Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-03-21
Joe Shelby In Merics.

~ iUc CIOrC W tilN ipfC W.
Shelby led column Of 1000 men INTO
Mexico and remained there nearly Two
years. Among his comrades were Gen.
Sterling Price, OF Missouri, and Senator
Isham Harris, of Tennessee.
In the fall of 1865 these gentlemen en-
gagged quarters in Cnrdova. small town
in the State of Vera Cruz, Mexico, OH
account of the salnbriIy of the climate
and the cheapness of everything necessa-
ry to hold soul and body together Pine
apples were abundant and selling for 20
cents husheI hananas cnuld be bought
for u cents. Beef and mutton were ex-
ceediugly cheap. but there was one thing
lacking, Spirits were scarce and hard to
obtain at any price.
One evening Gen. Price incidentally
mentioned thai, like all true Virginians.
he had some knowledge of managing a
still" and suggested that in view OF the
profusion of pineappIes if still could be
procured it would be comparatively easy
To produce an exc, llent grade Of pineap
pie brandy.
The idea struck Cen Shelby with such
force that he agreed 10 make II requl>ll"n
for the desired still if there wa such =
thing as a still in the town. Accnmpa
MED by his cnored by Gen. Shelby made
search all over Cordnva. and tidally
succeeded in discovering small still Of
ten gallon capacity. with which they re
turned lrumphantly to the house. They
found Gen. Price aud Senator Harris
looking out of The window with consider
abe anxiety. but when they saw how
handsomely Shelby requisilion had been
rewarded their faces Frightened aud both
The general aud his still came in for a
hearty welcome.
The still was soon set up. Chopping
up the pineapples, with bran and other
Ingredients for Fermentation, only short
time passed until they had produced u
superior quality of very palalable piueap
PIE brandy, and from that time until the
party left Cordova, over seven months.
that still was never allowed to get cold
Their quarters became the r, crgllzed sea-
pf hospitality for every Confederate and
Union soldier, and. indeed, for ever.
American in that whole region.
When Gen. Shelby came to Washing
ton recently in quest of the marrhalshIr
for the western district of Missouri it oc
CURED to him to renew his acquaintance
with Senator Harris after twenty iii"
years of separation. lie asked one ol
the doorkeepers to tell the Senator thai
all old Tennessee acquaintance wa, wall
ing TO see him in the corridor. The Sen
ator was not long in coming out to se'
his Tennessee friend, but evidently did
not recognize him.
"How are you, governor ?" said Shelby
II don't believe know you, sir, re
piled the Senator gravely.
you don't remember your old part
ner ?"
"Why, SIR" said the Senator rather
brusqueIy. you and never were in bur
ine,s together. What business, sirf
an The disabling business, said Shel
ny. with considerable emphasis.
Strengthening himself back aud will
great dignity the Senator replied:
You are mistaken. sir. | never wa
in such business in all my life, sir, EN-
phasiziug the denial in manner not nee
es>ary To repeat.
Shelby sobriety of expression begar
to relax.
"Why. don't you remember, governor.
he said, "lhe frm of Price Harris & Co.
manufacturers ot pineapple brandy, IL
Cordova, Mexicn?'
Theu the dignity of Senator Harrl'
abruptly collapsed.
"Why, Shelby, is this you? | had for
gotten The brandy business i'll which VT
were partners.
He gra>ped the generals hand in th'
most cordial manner and almost rushet
him into the marble room, where the,
spent an hour reviving recOlIecIions q
lheIr trip to MexIcu.-Post.
e Holc She Brcame a Missionary.
], 81 III d.mng missionary work good deS
of Ihr time" WA, tile reP,y of one Oi tn'
most charming women nl New York u :
4 irirnd WHO a>ked how she busted h,r>eii.-