Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-12-16
A Home.pun Party.

Tho movement towards Southern independence is pro-
crossing steadily The people of Virginia are in dead
earnest about this matter. While we gentlemen have
coutened ourselves yet with meetings speeches. &c,
the ladies have begun to act Without noise, they have
commenced give force aud color rcsolutons-to
put theories into practice. We had the pleasure,
q few evenings ago. of attending 'homespun party
given BY patriotic lady Of this city, whose excellent
good prompted her substitute deeds for words
and to nAuguratc that system Of sedepcudcncc
which has been the theme OF the innumersble public
meetings held recently in every county OF the State
The party decided, brilliant More than
hundred ladies and gentlemen belonging the mos, re-
spected families in the city present all OF whom
attired in part in whoen garments made of Viz
gina fabries, woven in Virginia looms II strictly
Virginia cloth party.
As matter Of course, the ladies fat in advance
of the gentlemen. in their Many of the latter
but single article of clothing made OF uateril
produced and manufactured in the State; some indeed
had much Virginia pocket handkerchief;
but the ladies' without exception, dressed from tor
in homemade apparel. And was wonderful 10
aee Row the plain homespun became them. We ~ere
particularly struck with the eec; which gas light and
lie trimming produces upon the comuoues; white
oInAburgs and flannel 0ay BY the closest uspeo-
ton would the eve De convinced that this rough
stus not the finest Grape Cashmere, OF = delicate
cream colour Nor the blue and the brown home
spun pAids less becoming the fair than the
oznAburgs- Not article Of jewelry was to he seen
anywhere, not artificial flower or ornament Of any
kind. Even the lAces were made home, Of ordinary
cotton.
Doubtless the light Of patriotism which beamcd from
the lovely faces of the maids and matron helped give
the plain garments comelness in,rinsicaly their
own; but be that it may declare heartily that
attended party where the ladies looked better or
where both seemed enjoy themselves hearth
Iy and universally 1t is that the gentle
would have looked more brilliant in silks saiirs diamonds
and other fashionable gewgaws but distinguish
between briliancy and true loveIness. Woman never
looks well when she looks domestic
This homespun party but the beginning of the end
Other Virginia cloth parties will follow The movement
must go There helping it. When our mothers
wives daughters sisters, swechears lead the way
who refuse follows II any trail: is stronger
than another In the female character is that element
OF perseverance which viii permit them to abandon
any they have undertaken. When once they
put their white little hands to the plough they never
back 1t Is gross mistake TO suppose that home
spun clothes will be only as fancy costume al
parties They who think this know little OF the chara,
ter Of Virginia ladies' The best the purest the braves
blood earth in their veins. They dare do any
thing that which nmodest promote the vel.
fare Of noble Commonwealth. We shall see them AZ
home, and the street. and church dressed in lusey
wOolsey and but echo the sentiment of the
City and of the whole State, when say that shall
love them all the for this convincing proof Of their
devotion 10 a lofty and patriotic principle.