Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-12-30
TIE CITY.
GOV. LEroHER AND HIS FRIENDS.

LARGE GATHERING OF PUBLIC Mkh-OLD hoo-
PIrALrTr-MUsIc AND tPEEcHEs, ETC, ETc.
Yesterday was a smiling day in this city. We do
not mean Oh that the dispensed It's genial rays
and thu. the temperature was balmy almost spring.
impariiDg all nature lively aspect than is usu
al at this season, bu beyond this we mean that large
number of gentlemen, whose lot it is to take promic ent
part in the direction Of public affairs, were seen to
smile and smile together, with as ocund wi as
ever enI.vened heir intercourse in the ha!cyon and
frolicsone days OF Peao They met between noon and
one o'clock, at the Governors House, by invitation
| of the retiring Governor" Honest John Lstcher ~
who had determined that before surrendsring the man.
zion to his successor he would assemble around him
once more his numerous friends to take "a parting gass"
with him Members of the Cabin t. Of both Houses o.
Congress officers Of the Army and Navy Oicinl dgni-
taries of every grade and many private citizens re-
sponded to the general invitation.
The visitors as they entered the mansion, were cor
daily welcomed by His EKcelIency 10 the Hall, and
qlested to wax down stairs" where they would find
something to drink" The way pointed out to
those who did not happen to know, and ere long the
basement dining pretty well filed with those
who had come enjoy the Governors hospitality for
the last time. Before them was long table, in the
centre Of which was a large bowl o. apple toddy, sur
rounded by dec4nters OF whekey and brandy. The
Governors aids we're present. and made all welcome to
the entertainment.
Without describing too infinitely the festive scene,
may say that number Of gentlemen withdrew, after
partaking Of the fragrant toddy, to make room for
Others or bid adieu to the Governor bu there was,
for some time, large company in the refreshment
ROOM who repenshod their glasses from time to time,
anu kept up vvaciOus flow of good feeling, until the
Governor who had Joined them, proposed that they
should repair to the 'front.' porco to hea' faVote air
by the ArmoTy Band
The band was stationed in front Of the Governors
house. and had already atae.eda crowd Of outsiders
by their performances When the Governor and his
friends appeared upon the pOrtico the band played the
FIRING air, called "Stone wall Jackaon's Way" after
which general call was mad, for Senator Clark, Of
Missouri, who was anding the Governor.
Mr.. Clark in response to the CALL proceeded to ad
dress the assembl4ge. He commenced his remarks with
a complimentary allusiOn 10 Honest John Lstcber"-
H. Las displayed UndOmitable energy in his admnistra
lon AID by his adherence to original declarations
has carried out the principle for which contend
ing. John Lotcher is one of the great men Of this
Confederacy, He had commended himself to the regard
Of the people of the great western State OF Missouri by
sending to h, ordnance aud muske beat back the
Ylukeo invader, of our soil lie is your retiring Gov
no. (sAid Mr. C) pray that bis successor may do as
well as he has doas.
Mr. CLARK ext referring TO public affairs said he would
remark, as Senate. from Missouri having interest in
the result of struggle for liberty with all of bis
fellow citizens that We live and prosper die TO.
geher. (Applause) The people of Virginia and those
of Missouri will share a common destiny. He believed
that throu ID the blessing of God We VIII achieve
Independence, i: We make proper use of the meats
within control He tad served in tue old Congress
but had been expelled because he lot deemed Wor-
thy to remain in that internal Government. (rhree
oAeers) He came here among the friends OF free go
vernment and found t5em.
Mr.. Clark closed his remarks by appealing 10 his au-
dence to refrain fron nsurng our leaders, acd from
aspersng rulers, who making honest, earnest
efforts to expel the vandAl foo nom our country
(Cheers)
Toe band then played Dixie" after which Governor
Letcher Loudly called fo:, and coming forward sd-
dressed the crowd. He said that be came here in
storm, and would retire in sunshine. He would
leave this evening 10 give place to Governor
terms. He (Le.cher,) lad been here four years,
and hated 10 part from this community. He Rad found
many warm friends during his residence here and when
he went to his mountain home, they would ever have
his krdsst wishes for heir welfare in this life and in
the le to come He ddat expect to be lille speca.
tor Of this in bis retirement from this Office. Nett
Spring. he believed, would bring Oh tie crisis of the
war; and he intended to be where he could render some
servce-as private in the ranks if in that position he
could render most service. (Cheers)
Virginia the erea: State of this Confederacy. The
Virginia Of 70 never surpassed the Virginia OF 6S. She
has gone into this war with deliberate determination
to succeed, and she will do it. (Gheers) All hat
want Is concert of action harmony and unity, between
the State and Confederate Governments. Let ~ have
this and we will triumph. And when this is actin
plished what picture will present to the world
land more happy and prosperous the eun never shore
upon-ihe glorious privilege will be to say 1T is
our home" Let u.s. then, act together lot prayers
ascend to Heaven, and successis certain.
The Governor ni1s advsrt.d to the policy he had
recommended prior the secession of Virginia. lie
opposed the call Of the ae CONVENTION because it
would divide the people as "Unonists" aud Secession
sts" He aad to his friends who asked fer his opinion
Let this thing alone Let l. ncoln dive the State out
If he will and the people will go out in solid msss--
they will be united" If that Convention bad no. been
held at the time il was there would lave been no North.
west nor Wessin Virginia Blu: with all this our tri-
umph Il certain and sure
Tee Governor next referred to Prsaidsn. Davis. He
is FatiOtc and he is honest If You work in harmony
with him he will schieve tho independence Of the Con-
deiate States Hold up his hands; sustain him in what
over he undertakes for the promotion Of our cause and
as sure as you live we will be triumphant (Chsers)
HCO S. Bassett French aid to Governor Le;cher, vas
neat called for. He said they could not expect speech
from descending star" after hearing cne from the
setting sun" He then prOee' ded to make some hu.
morOus remarks in relation his service as Aid 10 the
G ,yerno,.