****************** Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee County, New York State August 20-1864 Welcome Dinner.-A large party assembled at a public dinner on Thursday last, at the Hotel of Mr. David HOOPER, of Bergen Corners, to welcome this popular landlord back to his old quarters. The dinner was a most, sumptuous affair and embraced every luxury in season, and was served up in a manner that entitles "mine host" to lasting credit for the pleasure and entertainment his many friends enjoyed on the occasion. Nearly one hundred couple[sic] partook of this dainty fare and in the evening, those so disposed, enjoyed a social "hop" to wind up the pleasures of the day. We hope Mr. H. will long be spared to welcome his friends at the Corners. * * Sisters of Mercy.-On Sunday evening last quite an interesting ceremony took place at the Catholic Church in this village, viz the reception (taking the white veil) into the convent of the Sisters of Mercy of Miss Catherine HENESSY, of Rochester, known in religion as Sister Mary Elexus. The church was crowded on the occasion, and an able sermon was preached by Bishop TIMON. We are glad to learn that in their peculiar province these self sacrificing women are doing much good. * * Boy Drowned.-On Thursday last a little boy about eight years of age, was drowned in the Creek south of the village. It appears that his parents had left him at home whilst they were off at work, when he went to the Creek to bathe and was drowned. His body was subsequently recovered. * * Watch Stolen.-'Courier' says: Some bold and desperate villain entered the house of Bishop TIMON, at Buffalo, on Sunday, while he was absent, at Batavia, and stole a valuable gold watch. * * Furnished Substitutes. The following persons in the town of Batavia, liable to draft, have furnished three years' substitutes, which have been duly credited on the town quota under the late call for 500,000 men:- B.B. FERREN W.H. STORY H.U. HOWARD O.W. LORD Jerome ROWAN S. MASSE John DELINGER H.T. CROSS Wilber SMITH W. VanDeBogart William HOYT T.S. GLOVER A.J. ANDREWS Alvin T. SMITH David Y. SMITH A.D. TRYON O.S. PRATT Patrick Donohue S.B. PIERSON George KENYON D.M. JONES Eugene WAKEMAN Joseph HOUTSMAN Edward WALKER W.G. BRYAN Frank CARPER Seth B. GATES James N. OTIS O.R. CLARK V.R. TERRY Benj. GRAHAM * * New School at Bergen Corners. We learn that the old Capt. WILCOX Tavern stand at Bergen Corners, has been sold to Mr.B.F. HAMILTON of Bethany, for the sum of $1600, and Mr. H. intends to remodel the same for the purpose of commencing a Boarding School. For some years this building has been in a dilapidated condition and partially unoccupied, for, it with hundreds of other taverns had to succumb when the stage business was superceded by railroads. We hope the good intentions will be carried out and a permanent school established at the Corners where such an institution is much needed. * * Dance at Jenny LIND Hall, East Bethany.-We notice that invitation cards are out for a social Harvest Dance to be given by R.A. TAYLOR, the popular landlord of the East Bethany Hotel, on the evening of Friday, August 26th. We understand that great preparations are being made, and a good time may be expected. There is no better Hall in the County for dancing than the Jenny Lind, and no better set of "boys and girls" than the East Bethians. * * More Peat.-The Orleans 'Republican' says an immense peat bed has been discovered at Pine Hill, seven miles from Albion. The article is pronounced the best and the depth unfathomable. The "prospecters," dug twelve feet and found no bottom to the peat. Nothing has yet been done about operating the bed. It will probably be stocked, and the money will be made speculating in the stock rather than in getting the fuel to market. * * The Markets-Friday Morning. August 19.-Monell, at the warehouse, offers the following rates for Farmers' Produce this day:- Wool, 00 @ 95c; Wheat, (white) $2 25; do (red) $2 12; Barley, $2 12; Oats, 96c; Beans, $2. Corn, (shelled) $1 50; Peas, $1 00. * * Died. In Buffalo, on the 4th inst., of chronic diarrhea,, George H. SMITH, aged 24 years, formerly of Oakfield, this county. His remains were taken to Oakfield for interment. * * Batavia Book Bindery ! The Subscriber having purchased the Batavia Book Bindery and connected the same with his Printing Office, invites the patronage from Genesee County of all who have Books, Magazines, Newspapers, &c., that require either binding or repairing. Competent workmen from the city are employed, and parties may rely on having their work done in a prompt and satisfactory manner, and in any desired style. Bring on the Magazines! Our patrons in the eastern towns of the County may, if more convenient, leave their work with Dr. BARBOR, of Le Roy, who will act as agent in our behalf. Call at the Times Office. Henry TODD. Batavia, March 14th, 1864. ** submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************