21704. Planters and Mechanics Bank (Petersburg, VA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
May 17, 1884
Location
Petersburg, Virginia (37.205, -77.392)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
c54d37cc

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Trustees assigned assets and made an assignment; state sued and injunction obtained; later court appointed (or requested) receivers and directed distribution of assets. Grand jury investigated possible criminality in management.

Description

Newspapers report a sharp run (beginning the Saturday before May 19, 1884) that resumed May 19, causing the Planters and Mechanics Bank to suspend payment May 19, 1884. The directors made an assignment May 20, 1884 (trustees W. B. Mellwaine and Robert Gilliam), and the bank's assets were placed in trustees' hands and later ordered distributed by court decree (Feb 9, 1885). Legal proceedings and grand jury investigations followed. I classify this as run → suspension → permanent closure (assignment/asset distribution).

Events (6)
1. May 17, 1884 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Sharp withdrawals began Saturday and resumed May 19; contemporaneous runs on other banks and general loss of confidence drove depositors to withdraw.
Measures
Bank tried to withstand withdrawals; prepared a statement of condition and posted notice assuring temporary suspension would be necessary only if run continued.
Newspaper Excerpt
There was a sharp run on this bank on Saturday, which it was hoped and believed would be withstood.
Source
newspapers
2. May 19, 1884 Suspension
Cause
Macro News
Cause Details
Bank suspended when heavy withdrawals resumed amid a broader money-market stringency/financial crisis; directors posted notice citing money-market stringency and crisis.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Planters and Mechanics Bank... suspended payment and closed its doors this morning at half-past 9 o'clock... NOTICE.-Owing to the stringency in the money market ... this bank is forced temporarily to suspend operations.
Source
newspapers
3. May 20, 1884 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
On Tuesday morning the directors of the bank made an assignment ... trustees W. B. Mellwaine and Robert Gilliam were appointed trustees and assigned all assets of the bank to be divided pro rata among creditors.
Source
newspapers
4. July 18, 1884 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The grand jury has been all day investigating the causes which led to the failure of the Planters and Mechanics Bank ... to ascertain whether criminality attaches to any one in the management of its affairs.
Source
newspapers
5. January 23, 1885 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
A bill is to be filed, praying the Court to substitute receivers for the trustees, but naming the trustees, Messrs. Mellwaine and Gilliam, as the receivers.
Source
newspapers
6. February 9, 1885 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Judge Mann decided the deed was a good and valid one; decree directing the trustees of the bank to forthwith distribute pro rata among the creditors all the funds in their hands derived from the assets of the bank.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (16)
1. May 20, 1884 Sacramento Daily Record-Union Sacramento, CA
Article from Sacramento Daily Record-Union, May 20, 1884

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the wool growers of the United States, and the Convention ad journed until 9A. M. to-morrow Financial Affairs in New York, NEW YORK May 19th Stocks opened decline of from to Later Louisville and Nashville declined, due to realizations but subsequently rallied to lt. The sympathy extended to Donnell Lawson & Simpson induced them to sub mit to the proposition of creditors. which will result in their resuming in a few days W. B Scott & Co., brokers, have suspended M Morton dealer in china. has failed for $25,000 Wall street is quiet. Banks in Trouble. ERIE (Pa May 19th The Erie County Savings Bank of this city suspended this morning Capital $150,000 liabilities $300,000. It that the President had been abbling in oil. He is reported to have left the city. PETERSBURG May 19th In of banks. the Planters and Mechanics Bank has temporarily suspended. The the Board of and the that that bank believed has NEW YORK 19th A Application been made order President Dodd require be should he not other banks The Manly Art. Three thou rush, his great the the platform him. The fight rush resumed and pelling force his body rather than by the blow. Dalton bore Goode down tween the ropes, and taking hold of his ankles assisted his fall to the at the same time dealing kick in his di rection. Onlookers again differed Goode whether was Goode hit claimed foul. but while Goode was climb ing back upon the stage Tom Chandler the referee gave the fight to Dalton on the ground that Goode was not on the stage time, while the time-keeper. Mike Mc Donald claimed that the necessary ten seconds had not elapsed. Goode showed the least punishment after the fight Par son Davis was master of Hewitt's Roland for Oliver's Oliver. PHILADELPHIA. May 19th The Sunda Globe of Pittsburg prints the following let to ter from Abram S. Hewitt. in reply Oliver's comments on his tariff bill DEAR SIR your letter of the 15th with profit and but will points. with your deavor to supply omissions. In the brief sional first. duties while mill. the run furnaces, barbed bill Phillips yours. The Louisville Races, 19th The track -dav. but the first The the McGrathania for the lead. Boot Jack maintained to end the Knight was third. lime the for mile Charley made to running the where Luke led and won easily Charley Lucas third. In the for the Kentuck fillies. mile Bi Modestv Highflight At and the mile lengths ahead flight second Bimetta third. The handicap mile and quarter. Carter Harrison Reloc second, third Time 4:10. Claude Brannon Major McCarty and Judge Burnett fell A Ten-Millionaire will May 19th The will of the late Cyrus H Met ormick was admitted to to-day The estate is valued at $10. 000.000 and is devised in trust to widow for five years. at the end of which shall she one-fifth, and his three and two daughters the der If either of the children marries fore the expiration of five years, he or she to receive $100,000. in earnest of the The amount finally bequeathed. itted to make such charitable dona in her judgment the testator would have made if alive. The Dakota Tin Discoveries. CUSTER. May 19th The excitement runs high here over the recent the tin discoveries Assays made on the tin stone taken from several devel mines show an unprecedented percentage of clear tin. A number of Eastern and English capitalists and experts are now here. looking over the field Anxious to Serve their Country. WASHINGTON, May 19th Candidates for positions under the new tablished for Alaska are as thick as peas in pod. The principal candidates for Gov ernor of Alaska State Senator Brown of Amador, and ex Governor Kincaid o Nevada. Oregon furnishes candidate the Judgeship in the person D W

