai;ik paper, and are not over-anxious or inquisitive on (juestions of extension, and they frequently say, "It is as much our interest as j^ours that you should succeed and by your success help till the, country with thrifty people." 9th. That as neighbors they visit our firesides and welcome us to the privi- leges of public worship, and sympathize in cur sorrows and afflictions ; that they admire sturdy integrity and real principle; that their definition of what these things are corresponds with the idea of the same our neighbors in tlie North held in common with us. A\' e find that we are. not tabooed nor sub- jected to any kind of persecution for proper conduct or good Northern ideas or principles, and though differing from many of oui Southern neighbors on many essentialW< 12 ttJ'tWoiJtJP' feet, and many from 25 to 50 feet, and others frOiti 00 to 150 feet of nat^ nral fall, on streams havin,^- a width of from lOO to 700 feet. ' SoniB of these w'ater powers have cotton and woolen mills thereon, and anv on^i W'ishinc;- to be interested, can be shown that these are payin,!:^ liandsrtmely. The soil is genei-idly a red clay or mulatto or chocolate land, grey loam and black' soil. The bottom lands yield lar.i,^ely; those of the uplands moderately. On the kind of culture hitherto foi lowed in the South — whicli is in no degreenp to the Xorthern standard, yet owing to ease of transportation to niarkex, sliort ness of lines and the kindness of the climate, the money value of all crops exceeds that of tlie fields' cff 'Kansas or Minnesota. ■-I'jiii . ■■ ' ' . '■■''■ MINES. A. We find in this belt, mines of gold, iron, copper, coal, limestonevmica. bary- tes, mineral paint, corundum, etc., etc., wdiich, if worked with the assiduity ami appliances as elsewhere, w'ould furnish labor to a vast population, and eijual in yield those of other States more known to popular rejiort. ; ' ' i ' r CLIMATE, INSECTS, i , >,.. < ■■ ' : ; •' . .!•>/; I' B. We find the climate of tliis belt salubrious, invigorating and re.-jioring; that its summer temperature is lower and cooler by several degrees liiau at the Nortli, that gentle breezes keep the summers restful : (hat droutlis <»r fail- ure of crops are unknown ; that insects and pests destructive to rrojis have no existence; that the winters are moderate and short; that animallife is easily supported without expensive methods of care and constant working lO feea ._ the labor of the summer awaj-; that here man works for himsi-ff and hisjl' and not for his brutes; that there is no montli in the year but thatoui of doot' labor on the farm can be done and plowing is not ordintuev/.tl}ings.^t^he f^outh,,!^ the market for the North. •ir;?, ' , ",.<','.,'(!.)■/..!,'.'',. . CAUSES 6e SHOltT COMINGS. 23d. We find that much, if not all, of this,a]iparent waste and inattt^ntion to vast elements of material piofit,the throwing aside of opportunity for wealth, is due to these facts largely. When the war closed, the labor system of the v'?outh was destroyeil; the white people were penniless and came back to devas- tated fields v/ith nothing to go upim, their farm tools lost or destroyed. In many, if not most cases, large faniiJies were depeitdent upon tlie returned sol- dier who never iieforehaddonea (hij-'s labor in the field, andhad no experience in theory, much less practice, in lahor of '.iriy kind. Tliey must, then not only iearn tiie business of agriculture but make a sui)port. Cotton ;it that time, ruled high in j^rice, and meant money ; so thiit every energy and every bit of attcntioh WHS turned to its culture fo the neglect of grains, fruit, cattle, &c. ; and to i'aisc as large a cotton crop as possible with the least outlay was the ; (17) purpose oi ;i.il. Gi';itlu:illy the experienci! of yejirs, tlie fiilling oi tiu' price of ■cotton, showed the Southern farmer that he must no longer pay money for bread and meat, wJi en it could be more cheaply produced'; and in the last few years they have shown attention to agricultural chemistly, the: treatment of soils, aiid a directiun toward other impori;ant brandies oi' iiusbandry, stock and fruit growing. r- ■ > • )V\-' > TIME TO PLANT, &c , ; ^tilij We, ^nd that crops tinay be grown as follows; "Wlieut, oats, &c., .sowij, in . iSept^mber or October or as, late as December, is liiiryested.iii May or June; that on this ground may be planted corn, together Avith peas, and potatoes may be planted as late as July and harvested in late October, and .in some portions turnips may be planted after the hite potato crop, thus nuiking two and three crops per year. The farm year begins iai Sej)tember,, then fall crops are sown, and reiit contracts are m;u.le. .seeding of small grains goes on until Ltecember; .and iii, February spring work liegiiis upon tlie.£i^rm. WHX COLONIZE V '■■<• HmJi' 'Mil.. ..■'■<: 25rh. Vv'e i-nd iii;(t it is not n^cefe'Sary to Inove in colonies oi'sqiiads. unless u be a matter of choree among friends or iieighbors so to do. Socially no advan- tage arises t^> the Stranger who nraygroup with a uumbe't of other strangers, to settle in a body as strangers to each "other among strangeTs. Social consid- eration and protection is 'gained quite as (paickly bjS^ the sihgle settler as it would be if he settled with a colony. It will in all cases be found wise to learn the experiences of the native farmer, get his observations on the soil, and kindred things, and to do just as y()u wonid elsewhere. Be neighborly, pay and return visits; we hnd ourselves alvt'^ays welcome, and discuss party i)oii- tics also, when in the order of conversation it beconies a topic, quite as freely as we did anywhere. CHEAP L4B0E. 2Gtli. We. find that farm. and drudge labor here is very clieap,,tlie wages be- .Liig from .•?() to !i?10 per moirtli, with rations furnished, these consisting, of meal, pork and inolasse^, supplied weekly; that undej- these conditions ;io man Avho ex])ects to make Jiis living as a farm or drudge h?J.i,d, ovight to tliink of coming to the South. There is also a full supply of clerks and yoiuag profes- sional men. - ,;,, ''■•'" ■ '' ■ ■■:, ' ■ • . ■ ■ . I . 27th. AVe tind tliat any 'man AVho lias the energy to go^Vest, Avith limited means, and trusts to his energy and tlie smiles of Providen,ce, and wiio succeeds there,, could take the same energy and trust and liave gre;iter certainty of suc- cess in the South. He has no grasshoppers, nor enduring ice, nor . sno\A% nor blasting drought, nor violent \vinds. His wants are fewer, his liardsuips less. A generous soil is his, producing well, and capable of being Avorked in during any month of the year ; fine forests of Avood of various kinds, minerals of all fcindsv marble, granitej sandstone and all otlier building and ornaniental fabrics in abundance, line Avater poAvers, and a diversiiied scenery, A climate always moderate, no sultry nights Avhich leave, him more exhausted than on his ■ retiring ; the noon-rooklyn, X. Y. I. F. Smith, iarmer, Mecklenburg county, X. C; Port Jervis, X. Y. W. H. Miller; Van Buren county, Iowa. .John W. Plummer, merchant, T'lummersville, Robeson county, X. C. ; Mil- waukee, Wis., captain Company (r, 24th Wisconsin Infantry. S. A. Sollenberger ; Xewville, Pa. Julius Braun, upholsterer, Charlotte. X. C. : Xew York, 7th U. S. Cavalry. S. M. Howell, merchant, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xewark, X. J. Chas. Foster, farmer, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Lebanon, Pa. Company E, 2d Xew Jersey Cavalrv. AV. B. Harker, Shoe Heel, Robeson county, X. C. ; Salem county, X. J. Leverett M. Loomis, land agent, Chester, S. C. ; Camden county, X. J. Wm. Sahms, superintendent cotton factory. Clay Hill. S. C; Philadelphia, Pa. Jno. W. Carr, book keeper, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xorristown, Pa. Jas, Miller, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Columbus, Ohio. (19) A. D. Gage, physician, >statesville, X. C. ; Geneva, X. Y. J. C. Burroughs, merchant, Charlotte, X". C. ; Xew Jersey. W. J. F. Liddell, iron manufacturer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Erie, Pa. H. G. Whiting, painter, Mooresville, X. C. ; Massachusetts, 25th Massachu- setts Volunteers and Capt. 2d Ohio ll'vy Art'y. Wm. Sproules, tailor, Charlotte, X. C. ;Xew York, second lieutenant Company 1, 10th X'^evv York Infantry. A. Hagan, farmer, Xewton, X. C. ; Frederick, Md. Henry Brown, farmer, Catawba county, X. C. ; X'^ew York. Geo. A. Fage, carriage maker, Mooresville, X''. C. ; Xew York City. S.J. Warren, gold miner, Mecklenburg county, X. C; Cold Spring, Put- nam county, X. Y. Fred. II. Cusliing, iron moulder, Lincolnton, X. C. ; Ilartland, Vt., sergeant Company C, 58th Massachushetts A'olunteers. A. 11. Simonton, Statesville. X. C; Stateu Island, X. Y. E. R. Bardeen, planter, Aiken, S. C.;Xew York. AVm. Lewis, gold miner, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Askam,IiUzerne county, Pa. Jas. Ludlum, dairy farmer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Deckertown, X. J. G. W. Carr, dairy farmer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xorristown, Fa., Company M, 2d Pennsylvania Cavalry. Deloert L. Barker, planter, Morgantc»n, X. C. ; Springfield, Mass. X^. E. Johnson, farmer. Little Fiver, X. C. ; Lockhaven, Fa. T. Hoyt, real estate agent, Earlsville, S. C. ; Xew York City. Jno. Glover, engineer. Hickory, X. C. ; Washington county, X. Y., sergeant Company D, G5th Ohio Infantry. J. H. Best, farmer, Statesville, X. C; llensallaer county, X. J. W. L. Gilbert, farmer, Elmwood, X.C. ; l^rooklyn, X . Y. Jno. J. Gilbert, farmer, Elmwood, X. C; Brooklyn, X. Y. H.C.Hunt, merchant, Asheyille. X.C; Cincinnati, Ohio. H. I. Woodhouse, printer. Concord, X. C. ; Morris county, X. J. Fred. Fage, carriage maker. Mooresville, X. C; Xew York City. H.L. Bollman, farmer, Polk county, X.C; Pittsburg, Fa. T. A.Davis, superintendent cotton mill, Gaston county, X". C; Pennsyl- vania. H. McXamara, miller and farmer.Mt. Pleasant, X"". C ; Lima Ohio. Isaac Slayton, merchant, Burke county, X. C ; A\'orcester, Mass. Jno. T. Clark, miner, Mecklenburg'county, X. C.; Xew Haven, Conn. 8. P. Parker, carriage maker. Statesville, X. C ; Xewark, X. J. S. Radcliffe, saw and plane mill, Xewbern, X. C ; Xew York Citv. M. O. Beatty, farmer. Concord, X. C : Pittsburg, Fa. S. J. Beattv, Charlotte, X. C Chas. B. Allen, Clerk, Charlotte, X. C, from Pliiladelphia, Fa. S. E. Linton, Sui>t. Charlotte Gas Liglit Co., from Philadelphia, Fa. W. A. Jaquins, Plasterer. Charlotte, X. C, formerly (J. M. Sergt., 150th X. Y. State Vols., from Hudson, X. Y. W. Kaufman, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Baltimore. H. ]3aumgarten,Fhotograplier, Charlotte, X. C, formerly of 0th Michigan In- fantry at Xew Orleans under Gen. B. F. Butler. A. iBaumgarten, Tobacconist, Raleigh, X. C, Baltimore. J. M. Mendel, Tobacconist, Charlotte, X. C, Xew York. II. Berwanger, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Washington, D. C L. Berwanger, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Georgetown, D. C. S. Landecker. Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Xew York. OtisF.Goodwin, Farmer and Miller, Rock Hill, S. C, from Gorham, X^ew Hampshire. i20) By a resolution offered by Mr. A. J. Curtis, of Florida, the President of the Conventiou was directed to call County Conventions of Northern settlers to be held in each count}^ in the South, on February 15th, each county to ap^^oint delegates to a State Convention to be held at the Capital of the State, March 1st, 1879; the State Convention to appoint ten delegates to a general M':i .. . . Statesville,^'. C.;''l)ec. 20tK,;'i^r9,;'' Major A-. Buiiwnt. Charlotte, N. C, r>EAR Sir: — Your esteemed letter of the 15th inst., enclosing circu- lar calling a convention, of Northern men, who have settled in the south, to prepare a statement for puljlication in the jSTorthern pajiers as to soil, climate, etc ■, and social treatment, is at hand. For reply- 1, have to say that I am- heartily in sympathy with the movement, which is in the right direction. It is lor us avIio have settled here, from the North, to disabuse the Northern mind of erroneous impressions as to our social status in the South. If they will not believe us, they will "not believe though One rose from the dead.'' . The writer has lived in the South for nearly fifteen j'^ears and. I have the honor to say that I never was better treated or received, either by business men Or in the social circle; and especially would I make honor- oi'able mention of the kind and sj'inpathetic' attentions of the Southerft'' people in time of sickness and affliction. The writer has visited every Southern state Init Kentuck}', has travelled in the North and West from Maine to Mexico: and gives, as his opinion that, all things considered, viz : climate, soil, accessibility to the great markets of the Atlantic cities, and wide range of production that this is the best countr}' I have 3'et seen. The climate is as near perfect as one could, expect to. find, a medium between two. extremes, New York and Florida, except that being near the highest mountain range east of the Mississippi, it is cooler in summer than either^ — ^nights always cool and refreshing. The (21) winters are mild, with light Iklls of snow, which last onl}' for a few days,' and this for a very brief period. Stock can live out all winter, still it is best to leed them more or less for a couple of months. For sheep hus- bandry I consider it unsurpassed. If in Vermont it pays to keej) sheep and feed them nearly six months in the year, what will it not pay here, where it is only necessary to feed them from thirty to forty days. The same is ti-ue also of the dair}" business. In the products of this Pied- mont region we find a blending of the two .extremes of our country, all the ISTorthern products and some of the more hardy of the semi-tropics. Yevy respectfully 3'ours, A. J. CUETIS. , From Geo. B. Ilanna, Assayer of U. S. Branch Mint at Charlotte, X. C Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 15, 1879. A\ Dumont, JEsq.