National Republican., 1883-10-08
rREDErrCK rows.
One OF thc Prcttlest aud Richest Cities in
Mnrylond-Tho True story OF barbara

Mnryiand-Tho True story OF Barbara
Erie chic.
Specinl Letter.
FRrpErrcK, Oct. 5.--Ncstlcd down here in
the shadow of tho Catoctin mountains, tho
traveller finds rs pretty lttlc city as ono
Cpuld well wish to sec 10 is OF u typu impos-
siblc in the eager pushing restless west, but
for which parallel can be found in the middle
aud New l1nglOnd states, With about 5000
inhnbitauts 10 is doubtful if many western
cities of five times its population pos.
scss AS much real wealth. Situated in
section OF great fertility and natural beauty,
Frederick has been place of Importance
from antc-rovolutonary times Being close
TO the soaboard markets, the bountoous pro-
ductions of this rich valley have always
yielded the highest rate of return. Being u
northern continuation Of the Valley of Nir-
ginia, it's physical characteristics are similar,
but moro careful and scientific system of
far ming has served to preserve much of its
pristine fertility uniinpaired through
two centuries Of cultivation, with the
result that each generation has been
able TO bequeath to its successor
an increased surplus uccretion of wealth
drawn from the soil. With the source of this
opulcnce unimpaircd The necessity for seek
ing now avenues for maintenance and wealth
has not impressed itself strongly here.
Hence there is an absence of manufacturing
and commercial energy such rs might have
been looked for had nature been less kind.
From Mr.. L. A. Gittinger learn that in this
country taxes are paid on about Twenty-Five
millions of property, but fifty millions would
not cover its actual value.
Frederick, while it may seem sleepy and
quiet to ono used TO more enterprising COM
modities, does not seem like SO many cities of
like grade in tho south given over to decay
and rust. Its streets are well kept and gaslt,
its sidewalks in commendablc repair, and its
| pf pu 10 nd ~ nt
residences would do credit to many place
of thrice its population. Uncle Sam has just
| contributed one of the ncatest and best ar
ranged postofices have ever seen.
Several important educational institutions
are located here; one female college, being
partially supported by the state. Catholic
nunnery Of order of Sisters of tho Visitation
has long been located hero, and carries on u
school that was very hourishing before the
war. 1t then had large patronage from the
rich planters of the Carolinas, Georgia, Ala
bama. and other southern states, but its schol-
ars are now mainly supplied by the city and
| its noighborhood. The powerful order of
| Jesuits also have novitiato here.
| Whitticr's poetic story of Barbara Freitsche's
| patriotic display of the stars and stripes in tho
face of Stonewall Jackson's army has served
| to render the name of Frederick familiar to
thousands who else would hardly know of its
| existence. Few strangers come here but what
ask to bo shown Barbara's house. But tho
request has long been in vain, for her house
| was torn down some years ago. Clear creek,
which runs through the city, got on q "rcgu-
lar bender in 1868 and carried away part OF
the buihling; the remainder was demolished
| because it lay in tho path OF needed munich
| pal improvements.
Poetic license is responsible for many per-
version of fact that dwells in the minds Of
thousands as veritable history. The logend
of Barbara Freitscho is fair example. One
of the best known citizens of Frederick said
to me:
"Barbara belonged to o family, most OF
whom sympathised with the rebels, but she
was n thorough-going unionist. She didn't
wave hor flag. however, as Whittier tells it.
In fact, like the rest of us, she had her flag
carefully put away while tho rebels were here
But something akin to the scene described
by Whittier took place whilo Lees army was
marching through Frederick. Mrs. Mary
Quantrell was teaching school at the time
Some of her little scholars got out in front OF
the school house and waved union flags IL
childish defiance of the passing rebs.' The
flags were taken from them but not without
vigorous protest from Mrs. Quautrell, who
, fearlessly went to the defense of her impru
dent charges, and gave the astonished conted
D crates tongue lashing such as only an ex
asperated woman can give" Mrs. Quantrell,
4 was informed, is now living in Washington.
!, FREDERICK, MD, Oct. 6.-Tho circuit cour
now IN session mere is occupied WIN tne tria
> of Mr.. James G. King, who is under indict
. ment for assault with intent to murder DIR
> A. A. Roth. The defense is that the assault
T if any was committed, was made upon KIM
$ discovering Roth tlagrante delicto with hi
l (lSing's) wife. The traverser's counsel ar
! Hon. NJ. G.. Urner Capt James McSherry
o and f. ]. Nelson, esq. Tho case, which. al
A tracts large crowds to the court room, prom
ises to last we'll into next week.
The officers ofthe agricultural society of thi
county have about completed their arrange
ments for the fair, which occurs next week
Sc From present appearances this years oxhib
ton will not be behind those of past year
These fairs have always been favorites wit
~ the Baltimoreans and Washingtonians an
- they are expected in force next week.
Matters are as yet quiet in the politics
Of field, although the success of tho republica
10 county ticket is an assured fact.
"A THE COURTS.