Rockbridge Alum Springs: Letter from R. L. Doyle, 1853

Lexington Jany 7th 1853
… One called Jim’ Spring is mentioned with high commendation by Dr. Burke in his work upon the watering places of West Virginia – he does not hesitate to say that the healing virtues of the Jim springs are equal to the Alum springs – … When we reflect that the wonderful cures wrought by the Alum Springs are due to the presence of Iodine held in solution, we may reasonably presume that waters containing this great remedial agent in greater quantity, must be (to say the least) of equal value as a remedial agent in like cases – The Alum Springs were sold in August last to JW Frazier for $170,000; And are now the first in reputation of all the springs in the mountains of Va – The establishment is always crowded – in the summers & hundreds are turned off daily – Now if there was an establishment erected in the immediate neighborhood – for which my Fathers property affords every facility, there can be not doubt that it would pay handsomely It is with the view of going into such an arrangement that I desire to secure your aid professionally in negotiating a loan, to be secured by mortgage upon the whole property above spoken of – the interest to be paid semi annually. … Yours &c R L Doyle