Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-18
Tho Death Of Mr.. winthrop.

The Hon. Robert Charles winthrop was
one of the best specimens OF American
statesmen and orators who have reached
old age. His life was extended far be-
yond the allotted span, and was busy
and useful one Away back before our
war was dreamed OF he was celebrity.
and he continued up TO a few years ago
10 be one OF the very foremost orators
OF our country. No other American was
ever chosen orator for 30 many me-
morable occasions. and few equalled him
In eloquence.
Considering tho exciting periods covered
by his life. II Is not TO be wondered tho
sometimes his words fell harshly upon
southern ears; but, upon the whole. We
must admit that his disposition was
kindly, and that after the war was over
he sincerely wished to see all of the
people OF the United States reunited and
happy. His death. which had long been
expected, occurred at Boston at u:SO
night before last
Mr.. Winthrop was born at Boston, May
u. 1909. He graduated at Harvard In ls2S,
and studied law with Daniel webster,
was speaker of the Massachusetts, House,
1880, and OF the United States House,
1919. and. by appointment OF the Gov
ernor, succeeded Mr.. Webster in the
Senate. Afterwards. he was not very
successful in politics, but grew In ceie-
brlty as an orator. He delivered the ora
ton at the laying of the cornerstone OK
the Washington monument at the ma
tionei capital in 1913. and at the compile
ton of the monument. in 1885. lie was
also one OF the orators at the dedication
OF the Gettysburg Park and Nauohai
Cemetery, and at the unveilins or 'he
yorktown monument. and was great
figure at many other celebrations Oh
events of national Importance.
Among the numerous claims which Mr.
Winthrop had upon the confidence ana
affection OF the people should be men
toned his regard for Virginia ana the
deep interest he always took In every
thjng relating to her past history ana
present prosperity. Before the war ne
delivered an address before the Young
From its origin he was an honorary
member of the Virginia Historical So
cety, which will doubtless take appro-
pirate notice of the death Of 80 DIS
tinguished a member. Since the war ne
has made three visits to our c'ty-once
TO attend meeting OF the Peabody
Board of Trustees Of which he was the
tAl1 ~
pointment at the hands of Mr.. Peabody.
when he instituted the trust and
made his magnificent donation; once.
when he was on his way TO Yorktown
TO deliver the Grafton on the occasion
of the centennial celebration Of the sur
render OF CORVALLIS, in which he had
the manlness and courage to pay that
splendid tribute to General Lee. and.
lastly, when he made a personal visit
a few years ago to his friends. DR..
and Mrs. j. L. NJ. Curry, when so many
Of our citizens had the privilege OF show
ing him their great respect.
1t may not be known that for many
years he and our noted feliow-citizen,
Mr.. Hugh Blair Grigsby. exchanged
patriotic letters on every Fourth Of July.
the object Of which correspondence was
TO keep alive the memory of the joint
efforts and sacrifices of Massachusetts,
and Virginia in the days which tried
mems souls. When Mr.. Grigsby died
the honor of representing Virginia was
transferred TO DR.. Curry. and thus the
interchange of patriotic sentiment was
kept up without a break. These letters
OF Mr.. Winthrop would make an in
teresting little volume. throwing plea
SAINT light on the cordial relations be-
tween the two States which contributed
most to the success Of our revolutionary
struggle.
We happen to know that of hundreds
OF letters written rapidly by Mr.. Win
throp, there is not in a single one
blot, an erasure, or an interlineation,
and that every sentence is ready for
the press, as specimen of pure and
faultless English.