The Pine and The Palm. ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY. Yesterday afternoon we sailed from Baltimore in the magnificent steamer "State of Virginia," which R. Foster, Esq., agent of the Richmond and York River Railroad Line, had kindly placed at the disposal of Mr. N. H. Hotchkiss and his editorial friends. At four o'clock the steamer left the dock and moved gracefully down the harbor, passing Fort McHenry, one of the strongest fortifications in the United States, and which gave birth to the national song "the Star Spangled Banner." Further down, and midway in the Patapsco, is Fort Carroll, which is unfinished and probably never will be, as iron-clads have rendered it useless as a means of defence. We passed Annapolis in the distance, only its numerous church spires being visible. As the steamer plowed through the waters on its way, and the shadows of night were falling, the bell for supper was rung and the party assembled around tables laden with products of a sunny Southern clime, and meats and drinks of various kinds. The Captain of the steamer, L. W. Freeman, and Chief Hotchkiss, had evidently done their prettiest, and we showed our appreciation by clearing the festive board. An informal meeting of the members of the Editorial Excursion was called and Hon. J. H. Selkreg, of Ithaca, N. Y., stated its object to be to effect an organization to better express their united sentiments in regard to the excursion. The following are the names of those present at the meeting: H. TIDD and Hon. D. B. HILL, Gazette, Elmira. R. R. R. DUMARS, Advertiser, Elmira. H. H. ROCKWELL, Elmira. J. H. BURCH, Scranton, Pa. A. S. HOOKER, Gazette, Troy, Pa. Rev. GEO. COMFORT, Northern Advocate, Auburn. J. W. SPAIGHT, Standard, Fishkill Landing. J. G. P. HOLDEN, Gazette, Yonkers. J. M. WESCOTT, Record, Dundee. E. N. BACON, Examiner, Nicholson, Pa. C. E. WHITNEY, Republican, Montrose, Pa, H. P. WINSOR, Transcript, Jordan. WM. A. KELLOGG, Republican, Homer. C. H. KEELER, Record, Owego. H. N. BEACH, Republic, Brockport. A. A. HOPKINS, Rural Home, Rochester. M. C. RICHARDSON, Daily Journal, Lockport. W. H. STEWART, Rochester, W. H. GREENOW, Tribune, Hornellsville. WM. H. NEARPASS, Evening Gazette, Port Jervis. J.J. MATTISON, Republican and Messenger, Canan- CHARLES H. STOW, Courier, Deposit. E. B. HOLMES, Times, Canandaigua. J. S. ROBINSON, Record, Naples. ELMER HOUSER, Recorder, Lima. D. M. TRUE, Evening Express, Rochester, A. J. MCCALL, Advocate, Bath. Rev. JOHN E. ROBIE, Christian Advocate, and JAMES B. HOFF, Advertiser, Union Springs. H. A. DUDLEY, Western New Yorker, Warsaw, N. Y. J. WATTS, Atlas, Attica. L. W. KINGMAN, Gazette, Owego. FRANK T. SCUTTER, Enterprise, Waverly. W. H. GARDNER, Journal, Susquehanna Depot, Pa. A. GENNET, Leader, Binghampton. J. MALETTE, Republican, Binghampton, O. W. OSMAN, Gazette, Hackettstown, N. J. On motion, C. B. Thompson, the oldest member of the craft present, was chosen President of the meeting. The following gentlemen were chosen secretaries: A. O. Bunnell on the part of the New York delegation, and John D. Biddis on the part of the Pennsylvania delegation. Remarks were made by F. A. Doney, Esq., Hon. J. H. Selkreg, A. A. Hopkins, and S. H. Parker, to the effect that due arrangements should be made to properly represent this party in Richmond, and urging the appointment of a committee to systematise our programme, that we may obtain as much information and as full an expression of the sentiments of the people of Virginia as possible in the short time allotted to us, and also to convey the warm regards of the members of the profession and of the people of the North generally toward the South. On motion, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to perfect arrangements for the next day, Messrs. W. H. Gardner, James Malette, M. D. Stivers, R. R. R. Dumars, and M. C. Richardson. On motion, the chairman and secretaries were added to the committee. On motion, the following committee of five was appointed to report resolutions in reference to the incidents of the excursion, at such time as they may deem feasible and desirable-viz: Messrs. A. A. Hopkins, J. G. P. Holden, F. A. Dony, J. W. Spaight, and S. H. Parker. SPEECH OF MAJOR N. H. HOTCHKISS. Colonel Hotchkiss, the host of the excursion party, being called out, made a stirring speech of some length, comprising a sketch of his connection with Virginia and Virginians since removing from his native State of New York in 1859, gave full evidence of the faith which was in him that Virginians were among the noblest people of God's footstool; said he acknowleged now that Virginians were wrong during the war, but that they were honest in their convictions, and earnest in their endeavors to practice what they believed. He was a thorough Republican before the war, announced himself as such, and was commended and honored by Virginians for so doing. He depicted the long and excited discussion throughout the length and breadth of Virginia before the ordinance of secession was passed, and the terrible days that followed through the war; but all is over now. Virginia needs and asks the assistance of the North to develope her resources and restore to her, her more than oldtime prosperity. The North and South is divided now only by passion and prejudice. How are we to become again an united people? He thought it was by the power of the press and by association. And in the fervor of his patriotism, his love for his whole country, he had vowed never to rest day or night until he had done his utmost, however humble that might be to restore good feeling between the North and South; it was to this end, and this alone that he had been stimulated to