davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
A Runaway Coal Fleet.

At Pittsburg, Pa, last Saturday, while
the boats were making up their lows
with coal for shipment South, 81 barges
belonging to Jos. Walton d Co., and
containing 100000 bushels of coal,
broke from their mooripgs at the pier at
Smith6eld-s bridge and were swept
down the river. On the way down the
runaway fleet first encountered the
steamer Abe Hays, with a tow of six
barees, containing $4,000 bushels ofcoal.
The HAYS was sunk and the barges cut
loose. The steamer Dick Fulton was
next struck, and her tow OF seven boats,
with 175,OOO bushels of coal, were sunk.
The Fulton was damaged, but managed
70 get to shore without sinking. An
other boat with $4,000 bushels collided
with the steamer ST. Lawrence and was
sunk. The guards of the steamer were
carried of, but she was otherwise unin-
;nred Two more boats with $4,000
bushels were sunk at Manchester. A
number of tow boats started in pursuit
of the runaways.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
a Tragic Story.

A peculiarly sad and shocking domes-
tic tragedy is reported from the town OF
Batyn, in Hungary. The keeper of a
crossing on the East Hungarian Rail
road, near that town, happened to win
few days ago some hundreds of forms
in lottery. The poor fellow, who had
never seen such large sum OF money
in his life, took the bank notes home
and amused himself in turning them
over, forming plan upon plan for their
disposal. All at once a train was sig
nailed, and he rushed 20 his post, leav-
ing the precious roll behind him. AS ILL
luck would have it, his little daughter
was playing in the room at the time.
Struck by the peculiar appearance of
the notes-having rarely if ever seen
one before, aud not knowing anything
whatever of their value-she proceeded
to use them as plaything, and present
ly flung them into the fire, where they
were burned to ashes. Just then the
father returned, missed the notes, and
learned what had become of them. In
his fury he struck the child a violent
blow, which stretched her lfeless on the
floor. The mother who was giving a
bath in an adjoining room to her second
child, an infant, rushed in on hearing
the disturbance, picked up the little girl
and tried to restore her to consciousness.
Her efforts were in vain; the child wac
dead. She flew TO the bath in which
she had left the infant. Another shock
awaited her: the child was drowned in
the bath. The childless mother, dis
tracted and desperate, rushed out of the
house and hanged herself on the branch
of tree. The wretched father, over
whelmed with misfortune-his fortune
gone, his wife and children-seized a
revolver and put an end to his existence.
The artistic completeness Of this tragedy
gives it certain air Of unreality: but
the Hungarian journals vouch for the
exact truth of these details.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
Nearly opposi

NEVER BETTER PREPARED.-J. h.
BEACHLEY was never better prepared Tor the
Carpet trade than he is this season, as he will
offer to the people the greatest variety of Pat
terms of Body Brussels, Tapestry, Extra Supers,
Ipgrains Hall, Stair and Bordering Carpets, Oil
Cloths in all widths, Velvet, Moquette and Tap
Rugs and Mats that has ever been offered to the
people of Western Maryland. Many of these
goods have been bought direct from the manu-
facturers at the lowest possible prices, therefore
he has many choice patterns that cannot be found
elsewhere in this market And always remem-
Der this fact that it does not matter how cheap
they are offered you, BEACHLEY'S prices are
equally as low.
HOMEMADE RAG CARPETs.-If you want
to buy good Home Made Rag Carpet, We
would advise you 10 go to }. II. BEACHLEIS,
as his stock is the largest and contains the great
est variety of styles in all grades, and as an evil
dence that his carpets are unexcelled ne received
the first premium at the fair over all competitors.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

On Friday last Mr.. j. William Beatley,
a we'll known young citizen Of Winches-
ter, was instantly killed by singular &C
cident near Woodstock. He was engaged
with Mr.. j. w. Langley, boring we'll on
Mr.. Walton's farm. The work being
finished, at the request Of the tenant, he
attached the power to "masticater"
feed-cutter in the barn, TO cut up some
fodder. Suddenly the machine flew to
pieces, and the knife striking Mr.. Beatley
cut his breast open from the shoulder to
the abdomen. Two or three bystand-
ers were also knocked down and
stunned, and thus are able to tell
little more about the accident than
we have stated; but from the nature
of the wound Mr.. Beatley's death must
have been instantaneous. Mr.. Langley
was not present at the time, but as soon as
he arrived he took charge of the corpse
and after having it decently arranged by
the undertakes of Woodstock, brought it
to Winchester. Winchester Times.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
A Sensation i'm Church.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND, April "A sensa-
ton which came near ending in tragedy,
disturbed the worshipping congregation
at the Blackboard Street NJ. E. Church yes
terday evening. A young married lady
went to church with man who was not
her husband. While the preacher was in
the midst of his sermon, and the wife and
her lover were in the midst Of the enjoy
ment of each others company, the infuri-
ated husband walked into church in search
of them. They saw him enter, and walk
half way up one aisle, whereupon both
made their way out of church via the other
aisle. The husband started after them,
drawing dagger as he walked down the
aisle of the church. Several good deacons
comprehended the situation and jumped
through the church windows just in time
to prevent tragedy, as the parties met
outside of the church. The wife then re-
turned home with her husband, while her
friend went off to hunt another sweetheart.
The effect of the eloquent sermon was
marred by this little incident.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

