The Atlanta constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, February 09, 1886, Image 3

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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION. ATLANTA, GA., TUESDAT FEBRUARY 9 1886 STORIES OF THE WAR. Which Never Fell to Interact the Bender, Whether Old or Young. One Women** Romance. A STORY OF A COTTON TRADES DURIV* TIIR VAR. From tlic Philadelphia 'lime*. In the spring of l&rit 1 was ossigne 1 to duty Bi assistant adjutant general of the military district of —, confederate states army. For the purposes of this narrative it is unnec- ovary to fix the identity of this district or to describe it geographically, further than to say that it fronted westward on the Mississippi river. There were certain blockade runners around With licenses obtained from the war depart- incut at Richmond, over whose movements we had no control, who flitted to and fro through the Hues, and who seemed to be, as far ns we could gather, as much at home with the fed eral authorities as with our own. With these our relations were brief and formal. To ex amine their credentials, usually full and satis factory. to viser their passports and to bid them n civil good-bye, was generally about all that imsscd between us. There was another class of cotton dealers, howover, the speculators and traders buying on their own hook, whom wo were :<]i!>oiutcd especially to look after and Whose illicit traffic we were ordered to destroy at all hazards. Ido not remember that wo felt any compunctions about handling these gentry Frenchmen, Germans, Englishmen, they ac cepted their discomfiture in various ways and deg rets, according to temperament. Some were cool and nonchalant, viewing the untow- nrd result from the philosophic standpoint of the gambler. Our headquarters were established at a ham- let which I shall call Freedom, though not so denominated on the map. Our life had grown Irksome with its monotonous round of picket duty, M'ontinjjj and watching for contraband cotton. by an occasional brush with chor in the river, or with small cral cavalry, continually passing to and fro nlong the eountiy roads. It was October. What with Gettysburg and Atlanta thing* had not gone well for our side that summer of IrtGl. It was growing dark and I was just prepar ing to go to my quarters when a corporal en tered, accompanied by a woman. A glance was sufficient to inform me that she was an in voluntary visitor. I olTcred her n chair and learned that she had been captured some di«- fence back of Red Post (» river town of con- nlderable importance, garrisoned by n heavy force of federal , troops) un der tircnmstances which seemed to justify the suspicion that she was a spy. 8ho was apparently thirty years of ago, with in- significant features ana a somewhat sun-burnt face, redeemed by a pair of bright, inquisitive eyes; in figure, under-sized, but round and plump and with small hands and fc( t. Ilcr raiment was costly and in showy contrast to the simple calicoes worn by our confederate ladies Not being of the Jenkins tribe, nor even ordinarily versed in the mysteries of millinery, I cannot describe her costumo, beyond that she wore a long black silk garment of tho cloak kind, which reached almost to her feet. This gar ment was splashed with mud from ton to bot tom and gave to its wearer a most pitiful look, Tho woman seemed to bo ulivo to tho awk wardness of her situation, but she was a cool hand and met every question ns to her movements and plans with cotir- Bge and promptness. She gave her name ns Mrs. Eugeno Verdure, a widow, a na tive of a largo southern city, but now a resi dent of Red Post, where she kept a boarding house. Jn answer to tho inquiry as to what ahe was doing so far from Red Post and iusido the confederate lines, her reply carno prompt ly. “I had been out jw Greenbrier crook to Visit tho plantation of somo friends, and was ou my way home." THOUGHT HER A SPY ALL THE SAME. However, wo wero persuaded that her story wss an invention, that hor prcscnco in our lines was the result of a purpose, and that pur- __ _ t her with him. In n few moments she was brought tack with tho instructions: “Dotaiu this woman till tomorrow morning: after Which, scud her to division headquarters in charge of a staff officer, with all the papers in her case. Direct the quartermaster to furnish necesary transportation.” I reflected a moment. It was easy to say, •‘Detain this woman until tomorrow,” but how viu 1 to do it? Tho houso occupied as hood* quarters was of the cottage build, so common in the south—a porch in