Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-07-04

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sTuART's GRAVE.
And next his visit to Stusrt's grave
~ had meanwhile ordered Q carriagt
and flowers and hurried out to Holly
wood, whore rests Stuart, my gres'
chief and dear friend and brother In
arms. was somewhat disappointed
at not finding the grave at the same old
well.known spot, the remains having
been removed to another part OF the
grounds. where monument was
erected by q brother to his memory.
Deep was the grief that mastered me
when knecled at this grave and
thought of the renowned career cut of
bv sudden death. ! brought to mind
the friendly comradeship and love
shown to me, the fights and dangers
that we had passed through together. "
The reception and supper that night
at Ford's are next described at some
length. The enthusiasm and crowding
memories of the hour evidently made q
deep impression upon him, the guest
and central figure Of the occa-
sion. This enthusiasm reached its
highest when, after Won Borcke's
toast to the memory Of Stuart,
1.-THE Greatest Cavalry General Of his
Century," Mr.. Edward Price en-
tered the room bearing the sword that
Won Borcke had left here twenty years
ago, in expectation Of returning before
the end Of the war. AS this sword has
been made historic by its formal recep'
ton afterwards by the Legislature, and
being deposited in the State Library,
Won Borcke's account of it is worth
transcribing alt is blade Of the best
steel, broader and longer than COM
monty used. | carried it for the first
time at q grand parade before King
Frederick William w., mounted on fine
horse. was rather conscious Of my
imposing appearance, and this was
strengthened when, as my troop passed
him, old Father Wrangel called to me,
Il am very we'll pleased with you to-
day, my boy After the regiment bad
passed the King the Colonel rode to me,
wanting to know where | had gotten
such a COMPOUNDED blade, adding that
even the King had noticed it, and ended
by forbiddiDg its further use. This was
a severe disappointment and ] never
drew the good sword again until it
helped to carve out a way tor Stuart
when surrounded by the enemy at Seven
Pines-a service that won his thankful
and lasting friendship. From that day
this sword had become a favorite topic
with the jOvial cavalry of the army.
Many a yarn was told about it,
and the enemy's newspapers repre-
sented 1t as a weapon that no one
could withstand, and that spread terror
in the ranks Of their soldiers. When !
left Richmond, 7 had cOnfded the
weapon TO the care Of the Prices, who,
on the entry Of the Northern army, had
deposited it with their family vsluables
in the vaults Of their store. This
building was a prey to the flames, and
when, after two weeks, the rubbish was
cleared away, the sword was found
with the other things uninjured, but
the blade still so hot that young Prices
hand was burnt when he touched it.
The whole twenty years since then it
had remained in my trunk, and now,
with deep emotion, | held it again in
nv hand-this weapon, with which !,
without influence, without backing,
had won position and honor in a
foreign land. That very evening the
proposal was made that the sword
should be allowed to remain IN Rich
moud, and to day it hangs in the Capt.
toll as one of the honored relics Of the
State, and its possession for all time"
VISITING MRS. STUART.
The incidents Of the sojourn in Rich.
lnond are detailed at some length in
temper and tone that evidence the de-
lighted and grateful impression made 10y
the attentions shown by the many
who were eager to honor him and
by their hospitality. Not
less interesting are the details of trips
to Stanton, Warrenton, and other
points. We must transcribe some &C
count Of the visit to Mrs. Stuart, at
where his arrival was greet
ed with the cheers Of the crowd as
sembled to meet him, and process
sion through the streets headed by the
Stonewall Band. Arrived at Mrs.
Stuart's, whose guest he was to
be, sit was an affecting meeting,
and, overcome by memories, we could
scarcely speak in the first moment. 1t
seemed to me that the past contracted,
and as il between it and the present
were but few days, and not twenty
years. In these twenty years Mrs.
Stuart had outwardly changed but lit.
tie, and | was happy to find that she
remained still the same, and that her
faithful friendship had prepared such
a reception for me. Miss Virginia, the
daughter, had insisted that her own
room should be prepared for me, and |
found the curtains Of the bed decorated
with Confederate and German flags, as
well as a number Of little mementoes,
reminding me ofmy old dear friend and
brother. in-arms. When at night | was
about to retire to my room, and was
bidding my. friends "good night"
Mrs. Stuart led her daughter BY
the hand to me, with the words,
Virginia wishes to offer the good
night kiss to her fathers best friend
In this simple incident there was so
much deeply poetic and moving that |
was touched to my Utmost heart, aud
as | lay my hand in blessing on the
maiden's curly head, | seemed to hear
again the words which my dear chief
on his dying bed whispered into my
ear, After my death be as good q
friend TO mine as you have been in my
netime.'
"Tired out with the long and hot trip,
/ lopged for rest, but this could not so
soon come, for scarcely had / entered
my room when the tones Of full band
waited themselves to me, lanterns gliul-
mered through the darkness Of the trees
before my window, and Mr.. Alexander
Stuart, hurryiug in informed me that
the Stsunton people had come to give
me a serenads. Not till toward mid
night did the last strains cease, and
enjoyed fine nights rest."