[Little Rock] Old-Line Democrat, June 21, 1860
Mr. Editor: In this enlightened age, when it is the fashion to build castles in the air, invent beautiful and finely drawn theories; to explain facts beyond our comprehension, and give to all things of insignificances an undue importance, it seems to me, that I will not be thought egotistical, nor bombastic, if I call attention to the modest merits of the above place. Persons ignorant of its unparalleled advantages, in a commercial point of view, have passed by it without deigning to bestow upon it even a passing notice, till lately; and now, that they witness the prosperity of those now engaged here in business, are fain to leave their former localities and settle among us—we say come on.
No less important are its agricultural resources, (the basis of the former), being surrounded by fine lands, occupied by a thrifty and industrious set of farmers; who teem with abundance, and enough to spare, and still there is room for more.
Its locality is such, that it is bound to be the leading town in our county, (Pope), being situated on the route of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad, and three miles from the Arkansas river.
Town property has increased in value, at least one hundred per cent in the last two years, and our citizens are improving their property rapidly. A beautiful undulating prairie, interspersed here and there with timber in which the feathered tribes hold melodious comports, forms its cite, over which, the “bland breezes” blow in gentle zephyrs, bringing in contact with one’s olfactories the delicious odor of the beautiful flowers in spring.
We have two large dry goods houses doing more business, probably than any four similar houses in the neighboring towns; one lawyer living about half mile off, who could not make a living here, the people are so peaceable, and had to go to farming; four doctors, but poor devils, the people won’t get sick, and they don’t get to give but few pills; it is truly pitiable to see the poor fellows sitting all day long in their offices, waiting for a call till night, then get up, with a sleep looking expression, stretch themselves, yawn, go home and go to bed at night and dream of fat cases they never get; two insignificant groceries, but it is rare you ever see a man drunk at either of them, so we have none of that brawling, quarreling and fighting, so characteristic of small towns.
We also have two blacksmiths, and one wagon shop, and several carpenters, and if one may judge, from the sound of the “roaring bellows and sparkling anvil” they have plenty to do. There is also a good school going on where the “young idea is taught to shoot,” and we have in contemplation the erection of a large building, for a male and female academy. We have no old bachelors, those ‘poor old stags,” and “drones of society,” so we don’t have to bestow any sympathy upon such useless and worthless objects; but if any should have the hardihood to come among us, he would not boast of his single blessedness long, unless he had no heart at all, for the beauty and intelligence of our young ladies are so irresistible that no old bach, nor young one either, has ever been known to live here long without committing matrimony or taking his leave instanter to avoid it. I fear I am occupying too much of your space, and shall save the rest for some future occasion; but before closing I would remark, that we are mostly dead out Hindman men here, and will give him a tremendous vote next August.
Arkansas.