Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/312

 302 Suiilltfrit Hixfui-ictil .SV//Y// /-V//>.

spoke of his father's service through four years, and said he believed the cause a just and righteous one. He believed that no cause led by Generals Lee and Jackson could be other than a righteous cause. He closed with an allusion to a small painting in the Library Build- ing, at Washington, of " Stonewall" Jackson and his men praying, and said that picture had attracted more attention than any in that notable gallery.

The meeting was then adjourned by Commander Spence, and the request that none would make an effort to leave the hall until Gene- ral Wheeler and his party had gone to their carriages was duly regarded.

RECEPTION AT THE EXECUTIVE MANSION.

General Wheeler held a public reception at the Executive Mansion, after the adjournment of the meeting at Lee Camp Hall, and from 10 o'clock until 11:30 people flocked to greet the distinguished visitor, who had some happy remarks to make to each one.

The hall of the mansion was decorated with the State and national colors, standing side by side behind stacked arms. The Jefferson orchestra played during the function. Despite the lateness of the hour, it is estimated that fully 300 persons were present.

Those receiving were Governor Tyler and the following members of his staff: Colonel C. O'B. Covvardin, Colonel Tennant, Colonel Skelton, and Colonel Carrington; Mrs. Tyler, Mrs. C. O'B. Cowar- din, Mrs. Tennant, Mrs. J. Taylor Ellyson, Mrs. A. J. Montague.

After the reception General Wheeler dined with Governor Tyler and the members of his family, others present being Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Montague, Mr. and Mrs. J. Taylor Ellyson, Congressmen De Armond, Jones, and Lamb; Captain Cussons, Major N. V. Ran- dolph, Mr. 'Robert Lecky, Jr., Mr. E. P. Cox, and Mr. E. L. Spence, Jr.

JANUARY 17, 1899.

General Wheeler in person is small and slight, about the size of the late and lamented Judge F. R. Farrar ("Johnny Reb"), about five feet six inches in height; but, as has been signally evinced, he is a little bundle of steel nerves, and as it were electrically charged.

Although General Wheeler did not retire Monday night until some time after the midnight hour, he sprang from his bed like a school-boy yesterday morning when Colonel John Murphy went to