2. May 20, 1884 The Daily Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Dispatch, May 20, 1884

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THE STATE AT LARGE. PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. Suspension of the Planters and Mechanic Bank-Other Banks Meet Promptly All De mands-Confidence Restored. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. PETERSBURG, May 19, 1884. The Planters and Mechanics Bank, of thi city, suspended payment and closed it doors this morning at half-past 9 o'clock a half-hour after opening for business The following paper, which was posted o the front door, explained the situation : NOTICE.-Owing to the stringency in the mone market. caused in great part by the present finan cial crisis. this bank is forced temporarily to sus pend operations. A statement of the condition o the bank is now weing prepared, which will 1 made public as soon as possible, and we assure it will prove satisfactory to the most scrutinizing By order of the Board of Directors. J. T. YOUNG, President. There was a sharp run on this bank o Saturday, which it was hoped and believe would be withstood. The run again com menced this morning as soon as the door were opened, and it was deemed necessar to suspend. The suspension caused a goo deal of feeling and uneasiness upon th streets, and gave rise to a vigorous run o several hours upon the Petersburg Saving and Insurance Bank and the Bank of Peters burg. These banks were fully prepare and promptly met, dollar for dollar, ever demand made upon them. It was notice able that the run was made by the smalle depositors. These banks have an abun dance of money on hand to meet all thei obligations, and while small amounts wer being withdrawn large sums were being deposited by the wealthier class. Thi fact restored confidence and gave assuranc of the perfect solvency of these banks, and by 1 o'clock the run had stopped, all ex citement had ceased, and business at thei counters had resumed its healthful routine It 18 said that the suspënsion of the Plan ters and Mechanics Bank will be only temporary, and that business will be re sumed as soon as the securities it holds car be realized upon. This bank was one o the depositories of the State as well as o the city. It is understood that the city ha on deposit with it to-day a very insignifi cant sum, if any. The suspension of this bank caused th assignment during the day of the large and well-known liquor-house of Messrs. Strat ton & Co., on Old street. All feeling of uneasiness and furthe trouble has disappeared this afternoon, and confidence is expressed that no furthe complications will result. In the Mayor's Court this morning the case of young George C. Orgain, who wa arrested here on Saturday on suspicion o having stolen a horse and buggy valued a $350, the property of W. H. Cosby, o Richmond. was called for examination It was shown in the evidence that the voung man had bured the horse and bugg

3. May 20, 1884 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, May 20, 1884

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FINANCIAL AFFAIRS. I A Few More Business Failures, New York, 19.-The - sympathy extended to Donnell, Lawson and Simpson has induced them to submit a proposition to creditors which may result in resuming in a few days. M. Morton, dealer in china, has failed for $25,000. There are no statements of suspended firms. The application to the vice-chancellor for an order to require president D dd to show cause why he should net be punished for disobedience of the court of chancery, in removing the banks assets out|of the state, was laid over pending developments. The run on other saving banks ceased to-day. W. B. Scott & Co., brokers, have suspended. Petersburg, Va., 19 -In consequence of heavy runs, as well as on other banks, the Planters and Me chanics bank has temporarily sus pended. A notice by the board of directors and president says a satisfactory statement will be made. The bank 18 believed to be able to pay every cent. Erie, Pa, 19.-The Erie County Savings bank, this city, suspended this morning. Capital, $150,000, liabilitie-, $300,000 It is said the president has been dabbling in oil. He is said to have left the city.

