The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-02-19

| SohfblhESIAhf DlSSEB To a hETlRlNtf
BANK OFFIcER.-On Wednesday evening
the directors of the First National Bank.
with few friends and guests, met in Ze-
telle's handsome saloon to pay A. Vance
Brown, Esq, late president of the bank, a
parting compliment upon the eve of his de-
parture for Chicago, whittier he goes to re,
side. The entertainment for the occasion
was prepared by that master of his art, Ze-
telle, in his best style. To this elegant
feast the company, after the usual prepara-
| tory conversation and stimulation OF the
appetite, eat down. Mr.. John Purcell pre-
sided, and Mr.. s. B. Smith, cashier of the
bank, assisted at the foot of the table. On
Mr.. Purcells right Mr.. Brown was seated,
and opposite him sat the new president,
Isaac Davenport, Esq. Among the guests
present were Messrs. D. J. Burr, President
| Of the Chamber of Commerce E. o. Mott
ing, President of the Tobacco Exchange
D. J. Saunders, Chairman Of the Commit
tee Of Finance of the Council; and Gene
| raj Wickham, President of the Chesapeake
| and Ohio railroad.
After enjoying with zest the grateful
feast of solids spread by Zetelle, the lighter
and more inspiring concomitants were in
troduccd whereWith to season the flow OF
sentiment and good feeling.
Mr.. Purcell opened this part of the pro-
grsmme with a brief speech explanatory of
| the object Of the entertainment, and COM
plimeDtary to Mr.. Brown, who came to
Richmond Immediately after the war with
the means of himself and his friends, with
which he established bank. The funds
of that bank he had generously en-
trusted to Richmond merchants, to loan
out to the people of the city then in
the midst of calamity, with their town
| so completely in ruins that it was not with
out some confusion that man even &C
qainted with the city could thread his way.
He had exhibited this generous conduct
| throughout his residence in Richmond, and
had thus rendered degree of assistance
to US in period Of great embarrassment
| and trial that should and would never be
| forgotten. Mr.. Brown had in all his inter-
course with our citizens displayed frank
ness, liberality, and courtesy, that entitled
him alike to our respect and esteem.
Expressing the general regret that Mr..
| Brown was about TO depart from the city,
| Mr.. Purcell rendered him the best wishes
| of all present for his health, success, and
| happiness in life, and concluded with o
toast which was warmly applauded by the
company.
Mr.. Brown, with evident emotion, re-
sponded as follows:
| "Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, it is
with unaffected difIidence and under nc
little embarrass that | rise to respond
to the kind sentiments and attentions you
have seen fit to pay me on this occasion.
" 1t is always source Of great satisfac-
ton and pleasure to have the kindly feelings
and friendship Of those among whom it has
been your fortune to minglc for any num-
Der of years, but doubly so to hold the con-
fdence of those with whom you have beer
on terms Of the closest business intimacy
Coming among you in the eventual yeal
of 1865, a stranger in your midst, when al
business matters we're in chaos, | made ar
adventure that required the aid, counsel
and confidence of gentlemen of honor, in
tegrity, nrobity, and financial experience.
| "AIc. Chairman, ! had learned come
thing CT the history Of this old Common
wealth many years ago-long, indeed, be
:ore | had ever placed a foot upon the sol
Of the United States. | learned to respec
and admire your warriors, your statesmen
your merchant princes, and bankers. Theil
gallantry, their craftsmanship, and tht
high tone Of honor conceded to your mer
| chants and bankers, were al as proyer5ia
as the history OF the State itself.
| Hence, Mr.. Chairman, it required n
great courage on my part to risk my mean!
aud the money confdcd to lac by others t
the care Of gentlemen enjoying these envia
! bic regulations.
- need not assure you, Mr.. Chairman
that have not been disappointed in ny
estimate and confidence of the gentlemen
with whom have been so long aesociated
at is, indeed, to them solely and exclu
sivcly that this community is indebted fo1
whatever SUCCESS and for whatever benefit;
they have and may hereafter derive from
the entire success of the enterprise | have
alluded toto the stern integrity and rips
experience of the Board Of Directors.
"To the zeal, industry, and utility of tht
cashier and his officers am and the com
munity indebted for bringing the bank over
which | have had the honor to preside to b'
the leading bank Of the State.
ella making this statement, Mr.. Chair
man, trust | do not detract in the leas
from other banks of this city or State, al
Of whom pray may long enjoy their well
earned regulations, and have glorious Ca
reer Of prosperity under their able ant
careful management. | merely desire, IL
taking my departure, to bear witness no
only to the complete success and prosperity
of the bank I am leaving, but trust alst
you will pardon me if here express some
pride in what l consider its future great
prosperity and usefulness. After these few
remarks, gentlemen, l, with o sad heart
must ! id you ell farewell, and shall eVeI
pray from my heart of hearts, God bles!
the South; God bless Old Virginia Got
bless the citizens Of Richmond. May yol
all enjoy that career Of prosperity which il
the just inheritance Of noble, chivalcous
and honorable people,"
Mr.. Davenport was next called out, ant
joining in the complimentary expressions
towards Mr.. Brown, declared his regre
that that gentleman was about to remove
from the city, and said that he would
be delighted to cancel the arrangement:
made and restore to him the office of presi
dent if he would only change his mind and
determine to remain in Richmond. Mr.. Da
venport pledged his best efforts and abili'
ties to conduct the First National Bank with
reference to the advantage of the institu
ton itself and the general good Of the com
munity.
Mr.. Noting, as president of the Tobacco
Exchange, spoke very practically of th'
Importance of agriculture in the resuscita
ton of the prosperity Of the State. Th'
means for restoration must be dug out
the ground.
Mr.. Burr followed, concurring in the
general sentiment of the occasion, and re-