The Daily Dispatch: may 18, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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The Hon. Wm.G. River at Atlanta.
[from the Southern Confederacy of Tuesday]

This eloquent and greatly distinguished gentleman from Virginia, passed through our city on Sunday morning, on his way to Montgomery. As soon as the cars arrived, it was ascertained that he was on board, and the crowd of our citizens who were gathered about began to call for him. It was soon ascertained, however, that he had retired from the cars with some friends, unobserved. He, however, returned a few moments before the train started, and took his seat, when the assembly again called for him. In response, he came on the platform of the cars and addressed a few words to them, as follows:

‘ I feel highly complimented by this call from the citizens of Georgia to say a few words. I suppose you do not want to hear a speech from me, but that you do want to hear from Virginia. [‘"That's it,"’ and cheers from the crowd] She is all right, I am most happy to inform you. She is heart and hand with Georgia in this struggle, and will faithfully do her part. You have been accustomed, in political matters, in times past, to follow our lead; but now we will follow your lead to this great movement for the maintenance of the rights and independence of the South and her institutions. Our rights and liberties are assailed, and must be defended. Our cause is a just one, and brave hearts are rushing to uphold it. In the meantime, you may rely upon old Virginia. Whether she is to lead or to follow, she will be along and give a good account of herself.

I am happy to meet with you, my fellow citizens — for though it is the first time I ever had the pleasure of looking on your faces, I feel in Georgia like I was at home in my own State. Many of your citizens are emigrants, or the children of emigrants from our State; among whom are the Gilmers, Lumpkins, Forsythes, Earlys, Meriwethers, and many others.

I hope you will excuse me from making any further remarks, out of respect for the day. I suppose you only wanted to hear a word about Virginia. [Here some one in the crowd asked him if there were any Federal troops in Alexandria] No, my friend, said Mr. Rives, there are none at that point --There are no Federal troops on any part of the soil of Virginia except Fortress Monroe. I will not say that they are afraid to come into Alexandria; but I will say that we have a trap for them into which they will fall whenever they attempt to come into that city.--Thanking you for this manifestation of your feelings towards Virginia, I now bid you adieu.

While he was uttering these last words the train was moving, and he retired amidst the applause of the crowd.

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