The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-03
THE OYSTER WAR.
The Virginia Navy and the Maryland
Pirates Getting Ready for Gore.


RFEDSvILLE, Va, December O. spe-
cial. As the sun rose this morning sight
not all pleasant 10 the jewellers of Hog Island
aud vicinity presented itself in the form of
large squadron Of dredgers from Il
schooner down 10 "bugeye.' To a
casual observer and one not ac-
quainted with the situation, the sight of
the long line Of vessels with all sail
set and bounding TO and fro over the waves
in the morning sun was novelty. IL was
thought that the order Of Governor Lee 10
Commander Foster and his letter to Cover
nor Jackson on the question Of the power of
the State over the disputed ground would
dampen the ardor Of the pirates 10 trespass;
but not so, AS some Of them, apprised of ,he
fact that the Chesapeake was down in the
bay, while the Ida Augusta was in the
RappahannOck at Carriers Greek, yentured
over the coveted line and commenced dredg-
ing. The smaller craft stood OF, but kept
sufficiently near the line not TO cross 1t.
CAPTAIN RUSSELL,
came upon the scene few hours after in
the Schooner Clara. but his presence did
not mar the pleasure Of the pirates, who
seemed 20 delight in their sport Of depredat-
ing upon what did not belong 10 them. Cap
tain Russell did not remain idle. Although
his vessel was not armed he cOntented him
self with cruising around the reservation
and taking the name OF every vessel engaged
in the illegal dredg ng, TO be presented to
Captain Foster when he came up the river
with the Chesapeake.
The Ida Augusta has been sent for, to re-
turn from Rappahannock 10 the scene OF
illegal dreding.
Mr.. LEWIS CAUSE STRENGTHENING.
The attitude toward Mr. Lewis has under
gone considerable change since the letter of
Governor Lee 10 Governor Jackson has been
read here. Mr. Lewis asserts that General
>teth, Of Maryland. did not produce the
official chart when the commission met. and
that Whitney was not a regular elected
member of the commission. but was merely
detailed by the United States Coast Survey
to define the line; that he was not looked
upon by the members Of the commission
from Virginia as the sole arbter in the case.
The cause OF Mr.. Lewis is hourly strength
enng. while that of the dredgers is also in
creasing among their class.
The dredgers claim that the sinking Of
the schooner Lawson, the arrest and finding
Of Captains Headdy and Swift, coupled
with the assertions made by Commander
Foster. Of the Chesapeake, has been the
means Of making the question OF legality OF
the dredging upon Hog Island all the more
favorable TO them. There has never before
in the history Of the lower tidewater coun-
ii ;, been such a state Of excitement.
THE DREDGERs DEFEAT.
The wise counsels which has prevailed
heretofore have been cast aside by the
dredgers and their friends, and they have
declared that they will now fight sooner
than weld one point Efforts have been
made TO keep the condition Of affairs from
the public, but il is now an undisputed fact
that the hour when the two con ending
factions will come together is near, and one
of the bloOdiest conflicts known in the
history of the oyster beds is not far distant.
The suspense is becoming oppressive, and
il is with bated breath that the people
await the coming Of the storm.
The Chesapeake and Augusta at this hour.
II - L. NJ. have not yet arrived, but the
dredgers are on the alert and watching the
coming OF these two steamers, when II IL
thought an attack will be made. Which
side will open the conflict Is a conjecture.
CONFLICT IMMINENT.
Captain Russell is brave man, and will
not hesitate to act and that decisiyely 10 up
hold the right Of his State, while
the dredgers are just as brave and
are ready TO do battlee In defense Of
Marvland's rights. As one Of the squadron
went sailing to the disputed ground this
afternoon. her crew were enthusiastically
singing. Maryland, Ny Maryland" and as
she sailed into the squadron they were
loudly cheered by their felow-royers Of the
sea. At this hour, Il 7. NJ, quiet reigns.
but every vessel has watch set, and crews
are sleepieg but little, so intense Is the ex-
citement among them.