The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-12-30

The HOTCHKIsS STOCKING.-Last Fri
assembled in the parlor of Maj. n. Fl.
Hotchkiss to meet Mr. Mr.. A. O. Bunnell,
of Dansvlle, N. Y and witness the cere-
mony of opening the Santa Claus stocking.
which contained number of gold eagles,
the gift Of the friends of Maj. H., in testi-
mOny of their appreciation of his labors in
behalf of better understanding between
the North and South, through the agency
of the press Of the respective sections. The
evening was passed in pleasant social inter
course. until the hour arrived for the real
business of the occasion to commence
Mr.. Bunnell, as secretary and treasurer,
and we might say the embodiment of the
spirit and energy of the novel work. ap-
preached the duties of the evening in very
neat and graceful speech, exposing to the
view of the select audience, as he did So,
twelve hundred dollars in gold as a Christ
mas gift to Maj. Hotchkiss. This brought
from the Major one of the best, If not the We
ry best of mpromptu speeches we have ever
heard or read, which did credit to his head
and heart. Real wit, eloquence and pathos
thread through every line, showing the old
gentleman equal to even this occasion. as
he has been to every other which he has
had to encounter. After the speeches a
bountiful repast was enjoyed at the table of
the host, prepared in elegant style and pro-
fuse abundance, by the estimable lady of
the house and her accomplished daughters.
Music and song, with a regular old time Jig
by the Major, INTERVIEWED, lendinga mosaic
attraction to the entertainment. On Sat
urday morning the handsome gift was
transferred as a payment on the property
in which Maj. ilotchkiss Resides, lifting not
only the burden of the debt from the House
and lot, but a considerable burden from his
mind.
One OF the pleasant incidents of the even
ing, was the presence of Mrs. Hotchkiss.
the mother of Maj. N. II. and jed Hotch-
kiss, aged S. years. Her mind Is as bright
as one of the gold eagles presented, and
her wit and humor as fresh and yivacious
as though she were in her teens. She is
indeed very remarkable woman, and IA
have such mother is sufficient explanation
of the untiring energy and usefulness OF
the sons. Since last October this old lady
has made eight bed quilts, one for each OF
her grand daughters, each containing 1900
pieces, read the Bible through once, and
half through again, besides miscellaneous
reading and many little domestic undertak.
ngs. Her health is vigorous, her mind and
memory clear and strong, and taking all
in all. she is the most remarkable old lad,
we have ever seen or conversed with
The evening was very ENJOYABLE. and
will long be remembered for its pleasan,
associations by all who We're present. and
be held in cherished remembrance nv Mai
Hotchkiss and his estimable family. Mr.
Bunnell, modest, entertaining, intell;oent
gentleman. was evidently delighted witt
the success which attended his suggestion
year ago, the contamination of which wo,
so happily crowned on Christmas Eve. anf
will hold in pleasant remembrance the oepi.
greeting which spoke the grateful apprecia
ton Of the relatives and friends of the ..O,,
Santa Claus