[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, May 17, 1860
Mr. Editor:–Perhaps there is no little town in Arkansas whose prospects are more flattering than the one that heads this article. We have in our town seven dry good stores, three large groceries and two large drug stores all doing a good business. There are now at this time ten or fifteen new buildings going up. There are also two large church houses, and a fine school house in progress; and an excellent school taught by Mr. Dayton, who is worthy of the patronage of our citizens. There are four or five wood and blacksmith shops and room for several more. We have no boot and shoemaker, but a good one could do a paying business; [illegible] a good saddlery with a good stock could do well. We are a law abiding people, notwithstanding we are blessed with the worst of all evils, five full blooded lawyers, to wit: Shapon [?] & Roach, J. E. Burns, Esq., T. W. Thompson, and the ever ready McDougle. Persons not acquainted with our little town might think that we are a lawing people, but not so, for when I state our lawyers do not live by their profession, but upon the fat of their ribs, I am correct. We are, also, unfortunately, blessed with four physicians, who live principally by fishing and large charges; for it is so seldom that they get a case that the poor fellows have to lay it on to the sovereigns to keep along; so strangers may know that we have a healthy country. The next and worst drag we have is the old bachelors; unfortunately we have six of these old drones to society, known as bachelors, to wit: Shepard, West, Swilling, Thompson, and Burns; these poor old fellows remind us very much of the drone in a bee hive, when the working bees begin to sting them. They are really the only draw back in our community. Poor old stags, I pity you. We have just returned from a visit to the school, taught by Mr. L. T. Dayton, where we heard the students declaim, and from what we have seen in the best schools of our country we are inclined to think Mr. Dayton is doing great honor to himself and the community. I would advise all interested in the education of their children within the bounds of this place to put them under the care of Mr. Dayton. In fact our town and county is fast rising to a high point of wealth and intelligence. There were at the time of holding the election two years ago nine hundred voters, and now there are about twelve hundred. There are in the limits of Pope sufficient pinery to furnish the whole State with limber, and an abundance of fine lands not taken up. There are in the town of Dover three hotels, all of which are making considerably preparations for the convention which meets here the 2nd Monday of May. Felix Grundy, as he is commonly known thro’ this country, is making considerable efforts. The Dover delegates will be well treated, and highly fed, so says Grundy.
I would recommend all who wish a nice and healthy location, to come to our county and town. Yours,
A Citizen.