[Correspondence of the Gazette.]

CHILMARK, Aug. 1th, 1860.

Mr. Editor, — We noticed in your Gazette of last week a letter clipped from the Hallowell Gazette, in which the writer says: “The upper part of the Vineyard contains an almost incredible number of deaf and dumb persons, and many blind from birth. These calamities can only be accounted for from the fact alluded to of the intermarriage of relatives.” In making these statements the writer was either entirely unacquainted with the facts in the case, or supposed that as we lived upon an Island we had no means of becoming acquainted with any excepting the inhabitants of the Vineyard. Within fifty years there have been eight families in which deaf and dumb children have been born. In four cases the parents were related, but in the other four they were not. These children (many of whom are men and women now) are allowed by all who know them to be very active and intelligent people. We know of no child ever being born blind in this part of the Vineyard. But we will bit be too lengthy. So adieu.

AN OBSERVER.

Note, — We are glad that our correspondent has touched upon this matter. We thought at the time of reading “Y.’s” letter that some of his statements were rather broad, but felt sure that if so they would be corrected by some of our correspondents. — Ed. Gaz.