The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-06-24
Another Delegate TO the state Convcn-
ton Writes Us a Letter.


Editors Dispatch: All Virglnlans feel
proud OF their capital city, and the citizens
of the rural districts look upon trip TO
that ancient and memorable metropolis as
an important event in their otherwise mo-
notonouS lives. Feeling an interest in the
future politics Of Our State, and being anX-
ious to witness the proceedings and to hear
some Of our distinguished orators and states
men, we concluded to attend the Conscrva-
tive Convention recently held in the city OF
Richmond. To do this we had to take a
long ride on horseback-some sixty miles
10 our nearest depot. In order to reach
Reidsvile. n. c.. the place designated, we
passed through some of the finest tobacco
growing country in either Virginia or North
Carolina, and after q careful observation we
come to the conclusion that there would
not be raised in the section alluded to half
crop OF that important staple. ReidsVille
is one OF the most thriving towns in the old
North State, and is destined to rival sue
cessfully either Lynchburg or Danvillc as a
tobacco market.
We were quite disappointed when we
reached the depot to find that the schedule
of travel had been changed. Consequently
we did not come to time. and missed the
preliminary proceedings OF the Convention.
We heard and saw enough, however, to
convince lis that the Convention was sue
cess. Indeed, no political asscmblage could
be Il failure with such trio OF speakers as
kempcr. Goodp, and Barbour. As is always
the case in Virginia gathering, a great
many wanted to speak, and some speak too
much. We were surprised at the absence
OF Stuart. Lctcher, Flournoy, Barksdale,
Martin, aud many other gentlemen who
have heretofore figured so conspicuously in
our political meetings; and we were disap-
pointed at not hearing Hunter and Bocock
speak-the latter gentleman whom we have
regarded for years past az one OF the ablest
orators and most accomplished statesmen in
this nation. Why is it of later years that
Thomas s. Bocock seems to have been con.
signed prematurely to the shades Of private
life? The people cannot do in an import
ant crisis without the counsels of such tnen
as Hunter, Stuart. Bococks aid Barbour.
We demand that they come to the front.
As we did not see much Of the Conycn-
ton, we concluded to spend one day in the
city and visit Hollywood, as the fst OF June
was memoral-day. The day was lovely.
God seemed to smile upon The attention
paid by the living to our distinguished
dead-the brave martyrs OF the lost cause.
We saw much to attract our attention and
TO elicit Our admiration. For the first time
we witnessed the performance Of that splen-
did regiment Of young Eirginans-the
pride of Richmond. We visited the tomb
of one OF Virginia's purest and best Presi-
dents-Monroe. From thence we visited the
grave of one OF her most chivalrouS, he
roic, and illlStrious sons-Jeb. Stuart-and
as we stood by his gave, neglected by his
State, but honored by his brother. we felt
sad ut the reflection that in all that vast null
titude of the living that alone was from
his native county. Several ladies stood by
his grave. We heard one remark to her
companion "What a shame that his State
should neglect his memory and the city
should forget her promise" Our heart
turned in sadness far away to the home OF
his boyhood, and we thought OF his aged
mother, now widowed and bereft OF
her children, as VIC once knew her, in
the pride and beauty of young womanhood.
We placed an humble tribute on the grave OF
our distinguished countyman and youthful
hero, and left Hollywood more than ever
impressed with the belief that careful at
tcution to the final resting-place OF our de-
ceased friends, and tender consideration
OF the sorrows Of the living, was the high.
est mark of civilization and refinement
We were pleased to see the many evidences
OF Improvement all along the route to anC
from ollywood-beautlful parks, tine pri
vate residences, and the commodious public
school buildings erected under the immedi
ate supervision of that excellent public
functionary DR.. Ruf'ner, superintendent O
public instruction.
We fear that we have made our letter too
long for publication; will conclude will
the remark that to see Virginia's mode
Governor and to hear johnson Barbour
speak fully compensated lis for our lons
ride on horseback and the heat and dust WI
had to encounter on the cars. PATRICK.