davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
Letter from Prince William Co.
ICOMMUNICATED


"RAMIE" OF TIE SOUTHERN STATES, OR
AMERICAN CHINA GRASS. The following is
copied from Alex. l.. McCrea's Liverpool Cir
cular of late date
How many Americans, how many Southern
ers more especially, are aware that there Is
a valuable trade being conducted and augment
ing under their own noses, Of which they are
scarcely perhaps cognizantl? How many know
that there is plant growing and tlourlshlng
ito any extent in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi,
Florida, Alabama, yielding fibre so textile,
yet so beautiful witha, that it can be trusted to
rival silk, and to supersede the finest cotton?
Yet so it is Growing in the forenamed
States, and exporting silly into Europe is
this splendid product, Ramie or China Grass
ave think (Our largest consumer says address
ing the writer this article will occupy very
important place in the exports OF America,
provided it is got up In a proper way. We
are at present using a large quantity weekly"
Now, what is it-what is it like--how IS 1t
to be got up in the proper way''-what Is its
value, and what It's application? | will reply
to each Of those queries, In their order, subject
to correction from those better informed.
Firsty-Ramie or China Grass is botanicaly
named "BOchmivia Tenacessima, of the or
der 'Urticacia," so that no one need mistake
it on inquiry.
Secondly-It is not unlike Jute or Hemp,
but with a holder, crispcr, yet moro pliablo
fibre.
Thirdly-To be gotup in proper way Il speak
of the raw materially, it should be dried, when
the green becomes white.
Fourthly-The value in the green state is
e35 to $40 per ton of 224O lb-white, $50 per
ton-dressed for mixing with cotton and silk,
e2S0 to f300 per ton.
neutrality-suspicious.. Any Americans who
have visited this side the last year or two, may
have seen our ladies wearing for morning and
walking dresses, what might appear to be
splendid French lavender silk American la
dies, however, would not fail 70 observe that
though beautiful to the eye, it lac ked the inhe-
rent value of silk to the touch though superior
in every way to cotton. Did any one of these
American visitors know that this silk-like ma
terial owed its base to their own soil-that it
was chiefly made from Ramie or China Grass
and is no other in Europe than the initiated,
and so called, japanese Sik"E
Sufficient then has been written to demon
strate that here is an enormous source of COM
MERGE open to the United States-thaJ in pro-
duction and process the thing is veritable
fact-that growing wild on the plains Of the
Southern States is a fibre, which from fruit to
fruition, is of the magnificent value of f35 to
$500 per ton!
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
VIRGINIA NEWS.

The fine estate of F. w. Scott, in Caroline
county, lying near the R. +. & +. Railroad,
containing between fourteen and fifteen hundred
acres, and on which there are excellent I'M
provements, was knocked down few days
ago, at trust sale, for two dollars per acre
The improvements themselves are worth twice
what the whole estate sold for.
The grand annual communication of the
Grand Lodge Of Free and Accepted Masons Of
Virginia commenced in Richmond yesterday.
On Tuesday at y o'clock the grand annual
assembly of knights Templar will be held, and
at D. M, on the same day, the grand annual
conyocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
commences.
Sally Anderson, who was under sentence OF
death for arson, and was released Saturday.
on writ of habeas corpus by Judge Under
wood, on the ground of ineligibility under the
fourteenth amendment Of the court that tried
her, was rearrested by order of the May or
Of Richmond yesterday.
The District Court met in Fredericksburg,
yesterday. There will be some twenty even
cases before the Court, one Of which will prob
ably occupy two days-the Railroad case from
Alexandria. A number OF distinguished coun-
sci arc already present
1t is stated by Richmond letter writer, that
the President of the Baltimore and Ohio rail
road, has recently had an agent in Richmond
purchasing every share of stock in the Rich
mond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad,
that could possibly be obtained.
The citizens of Westmoreland held Il meet
ing on 23d ult., in favor Of continuing the
Stay Law. Lawrence Washington and K. L.
T. Beae were appointed to call on Genera
Stoneman. Robert Washington and W. W.
Walker were altcrnates
Dr. j. j. Thweatt, Of Petersburg, died sud
denly in tn at city yesterday
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
A Ghost-Or SOmething-iM Prince
William County. Wa.

