Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1865-04-21

Society in Richmond during the Last
Four Years.-The Receptions OF Mrs.
JeR. Davis and other Members OF
the Confederate Social Regime.
Society in Richmond during the past four
years has had many phases. In 1861, a
wild and unusual excitement pervaded it.
Fetes were numerous; the spirit of fraterni-
ty, epgendered by common cause, threat
ened TO break down the rigid partition
which existed between castles.
An inundation Of refugees, beginning
with 1852, increased the excitement, shock
ing the "best society" of the capital into a
chrysalis even closer than before Changes,
sweeping through all other classes and
conservatives, demoralized and rotted
themi profigacy, drunkenness, harlotry,
rioted in the streets, the lower quarters,
and the hotels. The sound of nnseemly
revelry was heard nightly in boarding.
houses the upper windows of vulgar man
sions shone late; the odors of avarice and
intrigue crept out from others. But that
ancient fabric of pride and Incidence, the
First Family of Virginia, retained through
all position as exclusive aud untaiuted as
it held at the beginning of the contest.
THE RECEPTIONS.
During the winters of 1854, Mr.. Da-
Wis and Governor Smith held weekly re.
ceptions, the former on Tuesday, and the
latter on Friday evening. The Presidan.
iial mansion was always thronged; and the
throug was always respectable. Members
of the Cabinet and the two Houses of Con i.
gress, foreigners of good standing, and
representatives of the loftiest circles of the
capital attended. The presence Of MFs.
Davis lent these receptions Wondrous
chBrm. Thot dRRlr haired dark eyed wo-
man had 8he presence Of Q queen. Her tall,
majestic figure lowered above all her fe-
ma 9 guests. A cruel light cleaning from
her, eyes, Was foiled by the winning smile
Upon her voluptuous lips. Moving from
conversation to conversation in the rebel
court, she was her husbands most per-
suasive and fascinating ally.
Davis himself appeared on these occa-
sions with remarkable effect. Lofty, erect,
serene, his form wore, besides it's perfect
attire, certain grandeur. His address
was iueffably graceful and beguiling. His
rich, soprano voice lured like sireu's,-
1t is said that one evening, as he began to
tell an incident of a battle fought the day
before, young lady, bending forward and
listening intently with the rest, exclaimed
at the close:
"Oh, Mr.. Davis, please tell that over
again. L had-rather hear you tell of il
than have seen thr victory"
Mr.. Davis smiled. 81 would rather tell
you another story" he said, and forthwith
advancing slightly toward the girl who had
addressed him, he told little comic story
of common soldiers deed in battle, with
aa effect indescribably ludicrous and cap.
| tivatiug.
The receptions at the gubernatorial man.
sion were only saved from a completely
vulgar form by the amiability of the gov,
ernors wife. The appearance and manuel
of"Extrs Billy" Smith himself were simp-
ly unbearable.
THE SISTERS CAREY.
In the spring Of 1862, when the changes
that threatened to couvulse society in Rich.
mond were at their height, two daring fe
male adventurers, the sisters Constance
and Henrietta Carey, of Baltimore, suddenly
descended into the social arena; Joining III
forms in the most reckless style, aud tramp.
ing ell it's staid traditions under theil
pretty feet. These two sisters were the
| storming petrels Of the rebellion. Bold
dashiDg, and remarkably beautiful, Hetty,
the youogest, was also the most conspicu
GUS. Leaving Baltimore, and emerging
through our lines as . am1ggIer, she took
the rebel capital coup dc man. 4 The odol
of quinine, and old Iaces hung about hel
petticosts. Her prosecutions and, escape
made her an interesting martyr. Her oWr
and her sisters genius for notoriety was
made manifest at once.
The organisation of the "Starvatiov
Club" was their fret achievement. Thir
club met weekly at different houses; eatinr
nothing, but reyeling much. Tableau1
we're the sisters Oarey's forte. Tableaux
horrible things before tabooed 10 Richuon ond
became popular under their magical reign
An assumption of short dresses, an en-.
chanting display Of little ankles, a reveIs
ton of shoulders which Yirgiuia's faires
daughters need not have blushed to show
signalized the triumph of the immodest.
OF course, the deuce became to pay a
last. Richmond, recoilinR in it's propriety
cast the sisters forth. B9pished, they still
lived. Their lives became mysteries. The,
retained certain court; they did not ceas
to be talked of; but their clubs, their tab
leaux, and their rule were over. Las
January HAtCy Darcy was welded to Gen
Pegram. Two weeks afterwards he wa
killed before Petersburg. Constance Ca
rey still abides in Richmond.
THE PAST WINTER IN RICHMOND.
Although no receptions were given b,
Mrs. Davis last winter. the season was re-
markably brilliant No grand fete, signal
lied it. These would have involved q to-
) promiscuous association. Richmond sris
tocracy danced and feasted in its own ex