From the 1938 centennial edition of The Times-Register
October 1, 1885 was a great day for the Democrats of Roanoke county for on that date General Fitzhugh Lee, Democratic candidate for governor spoke here and he was given a rousing reception. Concerning this event the Salem-Times Register said:
“Today (Thursday) has been one of the most notable days politically, Salem has ever witnessed. For some time past the announcement has gone forth that General Fitzhugh Lee, the Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia, Hon. A. A. Phlegar and hon. J. N. Dunlop, would be here, and the Democrats of Roanoke county determined to give them such a reception as never man received before in this county. From early morn until noon the sturdy yeomanry of the county came into town on vehicles of every description, on horseback and on foot.”
Reception
“The committee on reception, Mr. D. G. Armstrong in command” had prepared an elaborate program, which was carried out in detail. The procession, variously estimated at from 600 to 1200. headed by the Roanoke and Salem bands, at 11 o’clock marched to the depot to receive the next governor who arrived on the freight at 11:15. The handsome black stallion, rode by General Lee, was in waiting and as soon as he alighted from the train he mounted the magnificent horse and took the place assigned to him in the column. From the depot to Salem our standard-bearer received one grand ovation, the like of which has never been seen in Salem. When the dead of column reached the Hampton House the mounted men formed in line on each side of the street, the column reaching from the courthouse to the west bridge, and General Lee passed through this column to the speakers stand.”
General Early
Such a vast audience has never greeted a political speaker in Salem within our recollection and when General Early had ceased his remarks on introducing him, round after round of applause greeted General Lee and this applause continued at intervals throughout his speech. General Lee in his introduction said: “From the very veins of my heart I beg leave to return my grateful thanks for this grand demonstration in honor of my coming.”
“He was listened to with rapt attention and the verdict of all was that it was an eloquent and forcible presentation of the issues involved in the canvass. At the conclusion of his speech, General Lee was presented with a handsome bouquet by the ladies of Salem, the presentation being made in a few chaste remarks by Mr. Willoughby Read.”
1200 Here
“Never in the political history of Roanoke county has such a demonstration been witnessed as that which was seen here today. From Roanoke, Botetourt Springs, Gish’s Bonsacks, Cave Spring, Red Hill, Poage’s Mill, Bent Mountain, Deyerle’s Switch, Catawba, Mason’s Cove, Hanging Rock and all points, the sturdy yeomanry left their plows, and all joined in the grand ovation.”
“The horsemen were estimated at from five to eight hundred and the audience at the speaking at about 1200. From Salem, General Lee will be escorted to Roanoke city by a large number of mounted men as he speaks there tonight.”
– Prepared by Lingjie Gu