^ Charlotte, AT. C My Dear Sir :— My stay here has been prolonged be^'ond the time I had thought, and I shall not be able to return to niy residence, at Charlotte, for some two or three days, and hence shall miss the Conven- tion of Northern Settlers called for to-day. Were I in Charlotte I shoud participate in its proceedings- I beg leave, therefore, to assure yon by letter of ray best wishes for your success in removing misconceptions of ill-treatment It is only common justice for me to say that in nine years residence in North Carolina I have received kindness on every hand, and have made as many and as cordial friends as in any ])]ace, except among my immediate relations. Trusting" that your ettorts ma}^ succeed in sending abroad that i))- formation, which shall lead.to juster views, I am vr /• »vri Yerv trulv yours, ^ GEOEGE B. IIANNA. Hon. Clinton A, Cilley, formerly pf Mass., and one of the State judgeshi 1868, now an Attorney at Law at Lenoir, Caldwell county, N. C., writes : Lenoir, N. C, Dec. 21, 1878. A. JDumont, Esq. Dear Sir : — Serious illness in my familv has hindered my acknowl- edging 3'our circular heretofore. I now wri^e to sa}' that I cordial!}' approve of your suggestions and to answer the question proposed. , I am from New Market, Ncav Hampshire, whence I AventtoBeston: Mass., and after graduation at Harvard College, went to Minnesota. 1 enlisted in Co. C, 2d Minnesota Yol. as a soldier, was 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut, and Captain of that company, and commissioned ^lajor of the Eegiment, whi^h last I declined to accept. Commissioned as Captain and A. A.G., was afterwards Major and A. A. G. and Lieut. Col. and Col. bj^ brevet. From April, 18G5 to Sept., 18G6, I was on duty in North Carolina, and during the last part of my service here was brouglit into familiar con- tact with the people of AVestern North Carolina. T like-l them and the (22) climate so much that on being mustered out I settled in this place, ob- tained my law license, and with the exception of a brief term of service as Judge in 1878 ; have ever since jDracticed my pi-ofession in this and the adjoining counties. I have crossed the Blue Kidge night and day scores of times, have attended courts in the wildest mountain counties. a,nd am well acquainted with the manners and morals of our people in this section. I was well known to have been an ex-yankee officer, and have never pretended to be ashamed of my old uniform. Under these circumstances I can gladly say that I have been con- stantly, and I believe, sincerely ti'eated with the utmost courtesy and regard. I have never had an uncivil word or blow, have been freely admitted to the best society, have never been questioned as to politics or the war, save when I showed that such conversation would be agree- able to me, and have been welcomed by all I met, on the ground that I had thrown in my lot among the citizens of the State and was working to build up the community. I know of no state or town where caj^ital would be safer or more gladly welcomed and protected, or where a stranger, from the North, of any political opinion, who comes intending to live and work hei'e, as the rest of us live and work, would be in better odor ; 3'et I heartily appreci- ate, also, the contempt with which a few bad men from our army have inspired the good people of the State by their reckless self-seeking and attempts to revive and rekindle the dying embers of the late war, by pandering to the credulity and passion of the suddenly freed negroes. If I can, I will be at the proposed convention. Truly, C. A. CILLEY. From L. 'N. Wilcox, formerly a Pennsylvania soldier, now and for eight years a merchant at Lynn, Polk county, N. C. : Lynn, N. C, Dec. 17th, 1878. Mr. N. Dumont, Charlotte, iV. C, Dear Sir : — Your letter of Dec. l-lth to hand. I cannot at present see my way clear to be in Charlotte on Jan. 15th, but will put myself on record as you desire. I I am a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., was a member of E. B. Hamp- ton's Independent Battery Pennsj^lvania Volunteers. Have resided in my present location about eight 3*ears. Politics on national questions Eepublican, but on State affairs Conservative, as tvhite home rule is the only hope of the south. I can cheerfully testif}^ to the uniform kindness of all parties with whom I have had business or social relations, and do not think my be- ing a native of a Northern state has been any disadvantage to me. As to climate and soil, speaking of the Piedmont region I think the climate unsurpassed and the soil on bottom lands very rich, uplands moderate, but owing to climate, the value of products per acre, exceed in money value, those of the rich fields of Kansas and Minnesota. I annex the names of Northern settlers who can be referred to by (23) letter or otherwise all within live miles of my location, and we want more, manufacturers especially, w'ho can obtain water power /ree of cost and of unlimited amounts. Names of settlers : Dr. Wm. Stimson, New York, Landrums, S. C. ; A. Chrisman, Pennsylvania, Columbus, N. C. ; A. Haman, Michigan, Lynn, N. C. ; T. Hoyt, New York, Earlesville, S. C. ; S. J. Wood, Pennsylvania, Lynn, N. C. ; Eev. A. N. Iveigwin, Iowa, Wilmington, Del. The latter has purchased a location on the Thermal Belt and will make it a sunamer residence, while residing permanently at Wilming- ton, Del. Yours respt, L. N. WILCOX. Gilbert Bros, merchants and farmers in Iredell county, N. C, formerly of Brooklyn, N. Y., writes from Congers, Iredell Co., N. C, Dec. 20th, 1878. iV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir: — In reply to your circular of the 14th inst., my brother and I will come to the Convention. We take very much interest in any- thing that w^ill be of benefit to the country, and will do all in our power to aid and forward the movement. We both came here from Brooklyn, New York State. I, over four and my brother over three years ago, and can both say heartil}^ that we could not have been better treated had we been among our friends in place of strangers. So far as it being a detriment to a man, his coming from the North is, in our estimation, rather a benefit than otherwise, provided he comes for legitimate business, whether agricultural or otherwise, and not as (I am sorry to say) many of our Northern brethren have, to make all they can out of a downtrodden people in a political way. I think energetic measures should be taken to counteract the libels put upon these people. You can count on us for all the influence we can bring to bear upon the questions at issue and believe us ever heartily yours in this cause. J. J. & W. L. GILBERT. H. S. Lucas, capitalist, formerl}- of Brooklyn, N. Y., now of Franklin, Macon county, N. C, writes : Franklin, N. C, Jan. 1st, 1879. jY. Dumont, Esq., Ckniiotte, N. C, Dear Sir : — Your circular bearing date Dec. 2.5th, is before me. I first visited North Carolina April, 1875, coming directly into the Mountains, having no friend or acquaintances in tl:e State, searching for Corundum, a mineral used in the place of Emery. I was received in the kindest manner and had everj^ assistance desired. In April, 1877, I again visited the same locality with my wife and lady companion, an Artist. The grandeur and magnificence of the Mountain scenery no word can delineate. The scenes (to my mind) were perfect in setting (24) and detail, and I determined to place them on canvas. Two large and beautiful paintings are now in Brooklyn, as the : result ' of' this Artist'.s work. Dui-ing the summer and autumn of 1877 I journeyed over a large portion of Western North Carolina on horseback,- arid most of the tinie eritirely alone.: Also Middle Alabama ; passing through and spend- ing sometime in Georgia. March 8th, 1878 I went, rcith my wife and lady companion to Tallapoosa county, Alabama, spending five months, living with the planters and riding over the country searching for min- eral. June 20th, 1878, I returned to North Carolina. Traveling' all the summer and autumn in North and South Carolina, staying and sleeping with the farmers. ■ I liiive invested five thousand dollars in a Corundum Mine including six hundredacres of land. During all this time we have . met with nothing but respect and kindness, and if one does not secure friends in the South, it will be because he does not deserve them, .. Any person minding their own business is as safe from insult or harm as in c-ity of Springfield, or any jmrt of Mass^achusetts. The South is limit- less in its amount of mineral wealth, its rich la,nds and, healthful ,cli- i]p,;ate8. , The land is cheap; some of the finest I ever saw can be had for iep doliars an acre. As a winter residence Middle Alabama surpasses ajiything I have- ever seen. ' I was not in the army: but ha;vc talked freely with hundreds on the war, of its ca,uses and effects, have heard no CQmplaints, defiance or threats against. the North. Politically I have expressed my opinions freely as in Massa.chusetts. J, v.-as an aboUtion-c ;i§t"befpj"e the,>var,. a republican, since. The whole difiiculty is with ths poiiticuins and political papers, and with such the Southern farijiers ha- ^;o more sympathy^. than the Ngrthern man. It offers the finest Ojjer tunities for the' investment of Northern capital, intelligence and indus- Iry ev.qr opened in tl^e history of the CQiWtry. . . jif pqssible I shili bq.dn Charlotte. , .Fearing-, that I fljay^ j;^pt) a^ I expect 10 go North on business soon, 1 send thi^. \ .-.,,■ i,,^ ,,,.. Yours very truly, , ,11. S. LUCAS. Jbhi^'F.Engie. lived Spu^ home to, ''4ght in the FedpraJ aifmy avid g^fter the war came South, read his testimony : ' ' . Enfield, N. C. Dec. 28th, 1878. Mi'DuMont, Esq., Charlotte, ISI. 0., Dear Sir : — Your circular received. Can't be, present at your Con- vention. Will comply -with your i-equest. I came from New Jersey in 1857, (am from Quaker stock) to North Garoliiia. Staid until the war commenced, was so bittealy opposed', to secession, that in 18G1 I went home where I could find kindred spirits. Was, with the Army of the Potomac until the surrender at x'Vi)pomattox, em]iloyed as Photograi)hcr. Caaho immediately back to this State and stopped in Greensboi-.o until fall,;: iTioved my family then to Florida, then to (feorgia, then to Ohio ; and last pctober twelve months ago moved to Raleigh which is now my home. Have traveled aiuMvorked in twenty-nine counties in the (25) ..'.'. . ,H! •■'! ■;".ii-' ■ ' ■ ■ !■■ ■■ ■ ■ ■'■ ■■' ' >■■■ Stiite, fi'oiu the east to the extreiae west,, aiafJiiaveanrexibcraBiveaequaink' tance, ,:A11 liavc treated me covdially and shown n\o evoiy attention. Kavenoyer votpd but once in my life, then Ibr Fremont and Dajrton. I find a sober honest niaji is as much thought of iia this vState, (if he was an honest Union soldier) as at home. jN^o better prospects for the farm- er, niechanip, or the man of nipi^jsy to invest,thanjSforth. Carolina. Soil ofanyJ^ind. dlMnate; all that; one, cK)uld wish. IIay<^ been thi'ough the. West and tiiid the Sonth,.and its, people j«;0r<;.e©ilgQiiiail'ityf''3ne .thiaiiiaivf • • ^theiv^ection T e^'cr- ii\-i^d in. l~Jospectfnlly; ,.- ; . i, i ' ■ From te John \Vdb^lHmlse,'^rmerh- u-'X. .v J •.>.;, ; mv Mt<'r'o/' ho- •'Register at Oondord, j^. 0. X. Dirmont, Esq., ChaHotte, N. C. Dear. Sir: — Your cii'cidar on haml. The nioVqnieiii meetti. ^tli my heiirt^" approval. I will attend the Convention oh t'lic IStli inst. I have been a resident (jf the South 12 years, and (except for 8 months in AlabaWa) all of the time in the three counties of Mecklenburg, Lincoln and Cabarrus in ISTorth Carolina. M}' experience with the Souther]! : ]ieople has been the happiest part of my life. M3' son and several others from Concord will attend'. ' TVe feel that it is the happiest thought sug- gested since .i'econ^truction, and initst result in great good, not" only to the Soutli ])i'.t to the Avhole nation in correcting false ihipressionr,. * ' Yours. TKO. WOOBJTOtJSB. E. T:'Ml5SDli;'lfernibi'*l'i?'8flA'hn, Mass., Writes: ,,,_,,, :..,u>!.> AsHPYiL^.E,M:^f.C'biQt5p, Ptb,il878i :/)■; X. Buniont,.C%artottc, jS.,.C;'-, ■■,'(• • ■ ••• .1:!! 