The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-01-12
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch,
Drr,a,rrn, Y,,,or,, 1884

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
PETERSBURG, January IL, 1855,
When Rip Van Wrinkle walked up after the
war of the Revolution, he could not have been
more amazed at the changes that had taken
place during his protracted slumeer than any
former citizen who should now look ih'o o'i
town after having been in state oi ihSens'
bility for the last four years. The houses "'''
indeed, still standing, with some eA'eP'
,ions the streets have not been ai'ereo' no
new buildings have been crccted III SNORT the
material asncct has undergone but little modi-
sc..;on Rut the presence of the military,
the negro celebrations, the prostration of the
old forms of civil trial, the establishment OF
the Freedmen's Bureau and Freedmens
Court-togcther with many other novelties
would cause much bewilderment. Let us see
If we can extract n single item from this list
which may furnish matter of interest enough
10 heguile a listless moment.
The Frecdmcn's Court is composed OF three
Judges, one of whom is an officer OF the army
representing the Bureau; the second, Il citizeh'
chosen by the Common Council ana the thiro,
selected by the freedmen for the protection OF
their interests. Captain George w. "eop'
Provost Marshal, of the Second Pennsylvania
courteous and unassuming in his manners,
liberal in his opinions and prompt in the dis
charge of his duties. So far from being blind
TO the faults of the negro, his judgments are
impartially rendered as between the whites
and blacks, and it is believed he has given
satisfaction 10 both classes. The Bureau GER
tainlv made a iudiciousl choice in his appoint
ment. John Dodson, Esq, was elected by the
He
though not recently, the mayor of the city,
and no incumbent of that office ever enjoyed
in n greater degree the confidence and respect
of the people Had he wished, he might have
held il as tenure for life, with only the forms
of an election. He is, therefore, abundantly
qualified for the position he holds, which he
accepted only from 4 sense Of duty at this cri-
teal time, being n man of large estate, and
retiring in his habits.
David May, Esq, was the choice OF the
freedmen. He is one of the most successful
lawyers of the city, in the practice OF which
he has accumulated q fine fortune. His opin-
ion in legal matters has carried rs much
weight, both with the bar and bench, as that
of any lawyer in the country. Above all, he
is Christian gentleman of unblemished cha
racter, whom no man has ever named out
with respect and esteem. That the negroes
should have chosen such person 10 represent
them not only implies good sense, but reve'
renee for virtue which impresses even the
lowest classes of society.
A court thus constituted cannot fail to COM
,nand respect and to carry authority with ii.
The wonder is that men of so much refine
ment and elevation of character can sit day
after day amid n crowd of dirty and ignorant
creatures, and patiently listen to the number
less frivolous cases that are submitted TO their
decision. Verify, Cuffee has shown fondness
for litigation. 1t is in his power now to bring
suit against any brother or sister who he fan
cies owes him q dime, and he means to assert
his liberty.
The cotton and tobacco markets have not
recovered from the depression consequent on
the season. Nothing interesting therefore
can be said of them this week. Merchants anti
cipate q revival of business by next week,
when something may transpire worthy OF being
reported. Only few hogsheads of inferior
nbacco have been offered for sale since the
holidays. A small quantity of cotton has
changed hands within the last few days 1T
prices varying from fortyseven cents III the
beginning of the week 10 forty-hre cents
to-day.
Phoenix Hall was crowded 10 overlooking
last night, on the % aston Of the beneht Tor
Mrs. Stonewal Jackson. Many persons who
were not present purchased tickets to promote
the object for which the performance was
given.
There has been quite a skating festival
among the young people No such opportu-
nifty has been afforded for several years
Besides the ponds in the neighborhood, the
river presented a splendid field of ice, which
afforded q fine theatre for such an entertain
ment Surely the poetry of motion " is
more beautifully illustrated in skating and
dancing than in any otherspecies of exercise.
SS0wDEN.