The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-09-08
WAR LIFE IN RICHMOND.
Gayety and Revelry I'm the COnfede.
rate Capital.
from the Philadelphia Times !

The spring OF 1861 was truly tumu-
tuous, agitating time. April especially
was a mOmentous month. At this begin
ing Virginia was trembling in the balance
between the Federal and the Confederate
Governments, and this suspense threw the
community into q state Of great unrest.
On Saturday, the 18th OF April, news
reached Richmond OF the taking Of Fort
Sumter, producing intense excitement,
Of which public demonstrations were
given in the shape Of firing off cannon.
Close on this followed Lincoln's requisi-
ton for Virginia to furnish her quota OF
troops to put down the rebellion, and this
finally turned the scales in regard to her
secession. On Wednesday, April Il, the
ordinance Of secession was passed by the
Convention which had been sitting in
Richmond to consider this question
since the 18th Of February. Their deci-
sion was silently announced TO the people
Of Richmond at midday by the Coniede-
rate flag being hoistcd on the roof OF the
Capitol. The question was, however,
aiterward referred back TO the people, !
believe. who voted upon il in May, their
vote affirming the decision Of the ConyCn-
ton. On the 10Th OF April the famous
Baltimore mob uprOse, after which recruits
from Maryland came pouring into Rich
mOnd daily. On the same day the block
aGe OF the southern ports was proclaimed,
and on that night we had grand illumi-
nation and torchlight procession in Rich
mond. A diary | kept at that time cna-
bles me to be accurate as to all these dates
and details.
ON Thursday, the 18th Of April, the
first detachment OF South CarOlinianj
reached Richmond, and after this troops
from various sections Of the COnfcderacy
poured in daily. We had daily drills and
dross-parades at camp little westward OF
the city, whittier all the beauty and fashion
Of Richmond reSorted every afternoon.
On Wednesday, May 30, President Davis
reached Richmond, and on Saturday, June
1st, Beaurcgard reported himself there.
From this time forth till the close OF the
war Richmond was the most prominent
city on this continent, being transformed
into great military and political centre,
upon which the eyes Of the whole civilized
world were turned. Richmond was in
truth the paradise OF officers; for what an
array OF beauty was there, what round
OF eavctv, especially during the winter
when both armies were in winter quarters.
Most OF the officers, and especially those
from MARYLAND or from the far South,
whose homes, after the early stages OF the
war. fell into the possession Of the Eederals,
came TO Richmond to spend their lur-
| louehs. with keen Zcst for social ENJOY
ments snatched between intervals OF dam
ger and hardship.
During the winter you could not walk on
Franklin street, the fashionable promenade
Of Richmond, without encounterlnS nun
drcds Of clcgant-looking officers flashing
with cold laces. You would also see dur
mg the war a solid phalanX OF officers ar
ravcd before st. PauPs church every
SUNDAY, each awaiting his fay0ritc belle
I'm every asSemblagc YOU would meel
brilliant and talented men, beautiful ana
elegant women, from every State IN tht
Confederacy, ranging from dark-eyed ere
oles, who had escaped from Buffers 40
minion i'm New Orleans, TO fair Baltl
moreans who had to flee to Richmond OF
account of their southern sympathies.
Sometimes whole regiments would pas
through the city on their way to ION one
our generals, and the pagcantry OF. mllitar.
funerals was very familiar thing to us.
remember being especially touched by TN
funeral OF q young officer, Captain ar
fax. believe, whose death occurred III dc
ccmber, 1862. The coffin was born
through the streets, wrapped IN Coniede
rate 0ag. whilst the slain warriors hors
was led behind and the air vlbrated VII
tbe solemn, stirring strains OF tuner;
I march. The largest and most imposing funC
I raj I witnessed during the war was that Q
1 General Dimmock in October, 1863. I'll
e Greater honors were paid TO the remains {!
Stonewal Jackson as they lay in stale l
the Capitol at Richmond, ana lho,
sands OF sorrowing and awe-stricheii pei
sons went to gaze on the nopie anu seiei
A features OF the warrior rs he lay
:. Live one who wraps the drapcry of his couch .,
About him and lies down TO pleasant uIo''iS-