Lunch at Laburnum.
The beautiful country residence of
Mr. Joseph Bryan, ‘Laburnum,’ situated just south of the monument, presented in the highest sense a perfect type of
Virginia hospitality.
Guests to the number of three hundred had been invited in an informal way, including the orator of the day,
Chief Marshal General Heth and staff, the
Governor of
Virginia and staff,
General Fitzhugh Lee,
General Dabney H. Maury, and other distinguished guests.
A large tented
dining-table extended across the spacious and beautiful lawn, and at either end were tents from which was dispensed from the rich and healthful lactilic and cooling cold tea to the more substantial Appollinaris water.
Beautiful young ladies from the city and country, friends of the family, and others assisted the gracious host and hostess in their untiring efforts to give substantial comforts to their guests.
It was a real old
Virginia spread, dispensed in old
Virginia style, and one which was not only enjoyed, but one which will not soon be forgotten.