TCorrespondence of the Alexandria Gazette.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va, Dec. r.
1t becomes my duty to chronicle a most singu-
lar and extraordinary series of nocturnal vista
tons on the part of some ghostIy apparluon'
to the farm of one who | shall call Slas
Brown, ESQ.,, a pcaceabe and intelligent citizen
of this county. Mr.. Brown lives IN what Is
known as the forest of Prince William, near
the village of Indepenent Hill, and his resi-
dence is completely surrounded with the growth
indigenous to that section Of the county
For the past few weeks visions of an alarm
ing character have been seen IN the nelghoor-
ing forest, but more particularly In the copse
adjacent to MIR. Browns barn and stable. AT
numbers of times has an immense figure been
seen passing to and fro near the barn, with
large horns and terrible claws which 1t con
tracts to a sort OF hoof, and has assaulted Mr..
| Brown when he attempted after dark to feed his
horses and stock, In such a manner, and with
such violence, that he has been compelled to
flee to his house for safety. The figure, to the
best of Mr. Brown $ recollection, seemed about
| three times as large as man in It's front, and
having back converglng from It's neck and
shoulders, horizontally to the distance OF some
| six or eight feet, and supplied on each side
( with huge and tremendous arms. It's OF
| pale blueish color when first seen, but upon be-
| ing irritated by the near approach OF any per-
son, becomes q deadly white, and issues from
| its surface a small volume OF smoke, accompa-
MED with sickenng smell. This ghoul or
unnatural and horrible animal or demon, has
been seen as often as four times near Mr.. Brown S
stable, and when seen, it has fingered TIL It's
deadly effluvia has completely impregnated
| the surrounding atmosphere. One evening
| Mr.. Brown desiring to have another beside
himself see this terrible visitant induced a
courageous gentleman whom | shall call Slger,
! who happened with his wife to spend the even
ing at Mr.. Browns, to 60 to the stable to feed
| his horses. Mr. Siger not believing the story,
went without hesitation, when upon entering
the stable, he was alarmed by the iall, ut or
near his feet with deep rumbng sound, OF
a tremendous stone Mr.. Siger, without look
| ing to see whence the rock came, picked the
stone up, and it was 50 hot that he was com
PEELED to drop it; upon looking up he beheld
! the unearthly monster not over fifty yards from
| him, and tie air became quickly filed and
| inocuated with birthstone CD Not wishing to be
thought coward he did not mention anything
| of this at the house but upon walking home
with his wife the same night, he told her OF what
happened at the stable, and instantly she be-
came alarmed and was carried home 10 state
of apparent insensibility.
| The neighborhood is in q terrible state OF ex-
element, and steps have been taken to invcstl-
gate this frightening matter.
| By your next issue it may be possible that
some clue can be gained to the identity and
character Of this hidcous monster. n.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

TIE "SITUATIoN' IN Unconstitutional
Schofed and General Stoneman both ordered
the officers denounced by Underwood to con-
tinuc in their respective Offices until their sue
cessors were elected, or appointed, and duly
qualified. They all hold office by the same
tenure as Mayor Chahoon and Judge Burnham.
The reconstruction acts confer the power to
make such appointments upon the command
ing General. Their title to their Offices is there
fore good, not only under the laws of the State,
but under the reconstruction acts. Consequent
ly General Stoneman is bound in honor to give
his protection to these officers. No one ques-
tons his authority. He can order the immedi-
ate arrest and Imprisonment of every horse
thief, house, burner murderer, or ielon OF any
sort, whom Underwood may turn loose upon
the community. And he should do t at once,
not only for the sake OF protecting the innocent
and preserving the peace OF the Commonwealth,
but to put Underwood to shame and prove that
he will stand by those whom he has appointed
to administer justice and execute the laws
Rich. Dis.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
DY GREEN & WISE.

