Jasper Republican, Volume 1, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1875 — From the Land of Roses. [ARTICLE]

From the Land of Roses.

Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 18,1875. Editor Republican : I left my home — Medaryville, Ind.—Jan. 12, and came to thia extreme South State—this land of sunshine and flowers as it is called—for my health, having had a cough for over two years; and as I have many old friends tn your county who desired to hear from me while here, I will send you a short article for publication in your paper, by your permission. I would say to my friends that I am better in some respects than when I left home; but I can’t say that my cough is much better if any. It will take a longer time to know that fret. I want to remain here, if spared, until warm sunshine comes again in the not th; and I hope by then to be permitted to return to home and friends in better health than when I left. In regard to this climate, it is delightful and very desirable. It seems strange to a person from the North to find it so pleasant here in sinter. The mercury seldom ever gets as low as freezing point. There have been but a few light frosts this winter, and one little freeze since I have been here—ice, on a small vessel of water, about as thick as a thin windowglass. Old settlers say this is an uncommon cool winter—have not had such fer years —not as favorable for invalids as common. Since I have been here the mercury has been as high as 80 degrees above zero. Vegetation grows the year round to a degree. I look out at my window now and see beets and turnips nearly large enough for use, peas in blossom, and cabbage heading. Yards arc beautifully decorated with roses, flowers, &c, as we have them in the North in mid summer. Porches and piazzas are nicely shaded with vines, which attracts the attention of strangers as they pass along. Jacksonville is a beautifnl little city of 12,000 or 15,000 inhabitants, and the most of it has been built since the war. The streets are of good width, with beautiful shade trees along the sidewalks, green the year round. The buildings are good, in fret, the architecture seems to surpass that of some Northern cities. Business houses are kept in the nicest of style. Trade is good in winter, but very dull in summer—when there are no visitors here. About all the churches are represented—half or more are colored. More than half the population of the city are colored, which the Northerners are not used to seeing. The St. John’s River coming from the south, runs up to the south side of the city, there making a bend iu a northeasterly direction, gives a beautiful view from the Grand National Hotel, which is situated only two hundred yards from the shore, for miles up this beautiful stream. There are now thousands of visitors here from different places for pleasure and health. Many pale faces came too late to be helped. I have met a number of persons from our State, some who are living here and could not be induced to go back North. But my article is long enough. Respectfully,

J. C. CROUCH.

The fourth of March, 1877, comes on Sunday, and as the inauguration of the new President will take place on the Monday following, Grant will have an extra day in office—a sort of third term, you know. Twice in the history of the Government has this occurred. In 1821 when James Monroe was sworn into office, and iu 1849, when Zachary Taylor was cnstalled.