Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/257

 The Monument to General Robert E, Lee, 249

WASHINGTON AND LEE.

When Washington's statue arrived here from Munich^ in 1858, it was placed upon a great wagon to which a large number of horses and mules were attached. They, however, didn't "pull together."

Hence the progress was poor. At times they threatened to come to a full stop.

It was then, responding to the popular enthusiasm and demand, that the draught-animals were taken away and ropes affixed to the vehicle, and with men and boys to man them the colossal statue (all of it except the tail in one piece) was easily, gracefully, and expedi- tiously hauled up the steep grade of Main street, up the steeper one of Ninth street, and around to Capitol street opposite the pedestal. Here a portion of thfe iron fence had been taken down, and the statue was through this opening drawn into proper position alongside the monument.

This was the precedent followed on this occasion — with these ex- ceptions : There never was any idea or suggestion to use horses or mules to draw Lee's statue; it was determined not only to have the ropes "manned" with men and boys, but with ladies and girls also, and instead of one wagon there were to be four — one for each box in which the portions of the statue came from Paris.

THE LEADERS.

The people began to look for leaders in this undertaking, and there seemed to be none forthcoming, until Lee Camp about May ist appointed a special committee to procure the assent of the Lee Monument Association and proceed to head the movement.

All the details were arranged by them.

The statue arrived here from New York Sunday. Monday and Tuesday the four boxes were taken from the two flat-cars on which they came, and were shifted therefrom upon immense wagons or trucks — wagons that are generally employed to move heavy iron safes, boilers, etc., etc.

These wagons were decorated and long ropes were fixed to the tongues, cross-trees and axles.

All that was now wanting was for the people to come forward and seize the ropes and wait for the word of command, *' Forward !" to be given by Chief- Marshal Thomas A. Brander.