DY GREEN & WISE,
d (Auctioneers and Real Estate Agents.
SATURDAY, the 9th day of January, Hsl:A
1869, FRAME DWELLING and LOT n$Il
OF GROUND, situated on the west side Of
Henry street, between King and Prince streets.
Terms made known on the day of sale.
GREEN 81 WISE,
dec ltd Real Estate Agts. 81 Auctr's.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Gen. o. o. Howard and Gen. Charles How
ard, of the Freedmen's Bureau, with Rev.
John Kimball, Superintendent of eolored
schools, had an interview yesterday with over
forty of the Methodist Episcopal clergymen
of Baltimore, 10 relation to the establishment
and support of schools for colOred children in
MARYLAND.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The President directed that Gen. Hancock be
assigned to duty according to his brevet rank,
when he assumed command Of the Department
Of the Atlantic, in March last, but as General
Hancock has no brevet rank, being full Ma
jor General, the Secretary Of War cannot so
assign him.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Mr.. j. NJ. Ashley's bill introduced into the
House of Representatives yesterday, provides
for female suffrage and is as follows Bed en-
acted, &C., That from and after the passage
of this act no person shall be debarrcd from
voting or holding office in the District OF Co.
lumba by reason of sex.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
TLEGANT GIFT BOOKS.

~
AKTHURS WORDS OF CHEER SERIES,
Containing Words of Cheer for the tempted,
the toiling and sorrowing The Wedding Guest;
A Friend of the Bride and the Bridegroom ;
Our Homes. their cares and duties, joys and
sorrows; The True Path, and how to walk
therein The Mothers kule, or the right and
the wrong way Friends and NeghborS, or the
ways of living in the world The above are in
limo vols, bound in morocco, full gilt. illus
trated by Snrtan, in mezzoLint. Price So per
volume.
Women Of the South, distinguished in Liter
ature illustrated with portraits on steel. Roy.
vo turkey antique 49, Book of Raphael S
Madonnas 10 photographed Illustrations ;
roy. vo turkey antique; SO. The Gallery OF
Byron Beauties; ideal pictures OF the principal
female characters in Lord Byron's poems roy:
70. turkey antique, gilt $40. American See
merry, illustrated by T. Addison Richards, n.
A.. with 80 steel engrsyngs; 8 vo. turkey A;
$50 Leaflets of Memory, elegantly bound
and Illustrated; ST. &c. The Flowers PERSON. 5.
fed; being translation of Grandeville's Les
Fleurs Animeos 48 beautiful colored steel en-
CRAVINGS roy. 0vo turkey; 81. For sale by
j. s. w. j. ENTWISLE,
dec II 10 King street.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

A bill introduced in the House yesterday by
Mr.. Elliot, Of Massachusetts, to incorporate the
African College, provides 'for the establish
mont and support ola collegiate university in
Washington for the education of African youth
of both sexes" The stock of the ins tituton
is to be iu shares of 800, and the number is
unlimited.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The Washington correspondent of the Bal
timore Sun says THE whereabouts of Mr..
Caleb Gushing seems to be somewhat of a mys-
terry. 1t is stated upon good authority that he
has gone to Bogota to consult with the au-
thorities of New Grenada in regard to ship
canal across the Isthmus, between the Allan tic
and Pacific, aud it is further stated that he will
return in about thirty days"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Leonard Scott & Co., have reputlished the
October number OF the London Quarterly Re
view. Contents: the Great Railway Monopoly,
Memoirs OF the Right Hon. Hugh Elliot; Deer
and Deer Parks; the Archbishops Of Canter-
bury of the Reformation; the Homeoic ques-
ton; Arnold's report on French education;
Yorkshire; the Public Questions at issue; Lake
Dwellings. This is very interesting number
We have received the January number of
the New Eclectic Magazine, published in Balti-
more-containing variety OF interesting Sc
lections from the British periodicals.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Both Houses of Congress have cOncurred
in the resolution to take recess from next
Monday until January 5th. Mr.. Sumner'
who remains in Washington during the recess,
made futile opposition to so long hiatus IN
the business of the session. We are we'll
pleased at the "recess."
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

