Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-06-21
RICHMOND WHIG
THE CITY OF RICHMOND-THE BEAUTY OF ITS
SITE AND SCENERY-WORKS OF ART-H0SPI-
TALLY OF ITS CITIZENS BUSINESS AND Pop
ULATlON

Correspondence Of ne t|tGTtcStOh J0tIitF.
RcHyoNp, June II, 1860
have been in this charming city since Saturday last,
and free acknowledge the great pleasure Afforded
me by 50 brief a sOjOurn.
Some twelve years ago remembered having passed
several DAYS in this beautiful metropolis of the Old Do
minion but the march OF improvement has been onward
In remarkable degree. Richmond now paTtakes fully
OF the modern enterpisng spirit. Everywhere may be
seen evidences Of energy and go aheadatveness Com
mefce is making rapid strides, whilst manufactures are
increasing and gaining Importance which must place
Richmond in highly enyable position amongst her
sister cities of the South The spirit OF improvement Is
emphaticay abroad. Since previous visit it has be-
come almost a new city. Splendid edifces, public ahd
private have been erected in all quarters Those, too
are of modern styles, imposing comfortable and con-
venient.
The Captol grounds, or square, ia a lovely spot 1t
has been and undergoing elaborate Improvement
aud when fully completed will have no superior in the
entire South nor indeed elsewhere throughout the
United States for attraction aud interest TO travellers
The Washington Monument sud Equestrian Statue is
a work of superlaiyc beauty Virginia, as a common
wealth NAV be Justly proud OF her equestrian moru
ment and all OF her Sies should Dice that one
Of their honored sisters has done nOby in pay ng an
important tribute TO the sacred memory OF hcruStrouS
son When this monument is completed in all its parts
according 10 the design, it NAV well challenge cOnpar
son with OF its kud in this or any other coun
Try.
The white marble statue recently erected in honor Of
Hem, CLAY standing granite platform not far dis
tan is also object of especial admiration IL is the
best likeness or counterpart OF that great statesman
have ever seen Life itself seems to speak from every
lineament aud almost fancied could hear more,
as il used to ring through Senatorial Halls the living
atOrs captivating eloquence.
Superb statues Of Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson
and George Mason also adcrn the pilO grounds form
ing au imposing part of the Washington Equestrian Mon
ument Statues, in bronze, are those above named,
designed ornament various p"destas surrounding
this structure; all honored of Virginia. Such COM
memOraton OF her mertorou' children does everlasting
honor TO the great mother Of Presidents.
am not surprised however at bchOlding such gal
liant tributes The sons and daughters of such ires n
hert the nobility that gave them being. Not alone in
perpeuating exalted names and memories bu' in every
thing, far my observation extends, the present
generation of Nirginals does honor 10 their worthy au
cestors
might possibly, be considered partial but must take
occasion TO say that more social accomplished and in
tegent society is nowhere to be found, in the United
States, than meet in this lovely city of Richmond
Her young men gallant TO the fullest ideal social in
every attribute, whilst the ladies excel IN oveiuess Gle
gance Of maun and every other quality consonan with
the refined adOrnment Of their Were not Ben
edic think stronger advocate OF Union, Of uni
ting in everlasting bOuds the interests o. Maryland and
Virginia-Ot Baltimore aud RchuOnd-could no where
be found. utter these sentiments not in litery, but
because they true aud spring from tie iumost heart
OF hearts.
There are many beautiful views aud exquisite scenes
around Richmond. The suburban scenery l. grand l
visited Holly Ood Cemetery lew evenings ago. l. Is
exquisite spot situated prominence, about two miles
out overlooking the James river Toe tomb OF Pfe.i-
dent Monroe is in this place There many handsome
monuments The holly tree Indigenous TO the soil
grows there abundanty. From prominent point near
the rivers bank is superb view OF Richmond aud
rounding country, variegaed by landscapes bridges,
tall spires outsrecbng farms end winding river, gilt
tering like FURNISHED silver far the eve reach
From elevated points in other suburban regions also
expressive and delightful views. CHEF among these is
from the top of the State Capitol
omit to mention that sat IN the celebrated
old Burgess chair the Speakers chair in the hall Of
the House IL nearly one hundred years od-wss
made IL England. Gen. Washington, Patrick Henry
Thomas Jefferson aud other distinguished OF reyo
lutonary memory sat in that chair The patriotic insp
ration seemed to pass through my every vein.