davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
THE FIRST FRUITS.

Already the darkieS are availing themselves
Of the miss-called "civil rights bill"-the bill,
in other words, to put the negro ahead Of the
white man. We copy an instance. Here is
a clear violation Of the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States in the passage Of an ex post .factO
law. An existing law of the State of Indiana,
ander the Constitution, prohibits the emigra-
ton Of negroes into the State, and here is fel-
low Wit its limitsrwho, in three days after
the passage Of the bill by Congress, ayails him.
self Of it to abrogatc all State laws and Consti-
buttons, and the Judge dare not carry out the
State law which he is sworn to administer
This is but the beginning.
A Case under the Civil Rights Bill-An impor-
tant Decision to be rendered.
LAFAYETTE, ISD., APRIL II.
A colored man named Barnes brought suit
against prominent citizen this morning to en-
force a contract. The defendant, for answer
sets up that the negro came into the State in
violation Of the 18th article Of the Constitution
Of the State of Indiana, which, under pains and
penalties prohibits negroes from coming into
The State, and debars them from all rights to
e&fore contracts, etc.
The plaintiff demurs to the answer, main
tanning that the 18th article is void and Of no
effect, because !. Ii is in controvention Of the
letter and spirit Of the Constitution Of the U.
States 2 It's in direct conflict with the con-
stitutiOnal amendment abolishing slavery. 3.
It is void under the first section of the civil
rights bill, which gives to all persons born in
the United States full right to make and en-
force contracts, any law, statute, ordinance,
regulation or custom to the contrary notwith
standing.
The court sustained the demurrer, and the
defendant appealed to the Circuit Court, which
Is now in session.
The case was submitted to-day, and after
argument Of counsel it was taken under advise
mcnt. Judge Gest will probably render de-
cision tomorrow. Under the second section Of
the civil rights bill he can only decide in favor
of the negro, for the reason that an adverse
decision would subject him to the penalty of
1000 fine and imprisonment.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
CONGRESS.

In the SENATE, on Tuesday the 10th, the
House bill was passed to reimburse the State
Of Pennsylvania for moneys expended in rails
ing troops for the war; also, bill granting
certain lands to the State of Michigan to aid in
constructing ship canal to connect the waters
of Lake Superior with q Lake known as the
lac la Belle in that State
In the House, nothing Of importance was
matured The bankrupt bill was reconsidered,
and again rejected.
In the SENATE, on Wednesday, the sitting
was consumed in the discussion of a bill to re-
imburse certain contractors of ironclads for
losses incurred in fulfilling their contracts.
In the House bill was passed to amend an
oct donating lands to the several States and
Territories which may establish colleges for
the benefit of agricultural and mechanic arts.
In the SENATE, on Thursday, eulogies were
delivered upon the character and public ser
vices Of the late Hon. solomon Foot, Of Yer
mont, BY Messrs Poland, Sumner, and Fes-
sender.
in the House, a joint resolution from the Sc
nate was passed, protesting against the par
doning by foreign governments Of persons con-
victed Of infamous crimes, on condition Of emil
grating to the United States; also, the con-
current resolution prohibiting the sale Of spirit
Gus liquors in the Capitol and other public
buildings; also the Joint resolution appropria-
ting $4,000 for the temporary relief of desti-
tute people in the District of Columbia, &" with
out distinction Of race or color" EulogieS were
then delivered on the life and services Of the
late Senator Foot
In the SENATE, on Friday. local and private
pension bills occupied the public sitting, and
after an Executive session, the body adjourned
TO Monday
In the HOUSE, after the passage Of joint
resolution to increase the pension Of Mrs. Mar
tina McCook, the mother of the fighting fami-
"" who had lost her husband and four sons
in the war, the bill to reorganize and establish
the army Of the United States was discussed,
but not finished.
The senate was not In session on Saturday,
and the HOUSE. after an eloquent speech from
Gen. Garfield, Of Ohio, adjourned in respect to
tho-memory of President Lincoln, who was as
sassinated on the 14th Of April, 1865.
In the SENATE, on Monday, spirited dis
cussiOn took place on bill to rescind the order
of the President designating the Sioux City and
Pacific Railroad Company to construct the
branch of the Union Pacific Railroad from Sioux
City. MessTs. McDougall and CONFESS of Cal
iforuia INDUCED in personalities which the chair
fslt. bound to check Eoiecision was had 2,
IN the HoUsE, Mr.. Stevens endesTored to
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Serenade.


