Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-08-04
RATIFICATION MEETING AT
 ATLANTA, GA.

ATLANTA, GA.
 GRIFFIN, GA, July 24th, 1868.
 DEAR CITIZEN - Yesterday was great day for the Democracy of Georgia, tone of which am whom" The masses met in Atlanta to ratify the nomination of Seymour and Blair. My patriotism and the extremely low fare, (the railroads for the occasion charging only about one-third the usual rates) induced me to go.
 I propose to relate briefly my personal experience during the days visit to that young Babel, the present capital of Geor- gia.
 Arriving early I proceeded at once to the Democratic Wigwam, the place of meeting, to secure good seat and enjoy the newspaper that young patriot had prevailed on me to buy. Found the pa per to be the evening issue of the day be- fore-somewhat indignant. Got deeply interested in an advertisement, when, "without notice" "twelve pounder" was "let of" near by causing nc to spring over two or three benches. Expressed a wish that the thing might be stopped as guns always make me nervous. "Guns l" re- peated contemptuously youthful Atlan- tian; and then he added by way of cor rection in a tone in which pity predomin- ated "Cannons." I expressed myself properly grateful for this effort to enlighten me.
 In about an hour the crowd began to as- semble, rapidly filling up the seats. Those reserved for the ladies were soon filled and of course the men in front had to resign their seats to them, it being very import ant to secure the ladies' s'votes. The stream of them that came pouring in growing smaller by degrees, indulged the hope that I would be permitted to retain my seat; and it was then that formed and expressed the desperate resolution not to vacate it at the bidding of any number of policemen. My fears were soon revived, however, by seeing the men on the seat just in front leaving it at the invitation of an enterprisipg policeman, whose industri- ous efforts to render so many persons of the masculine persuasion uncomfortable, if not commendable, at least seemed to yield him immense satisfaction. My fears were realized; enterprising policeman gave us the invitation aforesaid affected not to hear it; all my companions left me; E. F. repeated invitation something louder than before;" still unconscious until I observed E. P's fingers tightening ou his baton, and not wishing to get him into trouble for assault, thought it discreet to with draw. Wandered about the outskirts of the crowd endeavoring to get view of the speakers on the stand. Obtained fine view of the backs of several thousand per sons but none of the speakers.
 The speaking now commenced. It was consoling to think that might hear if l could not see. But I was disappointed in this. I could only hear, occasionally, parts of sentences but knew when the speaker made good hit by the cheering, in which I joined with great enthusiasm. It was at the conclusion of Gen. Toombs' speech, (which was masterly effort, as I find from reading report of it in this morn ing's papcr,) and while I was in highly enthused state that I heard some one in the crowd enquiriug for "Grif6n man" :" Supposing that an additional Vice Presi- dent or Secretary was needed, and having no objection to serve in any capacity when l might benefit my country, made known that was from the city mentioned Instantly both my hands were seized by one of the "boys in blue," formerly a member of the Griffin garrison, who shook them heartily, and seemed overwhelmed with joy at meeting me. He told me un- reservedly that he was Democrat, had no use for Radicals, would not even drink with one of them, in fact, he was free to confess that he would suffer martyrdom first; but strongly intimated that he would greatly prefer drinking with me than with his own brother Being temperance man failed to "take," and soon relieved myself of my military friend by slipping away through the crowd.
 Gen. Cobb followed Toombs in an able speech, in which Judas Escobedo Brown, Gas Joseph E. is now called was roughly handled. To show you what the sons of whom Georgia is proud, think of the arch traitor Brown, l quote one remark of Gen. Cobb "When I see white man talking to Brown a feeling of revulsion comes over me; when l see him talking to a nigger am sorry for the nigger." Hon. B. H. Hill spoke next Itwas one of the grandest triumphs of "Georgia's Patrick Henry" At the conclusion of his speech Generals Toombs and Cobb rushed for ward and grasped him by the hand. The vast assemblage rising at the same time, sending up shout after shout; the bands playing and the guns laundering, alto gether produced such a scene as you could scarce conceive much less describe. Mai. R, J. Moses of Columbus, Gone of the counsel for the young men on trial before