The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-11-28

ovation % General Fits. Lee in OAR
liuxton and Charleston, g. &.
Correspondence OF the Richmond Dispatci.l
ON THE CARS, November %, 1882.


A tr,p through the Carolinas by the At
lantic Coast Line at this season OF the year
would be pleasant under almost any cir
sumstances, but has been peculiarly so to
your correspondent, as he has had as his
travelling companion that gallant soldier
and genial gentleman, General Fitz. Lee,
al Virginia, who has been on featuring
tour for the benefit OF the Southern His
torlcal Society.
The beautiful little town of
DARLINGTON, S. c.,
opened wide her gates, sending commit
tee 10 meet General Lee at Florence, ten
miles away. at o'clock A. NJ, and meet
ing him at the depot on his arrival that
evening with a band Of music and the
Darlington Guards, who greeted him with
three rousing cheers and escorted him 10
his quarters. That night packed house
assembled to hear General Lees superb
lecture on Charlottesville" and sp
phuded him to the echo as he delivered 1t
In his happiest style.
CHARLESTON
met him without her borders, and gave
him a royal greeting, most hospitable en-
tertainment, and one OF the largest au-
diepccs ever assembled there to lecture.
General Lees old comrade OF his stafl,
Santain r. w. Dawson, OF the Ne,cS and
.Cosrter, entertained lis In princely style In
his beautiful home; the City Council ,inan-
imously voted public reception, followed
ky an elegant collation. to General Lee ana
his travelling companion, ard passed reso-
Iutjons commencing the objects and plans
Of the Southern Historical Society; the
Palmetto Guards serenaded him, and the
whole CITY seemed anxious to do him
honor.
One Of the most pleasant events OF our
siay in Charleston was q visit to the armory
OF the Washington Light Infantry, which
was organized in 1907, has been ever since
"a crack corps, and has collected a large
number OF most interesting historic reilcs.
Another most pleasant incident OF ms
most delightful visit was an excursion
around the harbor given in honor OF Gene
raj Lee by the city authorities. We spent
an hour most charmingly at Fort Sumter,
as we were shown every point OF interest
about the grand old fortress, and had every
thing explained TO us by Colonel Rhett. the
first, and Major Hugncnin, the last COM
mander, and Captain Post, the pres
ept United States engineer in charge
there, while q number OF other brave
officers and men who served in Sum-
fer during its heroic defence related in
tidents Of thrilling interest, which should
adorn one Of the brightest pages OF
the history Of the grand struggle. Then
We steamed by the other forts and recalled
the history OF the brave old days when for
four wears OF concentrated fire their heroic
defenders held them sgainst the immense
power brought against them; other points
q interest about the beautiful harbor-the
shipping at the whaTVes, the rice-mills, the
phosphate works, the magnificent view Of
Che unriYalled battery and the beautiful
city. the elegant collation. spread in the sa-
leon lover which his Honor Mayor Courte-
nav presided with the grace of the gentle
nan and the cordialty OF the true SOL
dier), but above all the delightful social
intercourse with many OF Charleston's
warm-hearted, genial gentlemen, made this
excursion an event TO be remembered.
An elegant reception and banquet given
BY Major Dawson and his accomplished
lady; choice supper with Mr.. +. l..
Wells, who rode after General Lee when
the commssariat was not quite equal to
what he now furnishes; and the courteous
attentions which were showered upon us
on all sides added greatly to the pleasure
Of the visit and made us reluctant to tear
ourselves away from scores OF other invita-
tions in order TO meet another engagement.
But our visit to Charleston was especially
Sratifying in what was accomplished in
behalf Of the Southern Historical Society.
Not only was General Lees lecture enthu-
siastically received by the large crowd,
who applauded 1t ito the echo, but it real
tied handsome sum for the Society, and
excited an interest which the efficient
agent OF the Society, Colonel Zimmerman
Davis. is following up, and which will re-
suit in adding q number Of new names TO
our lists, and eliciting the contribution Of
valuable historic material to our archives.
Beautiful for situation, lavish in her
hospitality, refined and cultivated in her
society, true to the hailowed memories Of
her glorious past, grand old, battle-scarred,
historic Charleston is the pride of her peo-
pie, and Joy to every true Confederate
who visits her. And in visiting Charles
ton and other parts OF South Carolina it is
very gratifying to see on every hand evil
dences Of present prosperity and the
promise Of q still brighter future. "COt-
ton is" once more "king," the State
Government is under the control of the
true people OF the State land will so re-
main), and there opens up before the GAL
liant Palmetto State future which will
gladden. the hearts of true men every
where.
More anon. VIAToR.