front, a hall through tho middle, a couple of rooms tandem-w*ise on each side of the hall aud another porch at tho tack. The general had one-half the houso for his use. The other half was used as tho ad jutant general's office and as the sleeping apartments of an aide-de-camp, ono nr two clerks and an orderly. I did not belong to tho headquarters' mess, but was a member of one composed of the post commissary and other officers haviug its xtodeavout at the village hotel, where I also had a room. I finally said to tho woman: *Madam, I am ordered to detain you a prison er till tomorrow and then send yon under es cort to division headquarters.” She was not a lady, that was ovident, hut she was a woman, nnd I was conscious of an instinctive aversion for the task assigned me. She looked me cooly in tho face and said: ‘‘This Is a very unjust proceeding. I have been guilty of nothing that should subject mo to such treatment.” “I cannot discuss that with you,” was my reply* "If you are to remain hero you must either sit up all night by the fire or >tek what repose you can on blankets on the floor.” She was dead game, no doubt, hut at such a dismal prospect her countonaneo fell. ”1 am an unfortunate woman and cruelly misjudged, and I am wet, and cold, nnd lain- gry. Purely you are a gentleman and will have some compassion on me.” Seizing my hat I went to thekotel aud stated the case to the landlady, a rough, old woman, but honest and kindly. “Bring her here. I’ll see w bat can be done.” I went hack to my office and my prisoner, and told her that I had found suitable quarters for her at the hotel. Next morning she wentouletlyaway in an ambulance to division headquarters accompa nied by a staff officer. THE WOMAN’S TURN. In a few days she returned in the same man ner she went, and looked on with undisguised pleasure and some malice, as I opened and read a letter from the division commander to the ef fect that there was not sufficient evidence against Mrs* Verdure to detain her as a spy; ■he was to be allowed to return to Red Pott at once, hut with the understanding that if sho was caught again within our lines she would be dealt with severely. 1 read it through rare- iblly and then said: "You are free to go home. Wbeu do you wish to start.” "Right now,” she replied, emphatically. In a few moments the carriage was at the door— her own, by the way, the same in which she was captured—and I took her to it. Before getting in she turned to me and said, with tho only touch of genuine feeling I had observed in her whole conduct: "Good-bye, major. I ■ball net forget jour kindness to me. Stranger things have happened than that it should be in my power to serve you. If you knew what I know ycu would think it very probable. Re member what I say. Good-bye.” Of ccurseher words made no impression Upon me. If I ever gave them a second thought, which is doubtful, it was only to ■mile nt the improbability of any event hap pening by which Mrs. Verdure could be use ful to me. I was not of an age to peer far into the future. A TURK IN AFFAIR*. Thirgs resumed their usual course and were uneventful tor the next lew weeks. Sudden ly cne raw November morning, a courier dash ed into Freedom with the startling iotelli- Recce that a heavy force of federal cavalry had driven in the pickets on n certain road and were advanc ing. The officer In command of the regiment which covered that road aent word that he would contest every inch of ground, bat that bis force was wholly Inadequate to give battle and begged for reinforcement*. He was ono of our most gallaut coloucls, a mau of daunt less courage aud great intelligence, aud wc knew would uever ask for help if he did not need it. Before any plan of actiou could be decided upon, another courier rode in at great speed to announce a similar advance upou an other road. In a very short tirno intelligence reached us of like movements at all points, and then wo knew that a genera! raid of fed eral troops was being made upon tho district. I remained at Freedom all day with my general receiving aud sending dis patches. At nightfall tiie enemy eutered tho village on all the roads, frout and rear. I was standing in the street by the side of my horse and bcariug the grinding sound of horses' feet behind me, turned, and by the light of a lamp streaming from a window, saw the shoulder straps of a federal officer. I sprung into my dale, spurred my korso and set off at full e<' - - uy other instant I was a prisoner. Tho capture and surprise of tho place was thorough and complete. I give tho yaukccs credit for that. EXPERIENCES