Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-02-27
1coRRsssoSpEscE OF THE srEcnToR.]
RICHMOND, Feb. 22nd, 1850

RICHMOND, FEB. ZZnd, lou.
This has been proud and brilliant day for Rich
mopd. In addition to the usual interest displayed
ON this day as the anniversary Of Washngton's
birth, the presence Of the President and the mpos-
ing ceremony Of laying the corner stone OF the
Washington Monument, have cunsrired to render
the occasion memorable for many years TO coirie.
On Yesterday vast concourse of citizens assem-
bed, with the volunteer companies and the Lexlng.
ton Cadets, to welcome the President to the Capt.
tai of his native State. The cars arrived little
before o'clock, P. NJ. and seldom has been wit
messed more interesting scehe than that afforded
by the hearty greeting with which the venerable
patriot was received. His physiognomy, already
familiar to The public from the number Of llkenesses
that have been taken Of him, easily recognized
through the windows Of the car, and the warm
friendliuess of its expression soon won lis way to
the hearts of foes as we'll as friends. He was es-
corted by the military in fine style through several
streets to the Capitol where he was introduced to
the two Houses, and feelingly responded 10 their
courteous reception He then passed Oh TO The Elk
change Hotel, where rooms had been provided for
him.
This morning all &eie on the alert, citizens and
strangers, (of whom there are muliitades,) to wit
ness the grand Procession. The programme you
will see in the papers. The line, when fully IN
notion was not less than a mile and half long.
The vafious military corps were out in all their glo-
~, but believe the palm of applause was unlver-
SALLY and Justly awarded to the Cadets, who under
Major Gillam's immediate command, had the honor
of escorting the Old Chief 10 the place OF rendez
Volts. and performed brilliantly on the march. A
monp the distinguished citizens visible were Ex-
President TYLER, Jno NJ Bolts, George Washing
ton Parke Gusts, Col. Payne, of Fluvanna, and
several others whose names are familiar to you
The procession reached The square in good Time,
and the President. Governor, Orator, Y. G. Scott,
Esq, Marshals of the day, &C., tounted consplc-
uous stage near the spot where the monument is to
be erected, and there witnessed the ceremony con
Quoted by the Masonic Fraternity. MI. Scott, de-
livered, by appointment an appropriate address, ana
exhibited various relics of the Washington family,
which were very interesting to all who revere that
ilIustrious name Gov Floyd followed in an address,
which did not hear.
So faf no accident has occurred, in my knowledge,
to mar the pleasures Of The day. The crowd has
dispersed only TO assemble again 90 the various the
aires of aiiuset1ehl hear of Balls, Fairs, Fire
works, and frolcs of all kinds, and ! am afraid the
venerable President, who seems to wish to comply
with every demand OF the public on his time. will
suffer more fatigue than he can endure without IN
jury.
In regard 10 his appearance and manner. can
only give my own impression, which Is, DOUBT
NOT, the impression of ALL General Taylor caffies
good humof, kindness, honesty and honor, written
conspicuuusly in every feature of his face, and ex-
| pressed In every movement. lie Is neither hand
snns, nor graceful, nor fuent-btt there is stamp
of gJsnuineness on his countenance that must and
ever win render him deservedy favori.e with the
people. Had time would write more, but this
mus, suffice for the present. D'F"