The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-06-20
LETTER FROM PETERSBURG.
of the Richmond Dispatch
PETERSBURG, June 10, 1866.

PETERSBURG, June ~, 1866.
In connection with the Improvement OF
the channel of the Appomattox, the very
important work of rebuilding the pnblc
wharf property has been commenced, and
will be steadily prosecuted till completed.
And not only will the city wharveS, which
embrace an area of several hundred feet in
length, be entirely rebuilt, but the owners
of private wharveS have signifed their in
tention to put all necessary repairs upon
their property, so that every facility and
convenience NAV be furnished vessels run
ming to this port. This work was much
needed, and has been earnestly called for.
Our wharves, as well as our channel, have
been disgrace TO our city, and their ini-
provement will beyond doubt result in
much benefit.
1t is estimated that the expenses of the
city for the current year, independent of
the salaries of officials and outside indebt-
edness falling due, will reach sum ex-
ceeding sixty thousand dollars. Reports
of the various appropriations that would
be required were made by the different
committees at meeting of the Common
Council yesterday afternoon, in order that
a proper tax bill might be. Gfamed to meet
them. This tax bill wjFprobably be re-
ported at the next rea6lar meeting of the
Council, to be held ny LIST.
A proposition w introduced into the
Council yesterd looking to the reduc-
ton 6.thc present force Of the fire depart
ment, and to the prohibition OF all per-
sons under the age of twenty years from
becoming members of any company. The
suggestion was embodied in report on
the condition of the department by the
chief engineer, and shaped into motion
by one OF the oldest and most influential
members Of the Council. The chief engi-
neer places the aggregate force of the four
companies forming the fire brigade at
about three hundred members-a number
above that allowed by law, and to reduce
this to its legal standard he proposes TO
have the names Of all members under the
age OF twenty stricken from the rolls.
This will probably cause some dissatisfac-
ton, as among some Of the most enthusi-
astic and Woodworking as well as prompt
and energetic members of the brigade are
the young men in their teens.
Asa Hartz lectured to thin audience
al Library Hall last night-not more than
forty or fifty persons being present. To-
morrow night, al the same place, the piano.
rama Oh TdIduiSc LOST VIII DC presented.
The farmers in this vicinity are now in
the midst OF harvest. Generally the wheat
crop is Indifferent, but here and there a
u good field may be seen. On the plantation
OF DR.. Epes, near City Point, learn the
yield will be very satisfactory.
Our domestic market is very abundantly
supplied, and prices are not considered
high. The choicest meats are plentiful,
and vegetables In perfection may be OBJ.
tanned 1T every stall. While in this par.
ticular department business is brisk, in the
great public mart trade is dull. The stock
Of goods on hand is large, and great in
ducements In the shape of low prices are
offered but money Is scarce and par-
chaSeTs few.
Many stores and not few dwelling
houses are offared for rent, and tenants
cannot be found. Rents have fallen, but
business does not justify the opening Of