At the " Serenade given to the Indiana
Delegation, the other night, in Washington,
Mr.. Orth declared, among other things, that
it was the determination of Congress to contin-
ue in session till the violent purposes of the
Radical party leaders are fully conSumated.-
ave told the man in the White House, said
the speaker, that We will not go with him in
reasonable acts. As an old Hoosier said to me
the other day, we have him on the ground and
are rolling over him."
This Congress will not adjourn soon. Dog
days may come, hot weather may come, and
the cholera may come, but we will not go till
our work is completely done, and done in such
a way as to leave no room for mischief when
We are gone" These are very plain and re-
markable declarations.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Circuit Court.

Circuit Court.
WILLIAM CAVE was sentenced by the Cir
cult Court Of this county on Thursday last, fol
stealing the horse of Mr.. Warner Of this town
His term of service in the Penitentiary was fix
ed at two years.
JOHN APPEL was also sentenced to serve in
the Penitentiary for the term of two years and
one month, for obtaining horse and buggy
under false pretence, and selling them.
DR.. w. 0. McCoUGHTRY, who had been in
dicted upon the charge Of perjury, in having
taken the test oath, was acquitted, the charge
not being sustained.
The indictment against Capt. Fl. F. KEnNEY
for allowing his company whilst in the Confed-
crate service, to take goods from the Store Of
w. NJ. Cronise in Shepherdstown, was quashed.
1t is said that the late Grand Jury made another
indictment against him!
A number Of lawyers were admitted to the
bar.
Henry C.. Entler resigned his office as Master
Commissioner, and Joseph A. Chapline and
Henry Berry appointed in his stead.
The Court adjourned from Thursday to Mon
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
LOCAL SUMMARY


6 Wheeonnd-"
The sale of this beautiful estate, advertised
in the columns Of the Free Press,) containing
s4l acres of land, belonging to the heirs Of the
late GEORGE w. TURNER, who was killed by
the John Brown party, was sold ON Saturday
last at public sale in this town. The occasion
brought forth large number Of persons, many
of them from New York, Pennsylvania, Mary
land, District of Columbia, &c. This tract
was part of the Homestead" (about 1000
acres) of the late HENRy s. TURNER, Esq, a
gentleman well known by the older portion Of
our citizens. WIN. F. TURNER, Esq, became
the purchaser, at $3.50 per acre-not within,
perhaps, ten dollars per acre Of its value, when
it is recOllected that it is in one of the best Sec
tons Of the county, county justly termed
the Garden Spot of Virginia"
At the last census, Jefferson county lands
were valued at SO per acre more than any
other land in the State More wheat has been
produced in this county, than any other, in pro-
portion to acres, more taxes paid; and no coun-
ty surpasses it in the intelligence Of its people
We have Improvements like lattice work, such
as Railroads, Turnpikes, Canal, &c. Besides
our county abounds in Mills, Churches, and
everything else which will make people hap
nv. With the Potomac River on the North
and East, the Shenandoah River on the South,
and the Opequon Creek on the West, with Bull
skin, Evetts, Cat-tail, and innumerable small
streams, why should not those, blessed with
such an heritage, cling to it?
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
False statements.

Very false statements says the Alexandria
Gazette are put forth, frequently, to the effect
that it is not safe for Northern men to settle in
the South, and that they arc in danger, &C.
So far from this being the case, Northern men,
who find it to their interest to do so, are every
day buying land, building houses, and cultiva-
ting crops, in all parts of the South. Those
who are mere adventures, and think they can
not make Money, do not stay here. We speak
from daily experience, and what We see in this
and the neighboring counties.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Christian Association.