plan this editorial excursion. He had worked at this so long, and had given so much of time and thought to it, that now the prospect of success was so near he was absolutely drunk with excitement, and he acknowledged the day and the night the proudest and happiest of his life. He felt the invigorating spirit of the whole land and people. His heart and soul were in the work. It is impossible to convey on paper the eloquence, the irresistible logic, of this man's oratory, for whom simple and fervent love of country had done more than the most finished education and life-long practice. The speech had a most happy effect upon all the auditors of Mr. Hotchkiss. The ride from Baltimore on the steamer "State of Virginia," through the Chesapeake Bay and York River, was one of the pleasantest we ever enjoyed on water. The steamer is a magnificent palace, and is officered by the best of men, and supplied with the richest material tempting to appetite and to body. We have much eloquence and good sense in the party, and the gentlemen need not be ashamed to appear on any occasion. A mistake occurs in the report of Major Hotchkiss' speech. He did not say "that Virginians were wrong during the war," but that "if they were wrong it was not the first time in the history of the world that a brave and noble people had been mistaken in their ideas of government, and that they had faithfully defended what they believed to be right." A man who had so steadfastly adhered to the fortunes of his State in her hour of trial was not likely to stultify himself by such a declaration. He spoke with so much fervor that it was difficult at times for the reporters to accurately follow him. He said: "I stood out firmly against secession, but when it came I could not, I would not, desert my State let its future be what it might.”—Ed. A call of an hour at Yorktown gave us an opportunity of examining the relics of an hundred years ago. The town which Cornwallis made his headquarters is still standing, even showing the traces of the balls from Washington's guns. The place is hardly anything now but a miserably dilapidated town. A century since it was different. Then some of the grand old families of Virginia were residents there. But it is rich in reminiscence and is most beautifully, charmingly located on the bay. We left the steamer at West Point and took the Richmond and York River Railroad for Richmond, special cars having been furnished through the kindness of the Company, Capt. Wm. N. Bragg, Superintendent. RICHMOND. On our arrival at Richmond we were not met by the Editors, as was expected. We suspect that they were too much occupied to pay any attention to the visitors. We arrived on Decoration Day, and the following day was election, two occasions at home, as we know, demanding about all that an editor can accomplish. We believe that the Editors of Richmond are both generous and hospitable.* There is a sadness about Southern burial places that is peculiar to them. Nowhere else in America can one realize so thoroughly the extent of the sacrifice of human life which war involved to the American people, and probably at none more fully than at the Richmond cemeteries of HOLLYWOOD AND OAKWOOD. At Oakwood it is our good fortune to be able to attend the ceremonies of the Confederate Decoration Day, and what a day! There are not less than 10,000 people here, and I may under-estimate them by 5,000. As far as eye can reach is one dense surging crowd. But there is no levity here. Thousands of these dead were known to these living, and few live who would not willingly bow in sympathy with this people, and in the presence of their dead accord to them the praise of having "meant what they said" when their armies confronted ours in the field of deadly battle. Oh, what proofs are here! In these two cemeteries lie over 30,000 dead Confederate soldiers, and in the distance to the southward is seen a flag waving over lifeless thousands of those they met in battle. Here in sight of each other's graves they sleep, and who can say but that those who fell would blot out the past as those who fought long since have done. Thank Heaven, I never have slandered the Southern people by ascribing to them motives of selfishness or revenge, or a blind following after leaders in their warfare! If any were guilty, all were guilty; for never, I * A fact fully demonstrated further on.-ED. believe, could people be more united or more in dead earnest. Else, what means the graves of 30,000 of their fallen in the shadow of one city? But to-day over the graves of those they loved, and love still, I hear their orator say: "Let us bury animosities and vindictive resentments. 'Let the dead past bury its dead.' Here, over the mounds of our braves let us tear out everything that is unforgiving, unchristian, unlovely. Almost in sight, sleep those whom they met in battle. In the grave are no rancorous hates. Between the sleepers there is perpetual truce. Shall the living have less? As far as permitted, let us hail our late enemies as friends. In the tomb let national quarrels be buried. Savages may perpetuate immortal hates. Be it our prerogative to illustrate the benignant principles of a purer religion, to pluck out all convictions that will nourish ill-blood. No 'barbarian memory of wrong' should dishonor those who keep vigils over the graves of such illustrious dead." And from the people all over the nation-more particularly from the brave men who fought them—I hear an earnest heartfelt "amen." The incidents that occurred here during this Decoration Day would fill a book, and would nowhere fail to find a chord of tender sympathy, even in the breast of an implacable foe As we pass away