The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-08-22
Tue Isanauet at the montgomery
white.
CORRESPONDENCE Of the Richmond Dispa'eh''
MONTGOMERY WMTE SULPHUR SPRINGS,
Aupust Doth. 1873.

rCorrespondence OF the Richmond DSi''s".'
MONTGOMERY WHrTE SULPHUR SpENGs,
August Goth, 1873. J
Your special reporter has teleg an
account Of the splendid banquet given oy
the proprietors to the Southern Historical So
cIaty. but when the elegance OF entertain =
ment and the distinguished cha,acMI y.
many of the guests are considered further
mention might be interesting 10 your
Ala O'Clock the Springs band commenced
nlayIng lively national airs, ard the comlan!
moved of to the ballroom, where the ieaSt
was spread. The room was beautifully ae"
corated, and the bill Of fare was, witnouI eN-
aecerafion, the finest l ever saw. kare
dishes artistically served, old.'ash'oned VII.
einia Brunswick stew. and everything that
the most skilled caterer could Suggest or the
most lavish lioerality procure.
am never fulsome In my praises, but this
dinner deserves commentator and reflects
the highest credit on the managers, Mcssrs.
Colhoon & Corvan. A Mir. nj. Clay Mel
son, Of Lynchburg, an amateur In the Gull
nary art, got up the more reserche ana eS-
pensiye dishes. So much for the dinner.
The telegraph has already announced tne
order Of the evening. MIR. Davis declined 10
make speech, but with his inimitaole grace
and courtesy acknowledged the compliment
Of the toast to him.
Admiral Semmes spoke at some length
He spoke of the causes OF our iate nniortu,
nate struggle. He spoke in perfect good
temper, and concluded by paying mr.. DAVIS
o beautiful compliment. He SAID, IN effect,
when the nation should wake up some nne
morning and find Cesar seated ID the cllali
of Washington, that the modest gentieman
present (aliuding to MIR. Davis would occu.
nv higher and nober position. He would
he monarch without a crown. Then what
a contrast between him who had usurped
the PEOPLES rights and he who struggled for
their .liberties!- His would be grander EN-
ptre-a reign Of love and affection in The
hearts of his people. His remarks were lis
tened to with the most profound attention.
They were suggestive aud eloquent.
Governor Letcher being next toasted
made few sportiye and pleasant remarks.
bnt warmed up US he proceeded, and con.
Guided by proposing the health OF General
Early. to whom he paid the most glowing
tribnte General Early said that ne had no
sneech to make, and made his acknowledg-
ments. Governor Letcher made most
graceful and feeling allusion to the late Al
bert Sidney johnson, and turning to his
son. Colonel Preston johnson, he said: "
noble son Of noble sire.'
Colonel johnson said that no other sentl-
ment would have called him to his feet. eHe
made few remarks, evincins the most re.
fined and delicate sentiment.
Your correspondent said some things OF
no earthly interest to anybody, and then the
company rose, after one of the most happy
and delightful reunions that L ever
attended. 1t was a pleasure to see Mr.
Davis. he is looking in splendid health.
very cheerful, and exceedingly pleasant
Let me see: the first time ever saw him ii
was sunset one bright evening in June, 1861
at Camp Lee. Two men gailoped around
the encampment, bats were raised, handker'
chiefs waved, shout after shout rung out on
the still summer air. One OF these men Was
jefferson Davis, the other Robert K. Lee
the former still lives, the other sleeps in the
sealed vault at Lexington. They ventured
all In the cause they loved so well, and in
that mournful drama of glory and atiii@tioI
they acted their parts with serene and
majestic fortitude that will ever commend
them to the affection of their own people
and the admiration Of the world.
Mr.. Davis left this morning for Memphis.