-shopping
The newspaper entries below were taken from The Richmond Daily Dispatch.
All references below, extracted from period articles and advertisements reflect on the period useage of Jeans cloth. Note that I have used the word Jeans instead of Jean. It would seem from the period writings that the terminology Jean Cloth is incorrect and is actually Jeans cloth. I would also assume that there would be more mention of Jeans cloth if it were in fact used in the large quantities that it has been thought to have been.
Very important to know
That Joseph Strause is selling, astonishing low. Dry Goods, Shoes and Carpeting. All colored Merino at one shilling and higher; fine Mouslain De Laine at 12 ½c.., one shilling, &c; Alpacas 18; fast-colored Calico 8; Stella Shawls and Heavy Double Shawls at all prices. The greatest bargains in Bed and Servants' Blankets, Sheeple Grey, Satinets, Cassimeres, Jeans , Ticking, Linseys, Black and Colored Silks at half the value; Ladies' Cloth Cloaks cheap; Flannels, Knitting Yarn, every color, at $1 per pound; Extension Skirts from 18 up; 3,000 Linen Bosoms at 18 ¾c. and higher, worth twice the money. I invite everybody in want of goods to call, without delay, at Joseph Strause's, No. 27 Main st.
noNov.1, 1860
Second supply — Rich and beautiful Goods.
We are opening, by steamer, which makes our stock still more attractive, Rich Printed Paris Merinos; Rich Printed Velours de Paris Plain Velours and Solferinos; Rich Black and Colored Silks; Velvet and Cloth Cloaks, in new patterns and very beautiful styles; Children's and Misses' Cloaks. Our stock of heavy Woollens, for Servants, comprises 3.4 and 6.4 Virginia Fulled Cloths and Jeans; S G. Satinets; heavy Plaid and Striped Linseys; Blankets; Flannels and Bed Blankets. Carpet Department--Extra Ingrain Carpets; extra Three-ply Carpets; Rich Velvet and Brussels Carpets; Kegs. Floor Cloths, Mats, &c. Purchasers are invited to examine.
Christian & Lathrop, 99 Main st
The great emporium of
Alfred Moses,
63 Main street,
Has now on hand, and receiving daily, the most varied stock of Dry Goods ever exhibited by him in the city of Richmond, embracing the latest styles and Novelties of the season.
In the following Goods, such inducements will be offered that cannot be had elsewhere, and purchasers will find it greatly to their advantage to get their supplies from the cheapest house in the State.
Dress Goods Department.
Black and Fancy Silks, new styles.
Brocade and Repp Silks.
Solferinos, Valencias, Poplins.
Plain and Figured Delains, all wool.
Merinoes and Woollen Plaids, &c., &c., &c.
Cloak Department.
Fifty different styles in Beaver and Cloth of the latest novelties of the season. New styles received weekly.
Domestic Department.
Satinetts, Jeans, Full Cloths, best makes, Sheep's Greys, Kerseys, Tweeds, Plaid Linseys, Sheetings, Shirtings, Cotton Oznaburgs, Plain and Striped Bed Blankets, Servants' Blankets-- 5,000 parts on hand, the cheapest in the State, and a variety of other goods for Servants' Wear, at very low prices.
Housekeeping Department.
Towels and Toweling, Crash Huckaback Diaper, Bird-Eye Diaper, Scotch and Russia Diaper, Doylies, Napkins, Table Damask, Table and Piano Cassimere Covers, Irish Linens, &c.
Carpet Department.
Splendid Three-Ply Carpets, new patterns, Super Ingrain Carpets, Crossly's Super Brusse's do., Velvet Rugs, Brussels do., Hemp and Rug Carpets, all of which will be offered at 25 per cent,less than last season's prices.
Embroideries, Hosiery, Gloves, and an endless variety of Goods usually found in a Dry Goods establishment; and every article will be offered at such low prices that cannot fail to meet the wishes of the closest buyers. Our main efforts will be to please all who may favor us with a call.
For great bargains, the great Down-Town Emporium of Trade is the place.
63 Main street.
Great Bargains for November, 1860
Dry Goods cheaper than ever. Just received a large stock of black and colored Cloth Cloaks, Arabs, and other ladies style, at astonishing low prices; Stella Shawls, Cassimeres, Double and Single Woolen Shawls. at all prices; Servants' Shawls at 25 cts., cheap at $1; fine Ladies' Hdkfs., 5 cts.; all pure Linen ones at 6 cts.; fine Flannels at 20 cts.; fine Ladies' Worked Collars at 12 ½, 25, 50 cts., worth double the money; 100 dozen rich Linen Bosoms at 18 cents; extra fine quality 25 cts.; Marseilles Bosoms 12 ½ and 20 cts.; Sheeps Grey, Sattinetts, Cassimeres, Kent Jeans, &c., for men and boys' wear. at all prices; Linseys, Domestic Plaids, Shirting, 4-4 Sheeting at 8 cts.; the finest 4-4 Bleached Cotton at 10 and 12 ½ cts., selling everywhere at 1 shilling; Woolen Undershirts and Drawers; Merinos from 18 cents and upwards, worth 37 ½ cts.; Muslins, Delaines, Plain and Colored Valencias, Debage, and lots of other goods, cheaper than any other house in the city, you can buy at No. 27 Main street, at
Jos. Strause's
Ten dollars reward.
Runaway from my residence. on Friday, the 7th instant. my Negro Boy, Winston. He is a dark mulatto, about 17 years old, a little cross eyed and very well grown. He wore a blue round about jacket, black silk vest and black jeans pantaloons, with a slouched hat considerably worn.
I will pay the above reward for his return to my house or to the Cary Street Jail.
John C. Sinton.
New Goods.
We are receiving and will have in store in a few days, a general assortment of Staple Dry Goods, consisting in part of the following articles; Prints, all grades Brown and Bleached Shirtings; do. and do. Sheetings; do. and do. Jeans and Drills; Corset Jeans and Drills; Blue and Brown Denims; Apron Checks; Tickings; Stripped and Plaid Oznaburgs; heavy 7-8 and 4-# Twills; Colored Cambrics; Red and White Flannels; Bleached and Brown Canton do. French and Russia Canvas, and various other goods, to which we invite the attention of the trade. [fe 4]Kent, Paine & Co
Home-made Goods.