silently, sadly, unconsciously "weeping with them that weep"-see that mourning mother standing by the grave of her son! How sadly she drops the flowers! Tears fall! Her face is buried in her hands! And, see! she has fallen on the ground and kisses the very earth in her grief, calling to her son. Such sights are all around us Let us go. Truly have they written over the archway at the entrance "C HERE SLEEP THE BRAVE." While at Hollywood we stand a moment at the side of the grave of President Monroe, and hurriedly copy the inscription from his tomb: "JAMES MONROE, Born in Westminster, Va., 28th April, 1758; Died in the City of New York, By order of the General Assembly his remains were removed to this cemetery, 5th July, 1858, as an evidence of the affection of Virginia for her good and honored son." And on the reverse: "The eminent services performed by this patriot for his country are enduring monuments of his wisdom and virtue.” There are other spots of great interest here but we must hurry on. By the courtesy of the City of Richmond, we are being taken to many points that have connected with them much of history, and much that many now living can testify to of misery. At the close of the day, the Editors gave themselves to their pens, and the next morning a multitude of letters were sent North, descriptive and illustrative of scenes and events during a day in Richmond. To-day the excursionists visited Petersburg, a place abounding in incidents of the late war. PETERSBURG. By the politeness of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Company a train of cars was placed at our disposal, which took us to the renowned and once beleagured city, whose houses, churches, &c., are studded with marks of shot and shell sent over from the Union lines. I noticed one brick building with five shot holes in its side-others with four, three, two and many with one hole. The brick buildings struck with shot were generally plugged with brick and mortar, but the spots were discernible. After a sumptuous dinner at Jarrett's, Mr. Bishop, formerly of the Spottswood, proprietor, the best hotel in the city, the party proceeded in carriages to visit the battle grounds. Passing one of the oldest burying grounds, we halted and walked through the solemn aisles of the ancient dead. Some of the tombs were moss-covered and showed signs of great antiquity. The ruins of what was once the renowned Blanford Church, built of imported brick, still stand. The roof is kept good, but no timbers, doors or sash remain. This relic of olden time was built two hundred and two years ago. Passing on half a mile we came to the rebel lines of defence in the late war. The earthworks remain as when the surrender took place-except that the elements have worn them down. The Federal lines were but a short distance off, and in the place where the great mine was dug by our forces and sprung, the contending parties were not many rods apart-near enough to converse with each other, but which civilities were necessarily carried on with "heads down" below the top of the breast works. Our guide was Colonel Rawlson, from Oswego, N. Y., now settled in Petersburg, a brewer. He kindly pointed out to us the locations of both armies during the siege of Petersburg. Returning to Richmond at six o'clock, P. M., we were the recipients of bountiful attentions at the counting-room of the Whig office where were assembled the city editors, the Mayor, and some of the principal citizens. After a friendly interchange of sentiments and a jolly good time, we retired to our hotel with a vivid appreciation of the hospitable attentions and noble-heartedness of our Virginia editors and Richmond citizens. THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD. After resting over night at Ford's Hotel, Richmond, our leader, Hotchkiss, escorted the entire excursion party to the depot of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, where a special train with two new coaches was in readiness, and we were at once comfortably seated, and soon speeding our way. These coaches were built at the company shops in Richmond, and wholly of material procured in Virginia. They will compare favorably with our first-class passenger coaches on Northern roads, both as to beauty, finish, and ease of riding. Mr. J. N. King is the master builder there. The locomotive was driven by Charley Taylor, with whom many of our Northern engineers are well acquainted, and the train was under the management of Capt. (they call all conductors captain in the South) Joseph Mallory, both of which gentlemen deserve and received the thanks of the whole party for their uniform courtesy during the entire trip from Richmond to White Sulphur Springs and return. Superintendent A. H. Perry also accompanied the excursionists about forty miles on their way. Running over a well-ballasted road, at a distance of two miles from Richmond, we passed a line of fortifications thrown up by the Confederates at Mechanicsville, forming a semi-circle nearly a mile in length, and in the distance was yet plainly visible the line which McClellan fortified, with the house which he occupied as his headquarters, it being on the Chickahominy flats. Peake's Station was the next point of importance passed. This was where Stonewall Jackson's forces crossed the railroad in their vain endeavor to flank Little Mac. A short distance from the depot, in plain sight, we passed the house in which the immortal Patrick Henry was reared and where he died. Ashcake, the next station, is in Clay Township, Hanover County, where Henry Clay was born, and a portion of the little church is still visible where the great statesman received his first lessons in Christianity. |