This case is formed In one solid piece, without
joint or seam, opening in front only, thus avoid
ing tie usual CAP, and securing greater strength
and durability.
These Watches are all open face. The bezel,
into which an extra strong crystal Is fitted with
an especially prepared water proof cement, is
attached to the case by screwirg 1t thereon, and
thus forms an air-tigbt junction with the body OF
the case, which is proof against dust and moist
ure.
To railroad men, travellers, miners, lumbermen
and others who are almost constantly exposed
and who have 10 make frequent reference to the
watch, these qualities are of the utmost import
ance.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT SPANGLER'S,
HAGERSTOWN MD.

The largest retail stock OF Dry Goods and No
tions. All wool Black Cashmeres from 40 cents
to sl25. American Cashmeres, all colors, 20
cents. Haf,wool Domestic Dress Goods, all
coors plain, striped and brocaded 1216 cents.
New Spring shades in ladies suiting. 100 pieces
best Lancaster Ginghams 10 cents. 100 pieces
good style Ginlhams, fast colors, and cents.
One case Gamers best Percales, yard wide, lO5
different styles for IL l-2 cents. One case stand
ard light prints 6A cents. One case dark prints
cents. Blankets, Comforts and Winter Under
wear at cost. Winter Shawls, Wool Hose, Leg
gins and MitLs at cost. New Nansook and Swiss
Embroidery. New white and black Laces. New
duck lace, striped and figured Piques. Victoria
and Bishop Lawn. Plain and checked Nansook.
Plain and figured India Linen. Plain, brocaded
and figured Swiss. New Cretones, Towels, Ia
BILE Damask and Napkins. just opened cases
spring style Cottonades for Men and Boys wear.
Misses and Ladies' Gossamers. One case Bates
Seersucker and Skirting Stripes. Dr. Warmers
Corsets, and NcCulle' Patterns. Wamsutts,
Williamsvile, and New York Mills Muslin IL l-2
cents. Fruit of the Loom only 10 cents. One
bale Granger, yard wide, heavy weight, un-
pleached muslin IA cents. Ga our remnant
counter Dress Goods Ticking, Muslin, Skirtings,
Cambrics and Prints, Respectfully,
Z. II. & r. l.. SPANGLER.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

Mrs. Jonathan Monroe and son, Warren
Monroe, living near Brookneal, Campbell
Co., Va, died some days ago from the eff
fects of poison, supposed to have been put
in the coffee-pot. Suspicion attaches to
niece of Mrs. Monroe who was visiting at
her house. 1t is ruInored that she only
intended to poison the mother, and had
hopes of marrying the son.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
B. W. BENTLY."

CLINTON, Iowa, April 20, 1851.
az wish you would seud me spring for the
VIM. Eliery Watch = = By the way, this Ellery
is q watch sold in your Screw Bazel Gaze to a
farmer last iall. The first of January he lost the
watch In the woods, and found it tais week in
about one foot of water. II had laio three months
and over in snow and water, with but slight in
jury 10 The watch--only hair-spriDg.
c. 8. RAYMOND"
The above were very severe tesp, and demon
strate beyond doubt that for any reasonable
length of time during which = watch might be
under water il would receive no injury what
ever. .
We make these cases in both gold ard silver,
aud as q PERFECTLY DUST PROOF STEM
WINDING WATCH CASE, CHALLENGE THE
WORLD TO PRODUCE IT'S EQUAL.
For sale by all First Class Jewellers.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
COUNTY COURT.