We are receiving now from Virginia manufactories — Blue Mountain Jeans;
Grey Mixed Cassimeres;
Grey Armory Cloth.
We are selling all these goods at unusually low prices. J. & M. Rosenbaum,
109 Broad street
Dry Goods.
Merchants visiting this city with a view of making purchases, are respectfully solicited to examine our large stock of
Dry Goods.
We offer for sale:
500 bales Brown Sheetings and Shirtings;
200 do. Oznaburgs;
50 cases Bleached Sheetings and Shirtings;
50 bales Plaid and Striped Oznaburgs;
500 pieces Striped and Plaid Domestics, for servants;
50 bales Tickings;
50 bales Demins and Striped Shirtings;
150 cases Fancy Prints;
30 cases Cottonades;
10 cases Colored Cambrics;
25 cases KentuckyJeans and Tweeds;
And a large assortment of Heavy and Fine Linsey; men's Wear; White Cambrics; frish Linens; Lawns; Plain, Striped and Embroidered Bereges, Debages and Poplins; Cloths, Cassimeres, Vestings, &c., &c.--All of which we will sell very cheap to the Cash and prompt six months buyers.
Ellett & Drewry,
17 Pearl st.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Affairs in Lynchburg.
Lynchburg, Va., May 23.
To-day the Secession Ordinance passed by the Convention will be ratified by the voice of the people of Virginia by a majority almost approaching unanimity. In this city, which gave three Union for one Secession vote at the election of delegates to the State Convention, I do not believe there will be one single vote cast against ratification.
We have provisions of all kinds in abundance, though prices on most of goods have considerably advanced since the war begun. Bacon is plentiful.
The continued arrival of troops may still be noted. There is now here a large body of Virginia troops, in addition to those from other States. Within the next 10 days there will be an immense force of Virginias here, under arms, in case some are not ordered off. Nearly all the State troops who come from the Southwest are uniformed in grey jeans — a most durable material. All of the troops stationed here are in remarkably fine health.
O. K.
Military Goods.
David Davis & Beo.,
No. 51 Sycamore street, Petersburg, Va., offer for sale--
40 dozen Grey Flannel Shirts.
40 dozen Grey Flannel Shirts.
1,000 yards Extra Super Grey Cassimere.
1,000 Yards Extra Super Grey Cassimere.
8,000 yards Extra Super Sattinet.
8,000 yards Extra Super Sattinet.
500 pair Navy Blankets.
500 pair Navy Blankets.
1,000 yards Bonsack's Jeans.
1,200 yards Fulled Carolina Kersey.
1,200 yards Virginia Homespun.
1,000 yards Grey Flannel.
1,000 yards Blue Dennis.
85,000 yards Brown Drills
1,000 yards Checked Linseys.
200 gross Confederate Buttons.
200 Gross Cap Buttons.
Goods of every kind, quality and description can be bought at
David Davis &Bro's,
No. 51 Sycamore street, Petersburg, Va., Necessary for the complete equipment of soldiers.
Military companies
Organize will do well to bear this fact in mind, and call soon on the subscribers.
David Davis &Bro.,
No. 51 Sycamore street,
Petersburg, Va.jy 25--10t
Magnanimous and patriotic manufacturers
In these times of war and all its wonderful vicissitudes and extortions, it, is a relief to hear and know of men who are magnanimous as well as patriotic. The proprietors of the celebrated Rock Island Factory, Charlotte, N. C., furnish their manufactured cassimere and jeans to the army of their noble State at the usual price, with only at least the difference of the advance of the raw wool, while their goods are in great demand now at one hundred per cent, advance, readily and thankfully.
It is eminently due to Messrs. Young, Winston & Orr, the manufacturers above alluded to, to say, while they are represented on the field of battle, they have sent to this city $150 for the sick and wounded soldiers of the Southern Confederacy.
Military Goods.
The best stock in the Confederate States, for retail, embracing every article for use in the army. Overcoats, all kinds; fine Officers' Suits made to measure in the best style; Oilcloth Overcoats, Leggings and Cap Covers, all ready for use; Gambaters, linen and cloth, all sizes; 100 dozen Merino Shirts and Drawers, the best assortment in the State; Socks; Canton Flannel and Jeans Drawers;
Silk Undershirts
and Drawers;
Heavy Reaver Oversacks, (blue,) very fine; Vests of all kinds; Water-proof Oversacks, seamless;
Oilcloth, by the yard;
Blankets and Shawls;
Buck Gauntlets
and Gloves;
Suspenders, Stocks, and Pocket Handkerchiefs; Fancy Cassimere and Gingham Shirts, 50 dozen, all sizes; Cloths and Cassimere by the yard or piece; 100 gross Military Buttons;
Blue and
Grey Cloths;
50 doz. Grey Undershirts and Drawers, for soldiers; Haversacks by the hundred; Oilcloth, cheap; Cassimere Suits for the thousands; Trunks and Carpet-Bags; Super White Shirts, by the dozen or single one; Zouave Caps; Oilcloth and India Rubber Blankets, at
T. W. Royston & Co.'S,
No. 51½ Sycamore street,
Petersburg, Va.se 26--1m
Large and Unreserved Auction sale of Dry Goods.
The co-partnership now exerting between undersigned will soon expire together with the fact that nearly of men are in the army, determined public Auction, without Tuesday, 20thNovember, (and continued from day to ).
In our Store-rooms, N. 150 Main Richmond, Va., the whole of our large able stock of .
Staple and Fancy Dry Goods Consisting in par of
Bales 3-4 7-8, and 4-4 Brown Sheeting
Bales Brown Drills and and Cotton Flannels
A full of Bleached Shirtings.
Bleached Drills and Jeans.
White, Red, Blue and Gray Flannels.
3-4, 7-8, and 4-4 British and American
Solid Black English Prints
Black and Colored English Camerice
White, Gray, Blue, and Green, English and Bed Blankets.
Gray Military Cloths and Cassimeres.
3-4 Gray Virginia Cassimeres.
6-4 Gray and Drash Kerseys.
6-4 Gray Cloths, (Crenshaw make)
Black, Blue, and Gray Satinets
Fancy Cassimeres and Vestings.
