Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/105

 Ceremonies at Unveiling of Statue of General Lee. 99

Great preparations had been made for the event. An immense platform had been erected for the accommodation of subscribers to the Association and other invited guests, and upon which the cere- monies were to take place, while in front and upon the sloping sides of the mound at the base of the monument seats were provided for thousands.

The day broke threatening and cloudy, but notwithstanding its stormy aspect, there was such an assemblage of the people as has never been seen in the Southern States. The seats were filled with ladies, while the circle and even the streets approaching it were crowded by the multitude eager to do honor to the memory of Lee.

Amongst the many distinguished persons in attendance were the President of the Confederate States, Jeiferson Davis, his daughters, and Misses Mary and Mildred Lee, daughters of the great soldier and patriot, in whose honor the monument was erected. The asso- ciations of the armies of Northern Virginia and Tennessee, the militia of the State, and a large delegation from the Grand Army of the Republic honored the occasion by their presence. Just as the ceremonies were about to begin, the storm, which had been gather- ing, burst in torrents of rain which lasted for hours, dispersing the immense audience and rendering it impossible to proceed. In the midst of it, however, and while the salvos of Heaven's Artillery almost drowned the salute with which, in despite of the storm, the event was greeted by the fafhous Washington Artillery, the monu- ment was unveiled by a private soldier of Lee's army, who, at the suggestion of Miss Lee, in herself declining the honor, had been selected to perform this duty.

Immediately a meeting of the Directors was held at the Washing- ton artillery armory, of the proceedings of which the following official minute gives a full account and forms the appropriate close of this sketch :

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

R. E. Lee Monumental Association, February 22, 1884.

Immediately after the dispersion by the storm of the immense audience gathered to participate in the ceremonies attending the unveiling of the statue of Lee, the Directors of this Association met at the Washington Artillery Hall to determine what course should be pursued with reference to the ceremonies.