CORRESPONDENCE.

How glorious is this invention Of writing, where
by we can easily communicate to our absent friends
whatever may afford them pleasure or Improvement "

ALEXANDRIA. June /, 1876.
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ALEXANDRIA, June ], 1916.


MEssRs. EDlroRs: One of the most SOL
emn and affecting scenes have ever wit
messed was the funeral OF WM.s G. DoBiE
yesterday afternoon. Contrary to the usual
custom on such occasions, music was dis.
pensed with, and the mortal remains Of young
D. were borne in silence to the grave, pre-
ceded by the Friendship, Hydraulion, and
Sun Fire Companies, Of which last he was a
member, and followed by the officiating cer-
gymen, Rev. Messrs. JoB GUEST and JOHN S..
REESE, and long train OF sorrowing friends
and acquaintances. The fremen did moi ap-
pear in uniform, but were designated only BY
small ribbon worn upon the left breast, and
by the usual badge of mourning on the LETT
arm the coffin, instead Of being placed in a
hearse, was borne upon bier, covered with
black pail, upon which lay the uniform Of
the deceased. 1t seems to me that there is
something far more impressive and solemn in
bearing our departed friends to their last rest
| ing place in this manner than in the usual os-
teNtHuuuS pdlduc VI ACdioCo, caliio6S03 49, !,
and really hope the example now set may be
so followed up that il may become an estab-
Iished custom. am pleased to observe, too,
that music is dispensed with. never could
see the propriety Of its use on such occasions,
whether on Sunday or not, and | hope it will
in future be omitted.


The subject Of retrocession to Virginia con-
tinues 10 occupy large share Of attention,
all eyes being directed to the Senate. Petitions
and remonstrances are in circulation, but the
signatures to the former are by far the most
numerous. regret exceedingly the action Of
| your Councils on the subject. Our citizens
cannot but regard it as most unwarrantable
interference in matters not concerning your
municipal interests, and as exhibiting spirit
foreign to that which has ever characterized
the official intercourse between our corporate
authorities and yours. To say that our peo-
pie are deeply Indignant would be inadequately
to express their feelings at hearing Of this most
uncalled for proceeding, and there can be no
doubt but it will tend to unite US all in epposi-
ton to this invasion Of onr rights and in favor
Of the measure sought to be defeated. We
are not meddlesome or quarrelling people,
but our motto is Of revolutionary memory,
Don't tread on me-" L.