Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/313



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his room at 8:30 o'clock, looking as fresh as though he had had a liui'^ night's rot.

With his characteristic quickness, it was but a few moments before ( ii-neral Wheeler was dressed and down in the lobby, where he was ted by a number of persons who had gathered, eager to see the old hero.

Shortly after 9 o'clock the General sat down to an excellent breakfast, in company with Judge D. A. DeArmond, Hon. W. A. Jones, Captain John Lamb, and Mr. John Murphy.

The morning meal was dispatched quickly, and about 10 o'clock Captains' John Cussons, John E. Laughton, Jr., and Major T. A. Hrander appeared on the scene with three carriages to take the dis- tinguished guests around the city.

In the party were Captain Cussons, Major Brander, Judge De Armond, Captain Laughton, Captain Lamb, and Colonel W. E. Cutshaw. The drive was quite an extensive one, and the visitors were shown many of the historic places, monuments, and buildings around the city. The veteran warrior seemed to enjoy his trip heartily, and showed the liveliest interest in everything that was shown him. He entertained the party by a number of interesting reminiscences, and sustained the reputation which he bears of being one of the most unassuming and charming of companions.

VETERANS WELCOME HIM.

Just before 12 o'clock the party reached the Soldiers' Home, and as they drove up the broad carriage-way a salute of welcome was boomed forth by thirteen guns. The Soldiers' Home Band, headed by Major N. V. Randolph, greeted the party, and conducted its members into the mess hall, where, after the cheering had subsided Major Randolph introduced General Wheeler, who delivered an elo- juent address.

Judge DeArmond followed him in a speech abounding in good Deling, and the speech-making was closed by Captain Lamb.

The veterans then formed in line and General Wheeler shook lands with each one, after which he went through the hospital and reeled cheerily those who were confined to their beds. Many faint leers from the sufferers followed the active, wiry figure of the old ero, whose coming was a bright spot in the lives of the old sol- liers.