Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-13

THE GRAYS' REUNION
HISTORY OF FAMOUS ASSOCIATION
RETOLD AT THEIR BANQUET.
AN INTERESTING SOCIAL EVENT.
Ii Was Their Fifty-Third birthday
Yesterday, and Many Comrades Met
with Them-Dccorations mt Com
cordia HalI--The Toast List.

From 1871 TO 1897 is a far cry, and when
the interim has been as fruitful OF
events as those which distinguish the
career of the Richmond Grays, a retro
spect cannot faii to interest, even as II
must contain many a sautary lesson
for those who would uphold the honored
| traditions which have fallen like a
mantle about their shoulders.
Fifty-three years ago yesterday the
Richmond Grays Association was or
ganized. and the anniversary was made
the occasion Of a very happy reunion at
Concordia Hall last night. About fifty
members Of the old Grays gathered there
to live once more through those stirring
scenes of the early CO.'S, in which they
bore 20 conspicuous a part.
The association had decided to enter
tain their old comrades IN arms to a
banquet. and no expense was spared, no
effort reserved, to ensure the uncquivocal
success OF the entertainment.
SOME OF THOSE PRESENT.
Among the hOnOred guests Of the eve
ming was Mr. John III. GreanOr, of Balti-
more, one Of the only two surviving char
ter members of the association, Major
Lewis Ginter, of Richmond, being the
other The latter was, however, unayoid-
ably detained from being present Others
present were Captain Hugh Smith, Of the
Twelfth Virginia Infantry and eX-post-
master of Petersburg; Mr.. George ;. Ber-
nard, of Mahone's Brigade; Mr. John II.
Turner, Of the Petersburg Rihemcn; Cap
tain +. Cunningham, Captain Gray Bos-
sieux, Messrs. w. j.. Reddy Minetree
A |
Garrison, Edward Allen. James Hargrove,
John \. Meanley. James Vaughan, Jo-
seph c. DickersOn. John n. Laughton,
Isaac Goddard, John \. Pitt, Il. Leslie
Spence, w. Gibson, Cyrus BossieuX,
Thomas Riddick, Thomas OKeefe. Fig.
Hankins, Davis, Wilson, J. Il. Phillips,
L.. Spence, Jr., l.. b. Spence, q. p Pol
lard. o. Morganstern. c. c. Cottrel X.
T. Daniel, Il. w. Drew. A. Gipperich, q.
W. Libby. l.. c. Minor, G. T.. ReJford,
4. II. Robins. w. +. Richardson, Samuel
I. Smith, Lewis Wagner, DR.. +. Cunning
ham, and others.
DINING-ROOM DECORATIONS.
Tho association mustered In the lodge
room OF the hall at 9 o'clock, ana after
the roll-call. marched in double file 10
the dining-room. whichshad been appro-
priateiy decorated for the occasion. The
were large portraits Of General George
Washington and General Robert r. Lee.
There was a brave display OF Confede-
rate bunting and Virginia state banners.
and a large scroll at the end OF the
dlnlng-room gave expression TO the well
come which was everywhere apparent
The menu was an excellent one IN every
respect. and admirably served. Five
tables were arranged from side to side
OF the hall. prettily decorated with
flowers.
Captain T. Leslie Spence presided and
acted as POSTMASTER. Governor O'Ferrall
and Mayor Taylor had been Invited 10 be
present. and respond TO toasts, but both
were unable to attend. Letters OF regret
were read from Captain Robert Mayo.
.Tr.. General A. L. Phillips. Colonel O. b.
Walling, Captain Carter II. Bishop. and
Commander Warren.
TIE TOAST LIST.
The toasts were responded TO as fol-
lows:
virginia.; the Mother of States and