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 206 Southern Historical Society Papers,

may rest upon its foundation as firmly as the veneration of the great chieftain is rooted in the memory of our people.'*

The Grand Master closed the ceremonies by saying :

your aids with you and inform his Excellency the Governor of Vir- ginia, president of the Lee Monument Association, that the corner- stone of the monument has now been laid with Masonic honors, and request his Excellency to descend with you, examine our work, and, if approved, to receive it from our hands."
 * Worshipful Brother, our Grand Marshal, you will take two of

Governor Lee was escorted to the corner-stone, and, after viewing the work, said :

" In the name of the Lee Monument Association I receive this work from the hands of the Grand Master and his associates. May it be as enduring as the reputation of the soldier whose memory it commemorates.*'

OTHER EXERCISES ADJOURNED.

At this juncture the rain became so heavy that the Governor an- nounced that the further exercises would be suspended, and that the poem and oration would be delivered at night in the hall of the House of Delegates.

The crowd even then seethed reluctant to disperse, but finally sought shelter in the best of humor, and still ready to cheer the dis- tinguished visitors and organizations.

AT THE CAPITOL— READING OF THE POEM — DELIVERING OF THE

ORATION.

The hall of the House of Delegates was packed to its utmost capacity that night, while hundreds, if not thousands, turned away unable to find even standing room. It seemed a great pity that no larger hall could be had, for it is certain that one twenty times as large would not have held the people anxious to be present.

As Governor Lee. General Wade Hampton and General Early came into the hall they were greeted with loud cheers.

GOVERNOR LEE.

As Governor Lee arose he was welcomed with enthusiastic ap- plause, and spoke as follows :

The death of the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia occurred at Lexington on the 12th of October, 1870, and the people