State OF West Virginia, jefferson County. TO
wit In the County Court, special session,
March I'd, ISL
ORDERED, that this special session OF the
~ Court be now adjourned until the second
Monday in next month (Aprfl). when Especial
session will be held for the purpose Of settling
the county taxes, &C.. with Eugene Baker, late
sheriff, and John 5. Moore's taxes. &C., as late
sheriff, and for such other purposes as may be
brought before the court
A copy-teste:
T. A MOORE, Clerk
Spirit aud Free Press copy time.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
A Steamboat Disaster.

The towboat Polar Star, en- route to st.
Louis, exploded her boilers while opposite
Belmont, Mo-, Saturday afternoon. She
had three barges of lumber in tow. Her
upper works were blown to atoms, and
the hull drifted down the river. The
barges were uninjured. Captain Adkins
was blown about 300 yards, and was
picked up by 4 sxiff. Two flremen, two
missing. The rest Of the crew escaped
with slight injuries. The cause of the ex-
plosioE is unknown. The engineer says
that he tested the boiler a few moments
previous to the explosion. The boat be-
longed to Capt. Peter Conrad, of ST. Louis,
and was about six years old.
A Columbus (Ky.) special says: "In the
steamer Polar Star disaster four men were
drowned and two killed by the explosion.
The pilot, Joe Jaynes, who was at the
wheel, is badly scalded on the body, and
bruised about the head. The cook, j. w.
Cullen, had an arm badly hurt, and Cap
tain Jack Atkinson was thrown into the
river, sustaining serious injuries. He was
so shocked he could not talk intelligibly.
The boat was owned by Captain Conrad,
of St. Louis. The hull sank in five min
utes after the explosion, but was firmly
lashed to barges, which were towed to the
Missouri shore. Six are known to be lost.
The names are not furnished. The boilers
were carrying but small pressure Of
steon -
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
A CORRESPONDENT

From the far away State of Colorado
writes: can old Indian at this agency re-
marked when he tasted New Life, the
great Cough Remedy, for the first time,
ugh! big medicinep After 1t had cured
him of asthma he said: ugh! heap much
big medicine!' p" This 10 the general YER
dict. Its action in throat and lung troub-
les Is little short Of marvellous.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
SPRING OVERCOATS.

II we needed any encouragement, our expert
ence in the sale of SPRING OyERCOATs would
give it to US heaped full and running over. Who
would be expected to think OF garment so die
tinctly spring production, while the heaviest
wraps are 10 order! Ard yet We have sod them,
day after day, in the very teeth of snow aud
frost, forcing the season as 1t was never forced
before in Hagerstown. There must be some at
traction OF beauty of manufacture, or of excel
leuce OF H., or of moderaleness Of price, which
accounts for the prematu popularity OF these
garments. We should be glad to have you call
and study the subject on our counters. Our
statesmen viii give you all needed help in solving
the problem to your and our satisfaction.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

Mrs. Meaker was haEged at Windsor,
VT, Friday, for killing an adopted daugh-
ter; Oliver Bristow, at Camden, s. c., for
the murder of F. N. Mcdowell, a farmer
of Kershaw county, S. c., and Charles w.
Beaver was hanged in Leesburg, Va, for
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
The bad Bet of a Montana Man.

During the last cold spell, while the
thermometer was % degrees below zero,
a traveller offered to bet 500 that nobody
would ascend the top Of mountain on
Big Hole, which was about 1000 feet
above the river, the winner to ascend it
with nothing on but pair of boots. The
bet was accepted, and a young railroad
man named Fairchond held The wager.
The Montana man started, absolutely
naked above his rubber boots, whiskey
bottle in the left hand, and twig of long
leaved pine in the other. \ rousing ap-
plause of the crowd of spectators greeted
the hero when he reached the top, and,
after that, while he came on the jump
back. He was speedy, indeed. His face
was red-hot from the empty whisky bottle,
his back SCARED by scourging himself
with the pine twig, and the uncovered
parts of his legs were blue with chilli
ness. The traveller, apparently coafound-
ed, skipped out, leaving his stake, which
was recognized the other day as nice 800
counterfeit bill.-SGlt Lake Tribune.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
THE FOLLOWING LETTERS TELL THEIR
OWN STORY.

