USA > Virginia > A history of the valley of Virginia, 3rd ed > Part 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
NOTE .- There was several other cases of Diarrhoea at the Grey
356
APPENDIX.
Sulphur in 1834; all were materially benefitted by the use of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring.
No. 7.
Mr. L., arrived at the Grey Sulphur Spring about four o'clock in the afternoon. He had been for some time in a delicate state of health and had suffered much during the day. Early in the morn- ing he had been seized with nausea, which brought on vomiting. The irritation increased during the day, and the vomiting became frequent and easily excited ; all food was immediately rejected, and so irritable became the stomach, that two mouthfuls of water, taken a short time before reaching the Grey Sulphur, were thrown up before he could recline back in his carriage. He was very much ex- hausted when he arrived, but without sitting down, requested to be shown to the Spring. We accompanied him down. He took a glass of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, paused for a few seconds, then took another. A minute or two elapsed, and he then drank several in quick succession. The precise properties of the water had not then been ascertained, and we felt bound to caution him against making such free use of an untried water, although we then knew nothing of his case. He laid down the glass and walked up to the house with us. On the way, he mentioned the particulars already given, in continuation, he stated, that on drinking the first tumble of water, he experienced a slight nausea, as the first of it reached the coat of the stomach, but that this wore off almost instantaneously. Being much exhausted and exceedingly thirsty, he determined to venture a second, although he firmly believed that both would be thrown up. Not the slightest nausea was experienced on drinking the second tumbler of water. Surprised at this effect he determined to ascertain what would be the effect of taking it in large quantities, and for this purpose he drank about four tumbles more, when he was prevented from proceeding further by our remarks. The great quantity he had taken, not only produced no unpleasant sensations, but on the contrary, removed those he had previously experienced, and served to revive him. In the course of the afternoon, he took two or three glasses more of the water. About seven o'clock, supper was served, of which he partook freely, making choice of substan- tial food, such as broiled chicken, bread, rice, &c. Not the slight- est nausea was produced. Fearing a reccurrence the next morning, he was advised to take some of the water before he left his bed. We were informed, that a slight nausea was felt, but it immediately wore off on drinking a glass of water. In similar attacks, which this gen- tleman had previously had, each was succeeded by such costiveness that medicine had to be resorted to. In the present one, there was no occasion for medicine ; the evacuations were large and the bowels continued regular during the time he remained ; nor did he at any time experience any nausea, with which we were made acquainted.
APPENDIX.
No. 8. 357
Extract of a Letter, dated New York, Jan. 21, 1836.
" It gives me great pleasure to inform you, that I fully realized all the benefit I had been led to anticipate from the use of the waters of the Grey Sulphur (Anti-Despeptic) Spring, with which you so kindly provided me. On Monday morning, I was very sea sick, so that I could not leave my berth without vomiting, but on taking a half a tumbler of the water, I was sensibly relieved. I continued to use it agreeably to your directions, taking half a tumbler at inter- vals of fifteen minutes, till the bottle was exhausted. By that time, I had so far recovered as to be able to go about the deck with great comfort, and took a hearty meal, both at dinner and supper. The next morning, however, the weather having become more boistrous, and the sea running high, I was again very sick, but my resources had failed me, and I had only to yield myself quietly to the influ- ence of that most distressing affection. From the result of the ex- periment, I am satisfied that it is the best remedy for sea sickness that I have ever heard of, and that, had not not the supply of water failed, I should not have lost one meal during the voyage.
The following note which has been kindly furnished us, refers to the same subject :
Dear Sir,-The following is an extract of a letter received by me, from Mr. J. H., who went passenger by the steamboat Wm. Gibbons, in January last, showing the very beneficial effects of the Grey Sulphur Water, in relieving him from sea sickness.
"The effect of the water on me, were most beneficial, and while the supply lasted, relieved me entirely of nausea, so that I was en- abled to eat heartily."
Having been at sea with Mr. H., I bear testimony that he is a complete victim to sea sickness, and I do not know any one on whom the effects of the water could be better tested.
No. 9.
