The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-05-27
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
WeSfOver i'm 1865.

WestOver i'm 1868.
s.There,s life In the old land yet"
Well may we quote this simple line as
we, we remember the late delights Of West
over: for never within the memory OF any
of the present generation has more mag
nifcent entertainment taken place in Vir-
ginia than that recently given by Major A.
H. Drewry. ,o
From Wednesday, May the goth, till Sa-
turday the Esd, inclusive, more than hun
dred guests, collected from Richmond, Pc
tersburg, and the surrounding country,
were the delighted recipients Of Major
Drewry's continued welcome and sumptu-
GUS bounty. Nothing was omitted which
luxury could suggest or means supply, and
the enthusiastic welcome and genial COR
diality with which the happy throng were
greeted by the new possessor Of this grand
old home knew no abatement till the hour
of departure, when his kind farewell was
mingled with the hospitable wish to have
lis come again. ~. $50
For more than a century this superb
estate has been pride and boast OF the
dear old State, which it, in turn, has 8 de-
lighted to honor.'' Ever the abode Of ease,
refinement, and hospitality, it stands in
grandeur still beside its native river, and, ,
crowned anew to-day with hundred
bright associations, it must forever shine
conspicuous in the memory Of Major
Drewry's guests as the radiant centre to
revolving thoughts which beam on it like
lesser lights upon;a parent star ~ More
than once it has changed hands, but with
each yicissitude, as though its interests
were benignly watched by some protecting
spirit. the right Of ownership has fallen to
a Virginia gentleman, with the will, spirit,
and ability to cherish and sustain its hon
ors. In all its history it has known but
one brief period of Dissertation. Need |
name it? Need mention the time, during
the dark days Of the war, when Yankee
vandalism dared to mar its beauty, to desc
crate its venerable tombs, to pollute its
sacred soil, SILVER its decorations, and
transform its blooming fields and gardens
into one broad wilderness Of weeds? No!
rather consign such works Of darkness to
fit oblivion, and rejoice that, rescued from
| it's ruin and restored to much of its pris-
tine splendor, its doors are once again
thrown open to throng of guests. Its old
halls echo as in days OF yore to the chime
of music and the dance, its fields are
clothed with verdure, its gardens rich with
bloom, and crowned with new and Wondrous
beauty the MISSIONER Of the present may
] well vie with the Westover Of the past,
while the princely hospitality and generous
nature of its present host become the theme
and boast of every tongue.
No newspaper article or verbal descrip-
ton can render justice to the perfect ar
rangement and elegance of this whole
affair. The ladies who presided must have
been wonders Of housekeeping accomplish
ments, for each day sumptuous breakfast
and dinner were spread in the midst OF
rural beauty beneath the grand old trees,
! and as the evening wore on, and the dance
renewed was at its height, o superb COLA
ton of substantials and sweets were night
ly offered to the well-astounded guests
There seemed no end to Pizzini's supplies
of pyramids, bon bons, etc., no measuring
the capacity of wine-cellar or cuisine
! Card parties, rides, drives, and sail-boats
charmingly varied tho pleasures of the day
and ever and anon flood of melody from
voices well -attuned hoated dreamily forth
on the ,balmy air, completing, as it were, the
harmony and beauty of the scene. An i'm
promptu masquerade did much to increase
the novelty and pleasure of our last evening
ut MISSIONER, and in the small hours OF the
night, when the merry making throng had
gone to rest, small party of ladies anG
gentlemen rendered to Major DreWry
complimentary serenade. In response, the
I, Major appeared, followed by a waiter o.
champagne and other agreeable accompa'
\ niments. Several appropriate toasts were
: offered, and again MISSIONER was still, ane
| its hundred occupants dreamed happily OF
till morning daWned upon the counter
charm of parting. When the hour of de-
4 parture arrived, Colonel James r. Branch
of Richmond, surrounded by the company
rose and, addressing Major Drewry, said
sss Sir,-I have been politely requested: By
4 the ladies and gentlemen present to express
to you their thanks and high appreciation
of the magnificent entertainment which
they have all SO great enjoyed. Feeling
my perfect inability to do the occasion JUS
tice, fearing that by some false step, o.
some discordant note, might mar the per
feet harmony of the whole, might vel
/ decline the Office; but it is my desire, as il
is theirs, that some brief tribute; should bt
3. rendered you. Permit me, then, to offer
4 Westouer- for q century and o half the
sIOTftC VI ClCS1AASS1 ts1N
4 hospitality !; the mantle of its former own.
i ers--the Byrds, the Douthatss and the Sci.
4 dens-is gracefully worn by its present
1 proprietor, Major A. II. DreWry.''' Sc,
4 In reply. Major Drewry, with becoming
4 embarrassment, regretted that he could moi
] respond as he would. He assured us that
4 he himself was better pleased with the sue.
Z cess of his. 51te, and the knowledge Of our
y pleasure, than ace could possibly be. But, .
! said ne, IS You must excuse me, ladies
: from making regular address. TO prove to
: you how perfectly untitled ! amat this time
for such an unde King, LET me assure
yoa TINT notwithsta ding my lonely condi.
non, have been perfectly unable for the
past three days I'd dress a sislqle lndy;
q nut Il it - never, my power to have you
Il az here together ngain, may I mo-. hope ID
!. claim oneGos Great merriment followed The