A few days ago, speaking of the case OF e.
A. Baldwin & Co., vs.. James Barbour, it was
stated that it was tried in Judge Underwood
Court. This was not correct. 1t was in j qdgc
Meredith's Court, and he rendered the dGcI
sion. The claim was only for the scaled value
of $4,000, which is under $500.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The reported trouble on the Peruvian rot
clads, below New Orleans, on account OF the
change of flag amounted to nothing. 1t was
an attempt to extort a further advance, two
months nav having already been given the
men. The changing of the flag was only pre-
text. All is quiet on board now, and the men
have gone to work.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The Radical leaders are now abusing Presl-
dent johnson for his suggestions on financial
matters, when, as the National Inteligeneer
observes, they are "only another version of what
has been strongly recommended and urgently
pressed by several of the lights of the Radical
party. Senator Sherman and Representatives
Butler and Thad Stevens while living) went
even further in the same direction than Mr..
johnson has gone.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
ALEXANDRIA.

In the trial of the Sally Anderson habeas
corpus case, in Richmond Attorney General
Bowden remarked that under Judge Under
woods decision in the Cesar Griffin case, there
are only two judges in the State of Virginia
competent to hold q court, and that he might
go out into the street and shoot man down
without fear of punishment Since the 2Sth
day of July last, when the fourteenth amend
ment was officially declared to have become a
part of the constitution, one hundred and fifty
nine convicts have been received into the Vir
ginia penitentiary, five of whom were convicted
of murder, and all of whom Judge Underwood
has the power to turn loose upon the COM
munity.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
COMM EISCIAE.

ALEXANDRIA MARKET, Dec. l5.-The mar
ket continues very quiet For Flour prices are
a shade better and holders irmGr; Extra may
be quoted at 50 26a10. VIII eat very dull, with
out buyers, except at figures below the views OF
sellers; offerings of 1900 bushels red, with sales
at 100 $50, 185 and 200 for fair to good. Corn
steady, with a continued demand for export,
and we noto sales of 300 bushels new mixed at
SO, IS, 81 and 90 and old at 9j. Rye $50 and
quiet Sales of 800 bushels Oats ut G.. Dress
ed Hogs 10 75a$ll so. Country slaughte red
Beef Casio per ID. Dressed Poultry in demand
at l6al8c per ID for Turlies. Eggs 40c per
dozen, and in demand.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS IN NEW 1ORK.-Ihe
general trade of Now York remains dull, and a
number of failures are reported among the
smaller dry goods firms of late, and the suspen-
sion of wooden and silk house arc now noticed,
both of considerable importance. The collec-
tions in the West are very slow, and the farm
ers generally refuse to sell their produce Mt pre-
sent prices which puts tho country merchants
in debt to the city jobbers. Tho grain CORNERS
of the West have educated the farmers to high
prices, and the perncious influence Of this I'M
due speculation is seen in the cmbarr9ssments
of the Western country merchants.
In tho New York and Philadelphia Cattle
markets yesterd demand good and prices
firm.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Mr. Alex. Demar, for the last few years
Director of the Bureau of Satisfies, and who
has been legislated out Of Office by act of Con-
gress, yesterday took formal leave of the heads
of divisions of the Bureau Of Statistics, and
Immediately thereafter started for New York.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
MARINE LIST.
PORT OF ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 10.

Sun NETs........,.4 4U HUH W At En- III go Ol
PORT OF ALEXANDRIA, DEC. TO-
ARRIVED.
Steamer John Gibson, Winters, New York,
to Hooe Wedderburn IL Co.
Steamer Rebecca Clyde, Chichester, Now
York, 10 M. Eldridge 81 Co.
MEMORANDA.
Brig Essex, Sleeper, hence at New York 18th
instant
Schr. E. S. Potter, Potter, hence at Boston
18th instant
Schr Sarah Watson, Watson, hence at Bos-
ton 18th inst
Brig Virginia Dare, from this port, was at
Newport 18th inst.
Haven 18th instant having made the voyage
in II hours.
Schr- w. G Atwater Barker, for New Haven,
hence at New York 18th inst.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The jail at Stafford G. IL. is reported
as not having had an occupant for the last
twelve months
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The President yesterday accepted twenty
miles of The Union Pacific rallroad-making
eight hundred and eighty miles now accepted
and directed the bonds 10 be issued on the same
to the amount of 500, 600.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
Foreign Ne WIS.