4. May 24, 1884 The Daily Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Dispatch, May 24, 1884

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PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. The Election-The Deed of the Planters and Mechanics Bank, &c. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] PETERSBURG. Mav 23, 1884. The total registered vote of this city is 4,900; the total vote yesterday was 4,531being within 369 of the registration. The Republican vote was 2,788; the Democratic, 1,743. Of the registered voters 2 567 are colored, and the colored people almost entirely voted the Republican ticket. The majorities for the general Republican ticket range from 1,000 to 1,045. They carry five of the six wards, one ward only-the Fourth-remaining true to Democracy. The Republicans elect ten councilmen and the Democrats two. Six Republicas and six Democrats hold over in the Council for two years longer. The resuit of yesterday's election will give the Republicans sixteen of the twenty-four councilmen after the 1st of July, or a twothirds vote in that body; and to give them entire control of municipal affairs. It is curious to note that while the negroes constitute the great body of the Republican voters of the city, yet every colored man on the ticket WSS considerably behind his white confreres. General Mahone came to the city yesterday, and voted in the Fourth ward. He left as soon as he deposited his ballot. He was visited and serenaded at his residence by a large crowd late last night. He spoke briefly, and referred to the victory in Petersburg as the precursor of a more gloriOHS Republican victory in November. The deed of the Planters and Mechanics Bank, which has been recorded in the clerk's office here, gives discretionary powers to the trustees-Messrs. W. B. Mellwaine and Robert Gilliam-to whom have been assigned all the assets of the bank of every description (real, personal, and mixed), wherever found and in whosesoever hands; all specie, bullion, exchange, or balances; all debts and demands due to said bank; all furniture, fixtures, safes, vaults, books, bank-notes, and papers owned by the bank; all mortgages and deeds of trust upon real and personal property held by the bank; all life- and fire-insurance policies owned and held by the bank also the bank building on Sycamore street. The assets, when collected, are to be divided pro rata among the creditors, without preference or priority. A meeting of the stockholders and depositors in the bank is to be held to-night to take such steps as may be deemed advisable for the protection of their interests. The condition of Mr. R. F. Charles, who fell yesterday from the upper story of the engine-house on Bank street, is very critical to-day. His injuries are such as to give little hope of his recovery. The condition of Mr. Thomas J. Davis, charged with the murder of John Ditmar, is also very precarious. The arrangements for the Music Convention and Festival next week are complete. Many important questions will be discussed in the Convention. The Festival is a State affair, and will be a grand event. The next festival will probably be held in Richmond. The Academy of Music is to be very handsomely decorated throughout-on the stage, the auditorium, and the vestibule-and the city itself will be decorated in honor of the occasion. ROBIN ADAIR.

5. May 25, 1884 The Daily Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Dispatch, May 25, 1884

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ALL OVER THE STATE. PETERSBURG. Meeting of Creditors of the Planters and Mechanics Bank, &c. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.) May 24, 1884. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Central Lunatic Asylum held evening before last the proposals for work to be done to finish the asylum buildings were opened and the contracts awarded. A meeting of the creditors of the suspended Planters and Mechanics Bankboth depositors and stockholders-was held last night, and was quite largely attended. Mr. E. B. Bain presided, and Mr. S. M. Green acted as secretary. The object of the meeting was to consult as to the proper action to be pursued in reference to the interests of the creditors. It was stated in behalf of the trustees that an expert would be appointed to examine the books of the bank; that every obligation would be enforced. and that everything would be done to secure the best returns to the creditors. A committee of five was appointed to select an expert book-keeper, not connected with the bank, to make careful examination of the books; make a detailed statement of the assets and liabilities of the bank at the dates when the two last dividends were made, and on the day of suspension: to give an account of the losses of the bank. showing when, how, and by whom made; an account showing any over-checking at the above dates, by whom. what amounts, and by what collaterals secured; the amount of capital stock, showmg when. how, and by whom paid, &c. This committee, it is understood, will select an expert and submit his name to the trustees for acceptance, to be employed and paid by them. A committee was also appointed to examine the minutes of the Board of Directors from its organization to the day of suspension. The congregation of Tabb-Street Presbyterian church are encouraged to hope that the Rev. Peyton H. Hoge. of Richmond, will accept the call to the pastoral charge of that church. I am informed by Mayor Jarratt that the statement telegraphed the Dispatch of the appointment of negro special policemen in this city for duty on election-day was an error. that be appointed no colored men for police duty. and that his selections were made from both political parties. The statement was telegraphed under a misápprehension of the facts. and of course with no intention of doing Mayor Jarratt any injustice. This misapprehension arose from the appearance of one or two colored men with badges on at the polls, which were taken from them as soon as discoROBIN ADAIR. vered.

6. May 30, 1884 The Daily Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Daily Dispatch, May 30, 1884

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The State Deposits in Petersburg. The Planters and Mechanics Bank in Petersburg was a depository of State funds, and $154,000 were placed therein at the instance of Governor William E. Cameron. A bond of $150,000 was required of the bank, and it gave as sureties Messrs. J. T. Young, Ed. White, H. B. Parker, B. A. Davis, G. E. Perkinson, and G. Baker Eanes. The surety-bond was $4,000 less than the amount deposited. This was at variance with the customary rule recommended by the Governor, which rule was to deposit only half the amount mentioned in the bonds of the banks becoming State depositories. Some weeks ago Treasurer Barksdale checked out of the Planters and Mechanics Bank $40,000, butsoon thereafter Governor Cameron ordered $25,000 from the Lynchburg Bank (also a State depository) to be placed to the credit of the Planters and Mechanics Bank in Petersburg. When the bank in Petersburg suspended it owed the State $135,873.34. Suit has been entered by the Attorney-General in behalf of the State against the bank and against its sureties for failure to pay over to the State the amount deposited in the bank at the time of suspension. Notice has been served upon the parties in interest, and the case will be heard in the Richmond City Circuit Court June 10th next. Attorney-General Blair, in connection with this case. has asked and gotten an injunction Thursday, May 29th, from Judge Wellford against the bank, its officers, and the persons above named, to prevent them from making any transfer of their property or disposing of it in any way. and annu.ling some assignments already made.