1 >'< ■■■ ■■'■ '' Dear Sir: — Your circular in reference to the hqlding of the "'Con- vention of Xorthorn incn," came duly to hand. I camq here from L3'nu, Mass., last May, and am extremely well pleased with the climate, the soil and the people of Western ^NTorth Carolina. The people. are hospitable and sqeial, and hai'bor no bitter- ness of feeling for northerners. The climate, is from every c^-idence yet shown, superior to any other section of country of its size on this con- tinent, and the soil is capable of almost any result in good skillful hands — turnishing now to its occupants (what is tilled) a good return with H'arcely any labor and less brain work. The diversified interests to which this region is adapted, and its nearness to markets, renders it a superior State for immigrants, and must eventually become a coveted spot for capitalii^ts and people seek- ing rural honies. At present so far as I can learn, there is no place North, East or AYest where peoi^lc can obtain a living more easily, cheaper or better than here. Men competent in almost any mechanical pursuit, and farmers with very little capital, can secure a home and good living. Capitalists, in our opinion, could not find a safer place for in- (26) vestment. Both labor and capital are only needed to metamorphose this region to almost a paradise on earth. Quite a number of Northern immigrants have arrived in this sec- tion in the last few months. Each one that has come has sent back encouraging words to their fi'iends in the North, and we anticipate see- ing many more this coming Spring. I like your idea of the Convention, and regret that my business is such that it will be impossible for me to be there. It will inaugurate a new era in the South, and we certainly hope all will be realized from it that is desired, so that in the future a check may be put to the many slanderous newspaper squibs which infest the Northern press. I had no personal participation in the late war. Much more might be said of the many advantages of the South for Northern immigrants. I hope a hearty response will be made to this movement by all Northern men now in the south, if it is only a word : and think that such response will have its reward. If this is of any value, make what use of it you wish ; and I bid you Godsjieed. Yours truly, E. Y. EUSSELL. T. A. Davis, formerly of Chester, Penn., now Supt. of Mt. Holly Cotton Mills, at Woodlawii, Gaston county, N. C, writes: WooDLAWN, N. C, Dec. 24th, 1878. N. Buinont, Esq., CharloW'. N. C. Dear Sir: — Y'ours of Dec. 18th received and contents noted, Ithink the step 3"ou have taken in this matter is one in the right direction. I have long thought that something of this kind should be done, and Sir. what assistance I can render in a matter of so much importance isfi'eely offered. I will attend at the appointed time if sickness don't prevent. I have been in this State three years. My former residence was at Chester, Penn. I did not serve in either army. Yqy\ respectfully, T. A. DAVIS. A. E. Bradeen, formerly 9th Maine Infantry, now a minei\ resident at Monroe, Union countv. N. C, writes : Monroe. N. C, Dec. 23rd, 1878. N. Ihimont, Esq., Charlotte, A, C. Dear Sir: — Yours of the 14th inst. to hand. I have been from home for the past two weeks, hence the delay in answering 3-our letter. Nothing would give me more ])leasiire than meeting you and other Northern men in Charlotte on Jan. 15th, but it will be impossible for me to meet you, as my business will not permit me to leave, but I will say to all of our Northern brethren to come to North Carolina ; you will receive a hearty welcome. I have lived in North Carolina since the war, and I would not give its climate and soil for any other State in the Union. The newspapers may bladge and blow about the people, but I (27) ask 110 better treatment from any people than I have received at the hands of North Carolinians. I was a Union soldier, served four j'ears and three months in Co. E, 9th Maine Vols, and some of my most inti- mate friends are men who I have faced in battle, now they stick as close as a brother. Who could not live among such people, I do hope that the day is not far distant w^hen all strife between the tAvo sections will be no more, and Avheii they know each other thei-e will be the end. Youi-9. truly, A. E. BKADEEX. S. T. Kelsey, an immigrant from Kansas, and settled in Macon county, N. C, writes thus': Highlands, Macon Co., 'N. C„ Dec. 18, 1878. 2Ir. A\ Bumont, Charlotte. N. C, Dear Sir: — Yours of the 11th and 16th received. Am very glad to hear from you and fully appreciate the objects of the proposed con- vention ; but will not be able to attend. We will get up a statement setting forth our treatment in this country and get a goodly number of Northern people, located here since the war to sign it. We may be able to get some of our folks to go to the meeting. I was brought up in New York State ; lived 10 yeare in Kansas, and came here from Kansas ; was not in the TJnion army, but a Union man and a Republican. Have always been well treated here and free to talk and vote as I pleased, as I believe all other Northern people have in this part of the country, But for the fear of not being well treated, I believe there would be an immense immigration to the South. And the feeling Avill be very hard to overcome. The Republican pa]iers North and the Democratic papers South will try to keep up the strife for ])oUtical purposes — as I fear — 'till after the next presidential election. We may do something to coun- teract these adverse influences, and I am ready to aid so for as I am able. Truly yours, S- T. KELSEY. [A statement from this colony will be found in Appendix.] J. H. Marsh, Postmaster at Lincolnton, a Union man through the war, writes : Lincolnton, Lincoln Co., N. C. Dec. 24th, 1878. X. Dumont; Esq., Charlotte, JV. C., Dear Sir : — Your circular of the 14th came to hand.. I was born in England, emigrated to Berkshire County, Mass. in 1849 — married there. That event only makes me half a yankee. Moved to North Carolina in 1855. I pass with most of our people here for a yankee, however. I am very much interested in your object and meeting. As my business causes me to travel over a great part of Western North Carolina, I have become well acquainted with a great many of her peo- ple, and have alwaj's been treated with kindness^ notwithstanding I (28) have always differed with them in polities, and have always taken Ee- publican papers before the war and since. My candid opinion is that any Northern man can naake piore by farming and stock raising, and make it easier, in Western North Carolinia, than ho can in any other part of our country. Climate is sucli that he can work out of doors most all winter. The Avater is just as good as can be found 'in ISTeAv England. Imjiroved farms can be obtained very cheap ; as to soil he can find most all kinds, and well tiihhere(l ; he can find pl^ntj" of farms for sale in most of the Western counties. As to social treatment, I have always been treated well with the mass of the people. He must not expect to find the mass of the people as well educated as the Isovc Englandev. If he " will act well his part, there all the honor lies. '■■ Will ho glad to answer any questioii you or otheys would wishlp ask. Yourstrul_y, ./I ,.(' J. If. MAESH,,P. M. .bM/( ruo/— sairi HhAii Thos. .]. CongeH fai-mer and capitalist in Ired^l^ l:'5flnf3*;^If;"^.,'f'itn'd un- til four years aigfV coiiiiected with the American Bible Soeiet}', vrritcs from his homo {^it C5()'B^^i^''k,'N. C.:' .'i';i>. j. A tr/. ..i ■[,,// ,; CoNGERri's' iNii'>Cl., >bec. 21st, 1878. X Duinont, Esq., Charlotte, K. 6'.,' ■' ' '' ■ / '-i^-'^ ■"> • Dear Sir:— Yours of the ISthl^Aiaio to hialld. ' ;'I estitio down hero by the advice of my phtsiciA]!, foilr "s'V^ars ago last spring. I had for fifteen years previous been ^onliectod with the American Bible 8ocie-ty Bil)le liousi?, New York City. My health became improved alter I was here one year. 1 liked the place and people, and was so well pleased I sold some of my valuable jn-operty I had in Brookly, N. Y., and on the lludfSon, and invested it iii'real estate and mort<;-ages in this and Eowan coilBty. I call say I have received the greatest kindness from the peo- ple, and can say .that the opinion I had before I camo, and that the most of the Nf)rthern people l>elieTC;' that because a man came from the North he woxild not be respcctfidly received l>y the people of the South, is a great mistake. I -\vas not in the Fecfcral Army, for the reason that my health vvas So |)<)oi'. T a])i)i'ove of the (\)nvention because it is to spread the truth. ' Yerv trulv yours, tliOS. J. CONG^EE. From Y. K. .'^poai', :i Kansas and JMassachusotts soldier and republicaii. now in Asheviile, N. (_'., merchant. Asin-^.viLLE, N. C, Pee 30th. 1878. X. Dumont, Esq.. Choi-Mte. N. C. Dear Sir : — Your circular letter of 18th instant came dulj' to hand. I regret exceedingly my inability to meet you on that occasion; because, r will be in Nevr York on that day on imjjortant busiiiess. I am con- vinced the tneeting will be of ij;i'eatl»enefit to all who will be present, and also to the South, and the countrv at hvrge. I glndly write of my (29) experience here, since I. came South, and give you my views of matters suggested by you. ... iT' i.. < ,i; : ■• . ■ /> •=- :; ^ , i' ■ .. ■ I am a native of tha State of Maine; served in the 2nd Kansas and 38lh Mass. Inliintrv;, also in Veteran Reserve Corps during the Eebellion. ■■'.: Since the close of the war I have resided in Massachusetts until .October; 1874, wh.eu on accoun;t,of ill. health, I, removed to thii^ ;plaee . rwith my family.' . 1 i J . f ,;it . ,'»»!'. ■■■ •!;;.irffn'' orl ■ r ^Mf)?-;.- <;• i;»>"*<' have raised fruit, and for the last fifty veal's you could hardly go to u farm house where you did not find one or two, and sometimes more, varieties of fine apples. Every one who saAv them (strangers) was astonished at their great size and fine flavor, but in consequence of our remoteness from nutrkct, no one cared to raise more than was necessary for home consumption. Our surplus M-as dispotit^l of I'v l)eiiig hauled (30) in wagons to Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and the eastern por- tion of this State — often a distance of a hundred miles or more ovei* rough roads — where their superiority always commanded the highest price ; sometimes as much as five dollars iper bvshel. But within the last ten years railroads have been gradually approaching us, until now we are about to witness the completion of two fine railroad lines, crossing each other at this place, which will be completed in about twelve months. " Since this better state of things has been nearing us, Ave have been buying and planting more extensive orchards of different kinds of fruits, of the finer and more improved varieties. A few of these here and there have come into bearing, and it has thus been demonstrated that the same varieties grown here are larger and of finer quality than they are on any other portion of the globe. To illustrate this fiact, I will mention that I have seen specimens of the Fall Pippin that weighed twenty-six and a half ounces ; Buckingham or Eqninetely twenty-two ounces ; Bujf' twenty-four" ounces ; Twenty Ounce Pippin twenty-four ounces, and other varieties in proportion, and this too on standard trees, and without an}^ special Cfure or attention." Not only are our apples of stiperior size and quality, but the same may bo said of peaches, pears,, plums, cherries and the small fruits. Grapes rarely rot in aruy portion of this high elevation. Here we never have a failure of apples, and on our thermal belts (about three hundred feet above the valleys on the mountain sides,.) the j^each seldom fails, as it is free fi-om frost, except in mid-winter. On no portion of the globe is there pre^iented to fruit growers and pomologists such a field for their enteqtrise and operations. We are in the midst of the south with a market for our fine fruit in every direction, east, west, north and south. We want men experienced in the business, and with capital suiRcient to go forward at once, and a few years will demonstrate what I have asserted as our merit in this resj^ect. Our lands are cheap (from $1 to $10 per acre,) and w^e have the finest climate and purest water that providence has given to any portion of the American Continent.. Our inhabitants are unusually peaceable and law-abiding, and will wel- come good citizens from any portion of the globe. It will afford me pleasure to give in detail any inforination that I may be able to import,^ relative to the country, to those who may address me at this place.." We have no fever and ague here, and a mosquito is a curiosity in Asheville. Our winters are short,, and are variable as to time, and amount of snow, and rainfall, as is common in all mountainous regions.. The nights- here are always cool,, in summer and winter. S>prin.gs of fine water are abundant The scenery is grand, and rugged, and of great variet}' — ^and this feature is one of the reasons for the large number of visitors who come here for health and plersure. The soil is genei'ally good au'd productive, and much of it is very rich -^ but it is generally badly cultivated, wke-ia judged from noi-irbern. (31) modes of ftirmin^. Landn can be bought in Weatern North Carolina at 50c to 40.00 per acre. All kinds of grains, grasses and roots are raised here — and its to- bacco crop is second to none in quality ; while the apples have a nation- al reputation. All fruits (except tropical,) are raised here in abundance. The mountains are covered with timber, consisting of many kinds of oak, hickory, pine, locust, cherry, chestnut, black and white walnut, ash, Birch, beach, &c., &c. I am tirmly of the opinion that the average native does not work more than six months in the year. I believe in colonies because I am convinced by personal observation that the individual soon drifts into the "slip-shod " ways and habits of the native. This section is peculiarly adapted to stock raising, and in a colony. Dogs, the great nuisance of North Carolina, could be abated and sheep raising would become a great industry here. We need a Bank in Asheville, more than any other appliance to business interests. We need a good hotel kept in the best manner; but to do it right, the proprietor, manager and servants must be importetl. With all our natural resources, good climate, kindly ieeling of the people toward those who come here with the piirpose of becomino- per- manent citizens. The great abundance of water-power, minerals, pro- fusion of timber, productive lands, &c., &C. 1 cannot but think that northern capital and labor will be productive of good results, and make happy homes for thousands who are seeking homes in the South. I have given you some of the most important ideas which have oc- curred to me. I wish I could have the pleasure of meeting you in the Convention to express myself more fully. I am yours very truh', V. K. 8PEAE. Facts as to products })er acre near Goldsboro, N. C, bv Capt. Geo. S. Campbell, of the old 25th Massachusetts Vols., and for some time a Eevenue Officer in North Carolina, now at Goldsboro, N. C. GoLDSBORO, N. C, Dec. 30th, 1878. i\''. Duniont, Esq., Charlotte, iV. C Dear Sir : — The circular, with your signature, received. I was born and raised in Worcester county, Mass., lived the most of mj' life in Worcester. Served in 3d Batt'n. Eifles as private under under Chas. Devens, Jr., 3 months troops, commissioned as 1st Lieut. Co. D, 25th Massachusetts Vol. Infty. Had command of said Company from Feb. 8th, 1862, until Feb. or March, 1863. Since have resided in New Berne, N. C, most of the time, until 1870, when I came to this place as Asst. Assessor V. S. Internal Eevenue, then as Deputy Collector^ and lastly as U. S. Ganger, and noM* in Mercantile business. Capital in the South can be used to as much W(!lvantage't{^ in the North. I would advise those having small capital, to buy what land they can pay for. and make truck farms, but do n6t attempt it if vou (32) have to run in debt. Peas, Beans and. Cucumbers pay itgraiit (ij|. good- seasons) from S25,to ^lOOi^er acr« I cleared on one- acre, of. Q^cunybers last year over $100, on two acres of Snap Beans aiid four .acres, of. E^rlj . Garden Peas, not oyer ^25., Strawberries after tbe 1st year pay froin 85Q to ,$300 per acre, cost of setting out about $5.0 per acre. ..Xiandin this vicinity is worth from 810 to $50 per acre, according to quality and nearness to Eailroads. Plenty of it for sale, as raising cottoii at present prices, cannot be done .lyith profit. The greatest.d^wbjaG^iUftl^fg part of the .State is giving mortgages for supplies. . , v ■ , ■ ,: -t • When I first came to this place, holding an office, and not kuo.wji, , I was, with a few exceptions, let alQne, but since I have idenlifibd .my-- . self with the place I lijive no cau^e to complain. , . M3:.