Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-10-22
THE GID CONFEDs.
a Warm Reception ana a Very Sad Ac.
ciGeuf.

ctGeufs
There seemed 10 be some doubt, after the
change Of programme, as to whether the
President would honor himself by visiting
the Home OF the veterans OF the COnfede-
ucy; but soon message came that he
would certainly he there at O'Clock, and
the "Old Vets" were in state OF anxious
expectancy for some time before the arriya!
Of tie party.
rs GOOD TRIM.
Th9 Home and the grounds were in
Gar arple.pie" order. the officers and men
were In their best trim, and It was pleasant
to spend time walking through the
grounds and buildings and admirIng the
many improvements which are being con-
,tantly made.
ELDERS LEE.
The new portrait OF General Lee by
Elder is Il very fine likeness and superb
work Of art, and was only brought to the
library of the Home few days ago. 1t Is
understood that This splendid picture is the
gifi cf an accomplished lady. whose name
Is yet i, withheld from the public; and it
is hoped that this and the portrait OF Jack
SOP, which has been for some time in The
library, Will be but the beginning OF gall
lcry Of Confederate portraits which shall
cIe long grace the Home.
FLOWERS FoR MRS. CLEVELAND.
There was also in the library yesterday
afternoon basket oi beautiful cut,ilOWers,
TO which vas attached card. on which
was beautifully written: "Complimcnt, OF
r. j.. Lee Camp TO Mrs. Grover Clcye-
iand.p
This was prepared to be presented to
Mrs. Cleveland In person. but when 1t wa'
announced that she would not be here the
veterans Of Lee Camp determined 10 give
them to her - lesser bali" to carry 10 her.
whether he was ga good boy and did
20 or carelessly left them on the way re-
mains to be seen.
TIE SIGNAL.
II was understood that the salute at the
Fair-Grounds would be the signal for the
starting Of the party from there, and there
were eager listeners for the signal.
THE SIGNAL. Gun.
At last, at ten minutes to O'Clock the
iirst gun was heard. and all wa. at once eX-
element at the Home. The veterans hob
hled into line, their crutches and empty
sleeves and haiing gait being more elo'
luent than any words that could be uttered.
THE ARTILLERY.
Major Brandcr aud his detachment OF
lrtiIleTlst. manned their guns, the large
number Of visitors got into position, and
all was made ready 10 give the distinguished
guest a cordial greeting and hearty well
come.
As soon a. the party came in sight the
guns echoed their welcome, the veterans
stood in line, and with uncovered heads,
Is the Presidents party passed by.
THE PEsIDENT PRESENTED.
The President also uncovered and bowed
10 ,be veterans as he passed. Arriving In
! 'front.' OF the main building, the carriage
containing the President, Governor Lee,
Colonel Beverley, and Colonel Buford
| paused, and the Governor arose and said
I'VE can tarry here only very short time;
| hut have the honor and pleasure OF intro
| ducng to you, officers and veterans OF the
Confederate Home, the President OF the
| United States"
THE OLD YELL.
This was received with loud cheers. or
ather with regular old Confederate yell,
nd the veterans crowded around the car
iage and Mr.. Cleveland took each one by
ne hand, and had a hearty shake and kind
,Ord for each one.
,HAT THE PRESIDENT SAID ABOUT HIS WIFE.
When Major Pollard handed in the bas-
ct Of flowers the President bowed his ac-
| nowlede ments, but the Governor has
| ,entd TO soy, "ThOse are for Mrs. Cleye-
and, Mr.. President" He at once replied,
'Oh! yes she gets everything"
THREE CHEERS.
A. the carriage was about to drive off an
4. Nf.-na sne..Aw fAH
| The President and "the boys" dId their
| best on them, and made them none the less
| hearty because they were nearer the "rebel
gell" lhan The "Hip! Hipl Hurrah
which he has been accustomed.
The President expressed himself as
nghIy gratiGed that these old Ccnfederltes
nave so pleasant a home.
THUNDER or THE GUNS.
As the carriages, headed by detach-
| ment OF the stuart Horse Guards, went out
| # the grounds the thunder OF Major Bran
| der's guns were heard "speeding the de-
| parting guest"
Fortunately the President and his party
| did not hesr OF the sad accident ON the
| firing Of the last gun, which so marred the
! Joys OF the day.
UXFcRTUNATE PREMATURE EXPLOSION.
The Soldiers -Home battery was firing a
| .alute lust as the Presidents party left the
| ground, and Sir. Jones was serving as No.
/ at the third gun, twelye-pOund Ma
poleon, with charge OF two pounds OF
uowder. Several rounds had been fired
| rom this gun AMI another cart
ridge lust rammed down when a
| premature discharge took place, blow.
.ng of the thumb OF the man who was
.ervIng the vent and mutiating Jones hor-
ri5ly. Ills right arm was torn on OF point
| between the elbow and wrist, one OF the
| bones OF the left hand broken and the hand
badly rnaRgied, his face burnt, ana an eye
robabls put out, and the chest considera-
| bly burnt.
| Dr. McGnIr happened to be driving