7. May 30, 1884 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, May 30, 1884

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# THE STATE DEPOSITS IN PETERSBURG.- The Planters and Mechanics Bank in Petersburg was a depository of State funds, and $154,000 were placed therein at the instance of Gov. Wm. E. Cameron. A bond of $150,000 was required of the bank, and it gave as sureties Messrs. J. T. Young, Ed. White, H. B. Parker, B. A. Davis, G. E. Perkinson and G. Baker Eanes. The surety-bond was $4,000 less than the amount deposited. This was at variance with the customary rule recommended by the Governor which rule was to deposit only half the amount mentioned in the bonds of the banks becoming State depositories. Some weeks ago Treasurer Barksdale checked out of the Planters and Mechanics Bank $40,000, but soon thereafter Gov. Cameron ordered $25,000 from the Lynchburg Bank (also a State depository) to be placed to the credit of the Planters and Mechanics Bank in Petersburg. "When the bank in Petersburg suspended it owed the State $135,373.34. Suit has been entered by the Attorney-General in behalf of the. State against the bank and against its sureties for failure to pay over to the State the amount deposited in the bank at the time of suspension. Notice has been served upon the parties in interest, and the case will be heard in the Richmond City Circuit Court June 10th next. Attorney General Blair, in connection with this case, has asked and gotten an injunction Thursday, May 29th, from Judge Wellford against the bank, its officers, and the persons above named, to prevent them from making any transfer of their property or disposing of it in any way, and annulling some assignments already made.—Richmond Dispatch of to-day.

8. July 19, 1884 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, July 19, 1884

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THE STATE AT LARGE. PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. The Planters and Mechanics Bank; The Grand Jury Investigating the Causes of Failure: Great Interest in the Community. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] JULY 18, 1834. It was intimated in this correspondence several days ago that the grand jury would probably undertake the investigation of some matters of very important local interest. This statement is confirmed by the fact that the grand jury has been all day investigating the causes which led to the failure of the Planters and Mechanics Bank, with the view of ascertaining whether criminality attaches to any one in the management of its affairs and settingal rest the damaging rumors that have long been affoat in the city in reference to the management of that institution. When the grand jury met this morning at 11 o'clock a number of witnesses were sworn and sent before them to testify in reference to the matter. About 12 o'clock, while the trial of Thomas J. Davis for the killing of John Ditmar was in progress, the grand jury came into the court-room. and on being asked if they had any presentments to make the foreman. Mr. Hugh R. Smith, addressing the Judge, said that during the examination of a witness the attention of the grand jury was called to the existence of a paper hearing upon the partial examination of the affairs of the bank in 1874 which it was deemed important to have In evidence. It was ascertained that this paper was in the possession of Mr. W. L. Watkins. A request was sent to that gentleman for the paper. but he declined to surrender it. The grand jury. therefore, asked the Court what should be done in the matter. Mr. Watkins. who was in court. read the note that he had received from the foreman of the grand jury, and on being sworn stated that the paper referred to as in his hands is in his possession as counsel for two well-known gentlemen, and is regarded as of the most material importance in a suit It proposed to bring, involving a large amount of money. He considers the possession of this paper a sacred pledge, and believes that if it should be made pubat this time it would seriously prejudice and damage the case. Mr. Watkins disclaimed any intention to disobey the orders the grand jury. or to show any want of respect for that body. The foreman (Mr. Smith) said it was understood that the paper in question had been obtained by Mr. Watkins from Mr. T. Patteson, & witness before the grand jury, whose property it was supposed be. At this point Judge Mann said the Court in the midst of thetrialof an important involving capital punishment, and he could not allow the trial to be suspended go into a hearing of the question raised the grand jury. That could be settled another time, and meanwhile the grand jury could return to their room to proceed with the examination of other witnesses, the investigation of other matters before them. The grand jury thereupon retired. and question of the surrender of the important paper in question was laid over settlement hereafter. The matter will loubtless be argued at some length, as it involves some interesting points. The court-room crowded at the time. the attention of every person present for the while turned from the trial of the Davis case to the point raised by the grand jury. At 21 o'clock the jury were adjourned until 44 o'clock, when the investigation will resumed. It is hardly probable that any presentments will be made, or any report submitted for several days. It designed to examine all witnesses who can give the grand jury any information, and to make the investigation as rigid as possible. The action of the grand jury in this mathas created a genuine commotion in the and the result of the investigation is waited with intense interest. It is underfood that the paper above referred to isan ibstract of a partial examination of the at. of the bank made in 1874, which was satisfactory to some of the directors, who resigned in consequence. The Hustings Court has been engaged all Jay in the trial of the case of the Commonwealth US. Thomas J. Davis. indicted for the murder of John Ditmar several months The peculiarity about this case is that there were no witnesses to the beginning the unfortunate difficulty. Davis at the time was employed as signal-man on the connection track of the Petersburg railroad, the intersection of the Norfolk and