OF A PRISONER. Tlio federal fore© remained at Freedom two or throodav*. Tho confederate prisoners were kept under elese guard, but were otherwise time. Subsequent events clue to the mystery and more than an inkliug as to the meaning of Mrs. Verdure's move ments in connection with it. Mouutcd on a sorry steed nnd placed between two troopers I set ofl* at tho head ot tho column of prisoners. nnd after a weary tramp reached the town of Red Post. Thoughts of escape from capturo constantly flitted through the brain, and had an opportu nity presented itself there would doubtless have been more than ono attempt. But our guards were wary and vigilant. The night was drawing ou ns we totaled the ynrdofwhnt appeared to be a large jail. It was » gloomy- looking place nnd I felt a shudder creep ovor me. Wc were ordered to dismouutaud answer the roll call. That ceremony concluded the provost marshal was about to march us into the prison when an officer, w hom I recognized as belonging to the staff of tho fcdoral general, whispered into his car. LINER IN r LEAR ANT PLACER. The provost marshal l>owcd uml said: “Maior Robinson will step to the front.” Having done so I was approached by the staff officer, who saluted me with great courtesy aud said: "I am directed by tho general to invite you to accept the hospitality of his houso during your stay nt Red Post. Of coarse you will give your verbal parole to mako uo attempt at es cape.” 1 looked at him in astouishment, and Anally said: "I am much obliged to the gen eral for his politcncts. but it seems hardly the thing-” "Oh! my dear fellow,” he laughingly replied, "now don’t decline the invitation. The gener al Is very hospitably inclined and would bo happy to entertaiu the whole confederate par ty. but his housc'is really not big enough. You will And things much imno comfortable over there than here, I awuro you.” Of that there could bo no doubt. After a mo ment I wild: "Would you object to nllowiug a friend, u brother staff officer to accompany me?” ‘Xotnt all.” I gave the name of Mi\jor H , who had been my messmate for years, and who was now my companion in misfortune,'and in a momint wc three were cnroute to tho general's house. I fully believed that the general in his invitetion was actuated by tiro solo dcsiro to 1alk to me about military matter* nnd to ou- dcavorto draw from me important information concerning confederate plaus. For that rea son I had asked that Major II be allowed to go. 1 had no wish to be nlono with tho geneinl. A short walk brought in to the door of a pi etty cottage. As wo entered the hall wcwno received by a richly dressed lady, who hurst into laughter, and extending both hands to me, exclaimed: Havo you forgottcu me?” ed of every military movement and its de tails, and knew exactly when and where to act, so that it ‘would do tho most good.' Sho bnd gradually acquired wealth, but Its acqui sition had only served to stimulate her greater effort. It is hardly an exaggeration say that she had a finger in every scheme having for its object illicit trado in cot ton in that regiou. It will bo remembered that loth the federal aud tho confederate gov ernments endeavored to suppress this traffic, though for very different reasons, and it was necessary for parties engaged in it to move with the utmost secrecy and celerity. In stu b a woman as Mrs. Verdure, cool, self-possessed, intelligent aud energetic, these daring ‘free traders’ found an admirable instrument. Through her largo lots of cottou had boor * ecu red at difl'erent points within the confed erate lines adjacent to Red Post and wero stored in warehouses, in plantation ginhouses and in lonely, unfrequented forest depths. "Well, when the tidiugs reached Red Post of my capture by the confederate pickets tho ex citement was intense. Some of my friends were, no doubt, not sorry that I was out of the way. But in other quarters there was genuine conc ern felt for my safety. Had one liatr of my head been harmed it would have gone hard with the confederate officers who had the misfortuuo to fall into the hands of our troops.” Here a slight color mantled her cheeks aud with a conscious smilo sho .went on: "You see I am a person of consequence boro, At last I was released from imprisonment, nr you remember, aud reached home in safety Everybody seemed eager to hear about my ad ventures in Dixie, but I have not indulged their curiosity, for obvious reasons. I did however, relate tho wholo story to Gen cral , dwelling especially upou your courtesy, and exacted a promise from him to take good care of you in tho event of