The New York herald., 1865-04-12

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Council and the Hon Alexander H. stephens Vice presi
ed 70 attend the reception by this Convention f Robert ~
and naval forces the State Of Virginia. with the rank Of
roa ma 0r general In tins hail. at twelve O'Clock NJ on to
And Is e further Rssoyea Th.. the GGyernor Advisory
hereby invited 70 e present at the address to be Delivered
by the Hon. A. H. Stephens at O'Clock on to morrow
On motion Of Mr.. JOHNSTON, the following resolution
was adopted
Resolved That committed Of four he appointed 70 invite
opo Robert Fl lee q pa attend s nv sad
uon In secret session.
The President announced the following committee in
accordance with the foregoing john
son, Johnston, Suiherlin and Critcher.
On motion Of Mr.. TURNER, Of Jackson the Convention
adjourned
After the customary opening OF business was concluded
General Lees reception made the order The Official
reporter recorded the reception OF Major General Lee rs
follows
The PRESIDENT OF THE CONVENTIONAL am informed that
Major General Lee In the CAPITOL and will present
himself whenever it be the pleasure Of the Convention
to receive him.
Mr.. MoRToS-I would inquire whether appropriate
seats have been assigned for the Vice President Of the
Confederate States and other invited guestsS
=. Ihe PhEs,DEsr-Yes sir The Chair would suggest
and assigned their seats before Major General Lee in
Mr.. SHEFFEY-I would suggest in conformity with
the suggestions Of gentem around that the Con-
vention ought TO receive Major General Lee standing
tention OF the Convention TO the suggestion.
MI JOHNSTON then introduced Judge Allen, member
OF the Advisory Council
Mr. CRITcHER next introduced Colonel Smith, of the
Virginia Military Institute
Mr. MoRroN-I would suggest whether 1t would not be
proper TO receive the Vice President of the Confederate
The PnEsIDKSr-It will be 80 understood by the Con-
vention.
At this stage of the proceedings the Hon. A. H
Stephens, Vice President of the Confederate States
entered the hail. accompanied by the Governor and
introduced to the President by Mr. Johnston member
OF the committee appointed invite and
gentleman to the hall.
Mr. MORTON introduced Captain NJ f. Maury late Of
the United States Navy who, with Colonel Smith,
stitute the other members of the Advisory Council
Every delegate his feet during this ceremony.
The Governor and Mr. Stephens were assigned seats
the right Of the President and the three members Of
the Advisory Council on the left.
GENERAL LEE ENTERS THE CONVENTION
At this tim, Major General Lee entered leaning on the
arm of Mr.. johnson, Of Richmond, chairman of the
committee appointed to conduct the distinguished mill
tary chief to the hall As they reached the main aisle
Mr. JOHNSON said Mr. President l have the honor to
present TO and to the Convention Major General Lee
The PRssIDgNr-Major General Lee, in the name OF
the people Of your native State here represented bid
you a cordial and heartfelt welcome to this hail. in
which we may almost yet hear the echo Of the Of
the statesmen the soldiers and of by gone days.
who have borne your name and whose blood now flows
in your veins
the solemn duty of protecting the rights, the honor
and the interests Of the people of this Commonwealth
we differed for time as to the best means of
plishing that object; but there was at any
ment a shade Of difference among us as to the great
object ITSELF and now Virginia having taken her pos on
far as the power of this Convention extends we stand
animated by one impulse, governed by desire and
one determination and that that she shall be defended
and that no spot OF her soil shall be polluted the foot
Of an invader
When the necessity became apparent Of having a
leader for our forces all hearts and all eyes, by the i'm
ITSELF turned TO the old county Of Westuoreland We
knew how prolific she had in other days OF heroes
Father Of his Country to Richard Henry Lee, to Mon
roe, and last, though not least 10 your own gallant
snd We sns- we Dy that her
Sir, We watched with the most profound and intense
interest the rumphal march Of the army led by General
capital Of Mexioo read of the ngunary conflicts and
the blood stained fields In all Of which victory pcrched
upon banners We knew Of the unfadng lustre
that was shed upon the American arms by that
and We know also-what your modesty has always dis
clamcdthat small share Of the glory Of those achieve
ments was due 10 your valor and your m tary genius
Str one Of the of my life will be
the honor that yesterday had Of submitting to this
body the confirmation Of the nomination made by the
Governor Of this State Of commanderin chief Of
the military and naval forces Of this Commonwealth
rose 70 put the question, and when asked this body
would advise and consent TO that appointment, there
rushed from the hearts to the tongues OF all the mem
bers affirmative response that told with an emphasis
the negative Of II. question dSris for form
sake, but there was an unbrokcn silence.
Sir, We have, BY this unanimous vote, expressed
convictions that you are at this day. among the living
citizens Of Virginia, 'arst In war" We pray to God
most ferventy that you may conduct the operations
SVnA1i'esou W youf Soou DC bdld OF
you that you "nrst peace" and when that time
you will have earned the stl prouder distinction
Of being ''Hrst In the hearts Of your countrymcnn
will close with one more remark.
When the Father OF his Country made his last will and
Testament he gave his swords to his favorte nephcws
with an injunction that they should never be drawn
from their scabbards except In self defence defence
OF the rights and liberties Of their country; and that
drawn for the latter purpose they should fall with them
in their hands, rather than relinquish them.
Yesterday, your mother, Virginia, placed her sword
IN your hand upon the implied condition thst
vUtII konv ia thA
spirit that you will draw /. only in her defence.
and that you will fall with In your hand rather than
the object for which it was placed there shall fail Jap
Major General Lee responded as follows
GENERAL Ixg's SPEECH.
Mr.. PREs1DKNr AND GENTLEMEN THE CONVENTION
Profoundly impressed with the soemnity OF the occa-
sion, for which must say not prepared, accept
much preferred had your choice fallen Oh an aber man
Trusting IN Almighty God an approving conscience and
:s. aid Of Of my fellow s.sn devote myself o The
ever again draw my sword; (Applause.l
bern
Upon rssunins ths chair the Pn.rD.sr formally in.
toduocd Vice Presdent Stephens Special Commissioner
from the Confederate States Of America who addressed
On motion Of Mr. CRIrcHER the Convention took q re-
oess until four o'clock p. N.
Mr. william II. stiner's Despatch.
SPor1swooD HOTEL, RICHMOND, Va I
April 1o-6 AM
REBn cATrAr-
One short week ago to-day the devoted denisens Of
this city in feversh anxiety concerning the evacua
tion Of their hitherto capital and the expected ense Of
the Union army. Then the best part Of the business
locality was in names and burning with . npidy which
not only dened the exerions Of the rcmcn but threat
encd TO destroy the whole city To-day the ere Is sub
dued, after having devoured millions Of dollars worth Of
property The wheels Of the newly established govern
ment are well CREASED and running very smoothly and
the citizens generally reoced the change Of AFFAIRS
and are quietly settling down, satisfied With the new
rg'r naugurated by the defenders of the noble old a
and that Us guardians throted the snake rebellion In