The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-02-17

Dceh0ot No.6 Alrs. Sarah I1aIl, teacher -
No report. .qsf fsH ,,G ts-,-Tl.4 ~ ..-,.,y -.
Spring Rl.--One Of the most beautiful
and highest points in the yiciuify OF Man.
chester u Spring Hill. It wss once the pro-,
perty 5of ia Mr.. Clarke, "a relative 'oS our
venerable Mayor, who nearly a hundred
Years ago erected the old Spfing-Nnl man.
sion that stood for many years afterwards
upon the brow OF the hill overlooking tbe
river, ana in lis dag was considered one of
the handsomest residences In this State. It
was con sumed by fire about ten yearsago.
but The waslssef the old building being un.
usually thick, the heat from the flames failed
to have any effect upon the outer side. The
ruins OF the old mansion can be seen from
many points in Richmond, and when seve-
rat miles up the river on the Henrlco siGe,
whilst the rays OF the setting sun arc thrown
brilliantly upon .that;side towards the river,
the rejection upon the gellowish walls pre-
sen!s magnificent sight. .sssss s..s
usThere Is conlieete With the history oftthis
place many traditions. and stories that have
been handed down 10 us. Among the most
interesting is one concerning the old haunt
ed house that was once situated near the
spot where the magazine now stands. 1t.
occurred many years ago, Just after the
Revolutionary war, when the great struggle
between the two countries had ceased and
freedom from the Crown Of England had
been obtained blythe American people. The
story goes on to recite that young and
dashing English officer, OF high rank and
wealthy parentage, chanced to make his
abode in this vicinity. After having resided
here for short while he became acquainted
with one Of the most beautiful ladies Of this
place. His acquaintance soon ripened into
love, and be soon afterwards asked her TO
marry HIM. But she, not having any great
fancy for one that bu; short while before
had attempted to destroy the country in
W hich she lived, rejected him. He
again and again endearored to win
her, but to no avail. After he had used
every means id bis power to gain her affec-
tions; and had repeatedly failed, he deter
mined 10 murder her. And on one bright
summer afternoon, about the year 1877, oc-
CURED one OF the most shocking murders
known to the people OF this vicinity, for the
young Englishman had carried out his
wicked intention, and upon the spot where
the old magazine now stands committed the
foul crime. Tue murderer fed to his home
across the ocean and escaped arrest, and
from that day to few years ago supersti-
tious persons would not consent to visit
the spot after dark. a gentleman whose
name Is not at present known commenced
a few years afterwards to erect a large three
story brick house near the place, and, dying
soon afterwards. left 1t unfinished. 1t re-
maiued in that condition until 1t was burn
ed down by several Of the boys OF Terrapin
Hill about the beginning Of the late war,
and bricks from The ruins were converted
into magazine short while after it was
DESTROYED.
AS the ruins Of the old cotton-factory is a
part of the Spring-HilI property it may not
be amiss to give short notice OF it. 1t was
built upon an island opposite the mansion
very short while after the mansion was
erected, and was run successfully for many
years; but, like the old homestead, it, too,
was destroyed by fire.
The great floods OF the past few years have
broken and washed the old ruins to very
great extent, and, instead OF hearing the
noise Of the busy spindles that formerly
hummed within the walls of the old factory,
,asises OF the running waters falling
against the old ruins and over the rocks
near by ls the only sound that greets the
visitor to this romantic and secluded spot.