The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-07
WEST VIRGINIA.

Ride With General Lee Thrsagh tho Mesa-
tains-An Interesting CONVERSE ion-PoIificss
Opinions Of the Gensral-Sceuss and Inc5-
dents by the Way.
CALLAGHAN's, Allegheny County Sept. g. 1868.
While awaiting the arrival or stage at the place
bearing the above Hbernic name take advantage
OF half an hour to Jot down a few notes by tho
way through the Alleghanies This morning had
Tor conpo0nons de royage no less distinguished per-
sonages than General Robert f. Lee and Mr.. G. M.
Conrad. OF Louisiana, and another gentleman who
mas evidently travelled great deal. Besides thes6
number OF others made up company. A Dr.
H. NJ Banks, OF the democratic State OF New Jer-
sey' occupied the seat with General Lee your
respondent sat with Mr.. Conrad, the remainder be-
ing Ia the front seat. Passing through
country noted for the grandeur and mag
innocence OF its mountain scenery the prin-
cipai topic OF conversation was upon this
subject, and General Lee, besides evincing q
thorough knowledge OF the country, was the prnct-
pal authority upon all the different species OF trees
their nature, &c. Mr.. Conrad was very louuaciOus
and often little amusing but once, when politics
was preached he poured broadside into the radical
party; said they were rapidly making despotism
OF the government; that the tendency was that way
anyhow and he had scarcely hope that even tho
election Of Seymour and Blair would avert an en-
pire, but temporarily. Such had been the eject Of
universal suffrage in all OF the European republics
from Rome to the present day.
General Lee was as dgnified and impressive a.
usual. He spoke freely with DR.. Banks upon all sub
Jects, and seemed an xious to convince that gentle
man or the great agricultural resources OF the State
dwelling particularly upon its capacities for grape
culture. The intimacy he displayed with the varf-
GUS varieties OF grape their qualities the classes
OF wines and the quantities that could be distilled
uiacturers.
In the course OF the conversation Dr. Banks men,
toned something about the annexation of Mex
ico when the General inquired II he had read
articles in the HERALD recently written upon that
supJecs uy MI H.; cooper, ana did he know VINO MI
referred to, but was not able to enlighten the Gen.
eral as to the antecedents of Mr.. Cooper. Here I'M
fortunately this subject was dropped, though your
correspondent produced copy OF the HERALD with
an editorial 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 under discussion, shortly
an opinion. The democratic representative
OF New Jersey was ENTHUSIASTIC ps,n az 10 inc
terms denounced the enOrmies OF the radical party,
to which the General responded In quiet but forci-
bic manner that if the democratic or correcting
HIMSELF the conservative element did not triumph
in November the country would be ruined" Cand-
dates, the General seemed to think made but little
differences; principles were the issues in the
paign and he had ardent wish for the success Of
those that were based upon the constitution. he
quiet way how easy 1t was to speculate upon the
public through this bond system, which he thought
Ubiquitous. AS II he mad forgotten himself or the
subject was dstasteful to him, he quickly introduced
other and perhaps to him more interesting matter.
In this way the journey passed. a mixed or regu-
lar stage coach conversation occupying the re-
mander OF our time until we reached ''Callagan's"
But two incidents occurred by the way worthy OF
note. crowd OF Boys in Blue, some half dozen,
evidently rusticatng on the mountain side, attracted
the attention OF the party rs we drove past. Mr..
Conrad wondered what they could be doing IN that
section or the country, when General Lee said they
were part OF Judge Harrss0n's body guard III Union
county.
''what" said Mr.. Conrad, "a Judge have body
guard? ats not possible he requires body guard ~
''IIe thinks he does" said one OF the party snl-
ing, land has constantly"
This was then explained by another gentleman in
very correct and impartial manner, as know.
Some persons alege that lie is under indictment
even now, while exercising the functions OF judge
by the grace Of Governor B0renan for he never
elected.
The other incident was quite different, and Illus
trated in striking manner the great love and re-
ladies in passing carriage caught glimpse OF the
| General. They stopped Immediately, called after
our STAGE had 1t halted, and though 1t was pouring
rain AT the time ran down to grasp the hand OF the
| great chieftan.
| Soon after reached our present location and
| here the General left us.
| Night has nearly approached. and "Callaghan's''
has failed to furnish conveyance across the noun
tains for my companions and self; but 80 we must,
ana, leaving, take II afoOt for ten miles.