davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
The Surratt Trial.

This trial still continues to occupy tho courts
at Washington, and a large share of newspaper
attention, up tothis date. Mr. Merricksspcech
fills number Of columns of the National IN
tcligcncer. Ills defence Of the prisoner is
spoken Of as one Of tho finest specimens Of TO
rcusic eloqucnce ever listened to in this coun-
try. His argument on the law points involved,
and bis thorough sitting Of the prosecutions
witnesses left but little for Mr.. Bradley to do.
Mr.. Mcrrick's calm and diguifcd speech, en-
tircly free from undue excitement, and not too
harshly rejecting upon his opponents, is wor-
thy of one holding the high rank at tho bar
which he deservedly holds.
Surely, it is true, rs some one has said, that
Surratt is the best tried man in the country
Tho ends Of Justice VIII certainly be gained, by
the result arrived at, for the investigation has
been severe and searching. The closing speech
was commenced by Judge Pierropoint on Sat-
urday, and occupied Monday and Tuesday.
The jury in this important case are, by all
parties interested, thought to be every way
worthy of the responsible position they occupy.
They viii doubtless discharge their duty, in the
fear Of God, regardless Of the favor or disiayor
Of men.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Further Proof.

Thoeditorof the Union Springs Miss Times,
in maintaining the accuracy Of his report Of a
conversation had with Mr.. Thaddcus Stevens,
calls upon Mr. Sandcrson o! Lancaster, who
introduced him and was present at the inter-
Wow, to verify his report In stating that he
was there for public information only, Mr.. S.
said:
Ellis acts and sentiments were pretty well
known-that no had no desire 10 conceal them.
Among the remarks omitted in the report was
one by Mr.. Stevens, when speaking Of the bel
liscrcut rights on tho part Of tho South, by the
Yankee government, that the hanging Of Mrs.
Surrattwasc cruel, unnecessary murder" These
were his identical words lie carclessly ad-
ded: 1T is no use 70 find fault with it now
Itcannot be helped, and suppose it was done
to crafty morbid appetite for blood on the
part Of some excited people North"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Tho Case of Mrs. surratt.


The Washington correspondent Of the New
York Times writes:
The recommendation for mercy for Mrs. Sur
raft, made by some of the members Of the mill
tary commission which tried the assassination
conspirators, has at last been unearthed, and
reads as follows;
"The undersigned, members Of the military
commission detailed TO try Mary E. Surratt and
others for the conspiracy and the murder Of
Abraham Lincoln, late President Of the United
States, g., respectfully pray the President, in
consideration of the sex and age of said Mary
L. Surratt, if he can, upon all the facts in the
caso find it consistent with his sense Of duty to
the country, 10 commute the sentence Of death
which the Court have been constrained TO pro-
uounce to Imprisonment in the penitentiary for
life. Respectfully submitted.
"D. Hunter, Major General, President ;
Aug. Kautz, Brigader and Brevet Major Gen
eral r. S. Foster, Brigadier and Brevet Major
General; James A. Ekin, Brevet Brigadier
General; Chas. II. Tompkins, Brevct Colonel
and Acting Quartcrmaster."
The recommendation was drawn up by Hon.
John A. Bingham, Judge Advocate, and the
following members of the court refused to sign
it: Generals Lew Wallace, A. p Howe and
Il. NJ. Harris and Colonel d. r. Glendenning.
This recommendation is written on a sheet of
foolscap, which is joined to the sheet on which
the approval of the death-sentcnce is signed by
President johnson.
The recommendation to mercy, it has al
ready been shown, never reached President
johnson.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Circns, rIenagerie 8 Museum.

