Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-05-26
From King George and WestIli0rcInnd

| from AInE George anu W eStnOrCInnO
Correspondence OF the Alexandria Gazette.
SHILOH, Va, May 20-Therc is nothing
probably that marks more plainly tho charge
which has come over the spirit of the times
within the last decade than the utter lack of
interest manifested ny the people in their local
cactions We are within two days of au cleo
ton for county otficcrs-onc in which are in
vovcd some of the most vital interests of the
community, and yet no preliminary action has
been taken to secure the selection Of men best
suited for the places to be filled. Independent
candidates have not even been announced.
limo was, only u few years back, when our
country store doors, sign posts and cross roads
trees were completely papercd over ut such
seasons as this with notices ito the voters.
1t has been rule with nc always to vote, but
| shall be at some loss how to frame my ticket
next Thursday, Alta public sale a few days
ago | was Introduced to very worthy young
gentleman as candidate for one Of our town,
ship Offices. Later III the day he presented me
with ginger cake and | have his name US
start in making up my tick@t More interest,
it is to be hoped, will be taken in our State
election this fall, when every true Virginian
|
lot ready to repc the desperate onset which
will then be made by our Radical opponents.
The choice of State Senator at that tune to
represent our district for the next four years,
is matter which demands, aud should secure,
in viuw of results last fall, the calm considcra-
ton and the WiscSt counsel Of our Conservative
people. If spirit Of discord and division, be-.
gotten of personal antagonlsms and local pre-
JUDGES, such as marked the proceedings Of our
Congressional Convention last summer be al
lowed TO enter and control the councils of the
party now, our defeat will be as certain and all
the more disastrous Under the rule Of rota-
tion aud in consideration of the fact that she
alone of all the counties Of the district gave u
Conservative majority at the election in Novem-
Der last, King George might very justly claim
the nomination for one of her own citizens.
She has too, as will be announced in due time,
Just the man who would make q most efficient
and acceptable Senator Notwithstanding this,
have no doubt her delegates in convention
will meet those Of her neighbors in a spirit OF
friendly CANCELLATION.
The good people of Westmoreland- more
particularly those of the middle and lower por-
tons Of the county-are much elated By the
prospect OF a speedy opening Of Nomini Greek
to navigation. Under the appropriation made
by Congress at its last session, contractors have
been bu,iy engaged for several weeks 10 clear
ing the mouth Of that stream. When COM
plnted, vessels and steamers Of the heaviest
burden will have easy access to what was, be-
fore the war; and will soon become again by
means of this improvement, the richest and
most prosperous portion Of the county. At
Nomini Ferry, which has been for nearly two
centuries the maiu thoroughiare of the county,
public landing has been surveyed and set
apart under recent order of the court. Many
years ago, before the mouth of the creek was
locked by sand bars against the entrance OF
vessels, this was place of considerable trade.
Now, small grocery store conducted by the
keeper of the ferry, is all that marks the spot.
At the April term of the Westmoreland
Court VIM Il. Branson and Benedict Walker
we're appointed to act with W. f. Baker, the
Assessor in 1870, in re-assessing the lands of
the county. All the surrounding counties have
long since availed themselves Of this privilege
of re-assessmcnt, and it is but just, perhaps, to
the old Assessor Of lands in WcstmorelaDd to
say that his work was SC well done in 1870,
that the county only now, at this late day, finds
it necessary to have it renewed.
An escaped lunatic, eolored man, about fifty
years DID, haliug from Rockingham county,
and passing under the name OF Lorenzo Scott,
| uIGuC illS dTpChIhiiIC HoluC nClho hSO III Wiz
ncighborhood of Oak Grove, in the upper part
Of WcstmoreIand. With the aid Of some Dor
rowcd tools he cleared about a halt acre of
laud and erected small shanty Immediately
upon the main road leading to Montross. The
hut was built entirely Of pine pocs about six
by eight feet in size and four feet high, with
fiat roof covered with earth. The floor was dug
away to the depth of about two feet apd filled
with rising water to the surface. Over this he
laid bridge or floor Of small pine poles laid
several inches apart, so he could pass a tin cup
through and dip water Tor drinking and cook
ing. a narrow board reaching through the
| hut and elevated about foot from the floor
served as his couch or roost The ncghbors
around furnished him with food which he
cooked or warmed by fire built of sticks and
resting upon the green pine poles Of the floor
w estmorcand green pine being fire proof.
He claimed to be near relative of Tom Scott,
and came to this nart Of the country to build
railroads. Since my interview with him last
week, he has been arrested and taken back to
the lunatc hospital at Richmond.
John l.. Smith, postmaster at Bayncsville,
in Wcstmorcland, was detected by U. s. Off
GERS in robbing the mail some time in April,
and afterwards arrested and lodged in Jail at
Norfolk He was indicted in Judge Under
woods Court in session there on the 7th inst,
and held to bail in the sum of S., 600. His SON.
in.law, Mr.. Griffin, Of Washington, became his
security Is.
Fairfax County Court.