your capture. MORE ABOUT THE C OTTON. "Just behind the federal cavalry in this late raid went a largo wagon train. While the troeps lingered nt Freedom wc had all the time needed to load up and haul the cotton intq Red Post. In fact, from some points tho wagons made several trips.” "Did you manage to secure all your cotton?” "Well, there was a little of it captured and burned by some bands of confederate troopers, who had marched to the roar of tho federal forces, but not enough to cry about.' "Ycu promised to tell mo how you against fraud on the part of your associates in the matter of dividing the spoils?” ‘Til tell you how. Most of them are so sit uated that they dare not avow their connection with the business. These voluntarily put their cottou in my name. Tho others consent to do the tamo in order to secure protection. It if shipped from Red Poet In my name, sold for my account and the proceeds placed in bank to my credit. So you perceive that they are dependent upon my good faith, not I upon theirs. Not a stiver of the money do they got until Mrs. Verdure pays herself.’ 7 At nightfall wo joined our comrades on board a United States transport lying at tho wharf, our paroles expiring as wo crossed the gang-plank, nnd were soou on our way to a laigo central depot for prisoners. As I took leave of my hostess, nbe said: "Now, haven’t I kept my word?” "Yes, you have, most undoubtedly. What ever attention I was enabled to show you at Freedom has been amply requited. We are quits.” I have ficcn Mrs. Vcndure but twlco sinco. Once, not many years alter the war, I was standing in the corridor of a fashionable hotel, when she passed on tho arm of tho fedoral gen eral who lind captured mo and with whom I had diued tho night of my visit to Red Post. Turning to the clerk I said: "Do you know these people?” "Oil! yes, they are stopping liorc—Goneral , formerly of the union array, aud his ife. Not a pretty w’omnn, hut awAiIiv they say, ami sho brought him a lu money—a rich widow, I believe.” A few years later I encountered tho Inter esting pair on the streets of n largo city. They It was my quondam prisoner at Freedom, tho ,tacked Wttltbv, idlovand luxurious. Crows’ to-called spy, Mrs. Verdure! * - f fm wcreJBUrerfng rtoontth© fine eyes of mad- I was speechless with surprise. The staff officer had remarked on our way from tho irison that I would meet friends iu Red Post, tut I had no suspicion of his meaning. What with perplexity at finding myself a guest of tho little woman and my fatigue after the long ride and tho intense cold (it was November and wo had lrtcn despoiled of our overcoats), I must have looked forlorn enough. ENTERTAINED RIGHT ROYALLY. My hostess seemed to appreciate my embar rassment, and at once summoned n servant, an aristocratic looking old dartyy who answered to the name of "Madison,” and directed him to show the gentlemen to their room, adding: "Dinner is on the table nnd will bo served, as soon os you have made your toilet.” Making one’s "toilct”had an absurd sound to the caisof a man who was clad iu a well worn, dingy suit of confederate gray, the origiual color of which was lost in n coating of mud. and who did not at the moment possess a single other article of clothiug. Nevertheless wo fol lowed our guide into a bed room of moderate size, with luxurious appointments, a isrgo French bed, rosewood bureau and armoir aud nil other appurtenances in keeping. The diunor passed oft pleasantly. Tho table was spread in bounteous fashion, und there was plenty of good claret nnd champaguc. The company consisted of the federal general, who had led tho raid which resulted in my capturo, his aide-de-camp, another general ofllcor, our hostess and ourselves. Major II and I plied our knivc3 and forks with deligence, but took little part in the conversation. They talked on Indifferent subjects at first, but os tho wine began to circulate the two geuerals launched into a discussion of military matters, aud final ly into sharp criticisms of tho plans of their superiors, spiced witli racy anecdote aud pun gent satire. My comrade and I retired early to bed, and were soon oblivious of our dismal Cite. A week before Mrs. Venture stood before mo a prisoner, charged w ith an odious crime, and I tad stretched my authority to shield her Iu part from the consequences. Now I was the f risoncr and a recipient of her hospitality, for could not doubt that to her intercession was due my esenpo from spending the night iu prison. She was evidently a person of in fluence nt federal headquarters, aud my curi osity was piqued to know by what