Circus, nenaSePIo ~ luusCuin'
The Staunton Eaaicatos,in anticipation of
the Combined Exhibition Of CASTILLO, Barnum
and Van AJnburg-Cirous, Museum and Me-
agerie-which we are authorized to announce
wild be in Charlcstewn On Tuesday, September
Srd, says:- tq.
"This famous "triplicate alliance" whose
tour through the South has been marked by
greater success, hEger and more fashionable
audiences and higher marks Unpopular appro-
baton than fall 10 the lot Of most establish
ments, viii exhibit in Staunton on Wednesday,
August Dist, We feel justified in characterl-
zing it as we have, from the fact, that we have
seen it thus spoken of, by all the principal pa
pers of the Souths where Dan CASTILLO has been
for three years past, and where he seems to
have made his name the synonym OF popuiari-
ty and integrity., fact we have never known
of a similar establishment coming among US so
universally commended and bringing SO many
respectable evidences Gifts merit and popular
ity.
The Southern press also speak in the high
est terms of the generosity, sympathy and lib
erality Of the management, who have given
benefits innumerable, in aid of the Widows and
Orphans of the South, and the fund for the re-
lief of the suffering Southern Poor.
The Menagerie is described as large and COM
plete, numbering many rare and curious speci-
mems Of the animal kingdom, besides large
collection of Birds and reptiles, in addition to
a cage of performing lions, whose den is enter
cd during the exhibition. by Prof Hall, who
performs number Of thrilling featS with them,
including the feeding Of them with raw meat
from his naked hands. oai.
The Circus Company is an extensive compa-
nv Of the best artists In their various spec'dti-
ties in America, who appear in a programme
remarkable for It's variety and novelty.
A noteworthy feature Of this establishment Is
its grand street Pageant, consisting of cortege
Of Knights in FURNISHED steel armor, accompa-
nied by number Of ladies', mounted a troop
of hussars, a procession Of Elephants, Canels,
Drorncdaries, Ponies, &c. Gorgeous Band
Chariots, Tablcau and Platform Cars, upon one
of which large, living, wild lion is carried,
loose unclaimed and uncaged, through the
public streets, together with the long line of
Animal Cages, DCns, Ayiaries, &C., all of them
being claboratGly decorated and bearing ban
ners, pcnnons and display Of glittering insig-
MA
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Tennessee Election.


As every ono expected, the result of the
flrco in Tennessee, termed an " election" is
tie ehoice Of that delectablodemagogue Brown
low for Governor or a" Dictator" and the centre
Radical Ticket, for Congress.
The New York Tribune IS jubilant at this
issue. which It diguifes with the term Of" Free
Suffrage" and parades tho majorities given for
its candidates, comparing them with the vote
fr Ben aud breckenridge, in 1860. As che
premises are eriremely correct, the logical de-
d -dons Of the Tribune man are equally 50 =
About flur-ffths Of the white voters Of tAe
State have been disfranehised and their places
fncd by citizens Of African descent. Inc
vote nailed in 1850 was 10000 and the num-
Der registered this year reaches no, to 10000.
Even with tho large colored vote, the number
s not near so large as in 1850, proving the
beautiful worbiugof Brownlow's DISTINGUISHING
schemes. In some counties the number Of Off
Gers exceeding the number Of white voters Of
Saxon dcscentp mother counties Brownlow's
miuions set aside the registration whore it was
not Of the right stripe, that's, too 'rliie.
This result may, we think, be regarded as aD
index to what viii occur in the military dis
tricts Of the South--particulaTly in the Cotton
States. where the colorcd element so largely
prcpondcrasos. This may do very well no'0,
for The Radical lcadersand those who arc riding
into power and place on the "woolly horse"
hut tie time viii assuredly come, when the
African brethren viii moth satisfied with hav-
inc the Offices Of trust and emolument filled by
whites. but viii insist upon ruling the roast,
themselves. "To the yictorsbelougt hcspoils,'
was once a Democratic motto; it will yet be
inscribed upon the victorious banner Of the
Black party. Then we shall sec whether these
who arc now 50 clamorous for the elevation Of
the Black man TO al the rights of citizenship,
viii remain so doyoted to the boasted principles
Of liberty, fraternity and equality as to
share the spells with the dusly race.
1t may be, that the scenes then enacted will
not be unlike those memorable days Of the
French Revolution, when the same watchwords
were echoed and re-cchoed through the streets
Of Paris. May Heaven avert such a consum-
nation, and cause the madness and recklessncss
Of party-spirit to settledown under the pressure
Of returning reason and common sense!
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Virginia Negro COnv0nti0n.


