The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-09-14
Letter from Lexington.

R0CKBR1DGE, september II, looo'
This is one of the most charming spots in
the mountains-the first time have visited
it. The buildings are neat, comfortable
and tasty. The healing powers OF the
waters are attested by the hundreds VINO
annually visit these springs.
On Yesterday ! attended the installation
of Commodore Maury as professor -. OF
nhvs;cs in the Military Institute of slr-
qinia. Il was one of the happiest days OF
INV life. and tribute I gladly paid to one
If the greatest and best men who ever
uliyed in the tide Of time" The ceremo-
MES were as follows:
!. Colonel Pendleton made happy ana
appropriate prayer---nothing omitted, no,
thing unhappily said, but just as it should
have been. ,,-o,d
2. General F. n. Smith next addressed
the audience, giving biography OF Com
modore Maury-his great discoveries the
hopors paid him by emperors, Kings anu
universities. more numerous than you or
mvself will ever recollect; that he refused
nositions of honor and profit rendered
by emperors, but turned his face to his OLD
mother to. console, comfort, and strengthen
her in her Affections.
2 Governor Letcher, as president of the
Board, with commission in hand, followed
General Smith. He would not attempt to
add to what had been 30 happily SAID. IL
would be "painting the lily, adding per-
fume to the violet" No, he would attempt
no such vain thing. He then turned to
Commodore Maury and said latter readlng
the commission) "In handing you this
commission Virginia honors herSeJ more
than she honors you." This went to the
hearts of all, and was answered oy loud
applause. u ,,o,,,a
with the honors conferred by emperors,
kings. and universities-hi heart swelling
with emotions, his eyes filled with tears,
and his words struggling for utterance.
MANY heart swelled with his, and tears
trickled down manly cheeks and mingled
with yoman's tenderness. will not
attempt to sketch what he said. His ad.
dress will be published. 1t was full OF
thought, Suggestive, scientific, but the cro'o',
ina beautv of all was the testimony Of Such
man und such mind to the truth OF
revelation.
Henceforth his words will be embalmed
with those of Newton and Boyle, and de-
scend to coming ages the witness of great
mind to immortal truth. Of Boyle it was
said he was "the connecting link between
men and angels" Of Maury it may be SAID
that to him the great AM has unrolled the
charts OF both worlds, and his teachings
learn us how TO navigate the oceans OF time
and eternity.
NV heart swelled, not in pride, but in
gratitude to the Almighty that such man
was permitted to bless his kind, and he
man "to the manor born"
What brilliant circle of great and COCA
| men surround the literary circle of instltu-
tons of Lexington-W Washington College and
the Virginia military Iastitute! Lee at the
head of one-Smith and Maury at the head
of the other, with able colleagues equal te
the high mission of training the youth Of
our land to the discharge of the duties Of
citizen and patriot, and holding true allie:
glance to the God who made and to the Goo
who redeemed him.
| I have placed boy there. With sucf
models before him, and euch influences
around him, if the germs Of a man are n
him they must be developed. He IS o
the Military Institute, and I had rather
he should be there than at any institution
on earth.
Forty years ago passed in the stag
through Lexington. This may BIO said t
be my first visit. The mountains ant
scenery around are majestic, and lift TIT
soul from Nature cup to Natures God"
This morning, before the rising Using sun,
was in the beautiful cemetery alone, and
mingled 3 tear with the dew-drops which
settled on the grave Of the great warrior and
Christian hero-Stonewall Jackson. l also
stood over the ashes of the gallant Paxton
and Pendleton, of the accomplished gentle
man, true patriot and brilliant orator
James Mcdowell.
princes, this clay must be your bed
In spite OF all your towers;
| The tall the wise. the reverend head
| Must lay as low as ours"!