^.eif and iapiily have been, well, re.qeived anid>w ell .treated. .1 was ^Iso ejiec^ed to the,- Captaincy of the "(xoldsboro Eift^p,'.'-, also, ^ r^-elected, vvhieh I cousider as a maj'jkjfif'.respe^tj ^nove espp,cialiy -^s I^am a Eepubliqan. , .^oii^yiow have my,',^''afe'6'befQ},y2.y(^u.', 3^,am,:^eryi^ppctfuiiy yours,, r- .'f.'in ■- ■■.'<;>(■ GEO. S. CAMi»BELL. M. B. prince,, ibrmerly , of kSchuy ler count}", !N, T,i no\Y , a . , lii,rHic.:^* , . i^i, Forsythe count}', 'N. C., shows ,wb,at caii be.don^ on 5.0 a^rps, . „, Brookston, Z!ir;.)j0;j>-3^eQ.>81st, 1(878; '. Mr. M- Vumont, Cluniotte, lY. C, •' '■..,■:!;!'-,■.'■■!■' .Mm-. , Dear Sir: — Your circular received and road. I would be nipf'fe happy to visit Charlotte at the time mentioned, but will be unable to do so. As to the objects of the proposed Convention.: .lean say for myself that the natives have treated myself and family with as much kindnes.s and ' respect as strangers could expect to receive. There seems to be no ill feeling towards yaukees, and all A^'ith whom I have talked are as free to condemn the wrongs committed by the Confederacy as those perpe- trated b}'. the forces of the Government. The main purpose for which I came South, was the improvement of the health of a consumptive memlter of my lamily. That object hasbeen obtained, even more than we hoped, in tact almost a perfect recovery. In this part of the State ■ we do not find the soil as strong as that of our native place in AVestern 'New York, yet after a ti'ial of three years we are learning now better to manage it, so that when it has been much impoverished Vy careless cultivation and constant cropping.; wo can produce paying crops. The , practice. of keeping little or no stock, by letting the manure be Avasted ; in the v/oods and old fields,, Avhere the cattle, hogs, &q., pick up a preca-;- rious livelihood the whole year rpund, is all wrong, and of necessity . brings the small farmer to the poor house. I practice soiling in a small • way, and by that means am enabled to make considerable manure. I apply to my little farm of 50 improved acres more home-made, ma- nure than some of my neighbors on ten times that number of acres. , In this vicinity Ave are considerably engaged in fruit growing; more peaches and grapes than any other, though some are cultivatiing straw- berries and other fruits. Though fruit does not pay the big profits of (33) war times it is fairly remunerative, 8o much so as aiiv thing in the^e hard times. I have been here three years, eanie troni Schuyler county, N. Y. Was never in the army. Please send me report of Convention, ai;d should you decide to publish in circular form would be glad to absist. iu the distribution. Yours Trulv, M. B. PEINCE. From John Hinman, formerly of New York, Avho foutrhtundt-r RcynoldtJ and Meade, now a farmer in North Carolina. EiDGEWAY, N. C Dec. 28th. 1878. JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, Dear Sir : — I have to-day received your circular. I believe you are taking a step in the right direction. If Northern pt'oplc come Soutb, it must be chiefly through the efforts of Northern peoplt^ already hav- ing homes in the South. The persistent efforts of some politicians and papers to keep the "bloody shirt" constantly before the Noi'thern people, not only does the South a great wrong, but injures, in moi"e ways than one, those of us who have made our homes among the Southern people. It would afford me great pleasure to attend your Convention, but I cannot be from home at that time. I am a native of New York State, have lived a number of years in Pennsylvania, and moved to this State from Pennsylyania four years ago, lived one year in Raleigh and three years at this place. I was a Lieut, in Co. H, 6th Eegt. Pennsylyanii* Reserve Corps, and served under both Reynolds and Meade. I have done something in Real Estate here, and have induced sev- eral families to come out, but owing to the extreme '-hard tinies," and. also the great amount of prejudice existing towards the South, I have tried but little during the jrear. But for two yeai*s I wrote regularly to several papers in New York, and I had a very extensive correspondence. We have a splendid climate in this State ; good water ; a soil easily brought up ; abundance of timber, water power and minerals, and pro- duce a variety of crops of fruits second to no other State, and are at the very doors of the best markets in the World, and all we lack is working men and eapital to develope these natural resurces. If your Convention can devise ways and means to bring people South, you will accomplifeh a great and good work. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time, and especially after your meeting in January, and I will be glad to co- operate with you in any way in my power to bring about the object sought. Very trulv vours. JOHN HINMAN. Geo. F. Scott, formerly of the old 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, wants hie friends to come to North Carolina. AsHEViLLE, N. C. Jan. 2nd, 1878. JV". Bumont, Charlotte, iY, C, My Dear Sir: — Your kind favor of the 18th has been received. I am sorry to inform you that I shall be unable to meet with you at the (34) Convention. I believe it will prove a success, and maj God speed the work. You and I know that the South possesses advantages which will some day, and that not far distant, place her in advance oftherestof the country. I came from NeAvton, Massachusetts, was in the Federal Army during the war, in the 1st Massachussetts Cavalry, Co. C. . I find that my Southern brethren have accepted the results of the war, and are now trying to improve and build up their country. They welcome, with open hands, all who come to help them — never asking your politics — only if you are an honest and worthy Inan. I number among my best friends some who have served in the Southern Army. When I think of the thousands in my old State who are struggling to keep above want, if they only knew the advantages which this countiy has for them to get comfortable homes, and a fair compansation for their labor, they would not hesitate long in coming here. I came here last March and was successful in finding business as soon its I : arrived. The climate here is the best that I have ever seen. That, combined with the cheap- ness of living, and a growing place, makes it a desirable place to immi- grate to. Wishing you great success in your glorious undertaking, I remain, yours truly, GEO. F. SCOTT. Fi'om H. G. Whiting, a former Capt. of the 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery, a Massachusetts man, who has travelled through the South, now in business at Mooresville, in Iredell county, jS^. C. MooRESviLLE, X! C, Jan. 6th, 1879. JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, ]S\ C, Deae Sir : — I have j'our circular, calling a Convention of North- ern men about the 15th inst. I will attend it. I had intended to write before this, but have been prevented by business and the holidays. Like yourself, I am a native of the old Bay State, born in Milford, Mass., went out with the 25th Massachusetts Vols. (Co. "B,") remained with the Eegiment until after the battle of Newberne, and then was detailed as clerk in Gen. Burnsides' A. A. G. Office, where I renlained until 1863, when I was commissioned Captain in the 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery by Gov. Tod. After the war I travelled throughout the United States three times, and finally, in 1873, I went to Georgia — Bainbridge and Savannah — where I remained until a year ago. Last winter I travelled for pleasure, and in June came to this place and permanently located myself in the carriage and painting business. I have found the peojjle, everywhere, well disposed towards Xorthern men, that desire to see their adopted home thrive ; in this place particularly, the citizens wish Northern families Avith brains, money and muscle. I am a true son of the North, but I have decided that this section of the country is the best fo.i me to gain an independence, and I have taken an active interest in the local afl^airs of this, my future home, and have been met open handed, and substantiallj- encourjiged. I am inost heartily in sympathy with your undertaking, , ^nd believe that the (35) action of the Convention will be a long stride in the right direction, and accomplish the end designed. I will collect such information, as I am not in possession of, that several of the old citizens can furnish, and place it in your hands. One or two more i!^orthern men will accompany me from here. Please inform me of the date you Avish us to arrive in Charlotte, in order that we can arrange our business, &c. I have the honor to be, j^our ob't servt, H. G. AVHITING. Mr. S. J. Warrenj'a'n^in'er from Putnam Count}', X. Y., now resident in Mecklenburg county, ^. C, writes : Mint Hill, Mecklenburg County, N. C. Jan. 7th, 1879. JV". ibumont, Esq., Charlotte, jV. C, Dear Sir: — Your call of Northern men, to convene in Charlotte oii the 15th inst., meets with my most hearty approval. Fifteen months ago I left Putnam county, IST. Y., for this State, to engage in prospecting and opening up some of the old abandoned mines of Avhich this State abounds. My occupation has brought me contact with all classes and conditions of its people, and I find them everj^ where, open hearted, kind and generous, and freely welcome me as a friend among them. It did not fall to my lot to be in the army during our family quarrel. Hoping, if all is well, I shall be able to meet you on the 15th, and ex- change fi'iendly greetings, I am. Yours resjiectfully, ^ SAMUEL J. WARPEX. Robert Siddons, formerly of Buffalo, N^. Y., now a farmer in Guilford county, N. C, says: Greensboro, X. C, Jan. 7th, 1879. ^^. J)uiiiont, Esq., Charlotte, A'. C, . ;j, Dear Sir: — I received your circular a few daj'S ago. I am sorry I cannot. attend your Convention, but I endorse your move for a Con- vention of Northern men, only because it will stir up Southern men also. I moved from Buffalo, Erie county, X. Y"., about eight years ago, and settled here. I am farming at present. M}" neighbors, for miles around, are social and kind. Never lived in a better neighborhood. I moved here to find a mild climate. The soil is rather poor, but can, I think, bo brought up as easy as some of the Northern States'. I think a farmer can make a living here about as eas}^ as he can in' some parts of New Y'ork State. I was not in the aj'mj'. I Avas running on a Railroad out of Buffalo before I came here. Myself and family ncA-er Avas in better health than since Ave ha\'e li\'ed here. The country around here is A^ery healthA', the Avater good and soft. Yours respectfully, ■•:.«lq n, 11<;,.- oi; '\Wh . ROBERT siddons.^ Mt^; N. Phimadore, formerly of Canada and the "Western States, noAV*a Real Estate Agent in Raleigh, wi"ites : Raleigh, N. C, January, 1879. N. Bumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir : — It is impossible for me to be present at your CouA^e^- tion of Northern men, much as I Avant to be there, business prcA'onts, 80 must content myself by Avriting a letter and wishing the CoiiA'ention sue- (36) Cd'tfi. I was born in Canada, but lived several yeavn In the Western States, and came to Eastern North Carolina in 1870. There I had chills and fever, so moved to Raleigh in 1873. Being a wagon maker I carried on that business until I sold out. North Carolina has many advantages over her sisters ; she lies mid-way between the North and South ; tree from the extremes of heat and cold. Leaving out the low lands, and along the rivers, it is very healthy. Our mountains are perfect sanita- riums for people sutfering from all kinds of pulmonary attections, Con- sumption, &c. The scenery is beautiful beyond discription. The State J8 full of valuable minerals, such as gold, copper, mica, corundum, iron, asbestos, soapstone, chromic iron, graphite, galena, lime, barytes, coal, marl, alum, copperas, manganese, nickel, marble, granite, whetstone, building stones, limestones, &c. We have also all the days that are used in the arts; we have any variety of timber, of ney, &.