A so-calcd Convention Of 1000 negroes and
200 whites assembled at Richmond On the LIST
instant. and concluded their labors on the 81,
after addresses by John ~ Bolts, Gov Pier
point. District Attorney Chandler, Rev Mr..
Giyens. colorcd, LewiSScott, colored, and 9TH
CTS. At the mass meeting, Mr. Bolts read an
address to the people, and platform, which
he said mot tho approval of Judge Underwood
and Mr. Hunnicutt Mr.. Bolts seems not to
b. in good odor with the oloriferous party, for
his address and platform were not accepted
The following resolutions were introduced and
adopted -
Whereas the loyal American citizens viii
soon be required % select a representative man
Gs their candidate for the office now held by
the chance President Of the United States, and
as the late war has placed the republican party
as well as the nation under obligations % many
distinguished generals for the services they rem
deTcd in the desperate struggle for liberty and
greatness. aud as the names Of Generals Grant.
sheridan, Thomas, Butler, Sickles, Logan and
Schofed, and the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, Thad-
deus Stevens and Henry Wilson, arc promi-
nently held up as amongst tho most deserving
in connection with said Office; therefore
ResoiyCi, That We endorse theaction Of Gen.
Sheridan in bis efforts to execute the laws Of
the country. considering the cmbarrassmonts
thrown around him by tho President.
Rcsolrcf That the republican party look
forward % such acts of protection as Gen.
Shoritl Ian and other l,euprlls are rvto~ dino t1
them with great hopeio the future prosperity
Of the country, aud that we as party, now
give notice that when the time arrives 20 uom-
mate candidate for President and Vice-Prcsi-
don't we viii giyoan such acts Of protection to
the loyal people Of the South their duo consid-
Grafton.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
nrhe Honse that JACK Built."


"Delta," the Washington correspondent Oh
the Baltimore San, under date Of the 18th,
says
"a CASE Of conflict Of authority between the
federal civil courts and the military has arisen
n he second military district. Order No. TO-,
;ssned some weeks ago by General Sickles, com
,,onIv known as the stay order, providing for
s.ov If execution Of judgments and debts, has
come in conflict with the execution Of iudg-
p,ent rendered by Chief Justice Chase whilst
presiding in the United States Circuit Court In
North Carolina. II appears that an execution
was issued upon this Judgment, directing the
United States marshal 10 levy upon property
Of the defendent in Wilmington, n. Z. Inc
marshal proceeded to that city and was about
to make levy, when he was confronted by
the military commander there stationed, who
exhibited Order No. 10, which he claimed was
a bar 10 further proceedings by the marshdl.-
The latter withdrew and reported the facts to
the Attorney General for instructions. The
matter was submitted to the Cabinet by the
Assistant Attorney General, Mr.. Buckley
The latter was yesterday instructed by the
President to communicate the facts TO Gen.
Sickles, and inquire whether his order staying
collection was intended to include judgments
rendered by the federal courts"
This is the cow, with the crumplod horn,
that tossed the dog that worried tho cat that
killed the rat that eat the malt that lay in the
house that Jack built.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Who Is the Guilty onoP