Sir,-It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the efficacy of the waters of the Grey Sulphur Springs in my case. I have been suffering from Dyspepsia, for at least fifteen years, during which time it lias inade fearful inroads on a naturally delicate constitution. The disease had progressed so far (a few years ago) that the slight stimulus of food, produced an immediate evacuation after every meal. The state of things could not last, and a most violent inflammation of the bowels ensued, which brought me to the borders of the grave, and evenuated in the formation of a fistala in anno. The sinusses spread so far, and became so numerous, that I was forced to have some of them laid open, but having a predisposition to pulmonary affections, it was not deemed prudent to operate on all of them. My digestive organs had not recovered their strength, and the irrita-
1
358
APPENDIX.
tion of undigested food, (though I had lived extremely low), kept up the inflammation, and at last extended to the neck of the blad- der, and became extremely distressing. To remove the inflamma- tion and obtain relief, I had recourse to mustard poultices and opiates, but the relief was very temporary. Whilst suffering much from this cause, I was induced to set off for the Virginia Springs. At that time my bodily health was so much impaired, that I was al- most incapable of transacting business ; all employment, even read- ing, was irksome to me. My digestion was so bad that I scarcely knew what to live on ; every thing, however plain, appeared to dis- agree with me, and I was at times truly wearied of life, for I looked forward only to a life of pain and suffering. Such was my situation, when in 1834, I left my home for the Springs. On my journey, I did not improve in health, but on the contrary, had a slight attack of diarrhoea. The irritation around the bladder continued, or rather increased, so that I was obliged to make use of the opiates daily, and sometimes, two or three times in the course of the day. The first Spring I arrived at, was the Grey Sulphur. This I consider fortun- ate, as I found on trial, that all the others were too stimulating for me, with the exception of the Red Sulphur, and from that, I am not aware of experiencing any material benefit. Be this as it may, it enabled me satisfactorily to ascertain that the waters of the Grey Sulphur Spring was decidedly beneficial in my case. I can scarcely describe my situation when I arrived at your Spring. I was weak, feverish, and laboring under a kind of nervous excitement, whilst the inflammation had evidently increased, and I suffered much from it, especially towards evening. I have been thus particular, that the action of the water may be more distinctly understood. The first day of my arrival, I drank freely of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring. I took no note of the quantity, but drank whenever I felt thirsty, or had an inclination, and I must confess, but with little expectation of finding relief, or at least, not immediate, for your Spring had not then obtained that celebrity, which I am glad to find it has since acquired. Judge, then, of my very agreeable surprise, at finding in the evening, (the time when the paroxysms of pain were unsually the most violent), that they were so slight that I had no need of medi- cine. I retired to rest and slept soundly. The next day I was not at all annoyed, and at the usual time, I scarcely perceived that there was any irritation at all. The third day I was entirely relieved, and had no return during my stay at the Spring, nor had I occasion once to use any medicine.
Other changes not less important, also took place. . The diar- rhœa ceased on the second day, and in the course of the week the evacuations, from being thin and of a whitish clay color, became of an orange color, and acquired considerable firmness, and in a short time afterwards, acquired all the characteristics of healthy passages. It is needless to say that my digestion had improved. One thing is worthy of remark, and that is, that I found myself able to digest,
359
APPENDIX.
not only plain food, but also the richer kinds, and even desserts ; and this without suffering, and even without experiencing any un- pleasant feeling after meals. I should here state, however, that I invariably took from one to two tumblers of the water after each meal, and I found this peculiarly serviceable after breakfast, when the tea, or coffee, became (almost invariably at first) acid. During my sojourn with you, I improved in every respect, and even the dis- charge from the fistulas ceased nearly altogether, and returned home in, comparatively, excellent health, which I enjoyed, until unfor- tunately I was attacked with the influenza during the last winter. From that time I began to retrograde, and when summer arrived, I was in almost as bad condition as the year previous. The inflam- mation and irritation were quite as violent, and my digestion had again become disordered. I had experienced too much relief at the Grey Sulphur, to hesitate long as to the course proper to be pursued, and again I had the pleasure of visiting them the last season. I have only to say, that the same happy effects were produced, the only difference I observed was, that these were not so immediate as the year previous, but I amply compensated for this by their per- manency. And I have now the pleasure of sta.ing to you, that I have enjoyed, and am now enjoying (February 12th) better health than I have known for the last ten or twelve years, and most happy am I to state to you, that I have not had the slightest indication of inflammation in those regions where I had suffered so much.
