davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Colonel John Montgomery.
the Editor OF the Dispatch:

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Please inform US where Captain or
Iieutenant-C Colonel John Montgomery
was born, and where he died. lie accom-
panied General George Rogers Clark on
the Illinois campaign OF 1870. There Is q
sketch OF his life In the book Lately writ
ten by Hon. William II. English, en-
titled Conquest OF the Country North
west of the River Ohio" with sketches
OF the men who achieved II. l saw
through the columns OF your paper re-
Gently that this book had been presented
10 the Virginia Historical Society. and
that Il contained o sketch Of Colonel
John Montgomery.
Please reply through your column Of
Quries and Answers. and oblige,
READERS.
John Montgomery was captain OF ore
of the companies that went with Clark
to conquer the Northwest Territory. He
was a native Of Botetourt county, Va.
but OF Irish descent. He was probably
born in i74s. He was reared on a farm
and his education extended only to the
common branches then taught In the
country. After the capture OF Kaskaskia,
Clark sent him 10 Virginia with prisoners
and dispatches He returned to the IL
linols country in May. i77s. as lieutenant
colonel, with some troops he had raised
on the Holston. He rendered distin-
guished service both In the Illinois cam.
paign, and after the regular campaign
was ovsr. Ha waa elected sheriff 10
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Snilor's Creek,

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
I noticed your answer in the Query
column OF the Dispatch Of the 1st instant
10 a communication, signed "T. +. s., re-
gardlng the battle OF Sailors Creek, and
/ regret that you could not be more ex-
plicit, as l should be glad to have the
information sought by your correspondent.
OF course. we know that such data can
be obtained from the Records OF the
War, of which, ! presume. you have a
copy. but such documents are not easily
accessible In the country, hence We must
ask our city friends 60 enlighten US. The
engagement referred to Is known in this
section as "The Bate Of Sailors Creek"
and the battlefield IS about five miles
from Deatonsvllle.
/ believe all OF the fighting occurred on
the Overton place, which adjoins the
Harper farm on the north, and. az
Sailors creek lies between the positions
occupied by the contendlng armies, It
would seem that Sailors Greek" would
be the more correct name for this bat
lie OF the three you mention. and hope
this name will be the one used in our
histories.
/ hear that an old muslset was recently
dug up on the bank of this creek. which
was in an excellent state OF preservation.
and was found three feet below the
present level OF the marsh.
A number Of old Confederates would ap-
preciste further Information concerning
this battle n you can spare the time TO
look It up FOR US. CONFEDERATE.
II any one will furnish US with a short
history of this battle (say 1909 words we
will publish IT,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The battle OF Mobile was, 1 believe, the
last great battle OF the war between the
States.
Eight thousand five hundred Confede-
rates held the out-works of Mobile for
three weeks against three army corps
say 5000 Federals and Farragut's great
fieet-until April 18th, when tho rear
guard Of the Confederate army marched
out of the city with colors flying, having
sent a flag Of truce out TO the feet 10
apprise the enemy that he might occupy
the city without firing shot. The total
Confederate loss was about 1900 men.
The Federal loss is not remembered ex-
cept that thirteen Federal ships were
sunk.
The brilliant battle Of Bentonville. when
General Joe Johnston gathered together
some fragments of the Army Of Tennes-
see and the Home Guards Of the Caro-
ljnas and destroyed a corps OF Sherman's
army, may have been the last battle
IL was after Sailors Creek. / don't re-
member the exact date. l have heard
Generals Carter, Stevenson, Hampton,
Butler, and others, who were present,
declare Il TO be the best-fougnt Of all OF
the Confederate victories.
Johnston was moving TO attack another
detached corps OF Sherman's army. when
ne heard of Lees surrender, aud at once
surrendered to Sherman, making good
terms. ID. III. M.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Notice to Correspondents.

