Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1868-09-18
Il Ride 1Oith. Gen. Lee Through
the Mountains,
CALLAHAN's, Allegheny Co., !

the Mountains,
CALLAHAN's, Allegheny Co.,
September 3, 1865.
Whils awaiting the arrival of O stage at
the place bearing the above Hibernic name
a few notes by the way through the Allie
ghanies. This morning had for compdg-
mons d. uoydge no less distinguished person.
ages than Gen. Rob't +. Lee and Mr.. G. M.
Conral, of Louisiana, and other gentlemen
who has evidently travelled a great DEAL
Besides these a number of others made up
our Company. A DR.. II. NJ. Banks, Of the
Democratic State of New Jersey, occupied
the SCAT with Gen. Lee; your correspond
ent sst with Mr.. Conrad, the remainder be-
ing II the front seat. Passing through
country noted for the grandeur and maguh-
cenc8 of its mountain scenery, the princi-
pal bpic of conversation was upon this sub
ject and General Lee, besides evincing a
thorough knowledge of the country, was the
principal authority upon all the different
spedes of trees, their nature, sc. Mr.. Con-
rad was very loquacious and often a little
amIsing; but once, when politics was
brosched, he poured broadside into the
Radical party; said they we're rapidly max
inga despotism of the Government; that
the tendency was that way any how; and
he lad scarcely hope that even the cleo
tiol of Seymour and Blair would avert an
empire but temporarily. Such had been
th, effect of universal suffrage in all Of the
European republics from Rome to the pres
ert day.
Gen. Lee was as diguified and impressive
a. usual. He spoke freely with DR.. Banks
u)on all subjects, and seemed anxious 20
cinvince that gentleman o. the great agri.
cultural resources of the State, dwelling
particularly upon its capacities for grape
culture. The intimacy he displays with the
various varities of grape, their qualities,
tie classes of wines and the qualities that
Ould be distilled from them, would do
credit to the great French manufacturers.
In the course OF the conversation DR..
Banks mentioned something about the an-
iexation of Mexico, when the Gen. inquir-
I'd If he had read articles in the Herald re-
cently written upon that subject by Mr..
Cooper, aud did he know who Mr.. Cooper
wasH The DE-. had heard Of the articles re-
ferred to, but was not able 20 enlighten the
General as to the anlecedents of MIR. Coop
er. Here, unfortunately, this subject was
dropped, though your correspondent pro-
duced copy of the Herald with an edtori-
al article upon Mexico in connection with
the late visit of General Rosecrans to the
White Sulphur Springs, The General then
began to speak of other matters, and the
political condition of the country being un-
der discussion shortly afterwards, for the
first time he let slip an opinion. The dem
ocratic representative Of New Jersey was
enthusiastic as TO the certain election of
Seymour and Blair, and in strong terms
denounced the enOrmities of the Radical
party, to which the General responded in
a quiet but forcible manner that "lf the
Democratic or correcting himself) the Con.
servative element did not triumph in No
vcmber the country would be ruined" Can
didates, the General seemed to think, made
but little difference principles were the
issues in the campaign, and he had an ar
dent wish for the success Of those that were
based upon the constitution. He spoke Of
the bond holders, and illustrated in his
calm, quiet way how easy it was to specu-
late upon the public through this bond sys-
TEN, which he thought iniquitous. As If
he had forgotten himself, or the subject
was distastful to him, he quickly iItpoduc-
ed other aud perhaps to him more interest
ing matter.
In this way the journey passed, a mixed
or regular stage coach conversation occu-
pyiny the remainder Of our time until we
reached "Callaghan's." But two incidents
occurred by tho way worthy of note. A
crowd of Boys in Blue, some halfa doz'n
evidently rusticating on the mountain side,
attracted the attention of the party as we
drove past. Nj. Conrad wondered what
they could be doing in that section OF the
country, when General Lre said they were
part of Judge HaTison's body guard IN
Union, Nunroe county.
"Wbat," said Mr.. Conrad, ga judge have
a body guard It's not possible ne requires
a body guard 7"
"He thinks he does" said one of the par
ty smiling, 'and has one constantly"
This was then explained by another gen
tleman in a very correct and impartial man
ner, as ! know. Some persons allege that
he is under indictment even now, while eX-
eI sing the functions of judge 10y the grace
of Governor Boreman, Tor he was never
elected.
The other incident was quite Indifferent,
and illustrated in striking manner the
great love aud respect the people en-
tertain for General Lee. Some ladies in
passing carriage caught glimpse Of the
General. They stopped immediately, call
ed after our stage, had 1t halted, aud though
il was pouring down rain at the time ran
down to grasp the hand OF the great chief
tain.
Soon after we reached our presen loca-
tion, and here the Gsnersl left us.--CoT. Of
~ I. Herald.