Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/254

 246 Southern Historical Society Papers.

and abettors, had dissolved the Union and substituted for it a military despotism.

And thus ended this brilliant occasion—a fit conclusion of a grand, historic day.

Incidents of the Parade.

PASSING lee's residence.

When the procession turned up Franklin street from Eighth, Gov- ernor Lee and General Wade Hampton, who headed the line, uncovered their heads and held their hats in their hands until they had passed the house of General Robert E. Lee, No. 707 East Franklin street. The two generals were the recipients of loud cheers at this point. Their eyes rested steadily and reverently upon the house. The cavalry bugler blew a call and loud cheers went up from the multitude congregated at this, what seemed to be the centre place of interest to a large number. The Hanover cavalry received loud cheering as they passed the house and raised their hats. The eyes of every company rested upon the house in passing. The military companies were ordered to ** Right shoulder arms," and Lee Camp Drum Corps and the Navy Post Band of Norfolk each played " Dixie,'* All of the veterans marched by with bared heads.

Each of the bands played upon this square and all of the cavalry buglers sounded a call. There seemed to be a solemn inspiration felt by the soldiers as they passed, for their movement was steady and dignified. While ascending the hill between Fifth and Seventh streets the companies made an exceptionally fine appearance and the regularity of the steps and position in line was the occasion of com- plimentary comment from those below.

The decorations on the porch of the " Lee House" included the coat-of-arms of Virginia and the Lee family. The legend of the former, sic semper iyrannis; that of Lee, non in cauius futuri, [Not unmindful of futurity.]

The scene as the head of the column left Franklin street and marched into the Lee Monument grounds was very inspiring. Gen- eral Wade Hampton and **Our Fitz"— /a^ nobile fratrum — riding at the head as lovingly as when in other days they commanded the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia, the cavalry escort, the distinguished guests in carriages, and the veterans, military, &c., comprising the procession — all combined to make a brilliant pageant.