9. August 8, 1884 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, August 8, 1884

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sente [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispateh. PETERSBURG, August 7. 1884. On the morning of Monday. May 19th. elec. before the municipal Just three the Planters days and Mechanics Bank, of this city. tion. closed its doors and suspended business. There had been run on the bank have on which would the Saturday previous, was on Monday but that been continued suspension. Comeffectually stopped by the paratively few of the depositors, however, had drawn out their funds. great suspension of course caused were deal The of excitement in the community. surprised- The The great body of the failure people was looked upon astonished. It was given out coming a disaster the bank that the from the officers of and WAS only temporary, This suspension that the bank would pay feeling out. pacified public to statement rumors but there were vague some extent. to the effect that the bank in circulation the core, that there had was rotten of checking, with been a vast amount loans, little security to guarantee the money but really there was but little in and that the vault of the bank. Rumors went left so far as to give the names in of many busipersons, more or jess prominent inoness and society, who had thus drawn ney from the bank. AN ASSIGNMENT MADE. On Tuesday morning the 20th the dit of the bank made an assignment Gil. rectors W B. Mellwaine and Robert Messrs. Irm. Jr. trustees. The deed was a gene equiplacing all creditors upon an ral one. footing, and giving preference table This assign ment gave rise to vigor- in one. and confirmed the public ous opinion comment. that the affairs of the bank inextri- had the been badly manage d. and were cably mixed The State had on deposit in and the West- bank $135,000 and the Norfolk about crn Railroad Company about $18,000. numerous. The indi vidual depositors were very ACTION OF THE CREDITORS. of the tended meeting On the night of the 23d of creditors May largely of the stor! holders ank-depositors and such held in Mechanies' Hall to take for the promight be decined necessary tection of their inte for pted the Resolution five cointment of no in book way connecte with that ith the bank, expert in of and bank idends divi and the bank committee amine Board minutes the the report M: Grs cCandlish the of W feditors. known. will be held THE TAKES MATTER HE GRAND JURY HAND. the On the third Thursday in July met Court ings of charge Mann grand Judge shile not directing Me end Bank. and 80 pointed. the in be no mistake he manage Lished that The grand ent body of Hugh citizens John John Ford. Griffin. Cain. John Bridgers Aug. Wright Thrift, Bailey, D. Jame Bowie, starke, Badger, Blick, and After view reports publicly should placing criminality where belonged THE The and clock At 12 address follow nd submitted st of presentments TO GRAND JURY the To H Judge The Hono their body May, In grand of negligent deand of ositors bank the find could other bich could proceedings, the which ave been now the ury this that fact ention Hono your bake this feel they owe to the perwhich they the public genuly and to and Je has of Petersburg been the loss rally As great of this bank jury which the failure the the intailed upon the indirectly upon ositors directly, and confidence in the of our ity bank State ublic by impairing places of deposit will in the end directing the it money. serve the purpose to of to the eneral Assembly SOOD the existing laws of censity of amending rulating banking inbetter be ations. Commonwealth with view to W recuring ith more strinsection to depositors. our statuteent laws than those now of of things such condition of the grand ury to invo estigate has been the duty at the present of would court TIII your Honor's no rare. If. hand, other the on

10. August 16, 1884 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, August 16, 1884

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PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. Delegates to the Virginia Conference-The Special Election for Assembiyman-A Large Anti-Brady Meeting. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.) PETERSBURG, August 15. 1884. At the session of the Petersburg District Conference at Jarratt's Depôt yesterday the following lav delegates to the Virginia Annual Conference were chosen: John W. Bradbury, J. J. Ivey, J. A. Winfield, and W.H. Wheary. Addresses were delivered during the day by Rev. Dr. Edwards and Rev. S. S. Lambeth. In the Mayor's Court this morning the case of Mack Gilliam (colored). who has been in jail since the 22d of July, charged with being an accomplice in the burning of the peanut-factories on Lombard street, was called for examination. The evidence failed to connect him with the arson, and he was discharged. At a meeting of the two Executive Committees of the Republican party held 10 the court-bouse last night Dr. David F. May was nominated for the House of Delegates to fill the vacancy from this city. It is understood that Mr. James M. B. Steward will run as an independent candidate against the Republican nominee. A political meeting, very significant in point of the number present, was held here last night. It was gotten up quietly by the anti-Brady wing of the Republican party, and addresses were delivered by Senator Gaines, Congressman Hooper. and several colored speakers-all of whom, except Senator Gaines, announced themselves as candidates for Congress. The contest among the Repubheans for the nomination is growing very interesting, and should the opposition combine against Colonel Brady it is thought there would be very little doubt of his defeat in the Convention. The meeting last night was attended by fully five hundred persons. and the cheering of the crowd could be heard all through the city. It is said that the opposition to Colonel Brady is not so much on personal grounds as because he IS looked upon as the representative of machine methods. of which the people are growing tired. It is reported that in the large upper counties of the district the machine" has few friends. It is furthermore said that while the colored people generally favor a colored congressman, their strength 18 divided among several aspirants, and will probably be centered upon no particular one, and this fact may defeat their objects in the end. Captain B. J. Epes, who was yesterday nominated for judge of Dinwiddie county, is a prominent lawyer, very popular among his people, and will grace the bench. Warrants were this morning issued for the arrest of two white men who are charged with breaking into the house of Jane Lessenbury last night. The woman shot at them with her pistol, and was subsequently knocked down and her pistol takenaway. As the noon train for Richmond was ap. proaching the southern depôt to-day, the engine jumped the track near the junction of Sycamore and Washington streets, where there is a sharp curve in the road. A delay of fully an hour occurred before the engine could be gotten back. At the instance of the State, which had $135,000 in the Planters and Mechanics Bank, processes have to-day been served upon several of the late directors of that bank requiring them to appear before a proper officer to answer the usual interrogatories to be propounded in such cases. ROBIN ADAIR.

