The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1916-01-13
MEMORIES OF SOUTHERN. CITIES.
Richmond, Virginia.

W
and SO instead of Savannah will give
some recollections of two visits to the
former city, although can add nothing
to her descriptions Of the places of in
terest. Indeed, although we went sight
seeing, the brief visits were mainly taken
up with social observances and the en-
ioyment of the southern hospitality OF
which all have read so much and which
personal experience has proved not to be
over-estimated.
In November, 1869, the newspaper
men of Richmond invited the members
of the local press of Washington, D. c.,
to be their guests on Thanksgiving day,
and as fortunately | had friends among
them l was asked to join the party. AS
mentioned in my first article there was
then no train service south from Wash
ington, and at p. M, Nov. 18th, the
party embarked on the steamer Wander
bilt for Acqhia Creek, where they took
the night train for Richmond. Acquia
Creek, and many of the places passed
through in the night, are of historic in
terest in connection with the Civil War.
We arrived in the Union station at Rich
mond at 4 a. m. and coaches were in
waiting to transfer US to the Spotswood,
then, and for many years before, Rich
mond's leading hotel, where we were
welcomed by Mr.. Luck, the proprietor,
and assigned rooms. We were not long
in deciding that we were in luck to have
so genial host.
After breakfast committee of the
Richmond press escorted the visitors to
various parts of the city. The Wash
ington monument in Capital Square was
visited and the party then repaired to
the Governors mansion, where they were
severally presented to Gov. Walker.
After pleasant interchange of remarks
incident to the visit a move was made
toward Main street. 1t had been intend
ed to make a call on Gen. Candy, but a
messenger advised US that he was at
tending divine service. A call was made
on Mr.. Spiro Zetelle, the Demonco of
Richmond, where refreshments were
served, after which the walk was re-
sumed and the GalIego Mills, the Tobac-
co Exchange, Libby Prison, ETC., We're
given passing glance. Then we were
intercepted by the manager of Young
lings brewery. shown through the i'm
mense building and induced to partake
Of ''a fiagon of foaming lager" before
departing. On the return to the hotel
we looked in at the old St. Johns church,
once used as Washington s headquarters
Then came dinner. | have the menu
before me, and if there was any delicacy,
in or out of season, that was not served
at this dinner | should be at loss to
name it. The usual post prandial exer-
cises followed, beginning with hearty
words of welcome from Mr.. Graeme of
the Richmond Wing, who had been Sc
lected to preside.
AS most of the visitors had to resume
their duties in Washing ton the next
morning the festivities at the Spotswood
were brought to close at 7.3O o. M.
and call hands" repaired to the depot to
see the party off by the night train.
Before their departure, however, a
joint committee, composed of five men,
bers of the Richmond press and five of
the Washington press was appointed to
devise plan for an organization of the
press and to arrange for a joint meeting
to be held In Washington sat such time
as may be convenient"
The convenient time proved to be the
following New Years day, when the
Richmond newspaper men were enter
tanned by their Washington confreres. 1t
seems necessary to make at least brief
mention of this affair as it led to sec
ond Thanksgiving visit to Richmond.
The Arlington, then the leading hotel
at the National Capital, had just &C
CURED by purchase the Reverdy Johnson
mansion adjoining and connected it with
the hotel, but had not occupied it. This
residence-one of the finest in Washing
ton at that time-was secured for the
exclusive use of the visitors. The party
attended the New Years reception at
the White House and were presented to
President Grant before the army and
navy-the diplomats having precedence
which led Vice President Colfax to re-
mark, The pen is mightier than the
sword In the evening the party wit
messed play at the National Theater,
and of course there was banquet, served
in The Arlington's best style.
The night before Thanksgiving Day of
1870 another party was en- route to Rich
mond ana on arrival was quartered at
the Spotswood as before, but this time
the banquet was at Zetelles. We were
told that he had spent two days and two
nights in his kitchen preparing for it,
and it was certainly wonderful exhibit
ton of culinary art. If we went sight
seeing on this visit have no recollection
of it, but think that the time was spent
socially and in cementing our acquaint-
apce with the gentlemen of the Rich
mond press On this, as on the former