(:., &<•., aa well an feed their own manufacturing interprises, that are sure t<^ spring up Avhen thore is so n\uch raw mato'ial in mineral ami timber at their own doors, (37) and where tWre is water power plenty to move all the machinery in the United States. To induce good citizenn to come here, we must sell them good land at as low prices a.8 possible, pi"otect them in their interest, iind not let them purchase too much laud because it is cheap. It is un- fortunate that Eailroads running South and in the South, do not carry passengers and immigrants as cheap as they do West, were they to give us the same rates as they do to the West, I believe thousands would come here, where ten do now. As to the people I have no fault to find. If men coming here are gentlemen, they are treated as such, at the same time do not trust everybody, for we have some that would cheat you if they got the chance. Your politics makes no difference'. Protestant denominations have churches everywhere, Catholic churches .are few, but her clergy will visit families at stated times. Altogether, I consider the highland part of this State the best place for the new settler and the capitalist to come to in the United States. Yours verv .respectfully. N. PLUM ADORE. A. H. Slocomb, formerly of Sutton, Mass., and for 12 years resident near Fayetteville, N. C, writes many A^ery valuable facts regarding pro- ducts, soils, &c. Fayetteville, iN". C, January 13, 1879. iV. Bumont, Esq., Charlotte, iV. C. Dear Sir : — Your Circular inviting me to take part in a conference ■(jf " Northern men who have settled in the South since the war," to be held in your city on the 15th inst, onl}' reached me to-day. I regret that the shortness of the notice will prevent my attendance, for I have long recognized the necessity for such a movement as you con- template, and most heartily sympathize with the objects you have in view. AVhat we need for the development of our splendid natural resources is the infusion of a new element into our population, bringing capital, intelligence and energy to utilize the cheap and abundant labor wo have. Immigration of the right kind has, in a great measure been kept awa;)' from us, as you suggest, by a misapprehension of our social condition and the treatment likely to be extended to settlers from the North Whatever prejudice existed shortly after the war has since died awaj^ and now, after a twelve years residence in this state, I bear eheerfid testimony to the kindness and hospitality of its people. Your Circular seems to call for information as to soil, climate, &c. I can only speak for this immediate section, eanbracing the counties of Cumberland, Sampson, Moore, Harnett, Bladen, Robeson and Chatham, what is generally spoken of as the upper Cape Pear region. Our climate, for healthfulness, cannot be surpassed on the habitable globe. Malarial diseases are rare ; consumption and malignat typhoid and typhus fevei's are almost unknown. Our lands vary in price and prwJiiictions. ranging from $15 to $20 per acre, and producing from 100 (38), lbs to 500 pounds oi" lint cotton per acre, and from 5 to 75 bushels of corn. The soil is quick, easily cultivated and responds readily to the ap- plication of fertilizers. Swamp lands can be bought for a mere song, and can, with a moderate outlay for clearing and drainage, be made im- mensely pi'oductive. Our manufacturing interest is still in its infancy, but our water power supplied by a large number of swiftly running streams and easily available, is simply unlimited. The four cotton fac- tories in the vicinity of Fayetteville, one of which is run by Northern capitalists, have been and are still doing a large and prosperous^ business. The railroad now being pushed forward t'S Greensboro, and. already com- pleted to the Gfulf, opens up in Chatham countrj^ mines of iron, coal and copper of inexhaustible richnes®, and forests of valuable timber. Two competing transportation lines to the Northern cities from Fayetteville have reduced freights to a figure absudly low. Hitherto our educational interests have been somewhat neglected, but now, in this city, a free graded school, well organized and efficiently managed, gives instruction to 450' pupils for ten months in the year. A refined and cultivated society, free from prejudice against him, extends to the Northern settler a generous and hearty welcome. The bitterness and hatred engendered by the war have passed awa3\ It is wrong that is people should be longer misun- derstood. Northern capital can find here a safe and profitable invest- ment, and Northern immigrants can build for themselves happ}" homes and surround themselves Avith a pleasant social circle. 'If, what I have written can, in your opinion, be used to promote the object for which you are striving, make such use of it as you think best. Again expressing regret that I cannot attend your Convention, and trusting that its de- liberations Avill result in much good, I remain. Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, A. H. SLOCOMB. A. iS. Ballard, formerly of Massachusetts, now of Asheville, N. C.,'giVes in his testimony : Asheville, N. C, Jan 12th, 1879.. JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, JS^. C, > Deae Sir: — Your favor of the 14th ult., inviting me to be present at ^meeting of northern men at Charlotte, was dul}" received. Business will call me in another direction at that time Avhich will prevent me from being present. I however think it is a step in the right direction and has my approval and sympathy .We have a very large territory stretching along, the Blue Eidge on both sides, which has wealth in minerals, water-power and agricultural resources which few dream of. One object of the meeting, I take it to be, is to remove the prejudice existing in the North and the fear of ill treatment, which many- entertain, that in settling here they will not find a w^elcome. I have had no opportunities for personal observation in the Southern States excepting Florida and North Carolina.. In Florida I resided nine years and always found resjiectable northern people well received and well treated. I have not been so long in North Carolina, but I do not hesitate to say that I have never been in any place, Noi'th or South, where I have been ta'cated. Avith more kindness (39) than I have experienced since I have been here. The Ruilroadsi which are now imdei' process of construction will make every town and eit^' on the seaboard from Savannah to New York, easily accessible and it will not cost two bushels of wheat to get one to mark'<^t as it does at the West.' ' Not the least important to the settler ihsole'ctini'; a location is the climate. I do not think there is a more healthy climate to be found in the United States than in Westerri North & South Carolina and Geor- gia. I trust that th6 result of this meeting will be a better understand- ing and appreciation of the advantages to the settler of a location i;i some of the Southern States. Yours respectfully, A. S. BALLAED, Mr. II. C. Hunt, formei-ly of Cincinnati, Ohio, now of Aahevillo, N. C, and a Eepubliean gives valuable, facts. ,..■■.■ i: I AsHEViLLE, N. C, Dec. 22d, 1878. jV. Bumont, Charlotte, JV. C, Dear Sir : — Yours of the 14th inst. has been received, and contents carefully noted. I would say in reply, that I have resided in Asheville since 1870. I moved from the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, and socially we could not have been treated better, had Ave moved from any one of the Southern States. I am a well known Eepublican, at the sametime, I have been better treated by the other, or Democratic party, in fact my best fnends are Democrats, and if I wanted a ftivor, I should go there for it. As for climate I think we have the best, the ^-ear round. Our soil is remarkably good for the chance it has had. We can raise all of the grain west of the Blue Eidge that can be raised in the Northern States and also grapes. There is not a better fruit country in the United States for both large and small. Tobacco is one of our best paying crops in some sections oftheeountiy. I can see no reason Avhy cattle and sheep raising might not be made a profitable business. We have as fine water power as can be found in this or any country. The French Broad that passes by our city of Asheville could alone furnish water poAver for the United States, and will when the Railroads are finished have 50 or 60 miles of continuous water power along the banks of this beautiful river. We have scarcely any but freestone water. Asheville has now about 8,000 inhabitants and is growing rapidly for a mountain town, we have everj'^ thing ,to make it a desirable country ibr the Northern Man; climate, soil and social treatment. Yours very truly, H.C. HUNT. Mr. Gle;iso'n, formerly pflN^yr Y'ork, ijow of Norih .Carolina; gAt^€i^! his . testitnoiiy. '■' • . Waynesville, Haywood Co., N. C, Jan. 14th, 1879. JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, K. C, ,^f r. ■■ Dear Sir :-— Your esteemed fayjor, inviting me to meet other North- ^ ern gentlemen in :Convention, at Charlotte, on the 15th of this month was not received until this date, rendei-ing it impossible for me to attend. I cordially approve of the step you contemplate, of placing a true staW- (40) ment of the estimation in which Northern men are held here, before the- people of the North, fully believing such a statement Avill have a tenden- cy to bring into the South Northern men and capital, thus rendering it the wealthiest as it is now the lovliest, part of our common country.- During a residence here and in East Tennessee of about ten years, I have found as firm friends, and as willing hands to assist me, as in the city of New York, where I was in business for twenty years. Let such facts be known and the term "Solid South" will soon be "the baseless fabric of a vision," and all over the land prosperity will once more reign. Regreting I cannot be with vou,^ I am truly vours, M. F. GLEASON. Mr. S. D. Wait, a disabled soldier of the old 22d Illinois Regiment, for 12 years a resident at Ealeigh, gives his views r " " Ealeigh, N. C\ Jan. 14th, 1878.. iV. Dmnont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, My Dear Sir : — Your circidar letter received in due time, and I hoped to answer in person on the 15th, hence delay ,^ but on account of sickness in my family, regret to write that I cannot be with you.. Yes ! I was in the Fedeval Army, a member of the 22nd. Illinois regiment, and was shot down at the battle of Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7th, 1861, and have been disabled ever since. I came to this State in January, 1867, and have gained many warm friends here. In regard to a Northern man living South, if he will mind his own business and act the gentle- man, he can get along as well, and make as many friends, in the South, as any where else. Regreting, again, that I cannot be with you, as I have many friends in Charlotte, I remain. Yours very truly, S. D. WAIT. Mr. W. F. Cornell, formerly of Guernse}^ county, Ohio, now and for six years past a farmer, who came to North Carolina in 1865 with Sherman's Army. Concord, N. C, Dec. 26, 1878. N. Duniont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, Dear Sir : — Your circular received, I am from Guernsey CountA' 0_ I came here in July 1865, came here with Sherman's armj-, settlied in number 9 township. I have always been treated with kindness and cour- tesy by the citizens of this county. I have worked for W. H. Orchard and Wm. Richards in the gold mines in this and the adjoining counties of Mecklenburg etc. I am a married man, my age is fifty two. My ex- perience with the Southern people has been marked with uniform kind- ness. I entered the United States army in 1861, remained with it until after the suiTcnder, Yov the past six year& I have been engaged in farm- ing. W, F. COliNELL. (41) Jiieiit. S. G. Blood, formerly of the gallant old 6th. Mass., who went through BaltiniQi-e with it, now a resident of Burke county, N. C, speaks: Park Hill, Burke Co., N. C, Jan., 12th, 1879. iV. Bumont, JEsq., Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir: — ^^-ours containing an invitation to attend a Convention of Northern Settlers to be held at Charlotte, Jan. 15th, is at hand, for which please accept thanks, hiit it will be impossible for me to attend, notwith- standing I should like very much to be present and do all I could to re- fute the erroneous opinions, which at the present time exist at the North in regard to the South, as a place to settle in. I came out here a year ago last May, and began to build up a home here for myself and family, and so far have not been in any possible way hindered or discouraged, but on the contrary, every one I meet treats me as well as I was ever treated in any part of the world, and, I have been almost all over it, and all are anxious to have more come and settle here, and help to develope the re- sources of this section of country, and they are great, the land is of fair quality, plenty of water, timber and stone, also brick clay, thus you see there is everything here that is necessary for a home for any man that has the ability to hew from the rough Ashler to a finished building. I believe the healthfulness of the climate cannot be surpassed in any part : would otherwise have gone. Your Convention will do much to- \' inwards giving, honest inquirers the truth, and will also, no doubt, be in- aa strumental in setting the people of the vSouth right before honest North- i -etnerp. I expect to return South in the Spring, and again to take up • ' my residence in the hospitable and energetic little city of Charlotte. Again let me express my hearty good wishes for your entei^^rise. -I am • . SQATY I could not be with you. Fraternally vours, : ..r:i!ili;;. Uji' E. H. GEEEK M. D. SOUTH CAROLINA LETTERS. Hev. Edward Cook, formerly President of Wilbrabam (Muss.) College, and by request of Gov. Claflin coming to South Cai'olina to preside over Claflin University, tells how he finds things : Claflin University and State Agricultural College, Orangeburg County, S. C. Jan. 15, 1879. Mr. N. JDumont, Charlotte, iV. C, Dear Sir : — Your letter reached me last evening. I desire very niueh to attend the Convention to assemble at Charlotte, X. C. to-da}', but do not see how I can do so at this time and on so short a notice. I was ten years at the head of the large literary institution at Wil- braham, Mass., and came here in Oct., 1874, to take charge of this insti- tution, over which I now preside, at the request of Gov. Clafiin, of Mass., and other friends of the colored man. My views of the situation were set forth in a recent letter to Mr. Merriam, of Springfield, Mass., and published in the Spriniield Republican late in December, 1878. My opinion is that, the Xorth is gi'eatly misled by the correspon- dence of the Northern jiross, who mistake and exaggerate the pai"ty political excitement. I know of no State Is^oi-th where the colored people enjoy superior rights to those enjoyed by them at the present time in this State. I have lived eight years at the West and traveled g\MieralIy through,,' that great section, and I say without hesitation, the South ])resents greater inducements to settlers' of small capital than jiny ]>ortion of country with which I am acquainted. Land is cheap and sutticiently productive under good cultivation. The winters are sriort and stock cheaply kept. v . „, Houses and other buildings are not neees(fiar,ily moi'c than half as expensive as at the North and West. The country now invites capital and manuiacturers. All who come for legitimate -business, purposes Avillbe well received and kindly treated.. Hoping vour Convention will be productive of great good, , , „,, ..