The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-11-18
ALEX ANDRIA. VA.

4 W1NTRY SUNDAY.-Yesterday was the
first wintry Sunday Of the season, and quite
wintry i. was. Heavy cloaks and furs on the
one size. and overcoats on the other, were
the order of the day. The wind was quite
searching, and the streets were almost de-
serted, except at the close of church services,
or the tramp of the "relief guard" changed
for awhile the sombre aspect. Once during
the day, a military funeral passed some of
the principal thoroughfares, and attracted
some attention by its solemn dirges. The
few churches which have been opened dur
ing the war, were opened yesterday for Di
vine worship, but we hear of nothing TAX
ing place beyond the usual services and dis
courses. The day was the anniversary OF
one Of the saddest events in our local calen-
fsdar-the fire on King street, at which, In
1855, seven of our most estimable citizens
lost their lives.
The RIvER.-The river is seldom stirred
nowadays by passing craft, and when IFS
waters yield to passing vessel, it is either
small pungy boat or United States steamer.
The steamer Columbia steamed down from
Washington this morning, and came in at
Fowle's wharf, where she has since laid, dis
charging..packed bread. The $ Gamer C@ur
de Lion passed down the river this morning.
and since Saturday few oyster boats have
arrived up, and found ready sale for the BIZ
valves Wood begins to appear corded upon
the wharves, as yet in small quantities. but
it betokens slackening in the demand
LATEST FIRM BEL .w.--Captain Dalnty's
pungy boat came up ut noon to-day having
passed the Quautico batteries without being
fired at. She reports that yesterday large
schooner passed down without injury, al
though large number of shots were free
at her. He reports all quiet on both sides o
the river so far az was perceptble.
Oyster SHELLS. Nothing shows tn r.
readily the almost entire cessation OF agri
culture in this Immediate neighborhc I'd, thai
the large quantities of oyster she is whicl
have accumulated upon the Wharves. Flo
years these shells have been In great demand
as a fertilizer, and have sold at good rates :
Now the demand for them has ceased, an
we see them accumulating everywhere.
HIGH WIND.-The northwest gale sti
continues, and seems almost inexhaustibl'
It has worked considerable damage in th
neighborhood, blowing shutters off, and sign
and fences down. breaking trees, and othe
wise injuring property.
MILITARY COURT.-The Military Cour
Judge Freese, held its session this morning
at the Court House.
The number of prisoners before the Cou
was unusually large, taking up 1T only tn
usual bar, but considerable portion of th
parts of the building usually allotted t
spectators.
The cases were of an unlnportant chara
ter, but the session of the Court was protra
ted much beyond it's usual limits.
DIsoRDERLY G ,NDUcT. There was niue
disorder among soldiers Yesterday, and
several cases straight-out fights occurred
This was occasioned by the too free use
intoxicating drinks. When the soldiers a
sober they are generally very orderly.
Wehave received from the publishers Di'
& Fitzgerald, New York, a copy of a chez
edition of East Lynne, or the EarPs Daug
ter, novel highly praised by novel reader
for its plot, characters, &c. -
A vessel from Savannah arrived at s
Thomas on the 18th ult.-hoisted the Cone
crate fag-and in a few hours hauled IL dov
and hoisted the English flag, having'he
hastily transferred to British owners, !. T
U. s. consul has protested against this
The expenses Of the prescott war, and t
MSS of life, are beginning TO be. calcplat
on both sides. No accurate estimates CT