No notice Will be taken OF anonymous
communications
We cannot publish copyrighted songs
and poems without the permission OF
the owner Of the copyright
This column is not an advertising me-
dunn. No query will receive attention
the answer to which would necessltate
the advertising OF any PERSONS business
or wares.
Nor will any attention be given to long
strings" Of questions. Every week
numbers OF correspondents ignore this
rule Of ours, and afterwards wonder why
their queries are not answered.
Many queries are not answered because
similar ones have been recently answered
We cannot undertake TO ascertain the
value OF old coins. For that information
write to some dealer in them.
We cannot undertake to answer queries
by mail: we can only answer them
through this column.
Address Query Editor. Dispatch once.
Richmond, Va"
We are frequently called upon to re-
publish poems and songs, but we Will
not undertake to do so, except where
the production called for has some his
torical or peculiar literary merit and is
not of easy access to the average reader.
N. b. We do not read unsigned letterA
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

we southerners cannot with more Jus
tice, consistency. and logic, associate
not only Valley Forge. but even York
town, with Manassas. Cedar Mountain,
and Fredericksburg.
Stili. our author makes some show OF
liberaiity OF sentiment, for he has two
thirds Of a good Virginian name. lie
has enough honorary positions to assist
In floating and moving his neat. gilded
craft, which bears a mixed cargo OF
prose and poetry; and some Of the poetry
Is creditably good
GALLOPING DICK. Chapters from
the Life Of Richard Ryder; Other
wise, Gallopirg Dick. BY III. B. Mar
riott Watson. Chicago: Stone q
Kimball. 1896. Pp. 30. In cloth. Price,
Sis.
These are the adventures Of a sporting
gentleman OF the road" related by him
self. "The Ouandary of the Bishop
who. IA the end. turned the tables on
Hlghw ayman Dick. is an amusing story.
The others are OF various professional
character.
FREDERICK. BY L. B. Walford, Au-
thor Of 'Mr. Smith; A Part or HIS
Life" etc, etc. New York and Lon
don. Macmillan & Co. 1876. Pp. ISL
In cloth. Price. N.25.
This is a very fair story, interestingly
told. IL has not much OF plot. but
runs quite smoothly. scheming law
yer, a tip-top all-'round good-fellow'
and a pleasing girl are the three princi-
pal characters.
THE PAYING GUEST. BY George Gis-
sing. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co.;
1895. PIP. 19l.
This is very stylish and entertaining
little volume.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
which became state First,

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
In recent issue there appeared TO
be some difference OF opinion between
you and our very learned historian. Mr..
Howison. as 10 which OF the thirteen
Colonies first became State. As the
point at issue is by no means a trihing
one, you viii pardon a reader for ven
turing 10 remark that neither mode
adopted by the parties to the difference
for determining the age Of "a sovereign
State Is the correct one. Therefore.
though your facts are indisputabe your
conclusions appear TO be false.
In the opinion OF the writer statehood
or sovereignty may only date from the
day Colony takes on the full panoply
of a State asserting herself to be one,
and maintaining her sovereignty by arms.
Now which Colony was the first to fulfil
these conditions?
Massachusetts. IL Is true, was the first
to resist British tyranny with organized
rebellion. But she acted under an old
royal charter, and repeatedly disclaimed
all intention Of asserting her Colonial
independence. The same, indeed, may
be said of all the other Colonies Tor
nearly a year after Congress had put a
rebel army in the field. Indeed, the whole
revolutionary movement was at first an
armed revolt for the purpose Of forcing
Ttpedi OF Ddu laws. II II TduhilH, w assn
ington. and Jefferson are 10 be believed,
there was no thought Of independence.
The first Colony to organize an indie
pendent government was South Carolina.
But, as in her declaration was expressed
a hope Of accommodation with the King,
IL cannot be considered a final assump-
ton Of sovereignty.
The first Colony really to assume indie
pendence was North Carolina. 18th Of
April, 176. Her rejection Of British
authority was unconditional. She, there
fore, is the oldest State. Virginia came
next. going TO the first place In the
column because she based her claim for
independence upon the inalienable rights
OF man and formulated the principles upoI.
which the war was fought to a glorious
finish.
To some this matter may seem unim-
portant. 1t might have seemed so once,
but not now. The South has little 20 be
proud of since Appomattox, at least as
regards political leadership. She Should,
therefore, hold fast to what history
awards her before that fateful day. Vlr-
ginia, now meek and mutilated men,
Der Of a Union she did so much to
found, Is more than any other interested
in preserving the true story of the past.
WILLIAM N. MCDONALD.
Berryvllle. Va.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Newspapers and the Posf-Ofice,