We publish to-day the Preamble to the Con-
stitution of the "Charlestown Christian Asso-
ciaton," setting forth its aims and objects. 1t
will be gratifying for our readers to learn that
the Association is in reasonably fourishing
condition, increasing in membership, and, con-
sequently, in usefulness. BY voluntary con-
tributions very respectable Library will soon
be at the command of the association. Already
a number of useful and interesting books have
been contributed.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Letter from Mrs. stonewall Jackson

The following letter explains itself:
COTTAGE HOME, N. c., February Is, 1868.
Ny Dear Ladies-Your letter presenting me,
in the name of " Southern Women of Memphis
with portrait of my beloved husband, exccu-
ted by Mr.. J. r. Saunders, of your city, Mem
phis,i has just been received. The portrait ar
rived safely by express few weeks since.
No token ofregard that you could have shown
me, for his sake, could be more acceptable, or
highly priced, or could touch my bereaved heart
more deeply, than this likeness Of my saiuted
husband. With q full heart l tender to you
my warmest thanks, and assure you of my sim
cereand heartfelt thankfulness and qualification
in possessing just such picture. Ihave an ex-
cellent frontview portrait of him, which is an
inexpressible comfort and pleasure to me, and
now it is double joy and comfort to have this
handsome side-view.
1t is certainly beautiful painting, and does
credit to your "Memphian artist" Please
thank Mr.. Saunders most kindly for me for his
generosity in contributing part Of the sub
scription price.
Your beautiful tribute to the memory of my
precious husband is warmly appreciated. To
see him thus enshrined in the hearts of his no.
bic countrywomen, is sweet solace to his wife
who looks up to him as the joy, the pride, and
the comfort of her life
Wishing You many blessings, am, my dear
ladies, most truly and gratefully yours,
MARY ANNA JACKSON.
Mrs. T. j. Turly, Mrs. Oliver Greenlaw, Mrs.
W. T. Haskell, Mrs. G. r. Grant, Miss L. A.
Allen.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
The Last Volley.

Col. John S. Mosby visited Leesburg last
Monday on professional business. Because he
happened to wear cape in these piping times
of peace which had on it several brass buttons
with the coat of arms of Massachusetts, on them,
the Federal Captain in command there declared
his purpose to arrest him and cut them off,
Being unwilling to submit to this treatment,
but disposed to do any thing in reason to avoid
a breach of the peace, the Colonel at the sug-
gestion of friend, consented to leave the burg.
The Captain with troopers and GO infantry
endeavored to intercept his retreat, but was too
late by several moments, to effect his Object
When the Colonel rode upon the crest of ahil,
he looked back and saw the doughty warriors
make furious bayonet charge upon hay
stack which had served to conceal him from
their view when he made his exit The spec
tacle was so ludicrous he could not repress an
inclination to whoop. He did so, and at the
same time raising his hat, he waived parting
adieu. The irate Captain acknowledged the
compliment BY ordering a leaden volley from
60 guns to be fred at the Colonel. The bullets
whistled closely but harmlessly past him and
made music which reminded him of by-gone
years of strife.
We believe the Massachusetts button is the
symbol of treason, and are somewhat surprised
that the Colonel was so disloyal as to retain one
on his cape at the risk Of liberty and life
H1-reufou Tnd<r
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19


DKzIN SHUGHR1 ss.ik flnsslf Of this nedi-
TN Il Informing H. people Of Jefferson and
Clarke counties, that having removed from bis old
stand 70 Tie shop adjoining SIS residence nearly OPP
gosise The Valley Bsak bsiidiag, b wilrthsre con-
SADDLE = HARNESS BUSINESS
In all its various brsnchei and d prepared to exc
cute all orders In the best styc at short notice. and
at reasonable prices. He intends to work none bv.
the best material that can Be procured, and as he
personally superntends every piece Of work exeeu-
Ted In his Shop, those who favor him with theis
csstcm may rely upon having nsst strong and du-
rable work done.
he has nsw ON had, lbr sale, . fns lot Of SAD.
DIES, Fexeellent materiel
he win repair Wagon. Carriage OF Buggy aar-
ness, at short notice..
Every description Of HIDES. Green or Dry,
taken in exehznge fr work, or bought for CASH
at the highest market rates.
He soeiss CALI asssrsd Of be ability to give an
tire Subtraction.
April 10, lss6-H.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Fifty Dollars Reward.
HORSE STOLEN!