White Goods in great
Black and Colored Cotton Velvets.
Fancy and Mourning Dress Goods.
Rich Colored and Black Silks.
Marcelline and Silks.
farmers' Satins, various
Black Alpacas Bombazines
Bone Sue ender Buttons.
Metal and Military Buttons.
Black Threads.
Spool Cotton.
Black and Colored Sewing Silks.
Gloves, Hosiery, Hdkfs, Small Waren, in greet variety.
Shawls; Piano and Table Coves.
Merino Shirts and Drawers.
Ladies' under Wear.
Irish Linens Damasks.
Towelings, Napkins, Sheeting
Pillow-case Linens, T Cloths. Also,
A line of Velvet and Brussels
Of the celebrated make of J. Creasley Three-ply and ingrain Carpets, of the and Lowell make
3-4, 7-8, and 4-4 Passage and Stair do.
Backings, Floor Cloths,
Rugs, Mats
Also — A large lot of
Curtain 500
Embracing English Damask and and Muslin Curtains, &c.
Having been largely engaged in supply ing and equipments for the army, mer military officers will find this side eminently thy of their attention — the great bulk of our being in that class of Goods new so much mand.
Goods packed and delivered at usual terms — Cash (in hackable funds) on delivered.
Watkins & Ficklen
Special notice.
Closing sales for the season.
75,000 Dollars.
Worth of desirable and Seasonable Goods,
A reasonably low prices.
5,000 yards 3-4 Kerseys,
1,000 yards. 6-4 Oven coatings,
30 bales Cotton Oznaburgs,
20 bales 4-4 brown Domestics,
20 bales 7-8 and 3-4 Domestics.
10,000 yards 4-4 bleached Domestics.
2,000 yards red and gray Twill Flannels.
1,000 pairs Bed Blankets,
200 doz. Hickory Shirts,
300 doz Jeans Drawers,
200 dozen Canton Flannel Shirts and Drawers,
500 dozen all-wool Yarn Socks,
100 dozen gray Merino half Hose,
50 dozen Playing Cards,
200 gross Military Buttons,
20 pieces fine blue and gray Cloths,
75 pieces gray Cassimere and Satinets
200 pieces unbleached Canton Flannels.
3,000 pairs extra Brogans,
2,000 yards Enamelled Cloths,
20 pieces Brussels Carpets,
20 pieces 3-ply and ingrain Carpets,
200 pieces Mariner's Shirtings,
10,000 yds very superior unbleached English Shirtings, imported per the Bermuda,
700 dozen Coates's Spool Cotton,
300 dozen Coates's black Cotton,
1,000 dozen Coates's 100-yards Spool Cotton,
Together with a variety of other Goods suited to the times and season.
Merchants, Sutlers, and others buying Goods in quantities, will find this the best assorted and most extensive stock in the city; and every article will be offered at the smallest remunerative profit.
A call from purchasers is solicited.
Alfred Moses,
63 Main street. no 25
Acknowledgment.
Camp near Centreville Dec. 13, 1861.
Messrs. Editors.
Please allow me space in your paper to acknowledge the receipt of the following valuable, contribution of clothing for the use of destitute soldiers; from Mrs. J. B. Alexander and daughter of Pulaski countyVirginia, 17 pairs Jeans pants, 16 pairs cotton drawers, 55 pairs woolen socks, 15 flannel shirts, 30 cotton shirts, 12 bed comforts.
These articles were all of the best home manufacture, and the gift reflects no loss credit upon the energy, and industry than upon the liberality of the fair donors — such instances of patriotism should not pass unnoticed; and when this struggle for liberty has been fought and won, their names will deserve to stand side by side with the patriot women of seventy-six. To- day they have the heartfelt thanks of many a soldier, exiled from home and friends, who has been rendered comfortable by their timely and needed aid; and the rich reward of feeling that they have done their duty and given their woman's mile to the good cause of Southern independence
Runaway in Jail.
Was committed to the Jail of the county of Hanover, on the 2d day of September last as a runaway, a Negro Boy, calling himself Levi Bruington, who claims to be free. The said Negro, is of a dark complexion, and is about 5 feet9 inches high, and is about 18 years of age, has a scar on right wrist and leg. The said Negro had on when committed a pair of brown Jeans pants and shirt, and a military cap, and is supposed to have escaped from some military company. The owner of said Negro is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, else he will be dealt with as the law directs.
C. S. Chisholme,
Acting Jailor of Hanover county, Va.,
The prisoners.
If the prisoners which have fallen into our hands are to be regarded as a fair sample of the Southern army, they are indeed a pitiable lot of wretches. The officers are men of some little refinement, but the rank and file are only like so many white serfs. The hiatus between the privates and officers corresponds to the gap in social life between the negro owning aristocracy and the poor white trash — benighted, ignorant and uncouth far beyond expectation, even for the most rural of inhabitants.
Their appearance as they even marched on board of the transport presented a picturesque aspect. A favorite and common substitute for blankets is a strip of showy carpeting. White blankets and the uniform, home made, butternut colored jeans is the costume of the privates and some of the Colonels. They have little or nothing else but the Confederate bonds and Tennessee shin plasters; gold and silver is all boarded. They affect great surprise when told that this currency is worthless with us. In conversation with many of our officers they strangely found themselves agreeing with them on all the main questions which brought about the war, and seemed but little inclined to believe that the war is not being made one of emancipation. These men will fight. It is one of the few things they have learned. It is of no use to say that they have not the physical courage of their race, but they cannot be a match for the giant minds of the North and West. They report the strength of the garrison in the fort at about twenty thousand, seven thousand of them have escaped. About eighteen hundred cavalry got out by land through our lines.
The Roanoke Island correspondent of the New York Herald has probably a better claim to the title of "gentleman" than the vulgar blackguard who penned the foregoing. Describing the appearance of the prisoners, he says:
Their uniforms are of the most miscellaneous character, and vary in color from a dark blue, through all shades, to a dingy gray, like an Irishman's frieze. A dark pepper and salt color however, is the most prevalent one. The designation of rank is effected with every modification of style, from a full dress gold sleeve braid down to a home-made tinselled shoulder strap, while the stripes on their pants are of broad and narrow gold fringe, blue velvet and black cloth. A gaudy display is quite marked. The caps are of every pattern, from regulation through all the degrees of soul masters, slouches, sugar loaves, &c., with a sprinkling of others like those worn by he historic Mississippi gambler and Texan ranger. The regiment of each is indicated by brass letters and figures on the caps, thus--"W. L." (Wise Legion), "46," "59," "8 N. C. S. T.," "31," "Miss. " "Ga.," &c. As a general thing they are very intelligent and gentlemanly men, particularly those of the Wise Legion and North Carolina troops.
