Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-04-12
DAILY LEADER.
aainr 1nta Richlaond.

NAAAAA.I
aAgstep Of the Cincinnati Gazette sends
10 that paper the following graphic descrip-
tiou of his entry into Richmond:
The morning clouds began to clear away,
Is turn in the road brought an exclama-
tion to all lips. Before us amid the rising
mists, were the spires of Richmond. To
the left, reminding one of Richelieu's des-
cription Of the Bastile
ssWhers clouds Of heaTenlhang tho bIackest,"
was g slowly rising smoke, that
as we afterWard learned, very accurately
marked the position of the Libby.
The driver cracked his whip over the
leaders, the four. in.hand team swung gsily
out into aspsnkiDg trot we whirled around
hillside under the guns Of one Of the
inner forts; passed magnificent bottom
farm, where thrifty Virginian, unmoved
by rebsllions and excavations, was deliber-
ately ploWiDg up the land for corn, in
sight of Richmond; had just time to OBJ
serve the green Of the wheat fields and the
bloom of the peach trees; and, leaving the
country roads, our an bulance wheels struck
the rough pavements Of the outer streets
of Richmond.
Squalid houses, toW-headed children, the
poverty and degradation OF the outcasts of
3 great city, were not unusual things to oh
serve. Beyond these there was nothing,
save here and there the protrusion rom
soma filthy bovel of flagstaff with the
Stars and Stripes.
Array wagons we're rafting over the
street,: files Of negro soldiers moved quiet
ly along the psvements; multitudes Of
Richmond negroes looked on in the highest
glee; here and there q soldier in rsDel uni
form, passed among them quite unmolest-
ed. Poor felloWsl they knew well enough
he didn't want to fight any moro.
THRoUGHTHE RUINS.
Presently the streets became Uttered
with bricks; and on our left, toward the
river, stretched an expanse Of erumbling
walls and smoking ruins. In the river
could be seen the protruding portions Of
two sunken hulls-rebel iron-clsds that
were. Above we're the two piers Of the
great bridge across the James the bridge
itself had persisted in the conhagration.
Amid the ruins the Libby stood untouch-
ed-s retributive Providence had further
use for it.
Main street, along'which We were pass
ing, became too much blocked up with fall
ing walls for our horses. We turned in
pastthe Southern Literary Messenger Office,
and two or three Of the newspaper offices /; |
the magnificent equestrian monument OF
Washington and the great Virginians
burst upon us, splendid and unframed T;
THE FLAG was flying from the dome of the |
State House. At last our ambulance |
drew up before the Spottswood.
BE "CAN KEEP HOTEL"
Somewhat to my astonishment, confess,
he rebel landlord stood in the office. aI |
want q private psrlor and bedroom at
ached." Certainly; will be delighted TO
you" had the pleasure of
my name below q swarm of
'ebel oficers-the first arrival direct from
Washington or the North. A negro wait
II Seized the baggage, and seemed TO me
ride more attentive than eyes Of mine
,ver beheld negro before.
The rooms were as good as the Cont
rental or Fifth Avenue would have given
except that the furniture, carpets and
we're all at least four years old.
rhe African wasn't satisfied till my boots
we're cleaned, and the soiled linen handed
and ironed in six hours,
dssss I"
On the whole, the SpottSwood seems to be
very fair house AaATE.