means it was ucquired and upon what foundation it rested. I was not kept long in suspense. From her own lips came the "round, unvarnished tale,” and such information as I was enabled to glean after the war was over only served to confirm the truth of it. We were alone in her parlor. Arrayed in fashionable clothes, with lace at her throat and around her wrists, diamonds pendant from her ears and gleaming upou ker fingers, her haircoiffercd iu what seemed the latest mede, her feet encased in embroidered •Uppers, her form half reclining in a roomy rocking chair, she certainly presented n sharp contrast to herself as she appeared at the con federate ramp a short time before. She began by rallying me upon my low spirits, and drift ing into a discussion of the war betrayed much bitterness towaida the southern people, partic ularly certain officers in the confederate army, ‘Of coarse,” she said. "I knew all about the federal movements, and I made General £ remise before he left Red Post to treat you indly if you fell into his hands, as I felt you must do.” After a while she added: "I expect you would like to know what I was doing in side the lines that day I wax captured and brought to Freedom? Well. I don't mind tell ing you. The war is pretty nearly over, the confederacy will soon collapse, and you arc likely to stay in prison until the cud, so there will be no harm done. De but her desire to make a display of her shrewd ness in outwitting the confederates carried the day. It was amusing to watch the exhibition of feminine triumph that pervaded her feat ures as she recounted her adventures. It w ould be too long to tell her whole story. The main points were these: A C OTTON SPECULATOR. "She was a bold, skilful cotton speculator, operating to some extent for her .own ac count, bnt more largely a» the agent of others. “~jif»htude>r.neTe, Through her relations with the federal gen- I Unknown, unnamed, forgotten lies eral she was thoroughly aud acturately Inform- I A Georgia Volunteer. aim-, nml I thought she wore an air of listless ennui. They live abroad now, chiefly in a gay continental city. I wonder if she ever recalls her career as a cotton trader. Tho lloinfmrtlineiit of Sitmtor, Daytona,Volusia county, Fla.,January 30.— Editor* Constitution. The (mill of any matter of history Is always nu*t to be desired. You publish an ex Ira cl from (lie Athens, Ga., Banner, contain itig a short account of the bombardment *of Fort Sumter. The writer, Sir. T. Jl. Toomcr, who was merely a looker on, ns it seems and not n partici pant In that bloodless affair, falls into certain er ror* of statement in regard to times and other cir cumstance* attending that mcmorablo event which 1 propose to correct. The bombardment in question did not begin and end upon tho Itb of April, us lie state s, but on the morning of tho 12th or April, and ended about 1‘Jo'clock m. on tho lath. Tho fort was set on lire by red hot allot from Fort Moultrie during the morning of the second ;dajr’s bombardment, and not on the lint day,ns he states. No white ling woa scon or ever heard of by the writer, being hoisted by the garrison of the fort, nor was the flag lowered until the notorious Frank lin .1. Moms, then an aide of Governor Pickens, In roinjauty with General L. T. WJgfall nnd others, lowered it from tho fla error* with regard to ti uel Bliett. He, it i* said, requested to l>c relioved from tho command of the fort upon tho ground that it was not tenable. Ills request was granted, nnd that noble soldier nnd Christian gentleman. General Hteplic-ii Elliott, being appointed to Uyc command, didhold Sumter until the evacuation of Charles ton in IMft. Yon will oblige tnc and perhaps gratify others by giving publication to the foregoing. Yours, etc., John A. Uuaoley, A Georgia Volunteer. l-'ar up tlic lonely mountain side My wandering footsteps led, The moM iny thick beneath my feet, The pine sighed o’er bead: The trace of u <11-mu tilled fort The bramble wrestled with the weed Upon the lowly mound; The simple hcudltounl, rudely writ, Had rotted to the ground. 