Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/295

 The Monument to General Robert E. Lee, 287

THE PRETTY FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Not the least attractive feature of this great and memorable parade was the display made by the City Fire Department. It was im- posing indeed, and expressions of astonishment were heard on all sides from visitors, as well as home people, at the strength of the department in general, and the splendid-looking, active young men who fill its ranks. Chief Puller's force was assembled at about ii o'clock, the men on Tenth, and the apparatus arranged along Broad street, from Ninth street eastwardly.

After the line had passed Broad and Ninth the men fell in at the left of the column, preceded by Chief Engineer Puller and Superin- tendent Thompson, mounted, accompanied by Hoseman Woodward as courier.

Following the Chief- Engineer were the officers' fire-wagons. In the leading vehicle President Frischkorn and First Assistant- Engi- neer Sheppard were seated. The other officers followed.

The apparatus was most elaborately and beautifully decorated with bunting, flowers, evergreens, etc., and the districts were designated by markers, who carried the customary ensign-flags, marked First district, Second district and Third district. Mounted on the appara- tus were three little boys who wore the orthodox red shirt with white fronts, upon which in tasteful letters LEE appeared. The floral decorations of the machines were, in some instances, costly and always elaborate. The machinery was in perfect order, and the horses were as slick as ribbons. The department followed the line of march to Eighth and Main, when it was deemed best to continue to Fifth and Main, in order that the horses might more easily draw the heavy apparatus up the steep grades. At Fifth and Franklin they again joined the column and proceeded as far as Franklin and Shafer streets, where the men and apparatus were returned to quarters.

Among the visiting firemen was Chief E. M. Pavie, of Newberne, N. C, who was accompanied on his visit to Richmond by a number of the department of that place. Chief Pavie rode in the procession with one of the officers of the City Fire Department.

The procession was fully four miles long and the number in line has been estimated at from 15,000 to 20,000. There must have been present in the city on the 29th fully 150,000 and perhaps many thou- sands more.