European dispatches of yesterday represent
that the insurrection at Cadlz is at an end
Accounts via Paris say that the Republicans,
Welding to the terms set forth in the proca-
nation of the officer in command Of the Gov
eminent troops, quietly gave up their arms,
and the Government troops now hold all quar-
ters of the city. A Madrid paper says that
this action was brought about by the conduct
Of tie Duke Of Montpensler, who had offered
his services to the Government against the
Republicans. Many of the insurgents desired
to depost their arms at the American Consul
ate, but the commander of the Government
forces refused to allow this. A Madrid des-
patch says that about thirty persons have been
arrested in that city for attempting to incite
the Workingmen to revolt against the Govern
mcnt.
A London despatch says that Mr.. Glad
stone, in an address to the electors Of Green
wich, said that after the part taken by him In
the movement for the disestablishment Of the
Irish Church, it was impossible for him to
decline the task of forming the MINISTRY. lie
trusted the new administration would deserve
the confidence of the country, and promised
to use every means to carry the measures which
he urged whilst out Of Office. Mr.. Reverdy
johnson attended levee at Lord Carendon's
the new Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on
Saturday.
The Paris Etendard says the great powers
will continue their efforts to settle the dispute
between Turkey and Greece, aud do not des
pair of success.
The Austrian Ministerial budget has been
made public The deficit for 1869 is estimated
at e3, SOC, 900.
Three ministers of the London Wesleyan
Mission, who left that city some time ago tor
on extended tour in China, have been heard
from, They have travelled over 5000 miles,
and were we'll treated by the natives every
where Roman Catholic missions and con-
verts to that faith were numerous.
Lctfer from Prince William Co.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette
The County Court of Prince William county
held its December session last Monday, the 7th
instant
Maurice Duval, indicted for felony in at
tempting to shoot negro, and who has been
under bail for several months awaiting his
trial, vamoosed on the first day of the Court,
FORGETTING his recognizancc. His bail bond was
5000.
Charles Brown, negro, was tried for larceny,
and sentenced to one months imprisonment In
the county jail
Owing to the inclement weather the attend
ance was small. =.
BRENTsyILLE, Dec. -, 1868.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

We have received pamphlet copy OF the
notes of the argument Of Bradley 7. johnson,
in the Caesar Griffin habeas corpus ease, The
argument is q very forcible one
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

Mr.. Morton introduced his bill in the Sen
ate, yesterday, for the resumption of specie
payments In 1871.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The President has sent to the Senate about
one hundred military and naval appointments,
including brevets. There is one vacancy for
paymaster in the army, which is songht by a
host of applicants
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

The decision of the U. S. Supreme Court in
the legal tender cases now before that body,
involving the constitutionality of the Legal
tender Act, is looked forward to with great
anxiety 10 financial circles
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15

There are hundreds of schemers, spectators,
&C., having axes to grind, already in Wash
ngton-in many instances IN catOOt with mem
bers Of Congress.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
DRY GOODS.
DE Gil AN b K Il

nOBES DE CHAMBRE.
We invite the attention of our customer sai
the trade generally o our elegant stock OF
ROBES DE CHAMBRE
adapted to Holiday trade.
LOCKWOOD, HUFTY TAYLOR
351 Penn. ay., adJg. Metro. Hotel,
nov 1G-1m Washington, d. 9.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-12-15
N A MIL \ b b Il h $ q.

The subscribers wonid call special attention
to their stock of Family Bibles, They have
them at all prices from 81 to $50, and are pre-
pared to offer bargains in this line Also, q
iull stock Of English Bibles, ranging from 45c
to So j. 81 w. j. ENTW ISLE
dec II 40 King street.