Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-10-12

Mr. &. /. Gunthcr. the Chicago Million
aire. and owner of all the war relics IN
Libby-PusOn Museum Of that city. was IN
Richmond Thursday. He was with the
Chicago Knights in Washington and came
here to purchase u piece of gray cashmere
one ward SQUARE The object of his visit
was successfully carried out, and he gavo
the very modest sum OF 500 for piece OF
moth-eaten cloth little larger thana towel.
THE DESIGN.
The history Of the cashmere in question
is in its way rather interesting.
I'm the year 1856 Miss Rachael SemOn
| now Madame l.. LOuis) prepared a piece
of embroidery for a fair that was held in
the Old-Market Hall. The design, which
was executed in colored silks. represented
General Washington mounted. In hisright
hand he held aloft the American flag Oi
thirteen stars and stripes, with the other
he waved his hat, while his horse trod
under foot the British flag. The design
was also touched up with paint IN order to
perfect it. and was about two and "A halt
| feet square.
The embroidery was exhibited at several
subsequent fairs taking a premium at
each. and was after "A time consigned o.
rc~ting-place behind the Lureau III the
/ room of its maker.
/ UNFoLDED TO THE UNION TROOPS.
PRECAUTIONARY, April 3, 1868, found the
/ Federal troops entering Richmond after
/ fOur-years' trial
The first troops TO pass UP Main street
WAS detachment Of the Fourth Massachu-
setts cavalry under the command of Major
| Arthur n. Stephens. Mr.. Semon's residence
was at 1922 Main street, near Fourteenth,
I lately occupied by Andrew Eycnsen as
saloon and dwelling. All the morning
rioting and pillage had been going on. par
. ,ae Of h4 OF >
lAtlon.
sALCIED.
/ Seeing the cavalrymen approaching in
the midst of all this disorder the citizens
knew not what next 10 expect. and be-
tween grief and fear were nearly Wild.
Every mind was strained to conlure up
/ some means Of safety for themselves and
; family Suddenly Miss SemOn bethOught
! herself of the old embroidery on which
/ was the miniature American nag. jerking
| il from It's dusty hiding-place where 1t had
/ lain for several years she waved 1t out OF
the window, a signal OF distress 50 to
speak-an appeal for protection.
/ The soldiers AT this time were just abreast
/ the house. and seeing the Stars and Stripes
! Haunting TO the breeze in the capital ot
/ the Southern Confederacy gave an invol-
untary cheer.
/ Major Stephens gave the command to
! halt and the troop was drawn up IN SEMI
4 circle and saluted the flag. A guard was
/ left 10 protect the inmates of the house.
NEGOTIATIONS.
/ Several weeks ago Madame Louis wrote
I 10 Mr.. Gunther giving the history OF the
hag(?) and Offering TO sell 1t to him for his
war museum.
Mr.. Gunther at once replied and offered
10 pay 500, which was refused.
Madame Louis then put the matter IN
the hands of her counsel. Mr.. William fle-
cenheimer. who again wrote Mr.. Gunther.
On last Thursday morning Mr. Flegen-
heimer received telegram from Mr.. Gun
| ther 10 the effect that he would be in Rich
mOnd that afternoon. and that he would
| like 10 see the flag and owner.
QUICK BARGAIN.
At the appointed hour Mr.. Gunther met
/ Madame Louis and Mr.. Flegenheimer IN
the Office of the latter He looked at the
fac. which was yellow with age, full OF
moth-holes, and apparently worthless. aud
at once said he would take 1t at the price
asked 5000.
He took the affidavit Of Madame LOUIS
as 10 the truth Of the above narrative and
genuineness of the flag. and in less time
than il takes TO read this was ready to
leave for home, which he did that eve
/ ming.