The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-04-19
Interesting SIati>tiCs-Peter>burg Matters.
CORRESPONDENCE Of the Richmond Dispatch.

Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.
PErEKsErRG. April Il, ls's.
I have collected some facts and statistics
from Captain Stuart Barnes, the chief of III"
Freedmen $ Bureau for the district of Motto
way. which may be Of general interest. 1t
will be remembered that previous TO emancl-
patton this was the most populous slavehold
ing district in Virginia. by the census OF
1860. the number of slaves and free negroes
was about Isl, 200. Since the peace, another
census has been taken by order of the Bureau,
and the number aScertained to be l34,'H" :;
showing a dimnuton OF only few hundred
What would have been the natural increment
in five years can only be conlectured approx
matey. 1t might probably have been from
eight to ten per cent.-eq uiValent, we VIII say,
10 ten or twelve thousand The relative de
crease, therefore, may be computed from these
data, which can doubtless he accounted for III
the increased emigration of adults and the
greater mortality among children.
The number of colored persons supplied with
rations in October last was 1000. Since then,
even during the winter months, there has been
a regular progressive diminutlon of from 700
10 1000 per month, until now the number OF
paupers is reduced 10 La, or only one i'll l2o.
To relieve the Government from the bur
den of helpless women aud children, the plan
has been adopted of placing the children III an
ASYLUM established by the Bureau, from
whence they are distributed TO applicants OF
good character, by far the largest number he
ing sent north. Mothers being thus rid OF
their incumbrance, they are placed Ill a posi-
ton 10 support themselves by work.
The state of feeling between the two races
throughout the district is represented to he
good. Cases of violence and oppression do
sometimes occur, but not oftener, IT Is be
Heyed, than in communities where no preju'
i dice of color exists.
These facts speak well for the good manage
ment of the Bureau in this district, and Cap
tain Barnes deserves the praise Of being not
only an intelligent officer, but one who knows
how 10 deal with men: which, after ALL is the
highest proof of administrative ability.
The Rev. Mr.. rutherford, who has been
preaching at the Tabb street Presbyterian
Church for week or two past, has given 80
much satisfaction t. the congregation that ii
is believed an invitation will be unanimously
extended TO him To become the regular pastor.
A meeting is called for this evening toconsider
the subject
Several dry goods stores on Sycamore street
have recently been fitted up in splendid style,
and the display of spring goods is tempting
beyond anything offered 10 our people for
many long years. This class of merchants, If
no others, must be doing a good business.
There will never be any lack of lady Gus
toners as long rs fashion yields her sceptre.
And what, indeed, should men toll for, if not
for the fairer and better part of creation The
public spirit of the sex on "A thousand occa-
sions in the history of the last few years-and
especially in the recent demonstration III Bal
timore-deseryes the profound homage OF
every man who has a spark of nobility in his
composition.
The price of cotton in this market has been
less affected by the late unfavorable advices
from Europe than might have been expected,
The diminished receipts at Southern ports
have given confidence 10 our dealers, and they
are looking forward TO early reaction.