Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-08
nm. uocE.s nrCoLLECTIONs.

We suppose little progress was MADE by
DR.. Hoge towards writing the reminis-
cences which q year or two ago he prom
ised his friends: but 1t ia to be hoped. at
least, that he made collections OF material
which will prove useful TO whomsoever
undertakes to tell his lies story. me
public. however. must suffer loss In NOT
having an photographed work from
him. He had met crowned heads and In
terested them in his work. He had re-
ceiyed attentions from Carlyle and other
great literary men, and his church con-
nections had thrown him into intimate
relationship with some OF the noblest ana
best men engaged in religious work. But
| the opportunities that came TO MN uurihs
the civil war gave him his greatest
wealth Of recolIections Of public men. lie
was the friend and conldant Of many OF
the leaders OF the Confederacy. and we
believe ne had information that IS pos-
sessed by no man now living.
Had DR.. Hoge written his "reminiscences,
az he had intended. they would have
made n book OF enduring interest, to this
community especially. He was an old citl-
zen OF Richmond. His life here De-
gan before Hollywood Cemetery was laid
out: before the Exchange Hotel opened
its doors to guests. And at that hosiery
he made his home for years, and there
he formed the acquaintance OF Lewis Oih-
ter. a fellow-boarder, who continued MS
lifelong friend. DR.. Hoge not only h'eu
I'm the community. but was OF me COM
munity. He was a moving, active, inter-
ested spirit in Richmond life, and
he was a keen observer. with WONDER
fully good memory. His habit OF morse
back exercise and his walks about the
streets carried him among the people, ana
made them familiar to him and him 10
them.
The house so long occupied by Or. Hoge'
at the northeast corner OF Main ana fil'h
streets. is one Of the Oldest residences
here. It's situation is very commanding
From its southern windows there 10
view of many miles Of landscape, beauti-
fed bv the river, by woodlands, ind fer
tne low grounds. All these things made
the house very dear TO The Doctor. lie
thought Il the most desirable home IN
Richmond. Had he written his reminis-
,ences that old house would have had q
chapter identifying 1t with the golden
Years of his welded life, as well as with
many occurrences Of popular interest.
We are to lament the lack Of these re-
too, because DR.. Hoge was
skilful with his pen. A great
,rator he was; but great writer, too,
md whoever collects ard publishes his
etters and addresses will give to the
world enduring examples Of vigorous
and argument, clothed In Ian
mage that was musical to hear, and that
$ witching to read.
DR.. Hoge's life was prodigiously busy |
ne. He never seemed to be In hurry;
ut he was never idle. He was at work all
he time He had not the leisure TO write
ut his recollectons. Indeed. the won
er is that he should have accomplished
o much: but he had great will power;
erves that not even the street-car acci-
ent could unstring; a capacity for endu-
ance that four or five hours of sleep
ould satisfy, and a well-ordered mind
hat kept his physical powers in obedl-
nee. Take him how you will, he was a
reat man. Virginia will always set I
i'm in her choicest galaxy Of beloved :
ons and Hollywood will be more than
yer famous when It receives his body.