CTOLEN from the subscriber, living near Charles
- town, Jefferson county. West Virginia, on Sat-
urday night April II, 1866,
SMALL BAY HORSE,
heavy dark name and tail, and seven or eight years
old. On his left shoulder Is brand Of ~ X r."
think he had small white star in his forehead.
and white streak down his nose. Saddle marks
visible; fetlocks lately sheared. No other marks
remembered.
have strong reasons To believe the horse was
taken by . negro boy named Charles, formerly tho
property Of Nr. Jerry Harris. This boy was ,esn
in my stable late that evening. Blind Bride and
Leather Halter alsa missing.
This boy was rather we'll clad, wore broad rim.
med hat, apparently new. He 10 club-footed. ]
have reasons TO believe he 10 either in the neghbor
hood of Msrtinsburg or above Winchester ten or
twelve miles, at Lockhart's, on the Romney Road.
The negro may have made his way TO Mr.. Vim.
McCoy's, with whom he formerly lived on nv farm.
The above reward will be paid for the recovery of
the horse and conviction OF the thief $40 for the
horse alone. ABRAHAM ISLER,
Charlestown, Jefferson County, W. W.
April 10, ls6S-H.
WineAessr Ss~s, Romney Infsll;gssesr, kors.a.-
burg He~ Era and Hagsrsfs~~ kaa copy ~ s~''
oj$2, and ssnd biU for collection.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
independent order OF Odd Fellows.

The R. W. Grand Lodge of Virginia, after a
very pleasant session, adjourned Thursday last.
The following are the Grand officers elect for
the presentyear: H. G. Davidson, R. W. Grand
Master f. H. Fowlkes, R. W. Deputy Grand
Master; G. W. Dame, R. W. Grand Warden /;
W. j. Riddick, R. W. Grand Secretary; J. W.
Ferguson, R. W. Grand Treasurer and J. B.
Blanks, r w. Grand Chaplain.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19

The " ChaR1estoWn Christian ~.
sociation,s
Established some months since by members
Of the several Churches in Charlestovn and Vi
cinity, ask attention to the following preamble
to their Constitution, as il indicates with suffi-
cient breyity, the design and objects ofthe As
ISOLATION:
PREAMBLE.
To promote the interests Of our holy religion !;
to arouse US to higher estimate Of our Christ
ian privileges; to infuse into our hearts more
devotional piety, and to unite US more closely
in christian love and christian effort, We, men,
bers Of the several churches in Charlestown
and the surrounding country, DO here agree to
form ourselves into union called the Charles
town Christian Association"
Being pursuaded by the past Of the great
benefit to be secured by union and cooperation
among christians, observation has taught US
that many members of the church are unknown
to each other as such; and many who are mo-
rally disposed are led astray into current vices,
through the want Of some appropriate medium
by which christian influence can he thrown a.
round them.
We do not propose organizing Church, or
in any degree intervening between any christian
and the church with which he may be united
but we do propose to throw as many strength.
ening influences around the weak, and reclaim
ing influences around the erring as it is posi-
bic to do without placing ourselves in collision
with any Of the organized Churches, or ig any
degree failing to acknowledge the Preaching of
Salvation through Faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ as the only Divinely ordained means of
converting the world, and do adopt for our
government the following Constitution:
o
Regular monthly meetings are held at the
rooms of the Association for the transaction of
its business affairs, and it is in contemplation
to have frequent Prayer Meetings, and to open
at an early day to the admission Of all subscri-
bling members the Library and Reading Room
which will be comfortably furnished, and well
lighted during the evenings of each week not
occupied by any Church with public service.
The fee for the use Of the Library and Reading
Rooms, Lectures and Addresses, will be One
Dollar per annum. Ladies admitted as sub
scribing members as well as gentlemen.
OFFICERS:
R.T. BROWN, Pres;demf.
Wee Presidents ID. HUMPHREYS, RRv. c. n.
CAMPBELL, Y. 8. WHITE, and r. SHrsAsr.
Recording .See'y ID. Howell, Jr.
Corrs.p'ng. Sse'y:-E II. Campbell. -
Trsasurer "A. w. Cramer.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Judge Hall.

, uuSC HILL
The first term of the Berkeley Circuit Court,
presided over by Judge Hall, was brought to
a close on Saturday last. Weopposed the cleo
ton of this gentleman to the Judgeship of this
Judicial District; but, as under the forms Of
law, he was declared entitled to the office, and
has entered upon the exercise of its high func-
tions, we shall ever be ready, as public jour-
nalist, to render him honor when honor is due.
During the late term, he has presided with dig
nifty, impartiality and ability, and has made a
favorable impression upon the public mind
He is now holding Court at Shepherdstown,
Jefferson county, where large amount of bust
ness has accumulated.-Ma rtiRSb,Tg Era.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19