I remain, Dear Sir, yours, &c.,
No. 10.
Mr. B. has had a bronchial affection for many years, which at times were so distressing as to compel him to remain propped up in a sitting posture, in bed, the whole night, and in this mode obtain some sleep. To obtain relief from this affection, he now traveled. When he first arrived at the Grey Sulphur, the cough was very troublesome. Made use of the Anti-Dyspeptic Spring, which had the effect of producing a gentle perspiration, especially at night, and which effect was continued whenever the water was taken, during the whole time of his stay. The cough gradually diminished, until it almost disappeared altogether. At first there was considerable difficulty in getting up the phlegm, but after drinking the water a short time, it was expectorated with ease. During the time he was at Grey Sulphur, he slept well, had an excellent appetite, and could easily digest whatever he partook of. B.
The above statement of cases, was submitted to Professors Jas. Moultrie, Jr., and S. Henry Dickson, of the Medical College of the State of South Carolina. The following letters will show the opin- ion entertained by these gentlemen relative to the medical properties of these waters.
360
APPENDIX.
CHARLESTON, Feb. 11th, 1836.
Dear Sir,-I have overlooked your intended publication to- gether with the accompanying documents. I think the statements furnished by the latter, fully authorizes you to put forth what you propose. The amount of experience with the waters is very small, to be sure, but such as it is, it is calculated to excite strong presumption in their favor. Indeed, considering their analysis, jointly with the facts furnished by your documents, I have confident expectations that they will prove among the most useful discoveries of that sort, yet made in our country. All thus early known to them, encour- ages us to look for future corroberation of the impressions you have imbibed respecting their virtues. Considering their elements, they cannot be nugatory, and must therefore, be productive of benefit or mischief. Reasoning from what we already know, the evidence ap- pears to be altogether in favor of a salutary result.
Very truly yours,
JAS. MOULTRIE, JR., M.D.
J. D. LEGARE, EsQ.
CHARLESTON, Feb. 11th, 1836.
Dear Sir,-I have perused with attention and interest the papers sent me, containing reports of cases in which the Water of your Vir- ginia Spring have been tried ; and do not hesitate to express the opinion, that they fully justify the statements made in your proposed publication. Prof. Shepard's analysis exhibits a singular combina- tion of ingredients, and prepare us to anticipate striking and grati- fying results from the use of Waters containing remedies of such obvious efficiency. I confess, I am led to entertain sanguine expec- tations of benefit to a large class of patients, from these fountains, and shall be much disappointed if the "Grey Sulphur Springs " do not soon attain a high rank among the summer resorts of invalids, and of the fashionable world.
With great regard, I remain, Dear Sir, yours faithfully, S. HENRY DICKSON, M.D.
J. D. LEGARE, ESQ.
We here close for the present, our account of the medical prop- erties of the Grey Sulphur Springs. The report of cases might have been more extended, had we applied to all of the individuals, who have been benefitted by the use of these waters. It was not deemed necessary to do so. Invalids, with strongly marked cases, will in all probability visit these Springs, during the next and succeeding sea- sons, and it is our intention to preserve a record of such as may be communitated to us. JOHN D. LEGARE.
APPENDIX.
361
CHAPTER VI.
WINCHESTER.