To the Editor Of the Dispatch
VIII you kindly answer through your
Query column whether a person receiving
a newspaper from the post-ofiice Is legally
hound to pay for same. o. Where he has
subscribed and paid for same. hut the
paper continues to come; C2) Where he
has never subscribed for IL?
Please give authority and reference 10
postal reputation, IL any, on the subject.
Respectfully, SAM. y. HURST.
Pulaski. Va.
There IS no United States statute
that has anything whatever to do
with the liability Of a subscriber
for the subscription price OF a
newspaper. Postmasters are merely
required to deliver papers as long as the
addressee desires TO receive them. When
the addressee refuses or neglects to take
the paper from the Office for thirty days.
the postmaster should then notify the
publisher Of that fact, after which copies
subsequently arriving should be placed
with the waste paper.
/ and 2. We know OF no law whatever
requiring the alleged subscriber to pay
for papers sent under the conditions here
state-
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Whcnt Problem.
To the Editor OF the Dispatch;

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Please solve the following example:
A man bought ten bushels of wheat
on the condition that he should pay l
cent for the first bushel. cents for the
second. and 9 cents for the third, and so
on. What did he pay for the last bushel
and what for the ten bushels?
North View Va. w. S. w.
This is worked by geometrical progress
sion, by rules in arithmetic.
The first term IS l, the ratio 3, the
number OF terms TO-
The cost Of the tenth bushel, or last
term, is equal 10 the first term, /, multi
piled by the ratio raised TO a power 3,
1 less than the number Of terms. or
1H3s=196s3 cents. or $i9.Gs3, cost of
tenth bushel
The cost OF the ten bushels. or sum Of
the series, Is found by multiplying the last
term, 1858, by the ratio 3. getting 59Oi9;
then subtracting the first term. 1, get
ting 59Ols; then dividing by l less than
the ratio 3. or by 2, getting s29,524, cost
OF the ten bushels.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Poles Erected In Streets.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Has a telephone. telegraph. or electric
company the right TO place their poles
IA front OF my residence, II ! object 10
O.? II not, what IS the proper action TO
take? c. w. n.
This Is a question we cannot answer
Much depends upon the way IN which
The city acquired the street. We should
say that the company had the right"
to put its poles on the street, IL the
City Council authorized It so to DO. but
under some circumstances you might be
entitled to damages. However. 1t Is a
biz law question.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
His Trunk stolen.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
VIII you kindly assist me in the fol-
lowing matter:
Fifteen months ago / was travelling
IN England. and had my trunk stolen.
Searches have been made. without re-
suit 4 have now a strong suspicion
against an individual Of my Acquaintance.
and, wishing TO have an invcstga~
ton made by the Prefecture OF Police
of France (where the man is now liv-
ing). j wish to know what steps l must
take 10 place the matter I'm the hands
Of the French authorities; and, If
require any endorsement from the Ameri-
can officials.
BY doing this you will greatly oblige
an old subscriber, j. Z.
Danvle. Va.
We would advise you to fortify your
self with testimonials as to character
and enclose them and a statement Of
your case to the American Consul, ask
ing him TO see the Project Of Police in
your behalf.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
hook Notices.

THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL RE-
GISTER AND MONTHLY GAZETTE
OF THE PATRIOTIC HEREDITARY
SOCIETIES OF AMERICA. Philadel-
phla: 1895.
This excellent periodical for March Is
before us surrounded by a well-merited
Gordon bleu. The work is owned by 1.-THE
Historical Register Publishing Company"
of which Captain Henry Hobart Bellas,
u. s, A.. is president, and its edItor-in-
chief Is Mr.. Charles II. Browning. It's
progress and increase during the three
years Of its healthful existence have been
rapid and gratifying. Its contributors
make quite an array. and are among the
most eminent OF American historical
writer's, versed In biographical and genoa
Logical matters. Its articles are often pro-
fusely and elegantly Illustrated.
AS the organ Of the Patriotic Hereditary
Societies. II has been full and most faith
full. This March No. Vol. w.. No. j.
devotes forty-eight good-sized pages to
their celebrations and proceedings, among
which are notices of those In Richmond.
Norfolk, Stanton. Roanoke, and Char
lottesville.
II contains a very full and exceedingly
interesting report VI the nltn dHuuoi NOu-
tlnental Congress OF the Daughters OF the
American Revolution. which sat for four
days In Washington city. commencing
February 18th ult. where Mrs. Stephen
ID. Putney so we'll sustained her own
reputation and that Of her city. Mrs.
william Writ Henry and Mrs. Barton II.
Wise also represented the Richmond
Chapter. Mrs. Henry was made regent
for Virginia. On motion OF Mrs. Lock-
wood. supported by an appeal from Mrs.
Wise, an appropriation Of 500 was made
for assisting In the restoration and pre-
servation OF the jamestown ruin Mrs.
Adlai Il. Stevenson was elected President
General. Mrs. General Grant visited the
Congress. and was escorted to the plat
form amidst great applause.
The grand celebration closed February
nst with a reception at tho Arlington
by the 8. A. r. and the s. r.
OF the District Of Columbia
and as they extended their invitation only
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Cnpisatiou Tax.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Is IL the duty of the Commissioners OF
the Revenue TO assess citizen or
county with a capitation-tax. provided
he becomes q years OF aye after the
lst OF February OF that year? w. I. D
Pleasant Shade. Va.
Section l9i Of the Code provides as FOL-
lows-to witt:
1.-THE commissioner shall ascertain ana
access ali the personal property not ex-
empt from taxation. and all subjects OF
taxation In his county. district, or city
on the said 1st day Of February in each
wear. and also all male persons OF
FUN age. and Of sound mind, residing
therein on that day"
No one who Is not p years old on Feb
ruary 1st OF any year can be assessed
with capitation-tax Of that year.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Kitten nv N Mad-nOR.

TO the Editor OF the Dispatch:
WIZ you please answer through the
query column Of your valuable paper
The following:
have two very fne duck and bird
ooss. Eleven days ago they were Bit
Yen by a mad-dog. l have kept them
Vonhned In house also tied, ever since.
icy me know when can turn them out
WIN safety; or. in other words, how long
WI there be danger OF their going mad
IRON the day they are bitten3 They show
no signs as yet. A SUBSCRIBER.
no definite time can be assigned. You
must guide yourself by the fact that n.y.
orophooia may not become developed for
weeks. and even for months las many
as eighteen or more 1t Is said, after
the animal was bitten.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

While Mr.. Cleveland was living In New
York as ex-Presldent, his wife, who was
a member OF the Presbyterian church.
was received into a certain Presbyte-
rian congregation in that city ny let
ter from church In Washington city.
Of which she had been a member.
This happened one Sunday morning,
and the Monday following an item APP
peared in one OF the New York papers
TO the effect that Mr. Cleveland had con-
nected himself with the church-the re-
suit OF careless reporting. The President
Is the son Of Presbyterian minister,
aud his personal friends have expressed
surprise that he has not Joined. es he IS
q strong believer In. the Church.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Baron Rothschild and Blnnco
Chicago Record.)


A good story IL told OF Guzman Blanco.
who was for many years dictator OF
Venezuela. 1t is said that when he called
upon Baron de Rothschild. I'm Paris, 10
negotiate a loan for the government. he
remarked, by way OF compliment that he
was much honored by having an inter
view with the holder OF the richest bank
ing-houses in the world.
5And / am honored.' was the. reply
of the Baron, "by receiving a call from
the richest man on earth."
'If you have me in mind" retorted
Guzman, you are mistaken; l am not
Is credited 10 me, / would still be poor.
very poor I'm comparison with yourself
and thousands of men In this and other
countries"
.'But insist upon the truth OF my as
sertion that you are the richest man in
the world, for who else" exclaimed an e.,d
Rothschild, has estates comprising 6VO,VO
square miles OF territory Who else has
an income Of 100000? Who has 2,5Qo'oO
slavesY
Guzrnsn said nothing In reply, but
smiled significantly. as much as 70 say
81 see that you Understand the politics OF
Venezuela"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Special Delivery.

10 the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Please answer through your paper
whether or not a postmaster OF a fourth
class office IS compelled to deliver upon
Sc arrival at his Office. a letter with a spe-
cisl-delvory stamp attached, and oblige,
nacons Castle. Va. w. j. Il.
Postmasters at fourth-class offices are
required 10 deliver Immediately every ar
ucle - speclal-delivery matter received
between the hours of Z A. NJ. and p. NJ,
tni further, TO the arrival OF the last
mail if that be not later than p. NJ.
which is addressed to persons residing or
having places Of business within a mile
from the post Office
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
1900
Rcgistered and Coupon.

