The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-08-18
letter from Petersburg.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.]
PETERSBURG, August II, 1874.

PETERSBURG, August II, 1874.
This community has sustained another
severe shock and heavy loss in the sudden
desth at Chicago yesterday of Robert r.
Hamilton, Esq, Que of our leading tobacco
dealers and most highly estmable and re-
spectacle citizens. Mr.. Hamilton left for the
West on q business tour week or two ago
the very picture of health and buoyant
strength, and his family here were not even
aware of his sickness until the sad and terri
Die news of his death was communicated to
them.
Mr.. Hamilton's death, which took place
Yesterday afternoon, was caused by con-
restiye chill, from W ich be suffered for a few
hours only before death came to his relief.
He was not more than thirty years of age,
married the daughter of the late 5. W. Wat
kins, ESQ aud leaves two little children to
mourn his death. Mr. Hamilton was the son
of Mir. r. A. Hamilton. who is still, believe,
living, and brother Of Dir. Alexander Hamil-
ton, recently Of Richmond, but for some
months past q resident of this city. The de-
ceased was 6 member Of the large tobacco
manufacturing house OF S. w. VeDable i
Co. : and Notwithstanding his youth, was re-
garded AS one of the clearest beaded business
men OF the city. He was possessed of an
ample property, and had an insurance on bis
life of 81. 000-S10,000 in the ST. Louis Mu-
tual, $1,000 in the Virginia Life Insurance
Company, and $4,000 in the Equitable Life.
The last mentioned SIM bad been added to
bis policy just prior to his departure for the
West. as if he had some presentiment OF his
approaching end.
Dir. Hamilton was In every sense an ele.
CANT gentleman of high character, polished
manners, and of integrity and liberallty that
secured him universal esteem. Some years
ago be made the tour of Europe in company
with Mr.. w. Gordon McCabe. His death
iutlicts loss alike on society and on our
commercial interests.
The body is expected to reach the city on
Wednesday. A number of leading houses
are closed to-day 10 consequence of the sad
announcement. By some accident the tour
or five kilograms sent to the family in regard
to the illness, danger, and death OF the
deceased were received altogether; and con-
tained in their number the final and fatal
news.
The funeral of the late c. e. Allen took
place yesterday from the First Baptist
church. A feeling and impressive discourse
suitable to the occasion was pronounced by
Rev. DR.. w. E. Hatcher, in the presence Of
8 la1S6 COUSItGdtiOus iC Sdl Vlftd5 hASka-
bers of the Petersburg Rifemen attended
the funeral in body, and large number of
other citizens paid the last solemn mark OF
respect to the memory OF the dead.
Mr.. Elam's condition is as low as can be;
but It is impossible to say how long he can
last. Rev. Mr. Sledd, pastor of Market
street church. and Rev. DIR. Hatcher, both
made illusions in their sermons last night to
the peace and happiness with which the
diving man awaited bis summons. He has
been connected with the church for thirty
eight years. Among the physicians who
have been consulted ia regard to his case is
Dr.. Hunter Mcguire, Of Richmond.
Charles Burch, an interesting young ohlld
OF B. s. Burch, Esq, died this morning OF
diphtheria.
Intelligence has been received OF the re-
cent death of Mrs. Virginia Ward, widow Of
the late w. G. Ward, Of Shelby county,
Tenn, Mrs. Ward was u Miss Reese, Of DIM
widdie county, and has many relatives still
living in that section.
A sensation was created yesterday In 0
den OF negro gamblers on one OF the lower
streets of the city. A white stranger from
the country had no better sense than to stop
at a negro clearinghouse, and soon had oc-
casion to lodge complaint with the pohce
authorities that he had been robbed. The
police were put on the track, and TO their
own surprise and qualification the detail
lighted on a negro crowd, with one solitary
so.called white man (named John Burchef)
among them, who were buslly engaged play
ing cards Tor money and drinking Whlskey
for the love of il, while better people were
attending church. The whole set were cap
tured, and arrsigned before the Mayor this
morning, and made to pay S5 each for viola
ton of the ordinance Of the city. ALL PAID Dut
one, and he abides for ten days In the city
Jail.
A meeting of the merchants, who propose
to organize protective association to save
themselves from imposition at the bands OF
deinquents, will be held at Mechanics HAL
tomorrow night. About fifty names are at
tached TO the call.
An address will be delivered by Mayor ".
+. G. Gregory at Rocky Hook church on Inc
goth instant. The occasion is ladies, feast,
the proceeds of which are TO be defotea 10
the erection Of q church. 3.
There was no meeting yesterday OF the
B'nai Birth, as The charter OF the chapte in
this city has not yet been receiy ed Y y ex s
pected to arrive from Richmond during Tue
current week, and the installation exercises
will take plaee;on Sunday next.
The ebain.gang Is at work IMPROVING the