Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-07-31
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The proceedings in the case of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal Company VS.. the Messrs. Brens,
(proprietors Of the Antietam Iron Works) for the
condemnation Of land for the use of the Canal,
commenced on Monday, the 18th instant. The
argument of counsel was begun on the Wednes-
day following, at Belinda Springs, and was con.
tinued from day 10 day until noon on Thursday
last. Yesterday morning the Jury convened at
Sharpsburg for consultation, the result OF which
we have not yet learned. 81
The Canal traverses several miles of the land
Of these proprletors, occupying much first and
second rate bottom land, which their counsel va.
lued at 1850 and Sl25 per acre respectively
The whole quantity of land taken amounts to
between $50 and 100 acres, and the claim for
land and all damages preferred by the proprle-
tors exceeded $40, 600. The argument Of coun.
sci on both sides, from what we have learned and
witnessed, was very able and full Of interest. 1t
was conducted on the part of the Canal COmpa.
ny, by b. Price, James Dixon, r. III. Hender-
son, aud Walter JONES' Esquires; and on the
part Of the propretors, by Joseph L. Merrick,
VIM. Price, and Frederick a. Schley, Esqs.-
General Jones concluded the argument, aud made
most able and powerful appeal in defence of the
Company, and Of those principles which should
govern the Jury ip their estimate Of the damages
done and benefits conferred by the work. He
spoke day aud half, and drew around him a
thronged and attentive audience, which, in yari.
Gus ways. testified their admiration of the orator,
who, on this occasion, gave bright specimen of
that chaste, classical. and effective eloqnence,
which is peculiarly his, and of those powers of in.
genuity, reason, and argument, which he possess.
es in degree scarcely equalled at the Bar Of
this country.
On Monday afternoon a large "gang'' Of
lads, apparently intoxicated, and hot for fight,
gathered on the wharf, near Race street, and
challenged the crew Of an English vessel to bat
tie. Their polite invitation was however cool
iy received-the Euglishmen believing that the
ocean was their field Of fame-and feeling no in.
clina,ion to trust themselves from the vessel
The mob, chagrined at the loss Of their antici.
pated sport. abused the crew vilely, aud attempt
ed by every means in their power to provoke them
to quarrel. Still failing, they determined to
board the vessel, and carry the war into the ene-
mv's territories. Their leader. stout youns
man., 10 or 90 years old, accordingly proceeded
to ascend the ladder. The crew allowed him to
climb nearly up the high sides of the vessel, and
when his altitude considered sufficient, loos-
ed the ladder, aud dropped the heroic leader in.
to the river.
The scene, at this stage Of the affair, besgars
description. The spashne and struggling Of
the ducked hero, the fright and rage Of bis asso.
ciatss, and the mrth Of the good.natured English.
men, afforded the few bystanders admirable en-.
tertainment. The dripping leader, however.
soon regained terra frma, and the mob CON.
menced regular attack with stones upon the
vessel. We learn that considerable injury was
done; and the mob with great difficulty was dis
persed. It is to be regretted that these young
vagabonds were not apprehended, and visited
with severe and exemplary punishment.
Phil Ing.
Packet Ship Susquehanna. This ship. as ou'
readers know, has returned safely into port
from her first voyage. We take pleasure in in
forming osr Alexandria friend. whose hand we
shake most cordially. that the good folks OF Llv
erpooi we're .'struck" more forcibly, and more
frequently with this beautiful ship than We were.