From the Richmond Dispatch, 10/31/1900, p. 5, c. 3

VAN LEW PROPERTY SOLD.
Large Crowd and a Great Rush for Relics – Good Prices.

Such property belonging to the late Miss Van Lew as was not sent to Baltimore to be sold was put up at auction yesterday without reserve and sold to the highest bidder. The sale was very largely attended.

The more valuable pieces of furniture had all been sent to Boston, but there were some very interesting pieces, and, while prices were not high, it was generally conceded that the sale, as a whole, surpassed all expectations.

A large part of the people in attendance upon the sale were drawn by curiosity. They were anxious to see the house and grounds, the furniture and the secret chamber. There was a rush for souvenirs, such as flowers, pieces of shrubbery, letters, old papers, &c. This was carried so far that police officers were called upon to stop it.

Some excitement was caused by a fire breaking out near the entrance to the room used, supposedly, to conceal northern prisoners who escaped from Libby Prison during the war. It is supposed that some one dropped a match while going into the dark recesses of the chamber. The blaze was promptly extinguished.

Some idea of the prices realized can be gathered from the following: An old gas-stove, $1.60; a stone mortar, a picture frame and a water-cooler, 60 cents; five demijohns, 25 cents for the lot; lot of crockery, glass and cutlery, 50 cents to $2,10; two cheap pictures, 70 cents each; an old iron safe, $3; a mahogany folding table, $2; old-fashioned chairs, 80 cents each; a large mahogany wardrobe, $16.50; a gilt frame mirror, $2,50, and other smaller articles, including a gilt mirror, covered with cobwebs and dirt, $3.70; the parlor carpet, a Brussels of old design, $7; a high-post mahogany bedstead, $1; a hair mattress, $5; an old washstand, $1.60, and a small mahogany bedstead, $1.59; feather pillows, $1.10 each.

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