The reader will doubtless recollect that this flourishing town was established by law in the year 1752. In 1738, there were but two cabins erected near the run. It is now a very wealthy corpor- ate town, has its own court of justice, is the seat of justice for the County of Frederick, is the place where the Supreme Courts of Chancery and Law are held for the county, the residence of many distinguished lawyers and physicians, has a flourishing academy and numerous Classical and English Schools, many mechanical estab- lishments of first order, some thirty or forty retail stores, a number of taverns kept in the best style, several confectionary shops, several merchant tailors, and almost every variety of business done in our seaport cities. Its buildings are many of brick of superior order. Taylor's hotel is conspicuous for its great size and elegance of structure. Its front on Loudon street is ninety feet and runs its wings one hundred and thirty feet back, contains seventy rooms, is calculated to entertain numerous companies of visitors and boarders, and is kept in superb style. This building is three stories ; the basement story is divided into cellars and several rooms furnished in the neatest manner ; the attic is divided into lodging rooms, which are also furnished in neat style. It commands an im- mense business.
Within the last five or six years a railroad has been constructed from Winchester to Harper's Ferry, on the Baltimore highway ; six or seven spacious warehouses erected at the commencement of the road, and is the place of deposit of vast quantities of merchandise and produce of every variety. It now contains upwards of 4,000 inhabitants, and is a place of great business. Several gentleman, descended from German ancestors, who have accumulated consider- able wealth, are among them. It has two Presbyterian edifices, handsomely built, as places of public worship ; one Catholic chapel ; two Methodist meeting houses, and a splendid Episcopal church lately erected ; the Baptists have a meeting house, as also the Ger- man Lutherans ; and the Friends have a neat brick building. The people are divided into various religious sects, and it is believed much piety prevails. It is doubtless one of the finest watered towns in the valley, and a place of general good health. Fine water is conveyed through iron pipes to almost every part of the town ; there
46
362
APPENDIX.
are many hydrants erected in the streets ; and many of the citizens have the water conveyed into their yards. This water is taken from a fine limestone spring about half a mile west of the town. There is a regular organized Fire Company, remarkable for their excellent discipline and activity. But few houses have ever been des- troyed by fire. The author recollects seeing an old house on Lou- don street destroyed by fire upwards of thirty years ago ; the wind blew a strong gale from the N. W., and notwithstanding the oppo- site side of the street was closely built with wooden houses, such was the activity of the fire company and other citizens, that every building was saved except the one which first took fire. Several years afterwards, a fire broke out in a wooden building at the north end of the town, and the flames spread with great rapidity. It was said that twenty-two buildings took fire at the same time, and but two small buildings consumed ; those two belonged to an old gentle- man by the name of Benjamin Rutherford, and stood about one hundred and fifty yards apart. The astonishing exertions and ac- tivity of the fire company, together with the aid of every citizen, and even ladies, saved twenty buildings on fire at the same time ; and what was remakable, but little damage was done the buildings were saved. A few years ago, there were three old wooden buildings on Loudon street burned down, but the flames were so kept under, that no other damage were done. About sixty years ago, a framed building on Loudon street, which was called the "Long Ordinary," was destroyed by fire, and an old building on the west side of the town, called " The Brewery," was destroyed by fire. The author recollects seeing this building on fire. It is be- lieved that the foregoing statements contains a true account of all the houses destroyed by fire for the last sixty or seventy years. So that it may truly be said, that Winchester has heretofore been very fortunate.
STAUNTON.
This town may with truth be said to be classical ground. In the war of the Revolution, the Legislature had assembled at Rich- mond ; the enemy had advanced to the seat of government, and the assembly adjourned and met at Charlottesville, Tarlton pursued them thither, and they again adjourned and met at Staunton, here they finished their session. Tarlton did not dare interrupt them there, for the best of all reasons ; the people of Augusta and adjoining counties were a brave, hardy, and active race, well ac- quainted with the use of the rifle ; and if Tarlton had ventured to pursue them to Staunton, he would in all probability have met with another "Cowpen defeat." The citizens turned out manfully, well armed, and determined to contest his march to that place, and pro- tect their legislators in their deliberations.