President johnson has ordered an emphatic
dcDial Of the charge dat the recommendation
Of members Of the military court for a com
mutation Of Mrs. Surratts sentence was
ever presented % him. lie never heard Of it
until the trial of John H. Surrast was com
menocd. 1t Is certainly extraordinary that
this matter was not made public at the time,
and it's equally certain that 3Ir. johnson lost
the respect Of many worldly as well as Chris
tan people by allowing a woman guilty or
noN to be hurried into eternity without a
weeks prsparatjonfor the awful change. And
the disssageful fact that the daughter was
dTiycnfrym the Presidential footstool stands to
the discEcdl; Of somebody Yet to DO execratcj
and scorucl as an uaicc,ius monster.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08

H'E. H Ransom. }. I'D. Duke.
RANSOM 81 DUKE,
HAWKS COACH FACTORY BUILDING
cH4RLESTOW WV, JEFFERSON COUNTY
TTAvE in Store and for Sale
Geiser's Pat. Threshing Machine.
Scully's Cider and Wine Mil, (best in the markeA
Sinclair's 8, 9. H. Is and Is inch Propeller, hav
straw and fodder Cutters-warrsnted
HM BAKERS WHEAT FAN, (warranted.1
Raw Hide Roller Hay and Straw Cutters.
GRAIN DRILLS, with and without Guano ana
i- ~ Grass Seed Attachments.
PL0WS AND PLOW CASTINGS.
Fairbanks Patent Platform and Family Scales.
Briar Scythss and Briar Hooks.
Ohio Grindstones, with without frames fixtures
-. CISTERN PUMPS, GALL KISDs,)
Patent WATER DRA WERSJor Eeils Ci.ierh,.
Hydraulic Cement,
~ io@ CHURNS OF ALL KINDS.
iesf5 COOKING STOVES.
Grain Bags, best cotton and Iinen,y
Turnip Seed, white, fat and red Top strap leaf.
Wooden Tubing aud Chain for Chain Pumps.
Patent Step Ladders, G, s, 10 and Is feet.
Cast Iron Dirt Scoops.
APPLE PARERS.
Scoop and Long Handle Shovels.
q ilo Forks Of al kinds.
> Leather Betting, Trace Chains and Harness.
Raw Bone, Raw Bone Phosphate, Super Phosphate
Of Lime, Soluble Pacific Guano, Patapsco Guano,
u and other celebrated Fertilizers.
JOHNS IMPROVED PRESERyATIvE PAINT,
for Metal Roofs, Iron Railing, Agricultural Tools.
Aug. /, 1867.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Tcnnossoo.

BrowIlow, the ucsro's candidate has been
reelected Governor, if that can Dc called an
election in which negroes principally were tue
voters and two-thiTls Of tho white men Of the
Satcwcrc lsirach!sed The ltcaudilltcs
Of the negro party FIR Congress rcalso elect
al. Bo,hbrnchesofth IegislaturcaIcncgro-
radical, and viii elect Senator in place O..
judge Patterson, whose term viii expire I'm
March, 1869. Now is the time for the negroes
% insist upon Senator in Congress. Sumner
declares Dis readiness 90 welcome them with
open arms.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Disgraceful Threat.

Judge Piergcpoint, Of New York, one Of tho
counsel for the prosecution against SurFatt
made a silly and jisgraceful attempt to iatimi-
date the jury ~ the following threat in the
opening Of lis speech on Saturday last. lie
said :-
cit IS claimcd TIA. this people is disloyal,
and politicians are for their own purposes agi-
Eating the removal Of the capital, and nothing
would please them better than % be able "a
say when Congress meets in November, that
Washington Is disloyal and viii not convict
one who is proven % De On assassin Of the
President They Say Pe, Us more Zee c1f-
itT rbTs ear Pujlic officers 'gi0tc protected.
This is in the vein Of O mcFo pcttitogsor-
The learned Judge who has had much eNpe-
1icnco in the lowest courts Of New York City,
must have forgotten that he Was IN pure'
atmosphere. IIo hal doubtless been told by
some Of the Lusy-bodies Of Washington that
several Of the Jurors are men Of large property
in that city, aud that the removal Of the seat
Of governments would destroy its value hence
bis appeal 10 their supposed cuPidity by the
above threat. II it could have the least effect
upon tie jury. j. would be that Of disgust, if
not Indignation.
nmust boalmittcd that JujceP. has strung
together with great ingenuity, and with some
thing Of dramatic power, the striking points in
the case, but most Of these require a vivid OK
CTcisc Of the imagination to give them the force
Of legal evidence, such as would hang a man.
Booths diary, suppressed when MIS-. SurTatts
life was st stake, is enough Of itself 20 acquit
John II. Surratt Of completely in the bloody
drama
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Mrs. Surratt.