The Roanoke Island
* * * * * * * * *
The rank and file of the prisoners present a still more diversified appearance. For the most part they are low sized, stunted, sandy-complexioned, hardy fellows, attired in coarse but comfortable uniforms of gray jean cloth. The Virginians, however, form an exception. They preserve a gentlemanly effeminacy, not disguised by the exposure of camp life, and affect a better style of uniform and dress. The accoutrements were of the most primitive pattern and quality. The haversacks were made of coarse canvass or tent cloth, with large bone buttons, the belts and straps of cowhide, kip and grain leather, while new-born Southern industry was evidenced in a number of roughly-cast leaden buttons. In blankets they were well provided, but a want of homogeneity in size, color, and texture betrayed that they were not of C. S. A. furnishing, but had been brought from home by the men themselves. (The above citation would seem to be from a Federal Newspaper and reprinted in the Richmond Newspaper.)
Aid Societies — Plain Talk about the Wants of the country.
To the Editors of the Dispatch:
Permit a volunteer querist to ask, through your columns: Have our rulers and the public generally come to the conclusion that Soldiers' Aid Societies are, at beat, an exploded humbug, if not a positive nuisance? Do they with all the mothers and daughters of the land coolly to ignore the mighty struggle in which they, of all others, have most at stake? And do they really count their moral and material co-operation as worth nothing? Or do they not know that human sympathy must recoil when it can no longer minister; that energy, allowed no scope for action, must in time die out from sheer inertias? Would they have us sink in hopeless apathy and imbecility, when all that is ennobling and endearing in life call upon us to awake to the sleepless energy of thought and deed? Or do they expect us to "make brick without mortar," that they thus suffer our alien Shylocks and indigenous enemies to lay their fell gripe on every species of working material, and paralyze our efforts with impunity?
For five long months individuals and societies have silently borne all this, vainly watching and waiting for the welcome flat, that should say to the imprisoned essentials, come forth; but we are not blind, nor deaf, nor dumb — our vitality is only dormant, not extinct. Wool, we know, is months away — cards are not, and if these were "thick as leaves in Vallambrosa's shade," where are the hands to convert raw cotton — if we had it — into ginghams, chambrays, and other fabrics for soldiers' summer shirts in time?--We must have fine bale cotton for this; but does mortal man stultify himself to the extent of supposing that the majority of us could if we would, or would if we could, buy it at from two to three dollars per bale, because the contractors will not let honest merchants get a pound? Not we — see every thread of it contracted round the contractives' necks first. And what is the use of telling us--"Never mind," the contractors are working it up themselves for the soldiers' benefit? Soldiers' swindle more like, but who is fooled now? Don't we know better? Don't we know it was a break-neck chase last year to rig out the volunteers in all sorts and odds and ends of calicoes, brown linen, and jeans? With the no stock on hand now, it will require every loom and spindle in the land, from the mammoth factory to the smallest cabin, to fit out in due time all the thousands now in, or soon to be in, the field. But supposing they were abundantly supplied every man of them, are they the only things of human genus addicted to wearing clothes? What are we to do for dresses, the hospitals and home folks for sheets? Is the country so exceedingly rich in imported prints, domestics, and home-made, that it can afford to dispense with all but contractors' manufactures? Must we, our children and servants, mope and pine in "nakedness and rage" before we are conquered, or are we to be coerced into complicity with those worst of traitors and Judas Iscariot, the smugglers and extortioners, who go into-convulsions at the mere mention of a recruiting office, and come out of them fast enough at sight of a dime to help on bravely to pass over the country, bound hand and foot, to the tender mercies of their accomplices? Is it a light thing that their foul presence broods, like the nightmare, over every department of labor; that is its fell choke damp, woman's patriotic effort and domestic thrift are already gasping for existence? The rats' and the moths devouring their filling for want of a little warp, and all because legislation is too lofty, too squeamish or too dignified, to waste a moment's thought on such trivial things as households and aid societies, or think the dead-lock in all feminine industry a matter of the slightest consequence — just now, especially. "Oh, if you will bother and hinder with your pitiful aids, no Knit." Certainly, wool without carding, where it grows, HonMr. Aggregate Micawber; but do you happen to know that the wool-growing resources of this State, if not others, being slightly out off for the time, we shall have to put one thread of cotton to two of yarn to help out and make the socks last all the longer? And, pray, what has become of that proposed chemical establishment? Dyes we can make, but copperas and other mordants we must have, and are willing to buy at reasonable war prices, but not to lay down their weight in gold. And if you had not smoked out, and soaked out, in villainous "red-eye" all the common sense you were born with, or had half as much left as an experienced matron, you would come out of your sublime trance long enough to lay your official digits on Contract-Dyes of bale cotton at least, and force them to disgorge, on fair terms, to aid societies and others, who want it to use, not to sell; and instruct your Quartermaster-in-Chief to order all old socks to be preserved and forwarded to order for repairs — it being just simply impossible to replace them all with new, and make the other necessary clothing, too, out of the crop of wool now prospective.
If some other powers that be — and the press is one of them — would only galvanize you out of sublimity into utility long enough to accomplish this, it would atone for much waiting, for something better than panics, and wholesale drafts to "turn up;" and then, perhaps, you might be kind enough to explain why wives — with families of small children hanging to their skirts — are so much better able than widows to carry on a plantation without either husband or overseer? Some out here in Charlotte being unable to discover wherein their own very superior ability consists.
One of the Secretaries.
Manufactures in the South.
A correspondent of De Bow's Review for March and April gives a gratifying account of the increase of manufactures in the South since the beginning of the war. Besides those in our own city, to which we have before referred, and the variety and extent of which would surprise many of our own readers, if set before them in detail, other towns are mentioned by the correspondent, in Virginia and the South, a synopses of which we make as follows:
In Lynchburg one envelope factory has been established, one for the manufacture of blacking, and one for making lucifer matches. The manufacture of hats and caps is being carried on quite extensively. Several tanneries have been established in the neighborhood.