11. September 3, 1884 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, September 3, 1884

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THROUGH THE STATE. PETERSBURG. The Planters and Mechanics Case-The Petitions of the State and the Sureties-Arguments as to the Jurisdiction of the Bustimes Court. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] SEPTEMBER 2, 1884. The Hustings Court to-day took up the case of the Planters and Mechanics Bank. It being understood that the question of the jurisdiction of the court would be raised and argued, nearly all the members of the bar were present to hear the speeches. Captain John Lyon, of Richmond, of counsel for Mr. Benjamin A. Davis and George E. Perkinson, called the attention of the Court to the petition of those gentlemen to be made a party defendant in the suit of Williams and others against the Planters and Mechanics Bank. The petition sets forth in full the ground of this application. The petitioners are the only two surities on the bank's bond to the State who were not directors of the bank, and in no wise responsible for its management. They have large interests in this suit, and ask leave to tile their answer. Major Stringfellow, of Richmond, asked leave to file the petition of Treasurer Barksdale. The petition sets forth in full the claim of the State and the grounds upon which It is asserted. It asks that the State be made a party defendant to the suit of Williams and others against the bank; that the cause be transferred to the Circuit Court of Richmond: that the Court will declare the deed of the 19th of May. made by the directors of the bank, null and void; and that a receiver be appointed to collect all moneys due the bank and apply them to the payment of the State's claim, for which priority over all other claims is alleged by reason of judgment and execution. which have been obtained. and which are now in the bands of the Sheriff of Richmond. Major Stringfellow declared there was no design to gain any advantage by the removal of this cause to Richmond. The facts are that the Attorney-General and Treasurer of the State reside in Richmond, and that as 4 matter of public policy and public convenience the cause should be removed there. He then read the sections of the law under which the motion for transfer was made. He ably argued the question at length, and was heard with great interest. Mr. GeorgeS Bernard asked leave to file a petition in behalf of the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company, praying the Court to take cognizance of the pendancy of the suits of the company, the Citizens Bank of Blacks-and-Whites, and the Union Bank of New York against the bank. in which the validity of the deed of assignment is questioned, and for whose claims judgments and executions havebeen obtained. These suits will mature at the October term of the court. Captain Lyon, of counsel for Messrs. Davis and Perkinson, concurred in the argument of Major Stringfeliow in favor of the removal of the cause to Richmond. R. T. Wilson, representing the general creditors of the bank. utterly denied the allegation of fraud made in the State's petition. He asserted that the Commonwealth is a party plaintif. and of its own choosing. In the suit of Williams and others the State came in and regularly proved its claim. Conditionally or unconditionally, the Commonwealth is a party plaintiff in this cause. Being such, will the Court make the State a party defendant for the purpose of ousting the jurisdiction of the Hustings Court? This suit was not brought to affect any claim of the Commonwealth. and the State was made a party plaintiff therein. Mr. Wilson argued at length

