The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-06-22
Soldiers Home Near Hampton.

Soldiers Home Near Hampton.
COMMITTEE on RELIEF OF THE POOR MAKE 1T
A AyIsIT-HOsPITABLE RECEPTION BY COL
oNEL p. T. wooDFIN, GOVERNOR OF THE
HOME-A PLEASANT DAY SPENT IN GATHER
ING USEFUL INFORMATION.
On Wednesday the Committee on Relief
OF the Poor paid a visit to the National
Soldiers Home near Hampton and other
points OF interest in that vicinity. The
party left Richmond on the $50 A. NJ.
train by the Chesapeake and Ohio railway,
and consisted Of the following-named gem
temen: William S. Gum, chairman Com
mittec on Relief the Poor, and Messrs. W.
J. Mcdowell, +. C.. Brauer, Julius Straus,
George II. Burwell: Captain G. p. Bigger,
superintendent public charities DR.. Lewis
G.. BOsher, resident physician city aims
house; Dir. n. ID. Hargroye. OF the Com
mittee on Finance; W. II. Thompson, en-
gineer city almshouse and Thomas NJ.
Saunders, gas-inspector.
After delightful ride OF three and
half hours over the Chesapeake and Ohio
railway Hampton was reached. Here the
party was met by Captain 7. 7. WOodfin.
governor OF the Home, and driven in car
riages to the Home, stopping at Barnes's
Hotel in Hampton long enough to be dust
ed OF new name for iD. When the Home
was reached they were welcomed by de-
lightful music from the band belonging 10
the institution. After a few minutes de-
tention in the handsome Office OF the Gov
ernor thorough inspection OF the place
was commenced. The magnificent build
ING known rs the Ward Memorial Hall.
named after Virginian who left the means
for its erection, was first visited. In this
building OF fine proportions and Orna-
mental design may be found the dining
room, with its acknowledgement walls
and seating capacity OF 200. Adjoining
this room is the kitchen, containing the latest
improved methods for service in this depart
ment. The theatre is on the second floor,
and is a model for beauty and comfort. and
its means OF egress are far superior to any
public building in the city Of - (Rich-
mond had almost been written, but remem-
bering the Theatre and Mozart Hall il was
mott. Adjoining the theatre is handsome
billiard and pool-room. The store, ply
sician's cottage residence, laundry. house
OF the steam fre-engine, card and smOk-
ing-roOm. library-roOm. with its beautiful
pictures and collection Of books, were next
visited. one OF the most interesting visits
was to what is known rs the main build
ing. Here the inmates sleep and have
their quarters, and for cleanliness, comfort.
and convenience it can hardly be sur
passed. The hospital is not "ward OF
whitewashed walls" but Il home for the
! sick. Throughout the building handsome
paintings adorn the walls, aud bright fra
grant flowers lend their aid to cheerthe heart
and please the eye OF the sick. A yisitto the
conservatory, with its rare collection of
plants and flowers, view OF the beauti-
iul water eXpanse from the top portico OF
the nam building, and the handsome
grounds OF the Home. ended the inspec-
tiOn Of the National Soldiers Home; and
at its close there was but one expression
Of opinion summed up by member OF the
visiting party, thus, 1t is one OF the most
beautiful spots | have ever seen; it is a
grand public institution, and reflects the
highest credit upon the executive ability
OF its Governor" Tom Saunders re-
marked upon arriving at Hampton that
the depot building was much handsOmer
than the union depot in Richmond.
After partaking Of the hospitalities OF
Governor Woodin at his residence, and
listening to a serenade from the band, the
visitors were driven TO Old Point and
through the grounds Of Fort Monroe, re-
turning to Hampton for supper. At night
moonlight sail in Hampton Roads was
greatly enjoyed, and at lts conclusion the
visitors were again taken to the - Home"
and had the pleasure OF witnessing the play
OF 'The Duel in the Snow" by I. Home
Dramatic Troupe. After the fall Of the
curtain on the last scene OF this most ap-
propriate play for June night the stage
manager announced that the performance
would conclude with tableau, and re-
quested Governor WoOdfin to come on the
stage. which ne did, not having any
idea OF what was 10 prccede The
tableau. As il was not down in the
programme. In 4 few minutes the band
played L" Hail 70 the Chief" the curtain
went up. Captain WoOdtin and DR.. ;. B.
Kenny. OF Portsmouth, stood upon the
stage: and when the music ceased, DR..
Kenny, in appropriate terms, presented
Governor WoOdfin. rs the department
commander Of the Grand Army Of the Re-
pubhc, with a diamOnd-stuGded badge,
which he was requested 10 accept and wear
as "A token Of the high esteem i'm which he
is held by his comrades Of that Association
in virginia. The recipient, though taken
bv surprise. responded in fitting terms.
The tabeauX "America ended the eve
ning's entertainment.
The visitors returned by sail-boat 10
Hampton, spent the night there, and came
home Thursday morning, delighted with
their trip, full OF kind feelings for Govern
or Woodfin. having the highest opinion OF
the Home. and pleased with the polite
courtesies OF the attentive officials OF the