The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-04-19
SPECIAL CORRESPONDING or rHs pispArcn.
LITTER FROM cHARLrsToN.
THE CONVENTION.
CHARI.rsros. Apri


Although the members of the Convention
were occupied until late hour on Thursday
night in discussing the good things SO liber
ally provided for them by the citizens of
Charleston, they nevertheless appeared in
their seats at an early hour on Friday morn.
ing. looking fresh and ready for action. The
resolutions were again the subjects of dis.
cussion, which continued for several hours,
and several resolutions of considerable im-
por:ance were adopted. The gentlemen from
Virginia who took partin this discussion were
Messrs. Lyons, Mcfarland, Aylett, Leake,
Rufiin and Gooch, but the resolutions as re-
ported from the committeehave been so much
altered and changed by amendments and sub
stitutes, that do not deem it necessary TO
furnish your readers with detailed reports Of
the various trivial and immaterial changes
When the Convention has determined finally
upon series of resolutions it will be well for
You to publish them.
The sessions Of the Convention have been
attended regularly by number of old and
distinguished men. These gentlemen have
been by the politeness of the committee of
arrangements, accommodated with seats on
the stage, anf have impaired to the Conven-
ton dignified and striking appearance.
nobleman of the old English family of Greys'
formerly the governor of Jamaica, has been
most constant attendant. His appearance
Is more ludicrous than imposing. He is
man of immense size. 'and nature despairing
of adjusting his enormoushead upon any or
binary neck, has planted it firmly upon his
broad shoulders, without the aid of any visi-
BILE neck ati jail. A white waistcoat of extra
ordinary proportions, the collar of which ex-
tends above his ears adds to the singularity
of his appearance. He listens to the debates
with great attention, and seems not at all de-
fcient in good breeding and sociabillty.
Gen. Gadsden, our Minister to Mexico, sits
usually near him. He is a thin, gentlemanly
looking person, and although poor speaker,
appears to be sensible man, and has been
called to his feet once or twice by references
to the Gadsden treaty.
Governor Bennett, magnificent looking
old man, once prominent politician in this
State, occupies every day seat upon the
stage. Although long since retired from pub
lie life, he is much respected by the people of
the State. He is the proprietor of several large
rice mills, which from their extent and opera
tons, l consider one of the peculiar features
of the city.
Judge King, a venerable and distinguished
lawyer of this city, usually sits near Governor
Bennett. He is now eighty years of age,
wears his gray hair long, and strikingly re,
sembles the portraits of Benjamin Franklin
in the rooms of the Historical Society at the
Athenaum. Ex-senator Clay, of Alabama,
the father of the present Senator, a tall, thin
gentleman, apparently about seventy, vet
active, and able in debate, occupies place
on the stage. He mingles frequently in de-
bate and invariably speaks well and to the
point. He IS thoroughly Southern in his views
and one of the most popular men in the Con
yention.
On last evening three steamboats, crowded
with delegates, started from one of the wharfs
OF the city about o clock, and the pleasure
excursion continued until late hour. The
members Of the Press with their guests, Oc-
cupled one Of the boats and the party is de-
sci6ed as having been very merry one. An
invitation to a dinner given by one of the
most distinguished citizens of Charleston
prevented me from attending the excursion
The citizens of Charleston exhibit in their
style of entertaining degree of magnificence
80" IL" oioi! oDooi 'eu ELSEWHERE 1nelr
tables are beautifully decorated with a large
variety of natural flowers, and their wines the
purest and best to be procured in this country.
| have not dined at the house of a private
gentleman yet without finding grouse, veni-
son, capon, and dozen other rare and costly
viands. The peculiar and graceful politeness
of these descendants of the Hucuenots,
strikes the stranger most profoundly, and
places the easy courtesy of the Southern gen
tleman IN striking contrast with the absurd
mannerism Of the yankee parrenues of New
York and Boston. The descendants of the
Huguenot families have widely increased in
many instances their hereditary fortunes, and
hence enjoy the advantages of much greater
af1luence than most of our old Virginia fami-
lies.
Tours, Plus TX.
HIGHLY INTERESTING FROM MEXICO