VALDosTA, Ga, July 20. 1882.
81 sold one of your Patent Dust-Proof Cases
about ten months ago, and the other day 1t came
back to me with the request TO make 1t wind
easier On examination found that the stem
was rusty, and inquired into the cause Of II.
The gentleman stated TO me that he was starting
some saw-logs that had lodged in the bend of
the river, when his chain caught in bush and
threw his watch into about twelve feet OF water,
and he was about two hours finding il. When
he got it out it wss running, and be thought all
right In about three months he found that the
stem was hard to turn. and sent 1t 70 me.
can say that the watch is all that the Com
pany claims for Il, aud recommend it to all rail-
road and mill men.
ID W ppNTIYi
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

If YOU cannot procure our famous
"Seven Springs Iron and Alum Mass"
In your own town, send direct to us, and
we will send to any address free of charge
on receipt of price. Manufactured only
by Laudrum & Litcbfield, Abingdon, Va,
and for sale by Baker & McMurran, Drug
gists. Its efficiency in the treatment Of
diseases is conceded by physicians gener-
orally. For dyspepsia and indigestion its
value is estimable, all will admit. Price
81, small size 80 cents.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
Hacerstoyn business Locals.

"WASTE NOT, WANI NOI,
Is an old time saying. 1t is no waste OF words TO
say that since we are in receipt of our new spring
Stock we can fit you in any Boot or Shoe OF any
pattern you may select We have our goods In
such sizes that we can give you as perfect q fit
if you had your shoes made 10 measure. Come.
MRS. A. ROSE e. DAUGHTER,
Nearly opposite Market House, HaGerstown.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
3. w. Il. 2 III r Z A y L x (,
PHOTOGRAPHER,
W. Washington Street, one door from Pub


". Washin gton Street, one uoOr iroin uU-
lie Square,
HAGERSTOwN, MARYLAND.
Special attention given to the production OF
frst-class work Life size crsyon and oil portraits
executed in the highest style OF the art and PEH-
Feet IN LIKENESS. =,
The largest assortment oil frames ana nouio-
and Quality. including many entirely new and
beautiful goods. Also on hand fine line of EN-
GRsVfNGS. Chromos, Albums and in fact every
thing pertaining 10 the picture business.
The readers of this paper are respectfully In
yitel % call and examine our ssock-
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
BUSINESS LOCALS.

When you 60 to Marlinsburg call on D. We'll,
Queen Street. He can fit you out with wearing
apparel of all kinds He keeps on hand Ready
made Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Um--
brellas, Trunks, Vallses, Gloves, Socks, and
Gentlemen's Furnishings Of every description.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
A PERFECT REMEDY IN TWENTY DISEASES.

A PERFECT REMEDY IN TWENTY DISEASES.
AsHFIELD, Mass,
1 am verging on eighty years, and deem II my
duty to suffering humanity to say that my long
life is due to Brandreth's Pills, which have been
my sole medicine for half century. know the
last forty three years of my life is owing solely to
their use. Your Pills saved me many times after
the best medical skill in several States had given
me up as hopeless. have had many converts
10 purgation with Brandreth's Pills, and have
seen them perform almost miracles of cure. For
children, few doses have cured measles, scarlet
fever, and whoopng cough. In all female trouo-
les and weakness have never known them TO
fail. In adult males have known them to cure
the worst cases of dyspepsia, rheumatism, kid
ney disease, dysentery aud diarrtea; even dropsy,
paralysis, and apoplexy have yielded to per-
sstent course of Brandreth's Pills In fact have
found them the true Life Elixir. They act as
continual preventives against the effects OF time,
disease and labor.
JOHN r. MANN,
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
TIE MOST RELIABLE, CAREFULLY PRE-
PAREDAND BEST PURGATIvE OF THE
PRESENT AGE Is BRANDRETH'S

They are compounded of Roots, Herbs and
Gums of the most healing and beneficial kind.
As Family Medicine they are unriva;led, cur
ing Headache, Constipation, Liver Complaint,
Rheumatism, yspeqsia-clearing the blood OF
all impurities on the Liver. Kidneys and
other important organs, removing the waste lis
sue, and adding years to the lives of all who use
them. For fifty years they have been used by
the American public, and their constantly in
creasilg sales show how they are appreciated
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
Gents Furnishing Department
Buist'S Seed in Bulk.
NEW CROP.

