Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-08-06
LETTER FROM FAUoUIER.

The PLAINS Aug. 3.-The present sum.
mer, until Within 4 few days past, has been
an unusually cool ono then, as if to make
amends for past neglect the sun is now try
ing to beat his own record, as for four con-
secutive days the therm ometer here has reg
stered 100 degrees in the shade. Although
unpleasant weather for locomotion it is
without precedent one Of the finest corn
seasons we have had for many years past.
For some time past our town has been
painted red by flaming posters announcing
the coming of fleets great show-the
greatest show on earth," and that it would
exhibit here on Thursday, the Goth inst. As
the custom of attending shows has long
since fallen into "innocuous desuetude" with
the inhabitants Of The Plains the announce
ment was rather startling, as it was looked
upon by some as revival of barbarism, and
detrimental to the morals of the young, but
their fears were soon allayed, rs upon its
arrival here. this "great show" was found
to consist OF five white men and two negroes
only, who gave one performance in the af
ternoon. As there was no circus, and the
mcnagerie being confined to one yellow dog
and bear, the spectators had 10 content
themselves by witnessing gymnastic feats
upon. the trapeze bar, which was suspended
at the amazing distance of four feet above
ground, at tho conclusion of which the
crowd adjourned, not without first pro-
nouncing the whole affair monumental
humbng.
Residing under the shadow OF the Bull Run
mountain, ''far from the maddening crowds
ignoble strife'' lives VIM. +. Ball, scar.
worn veteran Of the Mexican war. Enlisting
at Warrenton, Va, under Capt. Mason's
command at tho commencement of the
Mexican war, Mr. Ball served its entire
length during which time he won for him
self q record as q brave and daring soldier
(haying been in no less than six regular en-
gagements besides the street fight in the city
Of Mexico). He bears those marks about his
person that speak palmer than words of
his patriotism and valor. At the expiration
of the Mexican war he received an honor
able discharge, since which time having
returned TO the place of his birth, Mr. Ball
like many others who imperiled their lives
in the defense of their country, earns his
living by the sweat of his brow. 1t SCENE to
us unreasonable that government whose
resources are rs great as this should entire.
ly neglect and ignore this little band Of he
roes (namely the survivors of the Mexican
WaTJ WHOSE TaDkS are laSU DeCOtuluR u6Cl-
mated by the hand of death, but be that as
it may, Mr.. B. wearied by hope deferred, re-
Gently addressed a communication to the Sec
retarv of War in regard to his pension, think
ing perhaps that tho bill recently before Con-
gress had become law. His claim was
duly returned in a scaled official envelope
from the auditors Office, which also con-
tanned the following letter. which we give
verbatim, as we now hold the original in
hand:
lF. ". f. BaN:
Dear Sir-The Mexican pension bill pass
ed both houses, granting pension of thirty
seven dollars and fifty cents to each surviv-
ing soldier of that war; but tho President
treated it with the most indignant con.
tempt He tore the bill in fragments and
threw it on the floor, saying that it was the
most Infamous thing that was ever present.
ed TO any President to sign. There is great
trouble expected from such conduct.
(Signed) F. H. G.
To this mysterious epistle is appended q
printed form, No. al, with blanks request.
ing Mr. Ball TO address all communications
in future to the Commissioner of Pensions.
This form is signed VIM. A. Day, auditor,
by F. H. G. Would the editor of the GA
zETrE inform his readers who this F. 81. G.
is, and if it is customary for the President
to tear up bills presented to him to sign and
stamp upon them also. what is the great
trouble anticipated by F. Fl. g.?
BUFFALO BILL.