Judge Pierrcpont, in his address to the jury
yesterday, said: "When it was suggested by
some Of the members Of the military commits
sion that in consequence Of the age and sex Of
Mrs Surratt, it might possibly be right to
change her sentence TO imprisonment for life,
the President signed the warrant for her death
with the paper right before his eyes"
Judge Herrepont must have been misinform-
Ell, as the President was not aware until two
months ago. through private source, that any
Of the members Of the military commission
Joined in recommendation or suggestion that
the sentence Of death passed upon Mrs. Surratt
be commuted to Imprisonment. This informa-
ton was privately given to him before the COM
mencement Of the trial of John II. Surratt.-
He then denied. rs he now denies, that the re-
commentator or suggestion was ever officially
brought TO his attention. Washington Cores
Doadc1t, Brltimore San 4th.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
wheat PROSPECTS IN Yirginia.

A writer to the New York Herald from Rich
moud gives a cheering account Of the Wheat
product this year. The farmers may not be
pleased at the inevitable reduction of prices,
but 1t will be great relief TO the masses who
have been grOauiug under heavy prices for the
last five years. The writer says:
"Flour, from here, is shipped mostly to Bra
zl, and commands higher price from Brazil
uus than any other in this country. In pas
sing through torrid latjtuiesmoStGo -four hut Viz
oman CetcEioTa;cs inquality, and this singular
feature Of preserving It's properties unchanged
recommends itself naturally TO the people Of
SoCtAAmegicl who JHakcuo flour Of thcir OWL. +"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Gen. r. e. Lee.

The following extract is taken from an in
torosting letter written by lady in Liberty
Bedford County, Virginia, to friend in this
city: "Gen Lee, accompanied by his daughter,
Miss Mildred, stopped here for night on his
way to the White Sulphur. While here the
Generals old officers proposed giving him an
entertainment in the shape of a dinner or sup
per- but declined all public demonstrations
As he rode through the village, on his de-
parture, the citizens assembled, and while be
was passing along the streets every man raised
his hat and stood with bowed head. The Gen.
eral also raised his hat, and this silent tribute
Of the people to their favorte General, was in
deed beautiful. A gentleman riding with the
Gen. at the time says that he felt like weeping,
it being such n solemn tribute of respect-so
silent and sad-not voice was raised-twas
the heartfelt love Of q conquered people for
beloved hero"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08

We can scarcely believe our eyes, the story
must be cqnqrd, yet here it is gravely told in
the Philadelphia Age. 1t says
"On Saturday last miserable farce was en-
acted in Washington. Charles Sorrell, Ia
boring man, who served in the Federal navy
for two years daring the war, was arrested and
held to bail, to appear whenever he was want
ed, for the fearful crime of talking against
Congressr A poor wretch by the name OF
Strong, overheard the culprit speak disrespect-
fully of the Congressional traitors, and he i'm
mediately laid bis story before Senators Harlan
and Nyc and tho immaculate Judge Fisher,
who told him ho was right in making his
complaint, whoreupon Sorrell was arrested and
dealt with as above stated"
The crime Of talking against Congress"-
Won't some one inform US how to commit this
"crimc" at once? If there is anything that We
can say, which we have left unsaid against
this infamous, deyilish, damnablo, diabolical,
indecent, dirty, hypocritical, niggcr-kissing,
robbing, thicying, plundering, one-legged, one
eyed, onc-armed, infnitesimal fraction of a
Congress, we beg some one to tell us what it IS.
We want TO say it at once. We arc "spiling'
TO be a Criminal ."-Nelc York Day Book.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08

