Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-01-09
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te.piShy YhsA 7 iFs. informed the pasI Of theie
bfigades that the leaders under who eyesthey have
fought during the long campaign had decided to adj
vocite their return home Tor the WINTER they were
wild with 10Y. They have sent the glad tidngs OF
our coming home in many ways; they will not be-
ieve that, with the influence oftwo such great names,
there can be the slightest chance OF failure The
heart of the wife and mother will leap tor JOY when
she hears that the companion OF her choice viii re-
turn TO her. The dark eyes of the Creole girls Will
grow brighter when they hear their lovers are coming
they will bless and pray for the chieftan who after
leading the dear ones through many hard fought neds
10 victory, has at length sent them home TO look
once more on the sunny land OF their birth. :
Many marriages, General Early will result IRON this
visit home aud IN alter years, when peace shall smile
upon the land II you come our guest to that yolup
tuoys cline, where the orange and hg we III their
PUPPY richness, We will show you many chubby faced
boys bearing your honored name l feel deeply
grateful tor all you have done, and intend TO show
my gratitude in substantial way. have in my
minds eye blooming widow, the possessor OF broad
lands and OF slaves. Your advent TO our midst
will be heraded by many tongues vita praise; with
this IN aid ii you will lay your Donors at her feet,
she will say, with many bushes and pretty hesita
ting ways - / will consent TO make my Summer
home with you in Virginia"
shall ask still another boon wish, in exchange
tor the fair widow to transplant little mountain
flower TO bloom III the orange groves ON the banks oil
the great river This is cherished desire of my
heart and trust your influence in aid OF its con-
Summation. General Early, there aIe men here to-
night who had sons born since leaving Louisiana who
are now large enough 10 20 through the manual OF
arms. There are young men now under the sound of
my voice. whose locks dark as the ravens wing
when they came TO Virginia, now prematureiy
Sprnkled with gray; not caused BY the hardshps OF
war nor by the rigoTs Of the winters We have passed
amid these snpw-clad hills but from signing and
grief at being so long separated from the bright be-
ings with whom they danced under the Gye-oak and
magnolia in the hacyon days OF their youth.
/ have been frequently asked Of late, will the
Lousianians return should they once come within
the scope of home influence 10 doubt them Is 10
doubt the patriotism OF who have shown II III the
trout vi every battle, aud written their names IN
blood Oh many heids. Here, upon the soil OF fir-
GINA the hated NOrtbman nTst threw down his gage
OF battle and here, where met his trst rude on
sets ..our brothers and friends sleeping quietly
ON many hill side and ~ many valleys" The sa-
cred spot where they rest, III many instances, Is
marked alone by the richer yerdue which springs
from the earth, watered by their blood. Solong a.
there is true son OF Louisiana left, we will strike
for these humble graves.
General Early, again thank you for the efforts
YOU have made behalf OF the eXlled LOuisianians
aud whether We 20 10 Louisiana or not, but utter
the sentiment oil every soldier in tins command when
say God bless General Gordon and yourself for
your exertions. May your walks through life he
pleasant ones, and the evening OF your days pass
unmarried by the storms which have marked your
mSnhoCd's prime.