Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-03-29
JERUSALEM, SOUTHAMPTON,
March %, 1866.
ID he Editor Of Me WIiq

March %, 1866.
To the Editor Of the Wing;
Jerusalem, the county seat of Southampton
is situated on the Nottoway river, near the
centre of the county. The Nottoway is not
navigable to this point, and Jerusalem seems
fading under the active competition Of rival
villages, possessing superior business facilities
Its present appearance serves to heighten the
interest which historic associations have thrown
around it, and it is almost impossible for one
acquainted with it heretofore to keep from
viewing over again mentally the scene that pre-
scented itself here nearly thirty-ive years ago,
during that terrible twenty-four hours Of agony
and suspense, when that demon Of bloOdShed
was performing its worst upon defenceless
women and children.
The third Monday is a great day at the
somewhat antiquated capital OF southampton,
that beng cOurt-day. 1t seems generally
understood that any citizen of the county who
wishes to see any other citizen can find him
here on that day and between the number OF
those who have business and those who, having
little elsewhere, can well afford to come here,
the third Monday witnesses large crowd as
Sembled at Jerusalem. The village, SO quiet at
other times, Is all alive on that day. Almost
every profession or calling iSrepreSented in that
mixed mass of human beings. Grave farmers
discussing whatever questions may have rete-
renee TO the soil merchants buSily seeking
purchasers for their goods, each furnishing the
gratifying assurance that he is selling at lower
price than the other; doctors with bundles OF
g medical bills" which now hardly pay for the
carrying; keen-eyed disciples of Blackstone
moving about with Sudrder IN mOdO quite con-
Sistent with their position, ready TO split hairs
or transform mOlehillS INTO mountains, or noun
tanS into mOlehillS, as may suit the cases of
their clients-all stand forth prominently in this
great picture Of life.
The session Of the court, commencing on the
10Th instant, continued for two days, and much
important business received attention. The
presence of more than two dozen very respect
able and intelligent looking justices, and al
most half that number of professional gentle
men, gave to the courtroom quite an imposing
aspect. Perhaps no courtroom, so far removed
from any city, has been able to present at all
times greater array Of legal talent. OFT has
it echoed with the learned argument or the
tones of soft, persuasive eloquence. Many OF
those who have appeared here have been hon
ored with high civil positions, and have CON-
manded the attention Of the most enlightened
bodies of the land.
Much of the time Of the court was occupied
with the discussion Of propositions looking to
the rebuilding, at an early day, of many Of the
bridges in which the county was interested,
but which were burned during the war. 1t is
desired, so far as repairing the highways and
furnishing means of travel can do so, to put
the county in its ante belIim condition. Ii was
urged by some that the people were not pre-.
pared for any additional burdens at this time,
but the advantages accruing were supposed to
fully justify the measure. notwithstanding the
increase of taxes which would be necessary.
No action has vet been taken with reference
TO the fence law, and there is no reason to sup
pose that it will go into effect in this county for
some time TO come. Unlike some other pOr-
tons of the State, the people have not suffered
TO that extent that would make its adoption alb
Solutely necessary, and they prefer, for the
present, TO stick TO their former customs.
The violent assault and serious injury of a
very respectable gentleman, on the day before
court BY two negroes, was the subject of much
talk aud the cause of some excitement. Solar
rs | could ascertain, there was no excuse for
this outrageous proceeding. The arrest of the
negroes was promptly ordered, but whether
they will receive their dues remains to be seen.
No doubt the whole affair can be clearly traced
TO the new order Of things. Z.