In Abingdon, the salt works are manufacturing about two thousand bushels of salt every twenty- four hours, and are putting up furnaces to increase the amount. Across the Tennessee line, about fifteen miles south, they have several iron forges, with a great abundance of the best are, and a furnace, where they make a large amount of castings and pig iron.
In Staunton and in Madison county, boot and shoes factories have been established, which have Government contracts for shoes.
There are eight yards in Louisa county, whare hides are tanned into leather. The increase of this branch of business will be about double that of former years.
In Fincastle a furnace for the manufacture of iron, which had ceased before the war, has been revived.
In Albemarle, the cotton and woolen factories, as in other localities, have not increased in consequence of the difficulties in the transportation of wool and cotton. Two sword manufactories have been established. There are various tanneries and saddle and harness making establishments, and an agricultural machinist. A manufactory of oil-cloth will soon be established.
In Portsmouth, there is an extensive foundry, originally designed for the building of steam marine or other engines upon a large scale. It was at this establishment that the machinery of the United Statessteamer Powhatan was built. A revolving pistol has been invented in Portsmouth since the beginning of the war, which is pronounced by judges to be superior to the Colt pistol, and also an invention for rifling cannon, which has been successfully applied in the Navy-Yard. There is an extensive sash, door, and blind factory. The Union Car Works of Portsmouth, whose regular business has been diminished by the war, are now engaged in building gun-carriages, wagons, wheel-barrows, camp-stools, tent-poles and pins, sabre-bayonets and bowie-knives, and other implements of war.
In our neighboring Commonwealth, North Carolina, there has been an equal revival of manufacturing industry. In Wilmington the following articles are noticed, which were formerly received from the North: Ashes, candles, lamp oils, salt, (formerly supplied from the West Indies and England,) and cutlery. Peanut oil is supplied by mills established since the commencement of the war, and rosin oil manufactured to a considerable extent. The manufacture of salt by evaporation or boiling is largely on the increase.
In Charlotte county, in addition to the cotton, woolen, and other manufactories, formerly existing, an establishment for the manufacture of linseed or flax seed oil, with a capacity to turn out five hundred gallons per day, will be started, and another for the manufacture of cotton-seed oil will commence operations in a few weeks. The powder mill will manufacture a thousand pounds per day, with a capacity to double the quantity.
In Greensboro', various establishments have sprung up for the manufacture of guns, pistols, saddles, shoes, barrels, drums, gashes, sewing machines, &c., which promise to be remunerative to those engaged in the enterprise.
In Beaufort, the manufacture of salt has been begun on a small scale. The impression is that it can be made a profitable business at one dollar a bushel, and at much less if the war would continue for a term of years.
In Monroe the domestic jeans and linsey cloth establishments have increased their operations. Pistols and bowie-knives have been manufactured.
In Carthage, the entire people, it is said, with unexampled energy, have recurred to the primeval principles and custom of industry, economy, and frugality, which characterized our ancestors for many years subsequent to the wars of '76 and '12. The men have embarked industriously in making plows, wagons, shoes, tools, and utensils of wood and iron of every description for domestic purposes; every farmer is putting down his trough or vat for canning leather. The gun and rifle makers have resumed their wotted art, gone into their shops, forging out barrels, and fixing them up, in readiness for service. In one neighborhood shoe-pegs are being made by machinery in quantities sufficient to meet the demands of the South. In fine, the people are determined scrupulously to live independent of the North, as they are evidencing by their handy inventions. The women, too, animated with becoming zeal and resolution to sustain our glorious cause, have put aside their silks, their calicoes, their head-dresses, and covered up their pianos, and have substituted the wheel, the cards, the loom, and are fostering a commendable spirit of emulation in making the largest number of yards, and the neatest patterns of checks and stripes for themselves and their little ones, and the substantial jeans to clothe their husbands, their sons, and their brothers in the army, and then for gratuitous distribution to any needy soldiers. They are without distinction of circle or property, all united in constant and useful engagements in getting up domestics of every kind to add to their comforts at home and supply our army with blankets, clothing, and neat caps. Defend us with your bayonets, and we will sustain you with our needles, is the watchword with them.
In Rockingham county, cotton yarn, cotton cloth of various kinds, and woolen goods, suited to the necessities of the army, are being manufactured.
In Spartanburg and Laurens, S. C., great manufacturing enterprise has been exhibited. In the latter county, it is mentioned, in additional of the regular branches of manufactures, the ladies generally are making a great quantity of most excellent cloth, of various descriptions, for men's wear, children, negroes, and even for themselves, which are now taking the places of fine delaines and silks.--The ladies in one battalion in that district recently furnished for the uniforms of one company of volunteers three hundred and fifty yards of very nice jeans, five hundred yards of flannel, and three hundred and fifty pairs of socks, in a very short time, made upon the old-fashioned band looms, which are numerous in that county--one in almost every family — and some of the cloth, for service, is said to be equal, if not superior, to the best bread cloth. In Chester every household is said to have become a manufacturing establishment. This is a picture, more or less, of the whole South. These facts are most gratifying and encouraging; for unless we learn to manufacture for ourselves, we shall never become independent in reality, as well as in name, of the murderers and fiends who are seeking our destruction.
$50 reward.
I will pay the above reward of fifty dollars for the apprehension, or for any information that will enable me to recurs James Montgomery Vaden, who I had employed at a substitute, and who absconded from my Agent at the American Hotel, Richmond, Va., on the morning of the 5thMay, inst. He is 17 years old, well grown has light or rather auburn hair, fair complexion, about 5 feet10½ inches high; had on a new gray military suit, trimmed with black, and a gray cap without trimming; also, a knapsack, with the initials "A. G. C. " upon it; had in the knapsack a pair of brown jeans pants, which he might put on to avoid detection. Address,
A. J. Camp.
Fighting in the West--the Confederates on the Retreat.