BEANS-German Wax. White Wax, Golden
Wax, Mohawk, Refugee, Yellow Six Weeks,
SpeckledValentine,R Royal Dwarf, Large Lima.
EARLY COMMISSIONERS Evergreen Black Mex
lean, Chester County Gourd Seed.
PEAS-Extra Early, Laxton's Alpha, Early
May. Carter's Premium Gem, Mclean Little
Gem, Blue Peter, Eugenie, Yorkshire Hero,
Champion of England, Dwarf Blue Imperial,
White Marrowfat.
ONION sEED-White Silverskin, White Ital-
ian Tripoli.
RADISH-White Naples. French Breakfast,&c.
BEETS-Early Red Egyptian, Bassano, Esrly
Red Turnip, &c.
CUCUMBEKS-Early Frame, Early Cluster,
White Spine, Early Russian.
TOMATO-Improved Achme, Canada Victor,
Fejee Island, &c.
SEEDS IN PAPERS-Buists at three papers
for 10 cents. Hiram Sibley's Seeds in large
papers at the usual price.
ED- Any seeds not in stock will be furnished
on 81 hours notice.
GRASS SEEDS-Several varieties on hand.
FLOWER SEEDS-A great variety and large
stock on hand.
BAKER & MCMURRAN.
nONT DO IT.-Pay ID cents for a gill of peas
/ J or beans in papers when you can get a pint
for the same money at -
3-3l-Gw BAKER & NcMU KHAN.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
BUILDING Ass.slA!IsE ssFIGf,

THEREAFTER dues to the Building AssOcia-
ton must be paid between the hours Of
nine O'Clock a. m. and three O'Clock p. m, on
Monday OF every week. Office at the residence
OF the Secretary.
q ENTI.ER Secretary.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07

25 pieces of bingham will be offered this week
at cents per yard at YiugiDg's
Large lots of calicoes at and 6 cents, good
styles aud fast colors at Yingling's.
Wamsutta, Wiliamsviile and New York Mills
muslin ut l214 cents, at Yinglings.
100 pairs ladies hose at 10 aud ia cents per
pair at Yingling's.
25 dozen ladies gents and children's under
wear, will be offered at cost, at A. Yingling's
this week
The best 80, 60 and IS cent black cashmere in
Hagerstown at A. Yingling's.
so white counterpanes at IS cents and SlOO at
A. Yiugling's, Hagerstown, Nd.
A WORD TO HoUsEKEEPERs.-Head OF fami-
lies and newly married people by going TO A.
Yingling's Popular Dry Goods Hous, Hagers-
town, Md e, will find just what they want In all
such goods as are necessary and useful In every
well regulated house. AS the holiday business
is now cleaned up aud out of the way, the pro-
prietor asserts that in few days he will have
in stock the largest cheapest aud finest STOCK OF
domestic and staple dry goods OF every descrip-
ton that will he offered in Hagerstown this year.
The stock will consist of full lines table linens,
NAPKINS, shertings and shifting ia all widths
and grades; tickings, giughams, olankete, com
forts, crashes, towellings, cotton laps, home
made rag carpets, floor and table oil cloths, car
pet chain, besides our usual foil stock OF black
and coIored silks, plain and fancy dress goods,
cloaks, notions, hosiery, gloves trimmings, etc.
All are invited, bargains guaranteed. Respect
fully, A. YINGLING, Hsgerstown, Nd.
SILKS SILKS!!-Ladies desiring to pur-
chase silk should not fail TO see the most CON-
plete assortment in Hagerstown At p. A. Brugh's
This week he is offering extra good value In
Black Silks at 81 90, sll5 and sl.25. A full
line of colored silks, good heavy quality at 65c.
DER yard. full line of Surah Silks At sl.25. A
full line of Rhadema Silks at sl.65. handsome
Satin Mervellieux at sl.40: also the best SIX
Pushes, Velvels and Satins than are being Of
fered at the prices. Call 10 see them and be
convinced of the superior quality and low prices
of his silks.
CLOAKINGS.-P. A. BRUGH, Hagerstown,
Nd, has Just received his second invoice OF
Light Cloakiugs for the fall and winter season
at bottom prices. Pushes for trimming in all
shades.
Just received this week st P. A. BRUGH's,
Hsger.towu, Nd, large assortment OF Mus
auetaine Kid Gloves, in Terra Gotta and all the
new shades Call and see them.
FLANNELS.-Got TO P. A. BRUGH'S, Hagers-
town, Nd, for Red, White and Canton tlannels.
He has the largest stock and lower prices.
SnKsl SILKS l-Just received at 7. a.
BRUGH'S, Hagerstown, Nd, fuli line oil col
ored silks, warranted not to Gu: for 10 cts. per
ward. The former price has never been less than
ST. Do not fail to see them.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-07
FOR SALE.

ONE good secondhand ATJAGGER
all In good repair, the wheels nearly nev.
Also one two-horse ROAD WAGON which has
Just been put In good repair. and has good
rubber lock on IL. The above will be sold cheap
aud on reasonable terms. Io1er them because
--' ~ Ns.J. sTRIDER.
Unionyflfe. W. Va