Never since the formation Of Jefferson Conn
ty has there been as much ground prepared
for corn crop as the present season. The
same may be said Of the adjoining counties
With the blessing Of God in granting favor
able season, the Valley Of Virginia will afford
an ample supply Of corn for all the people of
Virginia.
New fences are taking the place Of old ones,
and fields turned out by the army are being
enclosed with substantial boards, &c.
Since the late rains and pleasant weather, q
manifest improvement is to be seen in the
growing crow Of wheat which lately presented
a gloomy prospect.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19

Rsa- Hon. DANIEL S. DICKINSON, formerly
a Senator from the State of New York, well
known throughout the United States. died at
his residence in Binghampton on the 18th inst.
He had been Lieut. Governor of the State,
and at the time of his death was L. s. Attor-
ney for the Southern District of New York.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
HOrse Thieves.

All the horse thieves have not yet been ap-
pretended, as will be seen by advertisements
in this paper. We begin to think some injus-
tice was done Cave-not in sending him to the
Penitentiary for two years, but by giving him
the credit for all the thicving done in this CON-
munity.
Sleeping in the stable is good preventive,
and advertising in the Free Press O most val
liable antidote.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Removal,

Removal,
Mr.. R. SHu0ABF has removed his Saddle and
Harness making establishment to his Shops
adjoining his residence nearly opposite the
Bank. Nothing we can say can add to the
clever reputation of Mr.. s. as a worker in leath-
err and we simply direct attention of the reader
10 his advertisement.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Another Removal.

Another Removal.
Mr.. H. D. MrDpLEKAUrr was unwilling to
longer "work ir the traces " in so remote
portion Of tbs town, and has taken a room OPP
posite the 81 Carter House. where those in need
of new Harness, or desire the old harness put
in complete working condition, can secure his
invaluable services. We invite attention to
his advertisement
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Released.

Captain r. B. Winder who has been impris-
oned at the old Capitol and at Richmond, Va,
for quite q number of months, on charges con-
nected with the Andersonville prisoners, was
released from custody by orders from Wash
ington. ..-
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
The Richmond Enquirer saws.

ave are informed by physicians that the
mortality among negroes is terrible, farexceed-
ing the proportion that prevailed during the
existence of slavery, and that the producing
causes are 6lth, neglect ans over crowded
houses
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
IS The RAINY Day.o

The poet says some days must be dark and
dreary," and we opine he must have been en-
joying ~ such spell as we have been eIpe-
riencing the present week. However, with the
genial sunshine which We shall soon have, we
expect cheering improvement in vegetation,
snd trust We may have abundant harvests in
spite Of the gloomy apprehensions Of many
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Aide-de-Camp.

Governor Peirpont, on the 9Th inst, designa-
ted Colonel Charles II. Lewis as the Aide-de-
camp on duty under the act of Assembly au-
thorizing the appointment of one Aid, to re-
ceive pay when on duty, according to the rank
designated by law; the pay to commence on
the LIST Of April, 1866.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Burned.

The steam circular saw mill, the property of
MeSsrs. Davidson & Brathwait, Is miles from
Martinsburg, on the Berkeley and Hampshire
grade, was entirely destroyed by fire, on the Sd
inst. Loss supposed to be from $500 to
81. 900.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
Sold.

The railroad passenger car, manufactured in
Alexandria by the military railroad authorities,
for the exclusive use of the late President of the
United States, at cost of over $40, 900, was
sold last week for $3.50; Ward H. Lamon,
the purchaser
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
"Gathering Them In. .

Some half dozen or more wagons under the
charge of Federal officer passed through town
few days ago, for the purpose Of collecting
the remains of federal soldiers now lying bu-
ried in the grave-yards and old fields Of the
Valley.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-04-19
REMOVED

70 Roox OPPosIrs "eAssss Norss."
Harness, Saddles& Brides,
AAHuyAcTuasD on RxSA,asD
At Oharlestosrn. Jefferson County.
TINE undersigned respectfully announces " tho
citizens Of Charlestown and vicinity, that nv
Is constantly making and repairing Carriage, Gig,
Buggy, Coach and Wagon, Harness, Saddles,
Brides. Halters &c., in the most durable manner,
and thsmost modern style of workmanship, and at
commends ITSELF All ask Il share Of the public
patronage.
~ Shop opposite " Carter House."
April Is, sc. HENRY ID. NIDDLEKACTF.