From the Richmond Whig, 4/20/1865, p. 5, c. 2
HOTEL ENTERPRISE. – John P. Ballard, Esq., proprietor of the Ballard House, has gone on to New York to purchase an entire new outfit of hotel furniture, with a view to the speedy re-opening of the Ballard on a grander scale than ever before. There is a rumor that Paren Stevens, of New York, will be associated with Mr. Ballard in its control.