Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-01-05

bus County. was killed by named D. Fields
The difficulty occurred at some gathering where both
parties doubt got more or less intoxicated, and a
fight sprung up, in the course of which Fields cut up
Stevens with knife, cutting him across the throat SC
that he died in less than five minutes. The verdict
of jury of Inquest in accordance with the above
facts Fields is still at large.
To the Editor of the Journal:
/ SIR Il have noticed communication signed
Smthville," in your paper of 18th inst, and deem
it proper that should make statement of facts con
nected with the mail contract between this place and
Smi,hvile, in order that the public may not censure
me- they would have right to do, were the state
ment allowed TO pass unnoticed
On June 9th, the Post Master General " ordered a
contract y with A. VanBokkelen, of Wilmington,
to convey mails from Wilmington TO Smithville and
back, once 1reek in Steamboat, with the privilege
of substituting horse service should the Steamer haul
off at $500 per annum.' The Spray then ma
king i've trips each week. Mr.. Dickson, the Posi-
Master at this place, and myself, upon being notified
of the fact that the contract was but once week
concluded to take upon ourselves the trouble of ma
king up and conveying five mails instead OF one, in
order that the citizens of Smithvle and Wilmington
might receive additional mail facilities, expecting to
receive nothing more than trouble as compensa-
ton.
During July, was informed through our rcpresen
iative, the Hon VIM s. Ashe, that the P. 0. De-
partment would allow me at the rate of $500 per
annum, during months, to carry the mails
tri-weekly, which agreed to, and calculated to re-
ceive pay accordingly for the quarter ending Both
September
The Steamer Spray ceased running on 18th Nov,
when the Postmaster at this place named Saturday for
the departure from, and Monday for the return OF
mail to this point. I uot aware that any f lure
has occurred under this arrangement, but do know
that have kept person employed at greater ex
pense than the pay received, who has delivered never
less than two generally three or four mails each
week.
The owners OF the SPRAY have lost money on the
route; and, at the time they did not expect ap
pIause, they certainly had right to calculate that
| Justice would be awarded them.
! There was no further understanding with the P.
O. Department than what appears the face of the
contract.
| "Smilhvlle says: something is frequently paid
to aid in keeping up means of travel, as there was
in this case" He is mistaken on this point the
Department decided that the cmltnVllle ONCE cOuu
not support any better than weekly horse mail, and
| had to come down to price less than what is paid
for horse service any other route similar to this,
in order that mail could he granted Them the amount
being sixty per cent less than resident of Smith
Vile bid for same service by horse
! Having given statement Of facts, as they exist
will now state to the future Smithvlle says, ITO
send mail by an irregular conveyance, is not COM
plying with the intent of any mail contract" am of
the same opinion, and, inasmuch as cannot send reg
ular by Steamboat will be compelled to substitute
horse service. The mail will co. and after Satur-
day, 9th January, agreeable to the contractIeaving
in the morning and arrive at Smthvile at night re-
turning will leave Smhville Monday morning. arri-
wing at Wilmington same night barring accidents
| High pressure engines considered unsafe when
run in salt water This operates injuriously to the
she be taken off the route. suitable boat will be
on the after the times get better,
can be obtained when it is expected that SmithvilIe
and all other people at both ends will give all
their patronage 10 the line.
In case 6 a laundering mass meeting at Smithvile .
should be held, would be pleased to hear the result
and will cheerfully give all The information in
my possession as to steamboats, suited to the route
any of which can be purchased cheap for cash.
A. H. VANBoKKELEN.
WHINING TON, N. c. goth Dec. 1854.