12. October 14, 1884 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, October 14, 1884

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THE STATE AT LARGE. PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. A snuff Factory Burned-Loss and Insurnace-Political Notes-Meeting of Creditors. |Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] PETERSBURG. Va., October 13, 1884. Between 11 and 12 o'clock on Saturday night the suuff factory belonging to Messrs. A.J. Campbell & Co., located in Dinwiddie county about one mile west of the city, was set fire to by some unknown person, and was totally destroyed, with all of its contents. The first Intimation the watchman had of the fire was the sight of the building in flames. The Messra. Campbell are young Englishmen, who have been residing here only a few years. They bad recently enlarged their factory. and introduced new and improved machinery. Their loss on stock is as follows: 75,000 pounds leaf tobacco, valued at 83.750; 30,000 pounds of ground snuff, worth $2,700; 40,000 pounds of stems. $300; 12,000 pounds flavorings, 8300; total on stock, $7,050. on which there is no insursuce. The building and machinery were valued at $6,800. On these there is sn insurance of 8750 on the building in be Phonix Company, of London. and $1,200 on the machinery in the Commercial Union, of London. Within the past few months the amount of insurance on the property bad been reduced. The loss above insurance is $11,950. The factory employed twenty hands. It will be rebuilt at onee. Several very excellent tracts of land in Dinwiddie county, more or less distant from Petersburg, were offered at auction on Saturday, but the prices bid were not satisfactory and they were withdrawn. The Republicans of the Brady faction are making efforts, by personal canvass and otherwise, to secure a big audience for Senator Plumb and Mr. Schoonmaker on Wednesday night. They are holding meetings In one or another of the wards nearly every night, with the view of keeping alive the interest in the canvass. The Evans men are doing the same thing. and an evening or two ago, with very little notice, they had N meeting of one thousand voters to hear their speakers. Within the last two or three days a number of Republican politicians have been in this city. The object of their assembling here is not known. A call has been published for a meeting of the creditors of the broken Planters and Mechanics Bank and of citizens interested in the matter, to be held to-night at the court-house to decide whether or not counsel shall be employed to assist the Commonwealth's attorney in the prosecution of the officials of the bank who have been presented by the grand jury, as well as to assist in other matters which involve the interests of the creditors. The matter has caused considerable comment on the street. The Hustings Court will meet on Thursday of this week. and all the cases, both criminal and civil, connected with the bank are expected to come up at this term. All the officials who have been presented have employed counsel to defend them in court, and each and every one at them, it is said, feels confident of an acquittal. Probably no cases in the eriminal annals of our city will excite more interest in the community than these. On account of the publicity that has been given them it is thought there may be some difficulty in obtaining juries in the city, One of the first and most important of the civil cases in connection with the suite against the bank to be de-

13. January 24, 1885 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, January 24, 1885

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ALL OVER THE STATE. PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. The Pinnters and Mechanics Bank CaseReceivers Asked For. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] PETERSBURG, January 23, 1885. The argument in the suit brought by the State to test the validity of the assignment made by the directors of the Planters and Mechanics Bank on the 20th of May last, the day after the failure of the bank, was begun in the Hustings Court to-day at 12 clock. As the discussion was altogether on legal points, which are to be decided by the Judge, very few persons outside of the bar were present. After consultation between counsel representing all the varied interests, it was agreed as to the order of the speakers and as to the vital points to be argued. The two latter were as follows 1st. Was the assignment made by the Board of Directors without the authority or consent of the stockholders, and without consultation with them, a valid one? 2d. Whether or not, after a decree of account had been rendered in the case of an insolvent bank, a judgment will give any creditor priority over other creditors. In this particular case the State obtained a judgment for $135,000 deposited in the bank, but said judgment was not obtained until after the decree of account had been rendered. At 3 o'clock, and after argument from several of the counsel, the court adjourned for dinner. A number of lawyers are yet to speak. Among them, Messrs. Guy & Gilliam, of Richmond, and Mr. Martin, of Scottsville, for the State. The argument throughout was very interesting. A bill is to be filed, praying the Court to substitute receivers for the trustees, but naming the trustees, Messrs. Mellwaine and Gilliam, as the receivers. The authorities submitted to the Court by both sides are voluminous, and the judge will, of course, take the case under advisement, and will not render his decision until a later day in ROBIN ADAIR. the term.

14. February 10, 1885 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, February 10, 1885

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PETERSBURG AND VICINITY. The Plauters-and-Mechanics-Bank Deed Declared Valid-Cutting Affray. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. PETERSBURG, February 9, 1885. At the session of the Hustings Court to-day Judge E. M. Mann delivered his opinion in the matter of the suit of the State and other judgment-creditors to test the validity of the deed made on the 20th of May last by the directors of the Planters and Mechanics Bank, which was SO fully and SO ably argued before him some two weeks ago. The assignment was made in accordance with a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. The Judge reviewed all the facts in the case and all the authorities on leading cases of the kind in the United States, and he decided that, upon principle and authority, the deed was a good and valid one; that the directors were not interested in the bank in a manner to debar them from making the deed, and that they did exactly what they should have done-viz., make a proper and right disposition of the assets of the bank for the benefit of its creditors. The bill of the State was therefore dismissed, and the demurrer to the bills of other judgment-creditors was sustained. The Judge furthermore read a decree directing the trustees of the bank to forthwith distribute pro rata among the creditors all the funds in their hands derived from the assets of the bank, and also to sell the bank building, at the corner of Sycamore street and Courthouse avenue. Mr. Gilliam, of Richmond, was the only one of the State's counsel present, but counsel for other judgment-creditors were in court. After consultation between them it was decided to ask the Court for a suspending order for the period of thirty days for the purpose of allowing them to prepare a petition and make up the record for an appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia. This the Court granted, with the request if such arrangement could be made that the appeal be placed on the preferred docket of the Supreme Court for an early hearing. It was intimated that the case might be heard in the Supreme Court within the next sixty days. It is learned from the trustees that they have about $90,000 in hand, which will enable them to pay at once a dividend of about 20 per cent. The people here, where the great majority 9 of the creditors reside, have never felt any uneasiness that Judge Mann's deI cision would be other than that rendered to-day, but they did not expect that an appeal would be taken. At a late hour on Saturday night a fight occurred on Old street between two negroes named Sawney Johnson and David Hunter, in which the former used a razor with serious results on the latter. Hunter's face was gashed in a frightful manner, and his nose was cut wide open from base to tip. The wounds are dangerous, but not thought to be fatal. Johnson is in jail. Bishop Whittle will visit the Episconal-churches in this city on the 20th of March to administer the rite of confirmation. H. C. Osermore, of Dinwiddie county, has recently lost by theft nearly one half of a barnful of tobacco. This morning he captured a wagon-load of it in this city. There were no arrests made, however. This is the third week of the Metholist union prayer-meetings here, and the interest in them is still kept up. Large crowds attend each nightly meetng, and there have been a number of conversions. The Tobacco Association to-day disussed the new by-laws prepared by the committee to meet the changes required which

