The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-12-23
They Wouldn't Receive-The Rich
mond Residences OF Jefferson Da.
Wis and General Lee.

Wis and General Lee.
Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial.l
THE JEFF. DAVIS MANSION.
Back of the Capitol, on Marshall
street, stands a very large residence,
one of the finest in Virginia. 1t oc-
cupies commanding eminence, known
as President Hill. This house was
built many years ago by a wealthy
gentleman named Brockenbrough.
He aspired to have the most costly and
beautiful residence and surroundings in
Richmond, and to that end spared
neither money or pains. The grounds
were laid out in beautiful style, trav.
ersed by graveled walks, and adorned
by statuarY and fountains.
When the Capitol of the Confederacy
was removed from Montgomery TO
Richmond, the City Council here pro,
posed to do something handsome for
president Davis" 50 they bought the
Brockenbrough residence, with the
intention of presenting it to him.
When he arrived here from Montgom.
cry, the city authorities had gone 30
far as 10 pay for the property, and had
the title vested in, Mr.. Davis. A
formal presentation of the property was
then made to Mr.. Dayis, by the City
Council. when much to their surprise
and modification, he respectfully and
firmly refused the present. He warmly
thanked the city authorities for their
kind efforts in his behalf, but he could
not, consistent with his own self.respect
and the dignity Of his office, accept the
gift. The city, however, refused to
take the property back, and for time
there was . quandary. Mr.. Davis,
however, held out firmly, and at last
the matter was compromised BY an
agreement upon the part OF the city
to become owner of the property, and
an agreement by Davis to live in it
during bis term Of Office. His term
was cut off by the operations of the
Federale army. and has never been
filled out. The property now belongs
to the city, and is used for school pur-
poses. .E :, -E a. 4 .
I don't wish to draw any contrast
between the conduct OF JEFF. Davis and
Grant in the matter ofaccepting houses
and lots as gifts, but the reader can do
30 for himself.
THE LEE HOUSE.
After gazing at the rectangular,
three storied. succeed pile before men
toned, thinking of the hopes and fears,
disappointments, sorrows and joys that
must have successfully inhabited the
breast of the rebel President while be
inhabited the city's three story house,
I passed on to take look at the
residence occupied by General Lee
during the war, sod yet known as the
Lee house" II is a plain, unpretend.
ing, three story brick building. No 70l
Franklin street and is now occupied
BY Mrs. George Davis. Whether it
was the property of Lee or not, I do
not know, but at all events he occupied
it At the beginning Of the war .
number of wealthy citizens of Rich.
mond made up q handsome sum oi
money to buy General Lee Q house
suited to his station and rank. But
he refused to accept the profered
present and the money was refunded 70
the subscribers. Here We have two
| instances of refasals TO socept houses
and lots by two Of ths most prominent
men in the late Cpofedency. In the
light of our Presidsnts conduct these
! two old Confederatsa were great fools.