Staunton, like Winchester, has incorporated privileges, its own
363
APPENDIX.
court of justice, is the seat of justice for Augusta county, and the place for holding Superior Courts of Law and Chancery for the county, is the residence of several distinguished lawyers and physi- cians, and is the site of a Lunatic Hospital of great reputation. It has several beautiful edifices erected for public worship, and fif- teen or twenty retail stores, with four or five taverns kept in a good style. It is surrounded by many valuable farms, and a considerable number of elegant brick dwelling houses, has several turnpike roads leading to East and West, North and South, from which it derives great advantages, and of course is a place of extensive business. In all human probability, it is destined at some future day to become the site of our State government. Its central situation, the fine health of the country, its contiguity to the numerous mineral springs, its safety from danger of invasion from a foreign enemy in time of war, present most cogent arguments in its favor, and when- ever our western counties shall be filled with population, we will have a considerable majority of the free white population west of the Blue Ridge, and it appears to the mind of the author, that the people of the west will not rest satisfied with their seat of govern- ment in its present situation.
Staunton has become conspicuous in the history of our State for other important reasons. It is the place where two large con- ventions of citizens were held some years ago, for deliberating on the great question of reforming our State Constitution. The last of which conventions was held in the month of July, 1825. In this convention upwards of one hundred members attended. Their pro- ceedings were characterized by great temperance, but much energy. A most solemn appeal was made to the Legislature on this vital question, and at the ensuing session, an act passed submitting this question to the lawful voters of the State, which resulted in a ma- jority of the citizens in favor of the necessity of calling a conven- tion for the purpose of revising and amending the organic law of our State. This body was elected in the spring of 1826, and assembled at the capital in the city of Richmond, the ensuing autumn, and drew up certain amendments to the original constitution, which were submitted to the people for their first ratification or rejection. There were many of our ablest statesmen opposed to its ratification, but a majority of our citizens voted for its adoption.
LEWISBURG.
This is a thriving village in the County of Greenbrier, west of the Alleghany Mountains. It is yet but a small village, but the seat of justice for the county. There is a Superior Court of Law and Chancery and a Court of Appeals. It has become conspicuous in the history of the State, from the circumstance, that a conven- tion was lately held there of the citizens of the western common- wealth, by which resolutions were passed, recommending a further
364
APPENDIX.
amendment to the State Constitution so as to give a more equal representation of the two great divisions of the State in the General Assembly. Neither is it undeserving of celebrity on account of its several religious edifices, among which the Presbyterian de- serves first to be named from its size and commodious internal ar- rangements. The Methodists and Baptists respectively, have also chaste and convenient houses for public worship. There are sever- al elegant brick dwelling houses in the village, from six to seven retail stores, and two public hotels, under excellent management. From the locality of the village, situated in the midst of a produc- tive country, steadily increasing in population and wealth, it is des- tined to become a place of considerable business and importance. The face of the country contiguous to and surrounding the village, is beautifully diversified by hills and valleys, woods and fertile fields, and the town, with the whole of the circumjacent region, is remark- able for the salubrity and healthiness of climate.
THE FINE ARTS.
From the youth of our Commonwealth, and the character of our people, devoted almost exclusively, as they have been, to agri- culture and its collateral pursuits, we cannot as yet, nor is it yet expected that we can, produce before the world, any Masters in the fine arts comparable with the old Masters of Europe. Yet, notwith- standing the fact that we have as yet no representatives in sculpture to stand by the side of Canova, nor in painting, a champion to com- pete with a Titian, a Guido, a Stuart, yet we have not yet been wholly denied the genius of the pencil. Some ten years since, in the County of Berkeley, a young man of the name of - - McCau- try, with the intuitive perception only exhibited by true genius, commenced, first in playful sketches, and shortly after in more seri- ous efforts, the divine art of painting. Encouraged by this rapid advancement, he subsequently took a trip to the hallowed ground of Italy, there to perfect himself in the business of his choice. He promised much from improvement ; but shortly after his return to his native country, he died, and with him the hopes of his friends.
Six years ago, a Mr. Henry Bowen, of Frederick county, a self- taught artist, commenced the business of a portrait painter, and such was his proficiency in the art that it may be almost said of him he was accomplished in it from the outset. He has since devoted himself assidiously to his employment, and has earned thereby, from the striking fidelity of his sketches to truth and nature, a well-mer- ited reputation. The author can bear the safest testimony to his character, from the specimens of Mr. Bowen which he has seen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.