^. ^ , Jmw very truly yours, EDWAlU) COOKE. E. R. Barcleen, 'formerly of New York, aiul lor ten years a resident of Aiken, S. C, Avrites : '/ij.in.i .-• ^, AiKEKT, S. C\,,;r^i)U^?-y.'j;, 1879. N. JDumont, Esq., Charlotte,'^ N.p^.^, • ,. ' ' t :< ..• :••; My Dear Sir : — I notice by the papers that you propose a Conve^V tion of Northern residents of the South, to be held in ycmr city about January 15th, to furbish a t-lutement of the condition, capabilities and resources, as well as individual treatment, in the Southern country. I cordially approve of the ]tlan, and will gladly attend such Conven- tion if it is to take place. J should be pleased to hear from you definite- ly, at once, in reference to the riiattei*. 1 have been a resident of the South for ten years, engaged in planting, raising stock, fruit, &c. Any information on the subject will be appreciated. Yours truly, E. E. BAEDEEK. From W. Dillingham, I'orrnerly of Ogdensburg, New York, now telegraph operator at Eock Hill, S. C •'' * Eock Hill, S. C, January 13, 1879. jV. Dumont, Charlotte, JV. C, Dear Sir : — Your Circular received in due time and contents noted. In rejjly I would say, I heartily concur and approve of the movement, but I regret mj' inability to be present on the occasion, as I am unable to get any one to relieve me during my absence- I am from Ogdensburg, New York, and have been living here over eight years. I am verj^ much pleased wnth the climate and water, and have as good a social standing as w^hen I lived North. Please send me a copy of such resolu- tions as may be passed by the Convention, as I would like to send it ta the Ogdehsbui'g Advance for publication. Please excuse my delay in not answering this sooner. I hojDC you will have a full Convention, and I regret I cannot be with you. Tour obedient servant, W. DILLINGHAM. Wm. Stimson, formerly of Canada, now a farmer at Bird's Mt., near Earlesville, Spartanburg county, S. C, on S. & A. E'. E'. BiRB's Mt., S. C, Dec. 25th, 1878. Major N. Dumont, Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir : — I received your circular of invitation to the Conven- tion in due time. I am not able to be present with you on the 15th Jan.. and as you wish, I write what I would like to say to }'ou. T came orig- inallj'- from Brant county, Ontario, Can., to this place, but some seven or eight years, and especiallyjduring the war, I resided in New York City. In 1870 i removed to Brandy Station, Va., and from there I came to my present home in 1873, staying a few months in the North Phcolett Val- ley, on my way. I have had eight years of Southern life, and have been under a great variety of outward conditions in that time, and have had quite a large family to provide for, and I speak from experience when I sa}^ the South is a first rate place to live in, both as to the individual Northern man as well as for a colony of such. One is only to be inspired with kind feelingSy be disposed to good habits, aiad' be industrious to sue- (45) ceed here, and one would not have to look far whose eyes were not blinded by a deep prejudice, but he Avould find quite as superior intelli- gence, with as good manners, generosity and hospitality in the South- ern people as may be found in the North. I find here, on this Moun- tain side, a very productive, red sandy loam, very productive when pro])- erly managed and manured well. It is the same soil that is found on all the uplands of the great Piedmont region of the Carolinas and Georgia, which has three or four varieties of color, chocolate, yellow, gray, red, creek bottom, and along the rivers, dark alluvial. I need doubtless say, as you have yourself observed, how this beautiful, sandy loam yields to wisely directed industry. After the clearing of an old field of its pine, or the original pine, oak and hickor}' have been removed, how it will yield an untold variety of cereals, flowers, fruits and vegetables, and tliat too in a climate unsurpassed for salubrity on the continent. Five years ago on this mountain side I constructed my log cabin in the w^omls, and if there is one place more than another in the South where I would likely to have been molested, it would have been here, but I have never been troubled. Exercising myself to treat all persons %vith the same consider- ation due to them, it is mine to gratefully testify to the honor of the southern friends I have made, their full measure of such virtue>^ as contribute to make one feel very much at home with them. As my own calling is farming and horticulture, simply to provide for my own, I am not able to speak from experience of the profits of manufacturi]ig, I leave that to others, simply saying there is great room, and fine water powers up in this section. One small cotton gin two miles from here sent away $5,000 of cotton this fall, upland cotton, and in up-country cotton belt, (the extreme limits of the belt.) I have not been trying to make money in the last five years here, indeed I have rather been willing to spend money and be spent in labor here, and so I have experimented f^ good deal, and have succeeded in all I have undertaken. I have planted u small vineyard of grapes for home consumption, and planted peach trees, and after three years I have refreshed my family, my friends, and my- self with most luscious Delaware and Concord grapes, and peaches in abun- dance. AVith the exception of the past year (in which we experienced an unusual drought, when the east wind prevailed for months, driving tli»i moisture away west of the Mississi])pi, there to deluge their crops ami ruin them.) we have not failed to rea[) as l)Ountifully as we were able U* sow, and had force to cultivate, wheat, rye. oats, corn, clover, •-giaiio inolasses cane" (the standard of excellence in molasses cane.) lucerne, pea- nuts, yams, cotton, tobacco. Irish potatoes, onions, parsnips, beets, and Fottler's early drum head cabbage, &c., &c. If thei-e be any thing desir- able in the wa}' of fruit and vegetables as Set forth in AVhite's (rardener for the South, almost all of then^ can be successfully raised here; and, becaused raised in a sandy loam, are of a superior quality and flavor. When one, by labor or capital, or both s])ent. shall have made his farm self- sustaining, there can be no 7nore pleasant place to live than in the Pied- mont region, more especially up under the mountain whei'e "thermal belts" -abound. With abundance of fruits and vegetables, with plenty of eggs and fowls, and jiork and beef, and mutton, which can be easily raised here. With the same vigilance necessary in any other place we can live well enough here, and often better than we deserve ; but it is true in the South, in an eminent degree, as well as in the North, indeed the world over for that matter, it is the hand of the diligent one that maketh rich, and so on the other hand, he that deals with a slack hand shall surely come to want. To those who may be induced to locate in the Carolinas or Geor- gia, through the saying and doing of your timely conference, I would like to urge the study and application of rules of work in garden field, as given by Southern men, so well suited to the peculiar climate here ; and they are ^"White's Gardening for the South," published by Orange Judd Co., New York, and the "Southern Cultivator," pul)lished by Jones, Athens, Ga. These, if followed, will insure success. While in farm machinery, the papers of the North are superior. Finally, with reference to my rela- tions to the late war, on the grovmd of Christian forbearance, I never esteemed it a privilege to bear arms, and did not do so. I have no polit- ical prejudices ; but I observe the present attitude of the South is long suflfering and forbearance. With kind reii-aixls and good wishes for your undertaking, I am sir, trul}', Your humble servant, WM. STIMSON. ' Wm. D. Munson, former Lieut. Col. 13th Ycnuont. writes from Green- ville, S. C. Greenville, S. C, Dec. 29, 1878. iV. Bwnont, Esq., Charlotte, K. C. „, ^^^^^^ rim>i': Dear Sir :— Your Circular of the 23rd inst.. is bcfore'-rfife^Witfi a re- quest from Mr. Brownell, (to whom it was 'addressed.) In reply to the same: your project is certainly a good one ami cannot fail to be of real benefit to many pei-sons and families at the North who do not understand the situation of' affairs and matters at the South. Mr. Brownell, Mr. Mc- Gregor, W. H. Munson and myself came to Seneca City, S. C, and the Highlands, N. C, last March, intending to settle in the South. I spent part of the summer at the North and returned six weeks since. We are all from Burlington, Yermont, and propose staying somewhere in the South. Being almost a stranger in Greenville, I have not as yet made the acquaintance of many Northei-n people, but learn there are several families living here. I spent a day in your city coming here six weeks since, and liked the place so much that I had intended going there again, and if possible shall be glad to come and attend your Convention. I had the honor to serve in the Federal Army during the war ; going out as Captain of Company D, 13th Regiment, Yermont Yolunteers, and goin. Mr. jr. Dumont, Charlotte, K. C. Dear Sir : — In response to an article publinhed in tiie papers, calling a Convention of NoT^hern men, or letters irom thosi^' of them living in the South, tor the purpose of discussing the feelings ivnd treatment of the Southern people towards the Northern people, and to know if in their judgment they would aen the happiest years of m}' life. I have visited most of the prominent towjis and cities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ten- nessee, Alabama and (Georgia. I have given neai'Iy one hundred concerts in these different ijlaces, visited over two thousand ]»T"ivate families, trained and taught a gri-at many ])upils. Few have had more to do with the Southei'u ])ecq)le than myself. I have shai'ed their homes and hospitality like a brother, and have ahvaj's expressed my sentiments (50) plainly, and if I have ever bad an unkind or an insulting word, it was from some foreigner or ignoramus. I will admit that some Northern men have been treated very rough- ly, but not half so much so as they deserved. I have had many men, who claimed to be from the ]!S^orth, make themselves very agi'eeable to me and tell me how badl}- they were treated just because they were Northern men, and who advised me what to do. In nine cases out of ten, I have found that they were outcasts, or tramps, who never were anybody nor ever could be, or that they were plotting and planning with the negroes, and because they were not made lords of by the people, they have written many lies which has given the South a bad reputation in the North, If good, true and honorable men of the North would visit the South and stay long enough to become acquainted with the people, they would certainly see that the South had been slandered. Of course the Southern people, in common with all people, will at first be a little distant toward strangers. If the honest, hard lal»oring men of the North would come South and toil as hard as they do there, they would soon accumulate a fortune, for land is very cheap and the soil very pro- ductive. They will find true gentlemen all over the South, who will extend a brotherly hand, and give them a hearty welcome. The South- ern ];)eople want peace and harmony, and court inimigration. I will state that those Avho are seeking for health and a warm climate in the winter could not do better than to visit or settle in Georgia. And to parents who have boj^s and girls to educate, they will find schools here which are hard to excel, and for the benefit of my friends, who may wish to know my whereabouts, I will state that I have the honor of being con- nected with one of those schools known as Andrew Female College, and will take pleasure in answering all communications. I beg pardon for Avriting you so lengthy an article, but I have not written one-half what I would like to, and I am very sorry that I can- not meet with the convention, where I could say much more than I could possibly write. Hoping this will be satisfactory to you, I am Very respectfull}', your obedient servant, J. W. BEAEDSLEE. VIRGINIA LETTERS. W. II. Ti'owbridge, a, Western man, now a tobacco manufacturer, Dan- ville, Va., writes forcibly. Danville, Ya., Jan- 14th, 1879. Mr^N. Dumont, Charlotte, JV. C. Dear Sir : — I thank you for your invitation to attend the proposed Convention, and I wish yon the most unbounded success in j-oureftbrtsto thwart the designs ofthose politicians whose lack of statesmanship renders it necessary for them to stoop to the grossest misrepresentations. In the "West we are taught to believe of. this whole country, that "this ismyown, my native land," and having been in over thirty