10 the Editor Of the Dispatch;
Please answer IN your next issue OF the
Dispatch what Is the difference between
8 registered and coupon bond. such as
he United States issues, and ohlge
Yours truly. z. b. FELTS.
a registered bond Is issued in the name
Of some person, and only that person, or
his attorney. can collect the interest or
Erincipal thereof.
A coupon bond is payable to bearer.
Inc interest Is paid upon the presentation
+" coupon taken from the bond. A cou-
p'a Is one OF number OF dated certii-
'''e' attached. as 10 bond. representing
interest due at stated periods.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Cabbage and Paris Green.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Is there danger OF being poisoned from
eating cabbage that have been sprayed
with Paris green? j. w. 5.
Grafton. Va.
There IS some danger OF poisoning IF
the spraying has been done shortly be-
fore the cabbages are gathered, and II
they are not well washed
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
General" Edgar Allen.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
VIII you please ascertain and report
through your columns to what COM
naul or commands General Allen"
chairman Of the Richmond City Ropub-
lcan Committee, belonged during , the
war between the States. r. T. W. D.
General Aliens title comes to him by
courtesy as a division commander Of the
e. A. r., just as the titles Of colonel,
general, &c. come 10 various Virglnians
by reason OF their connection with the
United Confederate Veterans.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

To tho Editor Of the Dispatch:
4 merchant shipped a cargo Of flour.
and to cover the value OF both the flour
ard the premium, took out policy for
s0625. at 21-2 per cent.
What was the value OF the -four?
A STUDENT.
Two and half per cent of S6iO'G25 Is
46W5615. which Is the premium paid.
elbuacting this premium Gle,Ol5C20 from
the sum OF the premium, and flour G6lO,-
60. We get S62i,Go9.S75 for the value OF
tie cargo Of -four.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Cancelled stamps.

r, tbe Editor Of the Dispatch:
Plea, state II there IS any use TO
vb..t cancelled stamps can be put, and
there are any purchasers for same. and
,tu,e A READER.
we have no information on the sub
TT
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
General Lane.

To the Editor OF the Dispatch;
Please give the address Of General
lanes n. Lane on livlng). OF North Caro-
Ina
General James II. Lanes address is
Auburn, lee county, Ala.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
c,,,I-service denominations.

10 the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Please state exactly where in your city
me ciyil-service examinations VIII be
held ON the both instant. Thanking you
II advance to Oblige,
JOHN PRESTON.
Five Forks. Va.
All civil-service examinations In iich-
rard are held I'm the custom-house This
,%r--eular one viii he reid in cEe Of the
.oprt-rooms IN that building.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
am under the impression that Presi-
cent Cleveland Joined the Presbyterian
church In Washington a few years ago.
~" correctT CNO.
President Cleveland has never coined"
sas Presbyterian or any other church.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Berryvllle. Va
Copies of New Inws Asked For.

People who are asking us TO publish
various new laws will have to exercise
q little patience.
The enrolled bills are In the hands of
the binder. and Colonel Bigger is away
for rest
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

Tennessee. but finally settled In South
west Kentucky. He was killed by the
Indians In Livingston county, in that
State. the latter part OF November, iI9I
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
Formula for Calculating Horse
Power.

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Please state in your Query column the
formula for calculating the horsepower
ar an engine. j. NJ. Il.
Tie following formula is used for de-
term.ning the horsepower Of an engine:
Ho'Se- power .''.'...'....'....'''....'Z plan.
5000
P-Average steam pressure during en-
Tire stroke per square inch.
L-Leng,h Of stroke In feet.
A-Area Of piston In square inches.
Number Of revolutions per minute.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15
QUERIES T. ANSWERS.
when Vas the Last Great Battle Of
Our War POushtY
GROVER cLEvELAND's RELIGION.

How LONG. to Chain Up /" DOE su'-
pertcd of MadResss-A Wheat Prob
,em-Dnnger of Paris Green on
cabbage, Etc.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-15

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Is Mr.. Maupln. OF Henrlco, lawyer
j. w. T.
No. he IS I'm the tobacco trade.
San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-05-14

There are three ex-mayors of the
town in the newly elected city council
at Bath, Me.