A telegram from Louisville, on the 7th, states that it was supposed there that the Confederates were retreating to Hall's Gap, where a great battle would be fought. They had burnt the bridge behind them. A later telegram, sent at midnight, says:
Lexington is mostly evacuated by the rebels, there being only one hundred remaining. They took and carried to Camp Dick Robinson7,000 barrels of pork from Chenault & Co., packed on their own account and for other parties, mostly Secessionists. They also took $90,000 worth of jeans and linseys from Oldham, Scott & Co., which they have manufactured into clothing. The rebels paid for these goods in Confederate scrip, unless owners refused to receive it, in which event no consideration was given. Reliable individuals from Lexington, who have conversed with rebel soldiers, are confident that a battle must ensue before the rebels leave Kentucky. Rebel soldiers tell them they prefer being killed, or captured and paroled, rather than march over the mountains again. This seems to be the conclusion of the whole rebel army.
A fight occurred at Newtonia, fifty-four miles south of Springfield, Mo., in which, claims a St. Louis telegram of the 7th, Gen. Schofield drove before him 15,000 Confederates, after a two hours fight. The state of affairs in Kentucky is thus described in a letter dated Louisville, the 3d:
The army moves in three main corps d'armes, commanded respectively by Major-Generals Crittenden, McCook, and Gilbert. Major General Thomas, the hero of Mill Spring, is second in command under Buell. A few glimmerings of what is to be can be discerned in the movement of one corps, which left this city on Wednesdaymorning, and within twenty-four hours was in possession of Shelbyville, over thirty miles distant. The rebels fled before them in confusion, forgetting, in their haste, to get away large quantities of arms, ammunition and other military stores. This place had been occupied by a division of Kirby Smith's army, about 4,000 strong, commanded by Claiborne, of Mississippi. Preston Smith and Hull held positions as Brigadier-Generals under Claiborne. Col. Nixon, whilom editor of the New Orleans Crescent, was the rebel provost marshal of the town. The rebel rule at that place is described as unusually gentle.
It is reported from the direction of Bardstown that the rebels are falling back from that place, though Bragg's army is, or has been, camped there. The Democrat, of this city, has information that Bragg is massing his troops back of Bardstown, with a view of marching through Springfield and Danville to Camp Dick Robinson, where he purposes fortifying and making a desperate stand.
The Kentucky trains safe.
A letter from a soldier in General Smith's army known in this city, written on the 22d, states that all the trains are safely through the Cumberland Gap. This makes the valuable stores brought from Kentucky safe beyond all peradventure. Among them are 40 miles of wagons full of plunder; 1,000,000 yards of good Kentucky jeans; clothing, boots, shoes; 6,000 barrels of pickled pork; 200 wagon loads of bacon, 15,000 good mules and horses; 8,000 beeves; baddies hogs, &c. All worth falling back to protest
Twenty-five dollars reward.
Disappeared, on the morning of the 18th, my negro boy Robert Burrows. He has a dark complexion, open countenance, about five feeteight inches high, has fine teeth and a sixth little anger or protuberance on his hand and is about 23 years old. He boarded at the corner of Grace and 8th streets for some time. He had on a red jeans frock coat, (too large) with brass buttons; also, a light straw hat. He served as a body servant for nine months in cavalry Company A, Cobb's Legion, and may be making his way back to Gordonsville. I will give the above reward if he be lodged in jail, so that I may get him. Direct to
J. Pinckney Thomas,
A Federal view of the Situation of the South--Plenty of Food in the Confederacy — strength of the Confederate army.
A letter in the New York Herald, from Washington gives that paper the views of a Federal officer of affairs at the South. The writer says that the fortifications at Drury's Bluff — which are mounted with the heaviest guns, of English make — have been connected by smaller forts and rifle pits with the works around Richmond, and that the authorities and people of that city now feel secure; for, "according to their notion, the city cannot be taken without a complete investment on all sides by an army of three or four hundred thousand men." He says the Merrimac has been fitted out with English machinery and nine guns, including a 250 pounder. The number of troops around Richmond is estimated at 16,000. He adds:
The greatest exertions are being made, both by the Confederate authorities and the people, to supply the rebel armies against the coming winter.--Large quantities of boots, shoes, clothing, and supplies are being collected in Richmond and Lynchburg, and thence forwarded to Lee's army. The Government gives out that it has enough of these things to supply all the troops comfortably, and, though it has in a measure given evidence of its intention, its tardiness causes the people to doubt its ability, and they are becoming very solicitous upon the condition of the army for the winter.--Under this feeling the people are everywhere preparing to render all the aid they can. Soldiers relief societies are being organized in every county, and everybody is being called upon to do something, or contribute to the general cause. Hats, caps, clothing, shirts, socks, mittens, and blankets are the things needed, and every one is called upon to supply some of these articles.
Every effort will be made to cloths and shoe the army comfortably by the Government, and it is anticipated the people will furnish a supply of socks, mittens, carpet blankets, and cotton coverlets. Many tailors and seamstresses are now employed in Richmond and Lynchburg in making soldiers' clothing. Shoes are more plentiful among the people new than at any time since the blockade, yet they command four times our prices. Cloth is also more plentiful and cheaper — cotton and woollen mixed jeans selling in Richmond for two dollars per yard. The Government shows a determination to do the best for the army, and let the people take care of themselves in the way of necessities. Many vessels are running the blockade with cargoes on Government account, from which the people derive no benefit, and the authorities monopolize the markets completely, by stationing agents at Wilmington, Charleston, and Mobile, to buy everything for military purposes. Much of the Government cotton has been pushed into market past our cruisers. The proceeds come back in the shape of munitions of war and articles needed by the army.
Food is not scarce in the South. Flour, cornmeal, rice, beef, and bacon are plentiful. These command high prices, not so much from a difference of supply and demand, but more on account of the depreciation of the currency, and the fact that everybody is flush with money — such as it is. Flour can one day be bought in Richmond for twelve dollars per barrel, and the next it will take sixteen dollars. This is owing to speculators, who prey upon the Government and people alike. In the interior districts the article can be bought for eight dollars per barrel. Corn is very plentiful this season; but every one having it hoards the article as something precious. Hence the price of two dollars per bushel. Rice is a drug in the market, commanding but ten cents per pound. It was attempted to feed it to soldiers in regular rations, but they grumbled at it as hard lare, and many refused to eat it.
