Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1865-12-05

quantities. oI Ihs young hnlShtS OF ChlValryj
have never been more ludicrously illustrated,
than the penchant they have just now for
tournaments. This time a year ago, they
were all soldiers, armed and panopIied for
bloody war and its stirring conflicts. The
town was regularly picketted day and night,
and the conflicts between the "Rippenburgs''
and +: Frog Hollow often resulted nbloody
noses and black eyes, and from the missils.
used, at all times annoying to less belligerert
and more quietly disposed pussers by. Now,
that the dread conflict of battle is DER, true
to their instincts, they have calamity entered
the list of daring TroubadOur's, and make
many a bold and laughabie " strike" for the
'Quecn of Love and Beauty" From the
tiniest little fellow to those of larger growth,
you may see on our streets daily, fully COM
parisoned for the tilt, spear in hand, and the
bone and muscle of their own nimble little
legs for the charger. The ceremony of coro-
nation is regularly gone through with, and
their young hearts seem to pulsate with as
much ardor and eager anxiety for victory, as
though 40 lbs of Blessings best depended
on the result. The amusement is harmless
exercise to the boys, and all witness their ex-
hibitions with a sincere hope that the little
Knights Of to-dayrmay hereafter prove the
strong arm and sure defence of our coun-
try's prosperity in peace, and its honor in
war.
The EXPERIMENTATION exchanges from
various directions, contain no very favorable
accounts as to the present or prospective con-
dition of the Freedmen. In many cases
they arc represented as unwilling to work,
and live alone upon pillage. In other in
stances they arc congregating together in the
cities and large towns, in such numbers as to
engenderd disease which, from filth, exposure,
and the want of proper medical nursing and
attention, is carryingthcm off by hundreds
In some localities indeed, on the Southern
coast, we see the number computed at thou
sands, who have died during the year. Some
of the most philanthrOpic of our statesmen,
North and South, are beginning to reason
logically, as to the future determination of
the race. We hope for better things, but
are frank to say that neither history, observa-
ton or experience, give much encourage
mcnt. If freedom shall prove to them that
boon which their pretended friends have as
sumed, none will rejoice more : than the
Southern heart, whose real sympathy aud
Kindness has always been on the side OF the
''pOOr, down-trodden African"
In this connection, we desire to say a word
as to the cOIOred population of this town and
neighbOrhOOd, as candOr compels us to say,
we think it contrasts most tavOrably with ac-
counts from many other quarters. Since the
departure of the troops, and freedom to the
negro become AN established fact, their de-
pertinent in The general has been polite and
submissive to their superiors. Indeed, to
their credit be it said, we nave heard the re-
mark made again and again, that with the
most OF them, but little change was perccpti-
bic in their manner Their willingness to
work is perhaps as good as could be expect
ed-under the circumstances of freedom be-
ing thrust upon them whether they were
ready for it or no. The most complaint we
hear, is as to the exhorbitaut demands for
service. They seem to have no proper APP
probation Of the relative value Of labor. or
the ability of the employee to remunerate it
according to the kind performed. This, how
ChSI, WILL SOOn "OTkO uJ us own CORRECTION.
The disposition prevalent elsewhere, prevails
alike here, and all who can secure a shelter
OF any description flock into town. Many of
them no doubt will suffer greatly the coming
winter, for the hog and ltominy, and big
country fires, which the old master or mis-
tress 50 lavishly furnished. Their incapacity
for outstanding resources or making adequate
provision for a coming day, was always pro-
verbal, and we fear will be no better in the
future than it was in the past. AS their ac-
knowledged STATUS however, has been now
liked, whether for veal or woe, and we are
to be common occupants Of the same comInu-
nifty, we hope nothing Of strife or discord may
arise in the future, and whilst the action of
the one class Is marked by charity and kind
ness, that Of the other Will be uniform and
respectful as to all proper submission.
y Bold THEFT.-Some daring rogue took
from the front of Kears!ey 6 Sheerer's store
on Thursday evening last, about twilight. a
whole piece Of Oil Cloth, containing 25
yards and weighing 10 lbs. s25 reward is
offered for recovery of property and detec-
ton Of thief.
rD"A special Term OF the Circuit Court of
Berkeley County, Judge BALCH presiding,
has been in session for the last two weeks
Numerous indictments were made, and much
other business transacted, of special concern
to the people of that County.
Mr.. Faulkner occupied the attention ofthe
Court on Monday week, in an argument
upon the question whether Attorneys at Lav
were required to take the test oath prescribed
by the act of November 10Th, 1863, but the :
Court rendered no decision at our last advices.
The special Term for Jefferson, it will be
recolIected, ommencesa at Shepherdstown on
the 18th.
RI~ToxEY BLUE, the well known Ostler