Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-25
LEE IN PETERSBURG.


srssd Parade sss ss,s~asd asS,e.ee- IN.
HSsscckes.
Especial telegram 10 the Dispateh.l
PETERSBURG, VA, October 24.--
ahe hustle and activity about cur
streets and Che great number Of stran-
gers m the city to-day plainly betoken-
cd some attraction Of unusual interest.
This attraction Was the presence of
General Fiszhugh Lee. the Democratic
candidate for Governor Of the State,
who made his first visit to the CockAde
City to-day, and his first speech Of the
campaign here tonight. Il had been
arranged by our citizens that betting
reception should be extended the dis
tinguished visitor, and welcome given
him tina; should make him feel al home,
even though in community that for
years past has been hostile to
Democracy. Il was not intended that
this reception should be elaborate,
but rather cordial. Saturday. as q
usual thing, is day Of business, and
great number Of people are necessarily
kept TO their work. A simple invitation
was extended to all who could conve-
niently do so TO meet the General at
the depot and escort him TO his hotel
quarters. The same invitation, though
on very short notice. was given 10 the
people OF the adjacent counties. The
latter responded heartily. and they be-
gan 20 pour into the city early in the
day from Chesterfield, Prince George,
and Dinwiddie, aud their numbers
largely increased the crowd on our
streets. They came in on foot, in car
risges and buggies, and in troops and
squads on horseback.
Several Of our main business thorough
fares notably Sycamore street--sre
beautifully decorated with bunting and
flags. which ny from nearly every
house. Some Of the large buildings are
very tastefully and handsomely deco
rated, and from nearly every window
fisg was thrown to the breeze. The
houses without flags were few and far
between. The people everywhere SEEM
ed in thoroughly good humer, and were
happy 10 thus honor one of Virginia's
most distinguished sons.
a committee Of some twenty-five or
thirty Of our citizens left here this
morning at ii o'clock for Burkeville to
meet General Lee and escort hun bark
TO the city. The train returned TO the
depot at 4;30 O'Clock but long before
that time vast crowd Of people had
gathered in the vicinity, filling all
of the vacant space adjacent. No less
than four OF FIVE thousand persons were
there. but by far the greater number
crowded the sidewalks Of Boiling
brook and Sycamore streets, along
which the procession was TO pass. The
sight Of the train as il came in view
was the signal for an outburst Of
cheers and hurrahs, which were con-
tinued for MANY minutes amidst the
waving Of hats and handkerchiefs. 1t
was some time before General Lee
could make his way through the dense
crowd. A carriage with four fine horses
had been provided for him, but
he preferred horseback, and sprang
lightly upon fine animal that
vas rendered him. The procession
moved of under the marshalship of
Captain James 7. ToSh and Colonel W.
ROane Rufiu and a number OF assist
ants. the great crowd following and
cheering. General Lee calamity raised
his hat at the compliment extended him
OF all sides. Bollingbrook and Syca-
more streets were fairly blocked
with people, and the movement forward
was slow. Beautiful flags were sus-
pended across the streets and from
every house. The ladies crowded the
doors and windows all along the line Of
march, and waved their handkerchiefs
and flags az the chicftain passed by,
sll Of which was gracefully scknow-
lodged.
The procession passed up Sycamore
to Liberty street, up Liberty 20 Hall
fax, down Halifax TO Market, down
Market to Tabb. and thence TO the
Hotel Gary, where General Lee was the
guest. 1t passed by the residence of
Senator Malone, on Market street,
who viewed il from his window. Be-
tween twelve and fifteen thousand peo-
pie Witnessed it. and no such scene has
been Witnessed in Petersburg since the
memorable days Of the war. There
were fully 500 mounted men IN line,
and long following of carriages and
buegies ana people on foot. a number
Of COloTed men wearing FItz-Lee badges
juned tie march and enthusiastically
cheoTeG General Lee. Such a remarks-
BILE outpourug Of the people rather
swed The Republicans, many Of whom
had been led by their speakers to be-
heve that only boys and hired people
turned ont to greet him everywhere IN
the State. John Wise. in his recent
speech here. also told them that, judg-
ing from the size Of the crowd who
heard him, there would be few to greet
General Lee when he came. The many
thousands who did greet INN this eve
ming is sufficient answer 10 this boast
ful speech.
BONTIREs BLAZING.
Bonfires are lighting the streets to-
night and fireworks are ascending from
the front Of the Academy of Music.
Tn, academy is packed from pit to
dome with the largest audience ever as
seubled within its walls, and over
running with enthusiasm. A great
number failed to get inside. Great
disappointment is expressed that nall
sufficient to accommodate all could not
be obtained. The scenery was removed
from the large stage and the space
thereon was quickly filed. Cheers for
the next Governor Of Virginia were fire.
quen,ly gwen before Lees arrival in the
ball. and when finally he made his ap-
pearsnce the vast audience arose 70 their
feet and, waving their hats, cheered
several minutes. DIN. Bernard. Esq,
introduced General Lee, saying that II
must be matter Of pride to the 9Th