Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-08-13
1rrTrR FROM RAPPAHANEocK.
Correspondence OF the Alexandria GAzErrE.I


OR1E.N Va.. August 10.-It was the
pleasure of your correspondent to spend
several DAYS at 1.-The Oaks" the splendid
house of Mr.. F. l.. Slaughter, who owns
fine estate in Rappahannock county, near
Washington, its county seat. More genial,
hospitable and kind people we never found
anywhere than are Mr.. Frank Slaughter,
his most estimable wife and family. Mr..
Slaughter is now fifty years old, and never
has, during his whole life, touched drop
of intoxicating liquor. He served through
the war in the Rappahannock cavalry, and
was Grst-class soldier, never Sinking any
duty or responsibility, and he now is as
good farmer as he was soldier. 1t was
real treat to sit and hear from him some of
the "reminiscences of the war; and to see
him enkindle with enthusiasm as be spoke
of General Fitzhugh Lee, the gallant soldier,
and for whom he will vote for Governor i'll
November next, and whom be thinks will
be elected Mr.. Slaughter is thorough
going Baptist and is member of the Mt.
Salem Church, which was organized sixty
one years ago by William F. 'Broaddus,
D. D. This church has had but four pastors
during that period, and its present pastor,
Rev. s. NJ. Athey, has only been serving it
for about two years. Mr.. Slaughter has in
his possession an article which was written
from The Baptist camp ground in Culpeper
county, to the Louisiana Delta, and, from
that, copied in the Alexandria GAZETTE
twenty eight years ago, describing sermon
preached by Elder Barnett Grimsly at said
camp meeting. The article will doubtless
be repubished.
Mr.. Robert Eastbam, more Familiarity
known as dob Ridley" served during the
early part Of the wal in the same company
with Mr.. Slaughter. Bob, on one occasion,
wanted furlough to come home, and APP
piled in person to Gen. Ewell, saying to him,
General, l want u furloug to go home"
You 60 to hell" said Ewel. Bob retired,
mounted his horse, and went home. After
an absence of several days he returned to
camp and was reproved by the Colonel in a
very indignant manner. "Why did you
leave your command without permit p
Bob replied, II asked Gen. Ewell for a fur
Tough, and he told mo to go to hell, so !
went to Rappahannock county, thinking
that was about as near hell as could be
found. It is needless to add that Bob
! Ridley" was not courtmartiaed again. The
Rappahannock cavalry were passing
through Charlottesville. Just before entering
| the town Bob secured mule, took his boots
of, rolled up his pants, smeared his legs
with red mud, procured an old beaver hat,
put it on, mounted his mule, and rode
through the streets, pretending to be crying.
Sumo ladies on the street began laughing nj
| him. Said Bob, "You needn't laugh, you
too will be wearing Confederate CATERS be.
| fore the war is over"
As fur rs We travelled through the county
we found the prospect for corn very good
indeed, and from the present appearance of
the face of the country no one would dream
that q drought of such long duration had
| Just been ended by copious showers of rain.
Heavy rains have fallen in this section,
making quite hopeful change in everything
and everybody.
While playing with some companions yes
terdny AFTERNOON Eddie, the seven-year old
son of Mr.. Triplett, fell from the hay NOW,
a distance of several feet, and fell across the
guards of the reaper, two of them penetrat-
ing and tearing the abdomen so as to cause
the intestines to protrude, causing the little
fellow to suffer intense pain. He was put
under the influence of chloroform and sur.
gcal assistance rendered by Doctors Hans.
brough and Buck. This morning the case is
more hopeful, and, if Inflammation does not
set in, he may possibly recover. Eddie is a
sprightly little fellow, and this blow falls
heavily on fond parents who are nearly dis
tracted with grief P.