1 ruhed it with a reverent hand, From dust Its words to dear. Rm Time bad blotted nil but these: '•A Georgia Volunteer.” I snw Ihc toad and scaly soake 1'rum tangled covert* start. And hide themselves among the weeds Above the dead man’* heart: Rut. undisturbed, in sleep profound, < nheeillog, there be lay. Hi* coffin but tlic mountain soil, Ills shroud, Confederate Gray. 1 heard the Rhonandouh roll .M. ivnOer’s name, and then I knew the sleeper had been one Of Stonewall Jackson** men. unknown to C RememlM-r, on his lonely grate There i« not ereti a mrraa. e snow, cne ne nau u A Georgia Volunteer. to que light. He knows ere UihTwhowe cause Is Just In God. the father * fight: He wields no warlike weapon* now, Return* no fuemau's thrust; Who but a coward would revile An honored soldier’s dust? What desolated hem-th? and hearts Have been, became be fell : What /ad eyed maiden braid* her hair tier hair which he held dear. One lock of whic h, perchance He* with The Georgia Volunteer: What mother, with her watching eye*. And while lip*-, cold and dumb, tail* with appa"* ' - Hcrdiirllrg t Her boy, whose mountain grave swells up Butene of many a scar? Cut on the face-of our fair land By Gory-handed War. Roll. Shenandoah, proudly roll Adown thy rocky glen: _ Above thee lies the grave of one THE FLORIDA FRAUDS. A Visit to the Lecdon Offlcw, Where Trade Is Msd# in the Popular Credulity-Teaching Young Men Bow to Farm-Tbe Sarasota Swin dler* Bow tha Dane ta Worked. New York, February (1.—Tho London cor respondent of tho New York Herald has been inquiring into tho Florida land frauds perpe trated in tlint city. He says: 1 began my inquiries today on Florida emt gration at tho United States consulate, where I was informed that Intending emigrants pall almost daily to ask for advice. Consul Gon- cral Waller said: "Tho advice given is always the same. Don’t buy land before you ltavo seen it. Take nobody's opinion ou trust, out with a little niouoy and wait six months to inspect tho land. Then, if you like everything buy, but not before.” As there is some danger of confounding honest with dishonest schemes in inquiries of this sort, I next interviewed a number of per sons here connected with Florida, all of whom united Iu condemning the trickery of Tait, the Sarasota hero, and tho credulity of his Scotch patrons. Tait is not tho only man blamed. T. G. Mcllcrsh, not Blellish, as re ported, is also much abused. Ho seems, how ever, to have been foolish rather than knavish. The conduct of a Chicago firm, said to bo in terested in the Marion county "sand” bank called Bclmore, Is also denounced. I was asked to call attention to tlio pro ceedings of a 'Tccksniffian” speculator uamed Stapleton, residing iu or near rutnam county. Stapleton is tho roii of au English canon of unimpeachable respectability, and seems to have traded on tho prestige attaching to his clerical connections. I am assured ho has loug been in the habit of enticing young Euglisbuieu to Florida on the pretense of "teaching them farming.” Once in his clutches, he sets thorn to do work as common farm hands, for which, instead of receiving wages, they have to pay a bonus of $100 or tfOOner annum. Finally Stnpleton unloads himself of his less destrablq lots, for which ho extracts high price* from those persons. Mcllcrsh (s a reputed ageut of Stapleton. Doing my best to look like an intending emigrant, 1 next interviewed tlio manager* of several Florida investment cowiianics, Six or seven at least of these companies advertise their existence in London. Others discreetly hide their business. The first person inter viewed was Mr. Williams, of No. 40 Leicester square, a gcutleman of respectable appearance, w ho informed mo he was t»art proprietor or land held by the "Florida Estates company,” strictly a private concern, which had solicited no public subscriptions aud was entirely in the hands of Mr. Williams, his son and another gentleman. Togethor thoy own about five tbousaud acres—twenty-four hun dred at St. Lucie, on tho Indiatt river, and tho rest Iu Taylor aud LalWyctto couutios. "What is the usual courso adopted by emi grants purchasing your land?” I asked. "They usually nay twenty per cent down before starting. Iu return wo glvo them cer tificates entitling them to tako possession of any lot not already let.” "What is the climate like at St. Lucie?” "Dollglitfiil, below tho front line, and is a good plate for orango growing. Taylor aud Lafayette counties arc chiefly good for raising cereals.” "Are there any settlers in St. Lucie al ready?” "Yes, lut they are scattered about. Tho nearest civilization, however, Is at Eau Gallic, a beautiful place further north.” ‘ At what prico do you sell land at St. Lu- cio V” 'It runs from $rt to $20 an acre. In three Uould be ^orth $T»Q or $100 Jo pur- On inquiring at the "East Florida Land nnd Improvement company.” in Leodonhall street, I whs assured that all the company’s land Iny near St. Augustine. Nothing was previously known of tho frauds as they were exposed in the Herald. Tho "Florida Land and Coloni zation company,” of No. 13 Austin