Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/259

 The Monument to General JRobert E. Lee. 251

PROMPTNESS.

Upon the stroke of 5 o'clock the command " Forward, march ! *' was given, the band struck up a lively tune, cheers stirred the air, and off the patriotic pullers went.

At this time there were about one hundred school girls clinging to the ropes of No. 3 wagon.

The men and boys could only be numbered by thousands. Some of these stuck to their posts to the end ; others soon dropped out and gave places to other eager aspirants.

The heaviest wagon was drawn with ease. Only the slightest touch of the ropes were required, so great was the number of people pulling.

POLICE TO THE FRONT,

The procession was headed by a platoon of twelve police, inclu- ding Captain E. P. Hulce, who was in command.

There were also several policemen with each wagon to prevent depredations and meet any emergency that might arise, and others still were further back in the column.

Altogether there were thirty of the one hundred members of the force assigned to duty in connection with moving the statue, and Major Poe, the chief, was an interested spectator of the entire demon- stration. He was accompanied by Mrs. Poe.

THE MARSHALS.

Next came Major Thomas A. Brander, the chief marshal (to whose efforts are largely due the perfect success of the undertaking,) and his fourteen aides (mounted).

The aides were Messrs. George A. Smith, J. H. Kracke, E. W. Martin, B. M. Batkins, J. W. D. Farrar, M. T. Phillips. D. H. Pyle, F. A. Bowry, Andrew N. Gill, Captain John A. Booker, J. T. Ferri- ter, George C. Mountcastle, D. W. Bowles, and Captain Charles H. Epps.

These gentlemen were splendidly mounted, and all wore the Lee Camp uniform. Mr. Mountcastle is one of the largest men in Rich- mond, and is a striking figure on horseback. He is very generally known, everybody likes him, and he received many good-natured salutations.