From the Richmond Dispatch, 2/17/1863, p. 1, c. 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA.
MONDAY, February 15, 1863.

SENATE. - …[Mr. Douglas here announced that Gens. A. P. Hill and J. E. B. Stuart were in the House of Delegates. He asked that the Senate appoint a committee to wait upon them, and invite them to a privileged seat in the body.]
The Chair appointed the committee, with Mr. Douglas chairman. The committee retired, and soon returned with the distinguished military chieftains, who, being introduced, were welcomed by the President of the Senate, both responding in some manner.
Half an hour after the reception the Senate adjourned. …

HOUSE OF DELEGATES - …Mr. Newton offered a resolution, which was agreed to, tendering to Gen. A. P. Hill, who, it was learned, was in the city, a privileged seat on the floor of the House and that the Speaker Appoint a committee of two to communicate the passage of the resolution to Gen. Hill. Mr. Newton and Mr. Fry were appointed for the purpose indicated in the resolution. …

Quite a pleasant scene took place in the Hall of the House of Delegates on yesterday, the occasion being the welcoming to privileged seats on the floor of that body of Major-Generals J. E. B. Stuart and A. P. Hill. The committee appointed to notify those gentlemen of the action of the House relative to themselves appeared in the Hall, accompanied by their distinguished visitors.

Gen. Stuart first advanced to the front of the Speaker, and was received by that gentleman as follows:

General Stuart: I have been authorized by the House of Delegates to invite you to a privileged seat in this Hall during your sojourn in the city. – I need not say to you that I ???? this honorable testimonial to your distinguished services with profound pleasure. I have no words of studied eulogy in which to express the sentiments of gratitude and admiration you have won by your achievements. Such words were not only in bad taste, but unnecessary. A fame like yours, already historic, ??? all eulogy. Virginia, whose son you are, [remainder of column and next three or four paragraphs are illegible]
….
Gen. Hill replied by thanking the House for the honor conferred upon him. A knowledge that what little he had done in the services of his country was appreciated by the Legislature of his native State was sufficient to ??? his ??? in the future, and he should endeavor to merit the appreciation so generously bestowed.

Gen Hill then took a seat beside Gen. Stuart and both gentlemen ??? through a regular ordeal of introduction and hand-shaking, during which all business was of course concluded.

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