Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-30

tive. soon fell behind, We have anoth~
instance which shows that those most
ready TO move are not always in ut the
critical moment. 4 clever southern wo-
man. in advance Of the great majority by
whose wisdom and courage the war was
finally waged sought to quicken their
steps by the picture Of cat with upliIt-
ed paw held over mouse, whlch she
seemed afraid TO seize. This was m
scribed, "Virginia Pawsing." But virgil
MAS pause made her advance more sea
sonable and impressive, and now on the
page OF history vindicates her name and
the character Of her leaders, and clothes
her record in a fairer light
PEACE COMMISSION MEETING.
The second meeting Of this period 10
which / have referred was the one when
was held 10 hear the peace commission
ers on their return from Fort Monroe.
II was a sad meeting. Mr.. r. NJ. T.
Hunter seemed TO speak under the weight
of a burden that pressed upon his spirit
A cloud seemed TO throw its shadow upon
the assembly a well-known clergyman's
voice rang out. Resistance to tyrants
Is obedience to God" There was deep
determination 10 persevere, and reject
| the conditions offered, but the solemnlty
of the undertaking, the magnitude or the
difficulties that surrounded the Confed-
eracy at that crisis, made the very at
mosphere of the occasion oppressive. the
voice Of the croaker was heard in the
! land. can never cease to honor the
| man who spoke out then against this
| class. The musical voice OF the Hon.
| Secretary OF War, Judah Il. Benjamin,
| attracted the ear. He appealed TO his
| countrymen, and endeavored TO animate
| their hopes and their courage. lie
| begged them not to listen to the despond-
| ent. He spoke OF an interview
| which had recently taken place
| between himself and a gentleman OF that
| class. and declared that he had positively
| refused TO hear the words of discourage
| ment. but had taken his hat and left
] the place and the speaker. In many a
| trying season, and with regard to other
| UNDERTAKINGS of a private or pubic
! nature. | have remembered the words
of the eloquent Secretary, spoken Wheh
| his own spirit was sorely tried, ana
| sought to eschew the counsel OF the
croaker. q more formidable foe than the
open enemy. 49,,
These "reminiscences of the old Afri-
can church may not be properly cioSeu
without some reference 10 1t as place
of Worship. The coiored congregation
that assembled there was very large
but noted for its observance of the pre-
cent. Let all things be done decently
ana I'm order" The long and faithful
ministry Of Rev. Robert Ryland made
an impression that, doubtless, bears eX-
cellent fruit this day among the sur
yiving members of his congregation ana
their descendants. The colored race Is
naturally musical. The choir at this
church showed careful training and
practice, as well as natural talent
Strangers, especially from the North
were often present to witness the exer-
cises and hear the singing. Rev. Dr.
William Adams, the distinguished divine
OF New York, being on Visit 10 kich'
mond, was invited to preach for this con
gregation on a Sabbath afternoon. He
} was accompanied by DIR. Read. During
Dr. Adamss sermon he was startled by
the responses OF the congregation ane
; the strong volume Of sound in Yes oil
"No." when he would ask question II
J his argument. DR.. Read followed DR.
Adams, and a young student Of divinity
r who came from Richmond College L
offciate in the absence of DIR. Ryland
delivered a discourse. When old Aun
Mary, the colored nanny in certain
family, came home from the protracte'
! service, she gave glowing account u
0 the young people OF the household; Dr
4 Adams had preached in manner ina
= greatly pleased the congregation, ant
I they were quite carried away with him
y Dr Read had Crowned" the meeting
0 .Well, but. Aunt Mary, what of IN
: Young STUDENT" asked some inquisitiv
h one of her hearers oh" said she, IN
o had a very good text"-a criticism which
5 is much 10 be commended to censors o
q the pulpit. L. Il. PRICE.
: buchanan Va.