This is the only article of food the Confederate authorities allow to be exported, and considerable quantities have run the blockade. The principal hotels in Richmond charge five dollars per day for board and lodging, and are said to be making fortunes in Confederate script. The following is the standing bill of fare: Breakfast — Very bad coffee, with common brown sugar; beefsteaks, mutton chops, and fried bacon; wheat and corn bread, butter and milk. Dinner — Roast beef, mutton, pork, fresh and cured; potatoes and other vegetables sometimes venison, other game, and poultry, bread, butter, and milk Dessert — Fruit, pies. Supper — Same at breakfast. Irish and sweet potatoes are very plentiful, selling at two dollars per barrel. Coal is worth thirty dollars per ton. Gat is consumed at the rate of ten dollars per thousand. Sperm candles are not to be had, and tallow candles sell at seventy-five cents per pound. Lard oil is used extensively in tin lamps.
The new Conscript law is to be put into operation as soon as possible, and it is calculated to increase the army 300,000 men. Of this increase but a small portion will be placed in the field this winter, the authorities thinking they have enough already to hold the Union armies in check, and the greater part will be placed in camps of instruction and drill, where they will be prepared to take the field in the spring. Parties in Richmond who should be posted on the subject, say the rebel army now numbers 450,000 men, and that it can be kept up to and over that strength during the winter, by the remaining raw levies yet to be placed in the ranks by the first conscription.
These troops they divide as follows: Two hundred and fifty thousand in Virginia--one hundred and twenty-five thousand under Lee, on the Shenandoah; forty thousand between Gordonsville and the Shenandoah; ten thousand south of Fredericksburg and at Richmond; twenty thousand south of Richmond; thirty thousand west of Richmond, on the Lynchburg Railroad, at Lynchburg, and Losing's (now Echols's) army in Western Virginia, and twenty-five thousand scattered around in the hospitals, guarding the same and public property, and doing provost guard duty; fifteen thousand in North Carolina; forty thousand in Charleston, Savannah, and Mobile, under Beauregard; thirty-five thousand in the army of the Mississippi, under Pemberton, lately Lovell; seventy thousand commanded by Bragg, including Kirby Smith's and Humphrey Marshall's forces; twenty thousand under Hindman, in Arkansas, and twenty thousand in Louisiana and Texas.
These figures represent the popular idea at the South of the strength of their armies; but it is very pertinent to remark here that shrewd and observing Southern men have been known to laugh at their estimates, and intimate they are gross exaggerations. There are those who should know it, if any do, who say that Lees army in Virginia has been much over estimated on both sides, but more especially on this, and insist that, while the total rebel force in Virginia is not one hundred and fifty thousand, Lee has not more than seventy five thousand troops under his immediate command.
Such assertions as these frequently come from sources which should cause grave doubts of the correctness of the commonly estimated forces of the enemy; but, after all, they may be made only with the object of deluding us with regard to their real strength.
The Southern people manifest satisfaction at the present condition of affairs, and appear to be in no alarm about the future — so say those who have lately been with them. They are aware of the disadvantages they fight against, yet the events of the war have inspired them with confidence in Jeff. Davis and their Generals, and they believe they will succeed
Groceries and produce.
The markets at the present time develop nothing new in the course of trade, and there will be nothing of interest to report after New Year's. The transactions in groceries are small, without any noticeable change in price, and it is useless to repeat quotations. For grocery grades of Sugar the demand will doubtless keep up prices until the supply can be vastly increased. Molasses sales high, and the difficulties in the ay of transportation have a visible effect on the market. There is nothing doing in Wheat, and the mills will not resume operations until after the close of the holidays Corn remains at $3 per bushel, wholesale price, and recent auction sales in the neighboring country are reported at $15 per barrel. The trade in Leaf Tobacco is temporarily suspended. It is the opinion of well informed men that business will open with renewed animation early in January. In Manufactured Tobacco there is still considerable activity. We heard of a sale of $5,000 worth yesterday at $1.13 to $1.15. Bacon is unchanged. Butter is selling by the package at $1.25 for inferior, and $1.50 for a good article. Potatoes, Flour, and other articles of general consumption, continue at last quotations. Venison is selling at 75 cents per lb., and country sausage at the same price. By the close of this week it is proposed to present an accurate list of quotations to show the ruling prices at the beginning of the year 1863.
Liquors.--We notice a considerable advance in Liquors, under the hands of speculators A prime article of Apple Brandy now commands $20 per gallon, with an advancing tendency; and Whiskey $25 to $30. It may be interesting to state here that the latest quotations of Whiskey in the Cincinnati market is 35 cents per gallon.
The following prices were obtained at the auction sale of Robinson, Adams & Co., yesterday:
Three ply Carpeting $6 per yard; Salad Oil $4.50 per bottle; Black Thread $9.12½ per ; Ladies' Galters $14.50 per pair; Bleached Muslin $1.30 to $1.45 per yard; Country Jeans$4.50 to $5.12 per yard; Spool Cotton $4.87½ per dozen; Brown Soap 70 to 82 ½ cts; Candles 92½ to 95 cts; Allspice 26 cts; Soda $3.15; Black Grain Pepper$2.82½to $2.85; Brown Sugar 87½ to 93 cts; Golden Syrup $6.10.
May 29, 1863
Fifty dollars reward.
Ran away on the 15th inst, my lad Stephen, about 16 years old, short, stout and black, open, broad mouth, short face, good teeth and eyes, and thick tongued; erect, but bow-legged, and waddling gait; wore a dark coat, walnut negro jeans pants, and gray military cap. He was twice arrested in a cavalry force, and escaped last from Gordonsville, on the 10th inst, and is doubtless in military employ as free, having persisted in this before. He may change dress or story, but can be easily recognized by the above description. I will pay fifty dollars if secured in jail so that I get him again.
S W Ficklin.
Charlottesville, May23, 1863.