TIE BooTH FAMnY.-During Mr.. Dradlcy's
speech in the Surratt case, at Washington, Fri
day, in referring to the diary Of Booth, he said :
They suppressed that diary which exculpatos
Mrs Surratt; that diary which shows who and
what the man was: q fanatic and mailman
Ills grandfather, Richard Booth. was the most
thorough rel republican who ever settled in
America, nndhis grandson inherited the traits of
that grandfather 1t is well known he aided
slaves to escape from Maryland. which his son.
the elder Junius Booth, paid for. The grand
father named his son, the gSAt actor. Junius
Brutus, and his first grandson Junius rruryrs.
and taught both son and grandson to idolize
tho memory Of the great Brutus that killed
Cesar in the Roman capital. j. Wilkes Booth
was an accomplished scholar. and moved in the
best society, but he had running through him
this vein OF insanity, and above it all flows that
Undesirable affection Of son for mother
Wonderful was the power he exercised over
men. wonderful his power on the stage. making
his $40, 900 year.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Fort DelaWarc!--A Card.

Tho undersigned is CndcavoriuC, in he fsce
If dV.cddcs, 70 erect MguSc, for his own
use, as pastor of the Prcsbytcriau Church. in
OrhEe County, Virginia. lie would appeal
10 his I'D prison friends to help him in this
extremity OEE DOLLAR each, as u donation
from the noble spirits with and for whom he
lborcj in " tie PcR," at Fort Delaware would
relieve the trouble. Hc is satisfied that It is
only necessary that this notice should be read,
and the Dollar win be forthcoming. Please
accompany the remittance with an autograph,
% be deposited in the cornerstone Of the build
iog. ISAAC w. X HANDY,
Onnge Court House, Va.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
NENaEAvcE.-Nr. -, ~. rnLlil

NEN0EAScE.-Mr. Carrihgton. the public
prosecutor against Surratt, is said to have read
portion Of the Scripture to show the Jury that
the teachings Of the Gospel commanded ven
geance in certain cases. It would be interest
ing 70 know what part Of the Gospel he
quoted Was it the text, vengeance is uiire.
Iwiu repay, saith the Lord" The Scriptures.
no doubt teach that wrong doors should be
punished, but they nowhere inculcate ven
gcauco. There are some fearful maledictions
in The Scriptures upon those who shed inno-
cent blood, whether by using the knife Of the
assassin or by hearing false witness, but in no
case is man permitted 10 execute even Justice
u : g.! -. e L-t- ag1 Eeys-ge .-E&... SKI.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-08
Buy the BestI4 9dG
Scully's Portable Cider and Wine
~ MILL AND PRESS. i,g

TINE subscribers respectfully invite the attention
Il of all interested in the manufacture Of Cider
to the superior merits Of the above mentioned Ma
chine. IL possesses great advantage over the old
style Mills, and needs ouly trial to satisfy any
one that will perform all il is recommended to do.
The cutting and crushing process Is its great
point of excellence over all other Mills that only
crate the apples. 1t will do more work in given
time with less power than any other Mill now'in
use grinding met sso a pt ,b IRON 10 70 ~
ples than any Mil we know Of. The simplicity,
compactness, strength, and economy chaiiengs COM
pdrtsoD. Ma, ...e al
THESE Mills were sod BY us last season, and tes-
timonials Of the most reliable character can be pro-
duoed as to their superiority.
~I7flll 1li bs7ST 1850 RANSOM a. DUKE,
Agents for Jefferson, Berkeley Clarke Counties
August 8, lS67-3t.