Friars, was next visited. Several pamphlets, more flow ery than tho "Land of Flowers” Itself, wore handed to me in answer to questions about orongo groves nnd emigration. By its own account tlio company owns “aov- chty thousand acres of land of tho choicest character for sale, between 27? degrees and 2i)I degrees of latitude. Tho laud selected is tho best in each locality and tho settlers are offered a choice of great variety. Tho compa ny owns tho Sanford grant, including tho town of Sanford; tho Powell and BItckiunon grants, large tracts in Hillsboro county south or Tam pa, and large tracts in Manatee. Hernando and Polk counties.” Polk county is descrlbod iu tlic pamphlets as salubrious aud attractive. A* clim bing arguments, the purchasers are told that tho South Florida railway tosses through the company's land, and that "sani tary reports give the state tho first place in the Viuon ns regards liealthfulnean.” I asked tho trice of laud in this earthly paradise. It ran ’rom$20 to $30 an acre. An official assured me it would be against tho traditions Of the company to accept purchase money for land before Inspection or to take out emigrants; but on reflection ho thought that, if very much pressed, the company might consent to recoive money ns n deposit for land, and hinted that a jteiKonnlly conducted voyage might ho ar< tanged. Said ono of tho officials: "Mr. Tait nover saw Florida until he took out the Sarasota party. Ho bad bought a quantity of worth less land at a nominal price of tho 'Florida I .and und Improvement company,’ of No. SO Lombard street, which has something to do with Mr. Dlsston. He persuaded bis dupes he laud at about £2 10«an acre. He says it cost him $2-23 per acre, but tho real price, I believe* was about seventy-five cents. Our own Und wc sell at prices ranging from $2 to $5 at the highest. Excellent uncleared land can be had for $2. The idea of asking £210s U monstrous, "tats of iniquitous dodj g rant*. Speculators buy caps, and plant a few ac „ _____ which novergrow and never could grow there. Then bring their dupes.to see them, saying:— "Are not they beautiful? And only pUnted two years ago.Tbe dupes buy and work away at the Und for two or three yean id worthless sand few scrubby orange trees pie with some capital, who had taken out t ‘ nos and bric-a-brac expecting to find regu- settlements. On their arrival they found nothing but wastes and sand, while their lots, which they believed would be contiguous, were scattered all along the coast, with often ten or twelve miles between them. It’s a wonder Tait was not nched. Had his du|»es been Americans he would have been.” Weather Proverb* for February. From tho Providence Journal. February second bright and clear Give* a good flax year. There Is alwa y» one fine week In February. Violent north winds in February herald a fruit ful jeur. When the cat in February lies in the sun, sho willsgRln creep behind the stove in March. For every thunder with rain In February, there Will be a cold spell in May. If February gives much snow A fine snouacr U doth foreshow. There con be no doubt that many popular iretth- e» prorerf* are worth comidering. but that they are not to be depended on is seen in the fact that they often contradict etch other, of which take the following Illustration: If on the 2d of February the gonae finds ft wet, Most perfect made Prepared by a physician with spedsl regard to health. No Ammonia, Lima or Ahun. AUCTION SALE! 70 Head Choice II, J, C, C, JERSEY CUTTLE, •JJNDEU THE AU.srit’ES OF THE GEORGIA Jersey Breeders' Association, at Atlanta, Ga., on Wednesday, 10th day March next. Drafts from the herds or Richard Peters, John L. Hopkins, J. U. Wndc and Woodward, BleClellati A Co., consisting of many valuable animal*, strong in tlic blood of Uoomarsle, Stoke Pogis, signal Alpha, Mercury, St. Ilelier, Rex and Duke 76. Cattle eligible to the association sales arc cither born Iu this state or have beon thoroughly acclimated. Catalogue* will be ready for distribu tion about ,20th of February. Application* for same must be addressed to GKO. M. HA PE, Secretary and Treasurer, Atlanta, Ga. Mention this paper. fob 0 wky It DYSPEPSIA. PIlKTEftTOr MANY YKABft AND THK KXrKVUMNCK OF MANY THOUSANDS AND TJSNN ON THOUSANDS K4TAIff.MII i THK FACT THAT NO ONKWILI.BK-I MAIN A DxSPKPTlO WHO WILL TAKE SIMMONS LI VKK REGULATOR. and after our homo p! me they advised removal to Colorado or Califor nia In hope of relief. I thought of leaving my family, and would have gone to tho mountain* 11 this Kummcr, If you had not recommended Him- I mon’* Liver Regulator, which I took, and l am now taking the second bottle, and the fact t*() that word* cannot express the relief I Ael. My ■ appetite U very good, and I digest everything ■ thoroughly, where 1 used to havo a |>a**ago every four or flvo day*, now I havo regular dally evacuations of tne t/owels. I sleep well j to th(*?