States, including the South, I have alAvays felt myself among friends, and have never experien- ced in any of those states, any treatment (socially or in business) other than such as I would have received if "native here and to the manor born." Among the many acts of kindness received. I shall never forget the atten- tions and courtesies given me during sickness. When I think of the labor- ed perversions and distortions of facts, I cannot restrain a just indigdation. Those self-seeking political agitators in either section, who for their own sinister purposes nuike such misrepresentations are no more exponents of either the North or the South, than are so many pick-pockets. While always the most noisy and unfortunately, the best advertised by the Press (which is apt to exclude plain common sense, and honest reason as tame)they are still frowned down by the respectable masses of both sec- tions, who should not l)e blamed when occasionally imposed ujion by in- trigue and corruption. Those political quacks who flaunt the bloody shirt, should at once be consigned to that oblivionfrom which there is no resurrection. The American people were Avarned against them by Washington, and the writers in the Federalist. The latter charactei*- ized them as^'those u^ho pander to the ignoranee of the unthinking , and to the ])reji(dices 6f the misthinking". I would ssy further that of the few irreconcil- ables, we iindthem all among the stay-at-home politicians and non-fighters on both sides. Show an exception and j'Oii show a poor fighter. The soldiers of the Blue and Gray who traded coffee and tobacco on the Eappa- hanock and elsewhere, fought honestly, and when done shook hands, are now for peace and harmony. All the trouble has been caused, and is yet to be feared from the non-combattants, whose lack of courage and ability only fitted them to rake up the dirty linen after the nearly forgotten con- flict has been settled for nearl}^ a generation, and the situation accepted in good faith liy the brave men on both sides. As a non-combattant my- self^ I can say this with good grace. The reception and popularity of Gov. Walker of our statej formerly a New York Colonel, and the recap- (.52j tion and cordial Aveleome extended to all who |)i'ove worthy ofit, should be convincing proof of the falsity of stateinents to the contrary. It is true that there are worthy families who would never be contented after mov- ing to the West, to any other state, or even to an adjoining count}-; but I can safely assert that there are fewer even of that class here than in the far West. I still believe that the signs of the times are hopeful; that the advocacy of extreme measures will produce a redaction, leaving abler leaders to come to the front, who are equal to the problems of the day; who un- derstand that the wheels of industry are always l)locked by unstable laws and agitations ; that the unemploj^ed labor and all the indiistries of the country suffer, not for more legislation, but from so much ; that they re- quire, perhaps, a few more changes, and those more permanent. People will discriminate betAveen the artful demagogue and his Aviles, and the true leader and his honest eiforts to better the condition of the country. I be- lieve we have many of the latter, who will yet gain the ascendency over wire-working politicians, and permit the energies of oiir vast country to work out their way untrammelled, building up our Xavy, extending our Commerce to overy point of the globe, and emploj-ing all of the now idle labor in developing the resources of our vast country. One of the first steps is to expose the charlatans who are directing the public mind from its most vital interests. As jon seem to be taking the proper steps in this direction, I sincerely hope your efforts Avill be crowned with success, believing the respectable masses of the entire country only await the proper leadership, to join hands in developing our iinbounded resources, and working out our high destinv. I remain, very truty yours, W. 11. TROWBPJDGE. Mr. H. J), (lilbert, furmei-ly of Syracuse, Xew York, writes from Danville, Ya., his views on soil. «tc. Danville, Ya., Dec. 23rd, 1878. JV. Diimont., i^^^q., Charlotte, _ZY, C. Dear Sir : — I received your circular yesterday'. I will write you a synopsis of my views of the productiveness of the land, and of the hospi- tality of the people (»f Yirginia. This section of country is better adapted to tobacco than to raising grain or vegetables, but with the use of fertil- izers and a little exertion on the part of the farmer or gardener, he can raise as large crops as in the majority of the Xorthern States. I have travelled through the best pai't of Yirginia, and have always received a cordial welcome from all classes, and am thoroughly convinced that a stranger recieves a heartier welcome, and a more cordial grasp of the hand here, than in any of the Xorthern or New England States. We moved from Sjn-acuse, N. Y.. and purchased a plantation here, near Dan- ville, about four years ago, and find the climate to be unexcei)tionable. I hope 4o be presei^.at your Convention. Yerv respectfully, ., ;.f MM) 'i'T'A i ' 11. D. GILBERT. TJ. Birge, EBq., ofDanvitle, \'a., jj-ives valuable facts concerning returns upon investments. Danville, A'a., Dec. 23rd, ISTS: Mr. N. Dumonf., Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 14th inst. was duly received, in re- gard to a Convention of Northern men who noAV have their homes in the South. I fully approve and appreciate the proposed Convention, and feel much interested in the doings and the ultimate result of that meet- ing, but from a variety of intervening circumstances I regret to say that I shall be unable to attend. I came here from the interior of New York State in Januaiy, 1875, and am living about two miles from Danville en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. Left the North particularly to seek a more genial and comfortable climate, and escape the rigor and severit}^ of the Northern winter. I find this climate far superior to the North, in all that contributes to comfort and happincBS, besides the advantagefl it atfords for accomplishing the various kinds of labor in connection with farming. Money invested judiciously in lands here, for agricultu- ral purposes, and properly managed, pays bj'' far a better per cent, than it does North. Wo frequently see in Northern newspapers, gross, bane- ful, ungenerous, pernicious and untruthful representations in regard to the Southern people. I have not seen one of the charges verified, but on the contrary, all is precisely the reverse of these representations. We have received nothing but polite, social, hospitable, respectful and kind treatment from all classes of the Southern people from the time we arrived here to the ju'esent. A living can be made quite as easil}' here us North, and much more pleasantly. Yours very respectfully, URELIUS BiEGE. J. B. Gilbert, formerly of Syracuse, N. Y., and who has lived in Minne- sota, now fai-raing near Danville, Ya„ thinks the South best. Danville, Va., Dec. 2.3d, 1878. X, Jhmont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir : — Yours of the 18th inst., received, inviting me to attend a Convention of Northern Settlers in Va., &c. I regret very much that eircumstances, beyond my control, will prevent me from meeting Avith you at the time named. I cordially endorse your plan of disabusing the Northern mind of their prejudice by having the real facts, as we see and knoAV them, before them fully. I bought a plantation here four j^ears ago, and moved on it (from near Syracuse, N. Y.,) and am working it yet, and far more successfully (as times are,) than I M)uld have done in Central New York or Minnesota, (having tried both, and Connecticut also.) I find and meet a cordial weleom* by all clusses, also find the country rich in minerals, healing waters, soil, timbei- ke.. and abundant water power. Needs only capital, eisergy and pluck, Avell diverted, to (54) develope its resources and to make it one of the most desirable parts of the Union to live and pi-osper in. I hope to hear good results from the Convention. My best wishes to you and all its members. Yours respectfully, J. B. GILBERT. I. H.. Lloyd, of Easthampton, Mass., who has traveled extensively in the South, gives full expression : Easthampon, Mass. Jan., 13th, 1879. iV". Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, Dear Sir : — A circular over your name, calling a Convention of ^Northern Settlers at Charlotte, N. C. about the middle of this month, has been sent me by some one in North Carolina, and while I do not suppose you expect, or care for any expression on the subject, I have so much interest in Southern Emigration that I desire to send j'ou a word of greeting. If your ideas as expressed in the circular are well carried out, will, I think, be amove in the right direction, and may do good and result in quickening the work. Having vsjjcnt two winters and one summer in Virginia and North Carolina ; passing through and spending more or less time in every sec- tion of both States — everywhere being met with cordiality and treated M'ith consideration and kindness, and becoming much acquainted with the i^eojile, learning their feelings, wishes and purposes, I feel confident in asserting that all honest, industrious settlers from the North, or else- where, will be kindly welcomed and well treated in either of these States and that life and property is as safe there as. in New England or New York. And that there are good openings in almost any part of these States for any amount of the idle capital now lying useless in our banks. While South I often met and traveled with gentlemen from South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, and judge that about the same may be said of those States as of Virginia and North Carolina. Wishing you success in your undertaking, I am .YjOurs, &e., I. H. LLOYD. APPENDIX. This valuable portion of the appendix was submitted to the Conven- ton by the delegation ft'oni Mooresville in Iredell county, iST. C, and by the Convention ordered to he recorded as part of the procedings. THE CHARACTER AND RESOURCES OF THE SECTION BE- TWEEN THE YADKIN AND CATAWBA RIVERS. The rogion of country lying between the Yadkin and Catawba has been called the Mesopotamia of North Carolina, and so we shall call it. Not because the rivei's approach in historic interest or commercial im- portance the famed Euphrates and Tigris ot the East, renowned twenty- five centuries ago by the powerful people and magisterial cities which occujiied their banks ; and we were about to sa}', not because these rivers, bounding the Mesopotamia of antiquity, have there sources in the beautiful Garden of Eden, but surely the comparison would not be ex- travagantl3' unfair, for our rivers, the Yadkin and Catawba, rising in the Blue Ridge and wending their way to the Atlantic, embrace between them as fair a countr}-, perhaps, as may be found anywhere on the earth. The Piedment region of this State is justly regarded as far superior to any other part of it; and of this region, the best is undoubtedly the central j)ortion included between the Yadkin and Catawba. Its fiertile lands, finely adapted to the growth of almost ever plant known in the _^onz of the Temperate Zone, its mild and salubrious climate, its abun- dance of every natural resource, commended it to the substantial and thrifty German, and the intelligent and liberty loving tScotch-Irish of the fertile territory of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, thirty years before the Revolutionary AYar, and attracted towards this section of North Carolina a tide of emigration from those States, which begin- ning about 1750 continued onward with increasing force, and founded here a population unsurpassed, then or now, for the sterling qualities of integrity, industry, patriotism, and high Christian morality, by no peo- ple on the continent. This territor}' between the rivers, nowhere perhaps more than forty miles in width, with an undulating surface, pleasantly deversified with hills and valleys, is very finely watered, being traversed with numerous creeks, along which are found the very best of grain and grass lands, LofC. (56.) equal doubtless, to those, more famous, of the higher latitudes, while, on the ridges intervening, is found a soil finely adapted to the commercial staples of cotton and tobacco. It is a well known sceintific fact, that climate, and therefore agricultural products, are influenced not alone hj distance from the Equator, but also greatly by the degree of elevation of the country. It has been stated by good authority that a distance of 100 feet in an ascending surface is equivalent, in its effect on climate, to one degree of latitude on the sea level. From Charlotte, the commer- cial centre of this section, there is a difference in elevation of about two hun- dred feet, making, according to the standard of measurement, a climatic difference of two degrees of latitude, in a distance of 45 miles, and there- fore affording a varied capacity of production. And so, too, the height of the country decreasing rapidly from the mountains towards the sea level, Avhile it furnishes an abundance of water power for the machinery of New England, insures a variety of climate adapted to the production of the fruits and grasses of the Noi'th, the grains of the Middle States, and the Tobacco and cotton of the South. The more palpable proof of this adoption is in the fact, that agriculture in these various lines is suc- cessfully prosecuted throughout this section. The timothy and blue grass of the Mountain Valleys are equal to any, and the finest exhibition of apples at the Exposition of '76 was sent from Western Carolina. Tobac- co of the best, both in quality and quantity per acre, has been and is raised in Iredell county. And we think that those who know whereof we speak will not charge us with a want of modesty when