15. February 13, 1885 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, February 13, 1885

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The Petersburg-Bank Case. [By telegraph to the Dispatch.] PETERSBURG, Feb. 12, 1885. In the Hustings Court to-day Judge Mann handed down his opinion in the case of the suit of the State of Virginia against the Planters and Mechanics Bank, and as it appears from the opinion that no suspending order was asked by the counsel for the State, no appeal will be taken to the Supreme Court of Appeals. The trustees of the bank will execute the order of the Court as soon as practicable-probably within the next thirty days. The trustees have on hand about $90,000, which is sufficient to pay a dividend of 22 per cent. to the creditors.

16. October 12, 1889 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, October 12, 1889

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# THE FINE ROMAN HAND. I was not deceived from the beginning. I detected his fine Roman hand in the proceedings and soon uncovered it. And yet, while I have his letter acknowledging such authorship under circumstances of which any other man would be ashamed, and when he says in that letter that it "never occurred to him" that anything said could be construed into a reflection upon you personally and politically and that nothing was more remote from my intention," yet he has once, twice, thrice, renewed the charge, each time more offensively and each time, as his nature is, under cover. But whether it was filtered through Mr. Ogden, of the Philadelphia Press, or a later correspondent of the New York Press, or the anonymous circular issued from General Mahone's headquarters the other day, the real authorship is apparent, and is deserving of the denunciation which I can best express by silence. In conclusion of this branch of the subject I desire to say that any man who states or intimates that I was influenced in my call of the extra session of the Legislature in 1884 by any other consideration than that of obedience to my oath under the Constitution is a liar and also a coward unless he makes his charges directly to me and over his own name. The pretext upon which those assaults have been based is my connection, official and personal, with the Planters and Mechanics Bank of the city of Petersburg. I assert, without fear of contradiction, that for all the public money deposited in that bank there was a bond taken with securities reputed to be worth at the time double the amount, and that no capitalist in Virginia at that date would have considered the security insufficient for the amount involved. it is also true (see House Journal, Extra Session, 1884, page 279) that any excessive loss from the State deposit in that bank is not due to any neglect of mine. For it will be found there that I vigorously protested against, and defeated, a proposition to allow the sureties to compromise their indebtedness. I killed that effort then. Subsequently a compromise was made, but not under my administration; and I admit no responsibility. As to my personal connection with the bank little need be said. Every dollar I borrowed from it was based upon collateral then worth double the amount, and which other bankers all over the State were glad to lend me money en at much more liberal terms. I over-checked when the bank failed. I paid the overcheck, by telegraph so soon as notified. Then, as to my loan account, I promptly surrendered everything I had, and paid, and have continued to pay, not only my own indebtedness, but towards that of a partner who is an absconding debtor. I am sure the officers of the bank will testify as to the legitimacy of my transaction therewith, and that the trustees, Messrs. K. Gilliam and W. B. Meliwaine, who now have the matters of the institution in charge, will certify that I have withheld no assets, proposei no compromise, interposed no objection, but, being a victim of circumstances, have done what I could. Could other people say the same with truth the condition of the State and other creditors of this bank might not be so bad. It is an old saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. General Mahone had a son who owed the bank many thousands of dollars without one cent of personal or collateral security therefor, and not a dollor of that debt has ever been paid. On the contrary, In time to prevent legal seizure of his son's assets General Mahone obtained from him a deed which forever excludes the state of Virginia or any other creditor of the bank from making reclamation of one cent of the many thousands of dollars involved. I have paid all that I had in discharge of a debt which I acknowledged, and I am still paying, and shall continue to hold myself bound until it is discharged. This paper is written with no feeling of malice, nor desire to injure any one; but there is a point in the life of every man at which patience under persecution ceases to be a virtue, and that point I have reached. What I have here said is personal, and I wish it to be divorce, as far as possible, from any political significance. That I am opposed to General Mahone for the governorship is well known, but I should not have obtruded upon the public my personal compiaint against him in order to accomplish his political defeat. I could have continued for that matter to suspend my personal resentment, and even if necessary offer it up as a sacrifice on the altar of party duty. But he recognizes no generosity; he mistakes discretion for cowardice, and he has at last forced me to the occasion when the issue must be made, man to man. WILLIAM E. CAMERON. Petersburg, Va., October 11, 1880.