Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/263

 The Monument to General Robert E. Lee, 255

The march down First was somewhat of a relief for the many pullers. It was a down grade, but it was only a bright spot in the otherwise somewhat hard work.

At First and Franklin streets the procession met with a very enthu- siastic reception. A tremendous crowd had gathered at that corner, and cheer after cheer rent the air as the veterans hove in sight.

A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT.

From that time on until the Lee pedestal was reached the drawing of the ropes was beautiful. On all the porches and at the windows the fair women of the city were to be seen. Confederate flags were waved, and the tiny flimsy handkerchiefs were kissed by the breeze as their owners, with enthusiastic acclaim, smiled upon the scene. To the groups of matronly ladies the picture brought back recollec- tions of the terrific conflict, when the roar of deep- voiced cannon reverberated through the city, mingled with the sharp, quick rattle of musketry. To the fair girls the view stirred in their hearts the thoughts of war, and forced into their eyes the teardrop of sorrow as they remembered that brother or father had fallen following the foot- steps of the immortal Lee. To the young men it fired their hearts with patriotism, and impressed more indelibly on their minds the facts that are recorded in the **Lost Cause.'' It was a beautiful, indescribable sight. No people were ever gathered with more genu - ine enthusiasm.

MANY GIRLS AND BOYS.

The third and fourth wagons were drawn almost exclusively by girls and boys. About five hundred of them had hold of the ropes to each wagon at one time and they kept constantly falling out of the line, while new recruits anxious to help took their places.

A very neat little white cotton rope was fastened to the third wagon for the use of such ladies as desired to help in pulling the load. When the procession started about lOO girls had hold of this string, and they tugged away as if they enjoyed the work. Behind them were two or three hundred boys. Some of the little fellows were not over five years old, and many of them were accompanied by one of their parents, who watched them closely to see that they were not hurt in the great mass of people.

Not over a dozen grown men had hold of the ropes to the third wagon when the procession turned into Franklin street. Among them