we claim that the Mooresville section is the garden spot of this ''goodly land." The cotton interest has been the main one in agriculture here, and will doubt- less.' continue to be an important one. The people have not grown rich, but they have certainly prospered, and gi-eatly too, in comparison with those of other sections. Since '65 cotton has been largely and profitabl}' grown ; and the wonder is, with all the favorable Icircumstances, the abundance and cheapness of labor, the convenient and plentiful suply of the raw material, the facilities of transportation, and a liberal and enter- prising population, that men of capital have not established factories for converting it into yarns and cloths. Men of integrity and enterprising wpirit will be welcomed and encouraged, wherever they may hail from. There is no doubt, too, that the high ridges of this section, timbered principally with pine, hickory and oak, and sometimes with chinque- pin and chestnut, are specially adapted to the growth of the fine grades of tobacco. Such has been the decided and pronounced opinion of those skilled in the tobacco culture. It has been and is raised to a small ex- tent, and with renuirkable success, considering the want of skill. It is confidently and reasonble expected, that the connection with the tobac- co counties of Davie and Forsytheby the Winston, Salem and Mooresville Hailroad now being put under contract, will stimulate its cultivation and make it another staple production of this section. (57) The price of land, m ith ordinary improvements ofbuildings and fences, and Avithin cay}' reach of i-aih'oad transportation, is generally from $5 to $10 ])er acre. Of course higher prices are asked for well improved places in close proximity to town, but there is no doubt that farms can be bought for one half the price demanded ten years ago. There is land fullj^ capable of producing a bale of cotton per acre within five miles of a railroad, that would not probably bring $10 per acre if sold for cash. Good laborers, able-bodied men, are hired at $5 per month, and the most skilled will scarcely command $10 on the farms. The necessaries of life are abundant and cheap, being found for sale in almost every farmer's house in the country. And though the people know and appreciate their advantages, property can easily be bought by those who are able to pay for it, and they are ready to welcome and encourage any accessions of real worth, in intelligence, capital or labor, from anywhere, regardless of geographical or sectional lines. They are not exclusive either in their political or religious creeds, and any man Avith an honest business honestly conducted will be warm- ly received, and accorded a fair chance in the race of life. The detailed statement touching the city of ^ew Berne, N. C, and it?* tributary country, was submitted to the Convention by M r. Ead- clitf, delegate from New Berne, and ordered to be spread upon the records of the Convention. The folloiving Report was prepared and ordered to be sent to the Conven- tion of Northern Citizens to be held in Charlotte, N. C, on January lUh, 1879 : We, the undersigned, citizens of New Berne, and representing East- ern North Carolina, respectfully report : That New Berne, situated at the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers, is the centre of a large agri- cultural region, devoted to truck farming in the spring, and to the culti- vation of cotton, corn, rice, tobacco, sweet potatoes, peanuts, &c., as sum* mer crops. Several hundred acres are annually planted in early peas, potatoes, melons, &c., for the Northern markets, and followed by cotton, com, millet and cow peas during the summei-. Our land is generally of a light sandy character, easily cultivated, and is well suplied with marl, accessible for agricultural purposes. Owing to close proximity to the Gulf Stream, we seldom have snow, and plowing can be done at almost any time during the winter. (58) . . i|»-i<. tlli V\ ater navigation on the rivers and creeks, 'enables farmers to move crops cheaply and also make New Berne a centre for luml.er, staves and shingles for shipment ]S"orth and to the West Indies. Labor, both male and female, suitable for agricultural and mechani- cal purposes, is abundant at moderate prices. Steamers run ref/ularh- to K"orfolk, Baltimore and New Yorlc. We have also daily comnnmica- tion by Eail via Goldsboro. The time for passengers from New Berne to New York being 24} hours. During and since the late war quite a number of persons from the Northern States have settled in this section and are engaged in the various occupations of agriculture, manufacture' &c. Our manufacturing interests at present embrace one Cotton Fac- tory, one Wood Plate and Veneer Factory, Four Saw and Pianino- Mills one Tobacco, and two Cigar Factories, oiie Marine Eailway, one'^Foun- dry, two Machine Sho]>s, one Plow Factory, two Cotton Ginnino- and Grist Mills, one Sash, Blind and Bucket Factory, two Coach Makers two Turpentine Distilleries, two Shingle Yards, one Box and two Coop- er Shops, with other smaller industries, employing in the aggregate sev- eral hundred operatives, but with room for many" more, as'crude mate- rial, particularly wood and cotton, are abundant and cheai). Land either in large or small tracts, suitable for Truckers or Farmers, or for stock raisers, can be purchased at reasonable, and on favorable terms 111 Craven, Jones, Carteret, Pamlico and adjoining counties. Immigants Avould be well treated and' would find a pleasant and healthy climate, with every advantage of schools and ckurches JNO. S. MANIX. * ETHELBEET HUBBS. S. M. CAEPENTEE. GEO. N. JONES. TH03L\S DANIELS. E. P. SOECH. S. EATCLIFF. . E. H. HILTON. D. STIMSON. ^qrfiw* ~~\ (59) Highlands, N. C, January 10th, 1879. The following sttitement irom Highlands, N., C, mailed to N, Dumont, was by him submitted to the Convention and ordoi-ed to be made a part of the records. TO THE CONVENTION OF NORTHEEN IMMIGRANTS TO BE HELD IN CHARLOTTE, N. C. JAN. ISxn, 1879. Gentlemen : — We, the undersigned, residents of Highlands, Macon county, N. C, having moved here from the Northern States within the last four years, appreciate the importance of your meeting and regret our inability to be present. We sincerely hope you may have a large attendance and do much to correct talse impressions that have gone abroad respecting the situation and advantages for Northern immigrants m the South. Highlands is located thirty miles North of Walhalla, the present terminus of the Blue Ridge Railroad, and thirty-eight miles north of Seneca on the Atlanta & Charlotte Air-Line Railroad. AVe now have about thirty Northern familes located in the village and vicinity. The old citizens here are a quiet, well disposed people. We have been welcomed and well treated l)y them, and our rights have been re spected in every sense. Our village is situated on the expanded sum- mit of the Blue Ridge, about four thousand feet above the ocean. For health it is not excelled in the United States. Our winters are mild and summers cool, the temperature being seldom lower than 5° above zero, or higher than 80°. All Northern crops are grown here and of the best quality. Apples grow in perfection. It is pre-eminently a grass country, and sheep and cattle raising, dairying, bee culture, and raising hogs on the abundant mast in the woods, are all paying occupa- tions. Land, unimju-oved, can be bought from fifty cents to three dol- lars per acre. Partly inaproved farms Avith some orchards, buildings, kc, can be bought in this section fi-om three to ten dollars per acre. We have an abundance of pure cold soft water in unfailing springs and streams, in which are myriads of speckled trout, and mountain scenerj^ that is unsurpassed for grandeur and beauty. For Noi'thern people who are seeking a mild and healthful climate, good society and cheap land, suited to the growth of Northern productions, especially stock, dairying, bee keeping, &c., Ave believe there is no country possessing greater attractions than this. We have no political ti-ouble, or interference with our political rights or notions. Respectfully, S. T. Kelsey, moved here from Kansas in 1875 ; Thomas Baxter White, from Massachusetts, 1875 ; Robert Marchant, from Nebraska. 1878 ; C. C. Hutchinson, from Kansas, June 1878 ; Tlionuis H. Dunn, from Connecticut, May, 1878 ; S. F. Patrick, i"rom Michigan, Ist Decem- ber, 1878; O. U. Bicketson, from Ohio, 1878; Chae. H. Allen, from Maine, February, 1878, soldier in Co. G, 3l8t Maine Vols. ; A. T. House, from Connecticut, October, 1878, South Atlantic Squadron; A.H. Hutch- inson, from Kansas, July 1878 ; F, H. Cook, from Connecticut, January, 1878 ; O. J. McQuiney, from Vermont, 1878 ; B. W. Wells, from New York, Co. G, lOlst New York Vols. ; J. Jay S-mith, irem Indiana, Feb. 1878. PROCEEDINGS — OF THK STATE CONVENTION OF NORTHERN SETTLERS, HELD AT RALEIGH N. , MAR H 1st, 1879. Pursuant to call of the Charlotte Convention of Juniiarv 15, 1879. The State Convention of* Northern Settlei-?*, called uutler a resolution of the Charlotte Convention of January 15th, met yesto relay at Metro- politan Hall, at 3 p. m. Mr. X. Duniont, of Charlotte. w':i8 elected presi- dent, and E. Conklin, Esq., of Ealeigh, secretary. Buncombe county sent a valuable paper settin<< tinth it-s advantages, which was adopted. Messrs. T. A. Kingsley and X. Plumadore, of Ealeigh, and John Hinman, of Warren county, were appointed a committee on business. After conference the following resolutions were submitted : Whereas, We believe in the wisdom of the spirit and principle^ +Miunciated by the findings of the Charlotte Convention held January 15th, 1879, and this body desiring to follow its inspirations, therefore, Resolred. 1-^t, That this convention adopt in entirety the resolutions and findings of the convention of Xorthern born residents of the South held at Charlotte, N. C, January 15, 1879, with this addition, viz : Tha »o far as North Carolina is concerned, we would suggest to all person who come to this State looking for lands and homes, to critically enquire as to the texture, quality and productive powers of soils and the health- fulness of the particular location their fancy leads them toward. We sug- gest this because in some localities lands are poor and heretofore impo- tjitions have been practiced. 2nd, That the railway lines running into our Stale be respectfully ^■equested to consider the means employed by the railways leading to the Great West, and apply to our State the same methods to induce a healthful immigration of people and property to our State, and to thi^ end we appoint a cammittee of six to correspond with the proper- authorities with a view to carrying out the spirit and purposes of this movement toward immigration. (62) 3rd, We congratulate the people of the State, that the State debt;^ through its Legislature now in session, has been saitisfaetorily and amicably arranged. We feel that this new order of things will bring about a new era of State prosperity that will work to the interests of the State and all concerned. 4:t.h, We thank the press of the State for their many tokens of kind- ness and the earnestness with which they have favored us with their many maVks of appreciation. bth, We also thank the managers of our milroads for issuing to us half-faro tickets, and trust that they will continue to appreciate our efforts to influence immigration to our adopted State. 6tJi, This Convention respectfulty suggests that the native North Carolinians hold a Convention at such time and place as they may deem best to take into consideration this subject of immigration. The resolutions were adoi>ted without dissent.. The committee provided for in the second resolution was appointed.. Upon motion the following gentlemen were appointed to the general Convention, to be held in Charlotte, July 4, 1879, viz : James H. Chadbourn, Wilmington, delegate.. Sir. Bull, of Craven county, alternate. V. K. Speer, Asheville, delegate. II. C Whiting, Mooresville, alter- nate. Col. C. A. Cilley, of Lenoir, Caldwell county, delegate. D. L. Bark- er, of Morganton, alternate. John Hinman, Eidgcway, delegate. . Capt. George S. Campbell, of Goldsboro, delegate. II. L. Grant,, alternate. Seth M. Carpenter, ISTewbernc, delegate. D. Ives, of Beaufort, alter- nate. John Graham^ Hillsboro^ 4elegate. J. C, Brewster, of Raleigh, alternate. T. C. KelsCy, of Highlands^ Macon county, delegate. A. J. Cm-tis, of Statesville, alteniate. N. Dumont, of Charlotte, delegate. T. C. McMahon, of Greensboro, alternate. \N". Plumadore, of Eal'eigh, delegate. George Dichtl, of Ealeigh, alternate. SIGNERS. T. A. Kingsley, Iniilder, Raleigh, N. C, formerly of Binghampton, New York. John Hinman, farmer, Ridgeway, Warren co., N. C, formerly of Chester co., Penn. N. Plumadore, Real Estate Agent, Raleigh, N. C, formerly of In- diana. N. Dumont, Charlotte, N. C, President of Convention. (63) E. Conklin, with "Daily Observer," Ealeigh, N. C, formerly Cap- tain of Illinois Infantr}' and from Binghampton, N. Y. H. B. Forrest, keejier of Oakwood Cemetery, Ealeigh, IST. C. from Tioga CO., Penn. J. J. Baker, cotton merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, formerly Col. 3d Mas- sachusetts Cavalry, fronx Boston, Mass. D. S. Ireland, Jr., Ealeigh, N. C, carpenter, from Penn. P. H. Gruendler, Tobacconist, Ealeigh, N. C, formerly Springfield, Mass. L. C. Shepperd, farmer, Wake co., N. C, from Tioga co., Penn. H. G. EitHe, cigar man'fr, Ealeigh, N. C, from Tioga co., Penn. Geo. Dichtl, Snp't National Cemeter}-, Ealeigh, formerly Oregon. Chas. Shoemaker, Eidgewa}', N. C, formerly of New York. C. B. Fairchild, Sup't in Graded Schools and Florist, Ealeigh, N. C. formerly of Binghampton, N. Y. J. C. Brewster, Merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, formerly of Philadelphia, Penn. C. II. Bein, Merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, Philadelphia, Pa. 014 442 260 m ,1-, ^^^m ^rr