The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1861-05-29
Correspondence of the Lancaster Lcdger.]
Morris ISLAND, May II, 1861.

MORRIS ISLAND, May II, 1861.
1t has been one week since my return
from Virginia: During my stay in Rich.
mond, visited the Tradegnr Iron Works,
where all sorts Of big guns, from the six
FOUNDER up TO the Columbi,d which throws
ball Of 1913 pounds, are easted the Rife
cannon are also being now made there
The Columbiad is the largest gun cast
weighs about sixteen thousand pounds and
costs about eleven hundred dollars The
Rife cannon, Dalghreen and Columbiad are
cast solid and afterwards drilled or bored
with augers suitable for that purpose.-
Grape, canister and other shot, also shells
and balls are made there. 1t requires about
three days for the ore to cool so that the
gun can be taken out of the mould. The
guns are being sent off to different places
and mounted as soon M finished. The
works are favorably located on the James
River. The State abounds with capita.
ore and coal. Every facility and convent.
ence is there to be found and the demand
will develop resources and materials In
the South.
Near by is the extensive woolcn factory
of Crenshaw g. Co., which is manufacture
ing excellent cloths.
also visited the Penitcniiary. There are
nbont 800 convict1--wagons, CARTS, gun
carriages, axes, shoes, buckets, clothing and
many other useful articles are made About
one dozen females are inmates, the super
intendeDt allowed me TO pass through their
departments. They were occupied in sew
ing, ironing and washing. ! asked what
mischief they had done, all answered none;
that they were put in for nothing--all pro
fessed to be "innoccnt Of the offences
charged-but the Court and Jury decided
otherwise and correctly too ! suppose.
The Convention was in session n few
days after my arrival, but had not the
pleasure of seeing the body in session.
went To the capitol twice but found them
in secret session. The fnal vote on The
adoption of the Ordinance of srres-inn wa,
nearly unanimous ns ! was tod by some uf
the members, hut the INJUNCTION Of secrecy
has not been removed. and the vote vii!
therefore remain n secret. The " heat crop
is very promising in Virginia aud alons the
road Corn was worth uLout 80 cents per
mington. n q
Capt McManus and Company Were ia
camp with the Regiment, aud were well.
The company has improved very much in
the drill and mammal Of nrms--wil soon br
perfect a good many haze had their au
brotypes taken in full uniform -,niue sent |
them 10y me which have Forwarded ~ III
rectcd 10 tne friends and loved ones IN l.an. |
caster.
The people Of Virginia and especially |
the citizens Of Richmond are vvry grateful |
to the Carolina troops Every hospitality |
aud attention is extended and bestowed - |
The dress parndcs are attended by the beau
~ and fashion Of The city. The time, frnal |
dress parade until dark is n gala "cc c.sion, |
the ladies' and gs, tiemen remain, make the |
acquaintnnces of the officers and soldiers, |
promenade, examine the nrgs, banners, |
c0ckadcs and hnttons ; visit tue tents aud |
see how the soldier fares and how c"inior.
table camp life can he made. u i. quite
refreshing to the s"di.r Ia be visited IN
camp. especially by the ladies, The fnl
blown crinoline is n pretty uniform 10 III.
eye Of the soldier. Ladies, attend the dress
parades, your presence is inspri,ing.
am again on Morris Island. ! found
the 'Greys" generally well.
LONG GRABS.