Norfolk Virginian, May 29, 1871

LETTER FROM NORTHAMPTON CO.

Sea -- Shellfish - Oystering : BaysideSea -- Shellfish - Oystering : PlantingInfrastructure -- Commercial - Real estateFarmers -- Farm size and structureFields -- Crops - Other fruit

An Important Case -- The Crops -- Experimenting with Good Success in Peach Trees.

EASTVILLE, Northampton County, Va.,

May 25th, 1871.

Mr. Editor: The Circuit Superior (Spring term) Court completed its session last evening, the learned and urbane Judge Garrison, presiding.

The most important question before his Honor, was the chancery suit between Mr. Robbins, plaintiff, and Mr. Thompson, (formerly of Norfolk county), defendant. The subject of this suit has been discussed freely by outsiders for a number of months, consequently the excitement consequent upon a legal discussion by eminent counsel on both sides, brought quite a number to the courthouse. Mr. Gunter, and ex-Judge Scarburgh, of your city, appeared for the plaintiff. Messrs. Spady, Neely and ex-Judge Pitts, for the defendant. The case was elaborately argued by the learned counsel and ex-judges, for the space of two days; the Judge took all the papers and remarked to counsel "that the subject would receive his earliest attention, and a decree entered in vacation," likely in three or four weeks. A synopsis of this case may not be uninteresting to your readers: Mr. Thompson purchased from Mr. Robbins, of this county, Salt Grove farm, on Cherrystone creek, of 130 acres, for which he agreed to pay the sum of $9,000 in instalments. The land was poor in soil, adjacent to which are oyster grounds and flats of great value, which were regarded as an important appendage to the farm. These oyster flats, at the date of purchase, were covered with about 15,000 bushels of oysters, belonging and claimed by outside parties; which grounds the plaintiff covenanted and agreed to put into the possession of the defendant by the first day of May, in the year of 1867. Now, Mr. Thompson avers that this was not done, er has he to this day obtained possession of the whole, the last instalment due upon the farm, $2,500, was payable on the first day of January, 1868, which the defendant refused to pay. His objection is based upon the facts that his inability to possess and use the oyster flats, since the time they were to be delivered to him by the contract, he has been injured to the full amount of the last instalment due to Robbins; hence Robbins sued T. for the full amount with interest.

A few other questions of minor importance were speedily decided. Why not -- only five judges present, including the presiding officer. Ex-Judge Riley, formerly military appointee to this Judicial Circuit, after an absence of several months in the city of Washington, is now here on a visit to his friends. The judge is looking very well, and met with a cordial greeting by his numerous friends. He is as versatile and verbose as ever, and ventilates freely upon all subjects.

The crops are progressing freely; early planted wheat is much injured by the rust, and early fly. Irish potatoes in abundance for the last two weeks, but few has yet been shipped North. They will pay well.

The farm of Colonel Rush of Philadelphia, is well worthy of notice. He purchased the Fairfield farm of E. J. Spady, Esq., some six years ago, for $9,000. His expenses upon it to date is about $15,000; has planted 700 early hale peach trees, now in their forth year. The crop is exceedingly heavy; planted last year a large variety of pair trees, native and Northern. Also, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, this spring. His strawberries matured finely, but too late to meet the best prices in the Northern market. All the improvements are of modern and finished style, and pays well to walk over his farm, where you are likely to be met by the Col. in person, and escort the visitors over his farm, who will be so much pleased with the gentleman owner as to be induced to pay another visit.

The farmers here are looking with eager interest to the success of the Colonel's peach crop. If he is able to put ripe peaches in the New York market ten or twelve days in advance of the Jersey growth there will be no telling the amount of money they will sell for. This year will tell full well the advantages of this soil for growing early varieties of peaches. Should Colonel Rush succeed in this one branch of husbandry land on this shore will increase immensely in price, and from sea to bay will be one continuous peach orchard. So here is good luck to Col. Rush.

Your election for city officers takes place to-day. The Conservatives can, if they choose elect their candidates easily. If they fail it will not be your fault. You have sounded the tocsin (to the polls) aloud and repeatedly. Worked and talked late and early to the voters. the magic influence of the pen in favor of the White Man's Party in Norfolk and Portsmouth, is bound to be felt and to work good, for it has not been idle, and its influence will be felt in the country as well as in the town.

CRAWFORD.