*Ut?mcnt*ir debited., K. 8. HALLor, Syracuse, Nebraska. TIUSRK IHItUTONK NIMMONtf L1VKR ROGULATOR! _ iniliio with tho rad Z Bee that you get the in ......... u front or wrapper. Prepared only by J* II. ZHILIN * CO., Sole Proprietor*. PHILADELPHIA, PA. wky cow no:2 '®L00.D ftE. n EWER • de my opinion of Guinn'* Pioneer t as a blood medicine nnd the eftbot ny»clf and other*. Words ean hard- Fnrcwell to tlio Excrntlatlug Pains of Rheu- mutism* T write to state m; Blood ltcnewer a* a' It bo* hod oh myself tod ly express all 1 would like to say, but for years 1 suffered the roost cxcrutlatlng pain from Rheuma tism and pains arising from The dlrordored condi tion of blood before using the Blood Rencwer.beliig for mouths auabki to walk or more my lower limbs. After commencing; thetuseiof; 1 - *• * found such rel <ef I continued taken aboutonc lialfgnlloii; s two years ‘ since suff with the Blfod BanewerVanri car h of them expert- enred great relief from tho useof ib Rock mart, Go. H. f*. CHERRY. For frill Information our free pamphlet on Blood and Bkfn DDcases will bo furnished on application to the MACON MEDICINE CO.. Moron, Ga. “ rod form, easy to prepare at home, spirits;small also*** cants, large .’^iv.vsr p,io# w^ 1 - THE GATE CITY NATIONAL BARK OF ATLANTA, GA. U. 6.. DEPOSITORY. Interest Allowed on Deposits. rorinfonMtlou, nil on or kldrav, L. J. HILL, President. Mention tbi* paper. wky HOUTHKRN SCHOOL PHONOGRAPHY. As perfect and practical instruction guaranteed in standard short Hand / writing as con be obtained any where. Pupils received at any time. For terms address A. C. Briscoe, Constitution build ing, Atlanta, Go. Capital Prize $190,000. fontement* tor all the Monthly and Bemi-Antunri Drawings of tho Louisiana Htato Lottery Company, and in person mr— * - themselves, and 1 and lu '’panda menim and ^amttouSe drawtan! that the some are conducted wuS We the undersigned Banks and Bankers will pay all Prise* drawn fli The Louisiana Htato Lotteries which may be presented at our counter*. J. II. OGLKHUT, Prr, Louisiana National Bank. BAMViX II. KENNKDV, Frei. State National Bonk. A. IIAMim.f. I’m. New Orleans National Bank. UNPRECEDENTED - ATTRACTIONS! Over Hulln Million Dlitriliutod. Louisiana Slate Loiter)’ Company. Incorporated In IMS tor twenty-five yehrs by the LcgMiUtircfor Educational and Charitable purpo- By an overwhelming popular vote, its franchise was mode a part of the present State ConmtutiOB adopted December 2d, A. D., 1870. H* Grand Single Number Drawings will take plncc monthly. , H never scales or postpones. Look at the follow* Ing distributions: lCOtli Grand Monthly —AKD TIIE— Extraordinary Quarterly Drawing In the Arademy of Music, New Orleans, Tuesday, Capital Prize $150,000. NOTICE—Tickets are Ten Dollars ouly. Halves, Five Dollars. Fifths Two Dollars. Tenth* One Dollar. List of Prlzeu 1 Capital prise or 91M.000. 1 Grand prlxo of 1 Grand prize of 2Large prize* of 4 targe prises of W.0W... 20,000... 20 Prizes of ho •• 200 " MO Approximation prize 7,601 r? Prizes amounting to ..mJBOMfi ppliratlon* for rate* to club* should be mode only to the office of the Company In New Orleans. For further information write clearly, giving frill address. POSTAL NOTES. Express Mouey Orders- or New York Exchange Inordinary letter. Our- br M. A. DAUPniN, New Orleuu, lU. H’uftutm. D. a .M» P. O. Ilot^ Oiden wife RctUtcrcd I^ticfi, to —-WOBL1 i p»Kr. Onlcn wtblo tad iddnat Wttt I4AKIN0. DOES IT PAYt JUlS-wkyM riiw brnw.il.. , "UEVER KNOWN TO FAIL.” TABUANT8 EXTRACT CUBEB9 and OOPAIBA Is an old, tried remedy toff Ronorr hrr *, gleet sod all dis eases of the urinary organa, Its neat, portable form, frMN dom from lasts and speed/ action (U frequently cutfi tn three or four days end el* way* in toee time than any m&ESmr® bum dnlrahb rased/ ere* ** I'.iij. II 0Q. BOLD BT AM. DttUQOWTB. Mention thto mmt. d«f mon thu ut wk/ Hunnicutt&Bellingrath JOBBERS AND DXALER3 IN COOKING AND HEATING STOVES, BINGES, FURNACES, MANTELS, CRATES, Elf., 80 end88 cor. P«(tohtrc«and Walton 8W., ATLANTA, OA. KtUlVSt •prl-JAwknr Us ut to* f.W-wky lit j ,'dwi, tn.ratta.tton at w ^ rr ^ /ebi-dAwkyst* VTm urge our ireadora when they answer ndyertlsement* to mention fbat they aaw I hem In tho Constitution, This wUl help ail INDISTINCT PRIHT I