One hundred dollars reward
Will be paid for the arrest and delivery of a negro boy named Joe. He is about 18 years old; black, with full, bushy hair, and about 5 feet7 inches high; had on when he left a gray military jacket and cap and blue twilled jeans pants and gum overcoat. He disappeared on Sunday, the 17th inst, during the recrossing of the army near the railroad bridge on the Rappahannock. He was last een on this side of the river, near Brandy Station, and is believed to be either with the army or making his way to Liberty, Va. The above reward will be paid for his confinement or delivery to Samuel C White, at Liberty, Bedford county, Va, orIsaiah H White,
Surgeon 14th Louisiana regiment
4th brig, Johnson's div, Ewell's corpsno 5--5t
Noble little Girl
Miss Rebecca Cox, of county, a little girl about thirteen year of age, has sent to our soldiers within the past two years, over two hundred yards of jeans, several home made blankets, and many pairs of socks, mostly the work of her own fair hands. She has set a most noble example, and deserves much praise
The late accident in the President's family.
The late sad accident and terrible bereavement suffered by the President and family, called forth the deepest sympathies of the public. From a private letter of a Confederate officer--though not intended for publication — the Selma Dispatch copies the following description of the scene of the accident, and the President's household, upon the occurrence of the sudden affection:
Florence, S C,May 3.--I left Richmond on Sundaymorning, 1st of May. On the evening before I found myself at the President's house up stairs, by a sad and singular accident. Having finished all my business with the Department I strolled with Judge H of Mississippi, to look at the city, and passing the President's mansion we paused to look at the scenery beyond, when a little girl ran out of the house crying to the next door and pulled the bell violently; in a minute she was followed by another, and then by a little boy the picture of the most utter desolation and despair, and then by a negro woman, from whom we learned that the President's little son was badly hurt, and no white person except these three little children at home.
We at once ran in and found the little fellow (about five years old) in the arms of a negro men, and almost dead. Dispatching a servant for a doctor we began to run him with camphor and brandy and put mustard on his feet and wrists, an in a short time he began to breathe better, and opened his eyes, and we all thought he was reviving, but it was the last bright gleaming of the wick in the socket before the light is extinguished for ever.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis came in while we held the little fellow rubbing him. She relieved hereof in a flood of tears and wild inmentations; he knelt by his side and clasped the dying boy's hands in his own thin attenuated fingers. As he thus held his hands and watched the boy die, such a look of petrified, unutterable anguish I never saw. His pale, thin intellectual face, already oppressed with a thousand national troubles, that now so imminently threaten our seemed suddenly ready to burst with unspeakable grief, and thus transfixed late a stony rigidity.
The little boy had fallen from a gallery about fifteen fact, on a brick pavement, and lay there some time before he was discovered. His head was confused, and I think his cheat much injured internally. The little boy who died was named Jno. He had beautiful black eyes and hair and was a very handsome boy. The other little fellow, so stricken with grief, named Jeff, was some six or seven years old, an intelligent, independent little fellow, with the tenderest heart under a rough exterior.
When I recall the picture of our poor President, grief-stricken, speechless, tearless, crushed, I can scarcely refrain from tears myself, even now. No man could have witnessed that scene and ever find it in his heart again to abuse that great and pure man, who, in the exercise of great powers confided to him by a generous people, has shown more continence and moderation than Washington.
The President's little boys were dressed in gray jeans and barefaced, and Jeff, the sturdy the fellow, had on a broad-brim hat of oat straw. The President himself was dressed in a plain suit of gray.
June 28, 1864
The retreat of Hunter.
The Lynchburg Republican, of Friday, contains some particulars of Hunter's retreat in front of that city. It says:
It is now definitely ascertained that early in the day of Saturday last Hunter had determined on making his retreat from the vicinity of Lunenburg, and that notwithstanding he boasted loudly of occupying the city on Sunday, his retreating columns were on the move while making the appearance of a fight, and that by six o'clock on the evening of that day he had taken the back track with the greater portion of his army.
So skillfully was this retrograde movement carried out, that, not until late at night, was it discovered by our commanding Central, when a pursuit was immediately ordered, notwithstanding the enemy had some eight or ten hours the start. Our force pushed rapidly forward, however, and only succeeded in overtaking the enemy at Elbert, in Bedford county, about twenty five miles distant from this city, on Sundayevening, just about dark. The enemy had here made a half, with the intention of remaining until the next day, but our advance guard coming suddenly upon them, a general stampede took place, the enemy making but slight resistance. The result of our attack at this point was nineteen of the enemy killed, and some ten or twelve wounded left in our hands, besides those carried off. We lost three killed.
The next we hear of the enemy, after the fight at Liberty, they were drawn up in line of battle at Buford's Gap, an exceedingly strong point, but as to the result of any fight which occurred there, we are not advised, except by idle rumor. We are of the opinion, however, that no fight took place of any consequence.
From Baford's Gap the enemy, it is said, continued his retreat in the direction of Salem, with the intention of making his way out by Newcattle and Covington, and a report reached us yesterday that at Hanging Rock, about five miles beyond Salem, on the road to Newcastle, on Wednesdaymorning last, quite a severe fight took place, in which the enemy was badly worsted, losing some 150 men taken prisoners, about 260 horses, four pieces of artillery, and a large number of wagons, together with a number of negroes. The same report adds that the enemy was thrown into the greatest confusion, and that in order to make good their retreat they were burning their caissons and wag one and were divesting themselves of everything calculated to impede celerity of movement. No statement is made of the enemy's killed and wounded or anything concerning loss, but as the report is derived from a source which we think reliable, we have thought it proper to make mention of it.
In their retreat the Yankees carried with them a large number of slaves, which they either persuaded or forced off, but we are reliably informed that the greater proportion of them have returned to their comfortable homes, having become disgusted, after an association of only a few hours, with their worst enemies. Those who have returned embrace a goodly number of men, but they are principally women and children. In many instances the negroes were forced to leave their homes, and did so only when threatened with instant death.
The venders were prevented from completing their work of destruction in their retreat by the rapidity with which our forces pursued them, but notwithstanding, the damage they have inflicted is of a very serious character. At Bansack's they destroyed the depot building, and the large jeans manufacturing establishment of Bonsack & Kiser, and at Big Lick they also burnt the depot. At the latter place they stole all of the horses and cattle of Messrs John front and E T Tindey, and we suppose the same system of robbery was practiced wherever an opportunity presented itself.
We confess our unbelief in the ability of our forces to capture the edisinous horde, as the latter is travelling with great speed, but we feel assured that they will not be allowed to tarry until they are driven entirely out of the State, and even then in a condition which will prevent their speedy return.
