Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
snow — no Union meeting — revenue — crime — Court.
Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 19, 1860.
On Friday night snow fell here to the depth of 12 inches. So far, our people have got along very well, notwithstanding the severe cold weather we have had for some time.
From some cause, unknown to me, the Union meeting did not take place. Our people generally deem Union meetings as rather out of place at the present time. Very surely our people, whilst they love the Union, yet will not do aught to give encouragement to the abolitionists of the North. So there will be no Union meeting of the people of this county.
John R. Koogler, Sheriff of Rockingham, left for Richmond on Monday evening last, with the revenue, near $40,000. Old Rockingham never fails to pay her taxes; and for loyalty to the Old Commonwealth and her institutions, she is behind none. The times are very hard, but she pays her debts.
A singular case of cruelty and crime has just been brought to light. A negro girl, in the employ of Samuel Crickenberger, residing near Rockland Mills, attempted to destroy the life of an infant, 4 months old, of which she was nurse. She administered in some way, or forced down its throat needles, pins, matches, one sixpenny nail, and fragments of a sewing basket. Up to the present time fourteen pins have come from the child--six of which were thrown up out of its month, and eight passed through its bowels. Eleven needles have come from the child, nine of which came through the skin in various places. Dr. W. D. Ewing was called in frequently to extract needles; when any were discovered under the skin.--The four matches, the nail, and pieces of basket, were each an inch in length, and were all thrown up out of its month. The child is recovering, and was cheerful all the time it was undergoing the cruelties inflicted by this inhuman wretch. The negro girl is about 13 years old. She has been sent to Richmond for sale and transportation.
The County Court has been in session since Monday last. Civil cases occupy its time.
