The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-06
A NOVEL ENTERPRISE.
An Ideal Yankee Scheme to Purchase
Old Libby Prison.

Old Libby Prison.
CHICAGO ILL.,, Feb. ga now departure
in the line of relic worship has been taken
in this city. The preliminary steps for the
formation of u corporation whose object is
the purchase and removal to this city of
the famous Libby prison, OF Richmond,
Va, were taken here yesterday. The gen
tlemen who figure as the commissioners
and who are instrumental in organizing
and developing the scheme are Messrs.
William ii. Gray, Josiah Crafty, John A.
Crawford and Charles N. Miller, all Chi
cago men. The company will have a CAPT
tai of 100000, and IL is understood that
all the stock is already applied for. The
history of the enterprise is best told in the
words OF Mr.. VIM. II. Gray, TO whom is
due the credit for its inception.
"Last November" he said 10 a reporter,
"when ] was travelling through eastern
Virginia with Judge Moore, of Toledo, we
we met on the road between old Point
Comfort and Richmond, Col. Barnes, a
former officer in the Confederate army and
at present engaged in the business OF fruit
growing on large farm near Richmond.
In the course OF conversation ON the
events OF the war reference was made 10
the old Libby prison, and II occurred TO
me that IL would be good idea 90 pur-
chase the building and transport Il 10
Chicago. took Col. Barnes into my conf
dence and asked him 10 ascertain ithc prop
crty could be purchased. Shortly after my
return / received q letter from Rawlings
x Rose, real estate dealers in Richmond,
stating that the old prison was now the
property Of the Southern Fcrtilizing com.
pany, and that IL could be purchased for
$4,000. At my request Mr.. John A.
Crawford, the general superintendent Of
the Chicago Towing company, went 10
Richmond and looked over the ground and
investigated the possibility Of moving the
building. lie returned full Of enthusiasm
for the enterprise. Some further cor
respondence with the real estate firm men,
toned resulted in their obtaining for me
an option for thirty days on the property.
The option cost Just $50.
The building. continued Mr.. Gray, SIS
built oil red brick, three stories high, and
covered with an old fashioned gable roof.
IL fronts on Cary street and Rms bacl,
almost 10 the James river, the iirst story
In the rear being the basement IN the front.
IL was built In the good old fashioned sub
siantal manner, which is Distinguishing
feature Of the plain architecture Of the
south, and is as solid today As when
erected over fifty years ago. II contains
about Blk hundred tbousand bricks. slon,
caps and stills, Inld j. surrounded ON tire,
sides byastOne sidewalk. ! have cOnsulic,
with the architects and they inform me u
can be taken down, removed 20 this city
aud rebuilt Just as IL now stands in Rich
mond. We, that ", the company, proposI
! 10 number every brick, stone and shingle
The building viii be taken down In sec
tons, the material will be- boxed up an,
transported by riil 10 Chicngo. We vii
carefully draw every nail that has mo-
rusted away. We will grind up the NOR
tar aud use Il as far ~ possible IN the r.
building. Every beam, joisi, door and
window will be vet In place.
"What will the enterprise cosi?'
Somewhere about 100000. We will
surround Il with another building, 2O0N
$50 feet with glass roof and ON the wal
| opposite the rear Of the prison We vii
have painted q panoramic view Of th'
| james river and the country beyond"
Il W utit no NNu llitif "
eve have not vet determined. Som,
Of the exposition people favor tearinl
down the conservatory NJ the south end d
their building and giving Ms site there
However, We will GIT a site that will b,
convenient 10 the center OF the city and
easy Of access. We estimate that ia,
cost will be divided IN this way
For the building, $4,000; for tearingdowr
and boxing, $4,000; for freight, $4,000
for reconstruction, $1,000; for the site
$4,000; incloing building, $4,000. I
We cannot buy the lot We want VIC vii
lease. IL IL our intention 10 make M
elaborate collection Of relies Of the rebel
lion-in fact, make Il a perfect museum o
the late war. We will have panoramic
views Of the engagement between th'
Monitor and the Mcnimac and other well
known events Of the war"
"Whcn do you expect 70 GIT 10 work.
'rhc contract for the building and prop
crty will be closed this month. We hop,
90 get early possession Of the old store o
Libby 4 Son, and have this portion rebuilt
In time for the Republican national con
yenlion next June. As soon after ~ I
possible we will complete the rebuilding q
the remainder ~ tho prison."
"Will the Richmond people allow yoi
10 move the building7 DO they take AM
local pride In itg''
81 am informed that mp 20 two year
ago, when the property came into the pos
session Of the Southcrn fcrt.liEng com
pany, the Richmond authorities had :,
keep guard around II 20 ward OH tn
relic hunters, who would have picked II :,
pieces have been informed that SOM
oi the Richmond people may kick, but
will do them no good"
Josiah Crafty, one Of the incorpomlors
In talking Of the scheme sald. 1T shout,
I've understood that there n no idea q
waving the bloody shirt in this; II
simply business speculation for wha