From the Norfolk (Va.) Virginian-Pilot, 10/10/1900, p. 8, c. 1

RELICS FOUND IN RICHMOND.
A Woman’s Dress Made Altogether of Confederate Cloth.
MEMENTOES OF THE WAR.
…
(Special to Virginian-Pilot.)

Richmond, Va., Oct. 9. – The appraisers of the estate of Miss Elizabeth Van Lew, who was known here during the civil war as a Federal spy, made an examination of her handsome residence in the eastern portion of the city this morning, and discovered a number of very interesting relics.

Among them was a woman’s dress made altogether of Confederate cloth. It is supposed to have been worn by Miss Van Lew as a disguise, since its size would indicate that it was intended for her.

There was also discovered an officer’s sword – a most splendid weapon – a case of rare books and a number of other interesting mementoes of the great civil struggle.

It has long been supposed that the old house, which stands on a hill overlooking the river, had a secret passageway underneath wherein were concealed the Federal officers who escaped from Libby prison, but no traces of it have so far been discovered.

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