Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/298

 Southern Historical Society Papers.

to the staff, and these were so faded that the colors were barely dis- tinguishable.

THE CRACK COMPANIES.

There were several volunteer commands in line that occupy dis- tinguished positions. One of these is the Montgomery Grays of Montgomery, Ala., a company whose banner is adorned with the trophies of twenty- seven competitive drills, and ranks as high as any volunteer organization in this country. The uniform is one that would attract attention anywhere — a blue, gold-laced coat, and an enormous white shako with a gold tassel. The Grays had thirty- five men in line under command of First- Lieutenant U. S. Watson. They have an enviable war record, and several veterans marched with the company.

Another fine command was the Washington Artillery of New Or- lans. They marched in three companies — the veteran company in front and the volunteer companies following. This company has a record in both the Mexican and the Civil war. Their flag, elsewhere referred to, was made by Miss Gary, of New Orleans, out of her dress s and was carried all through the war.

Behind the Paris Pickets company with the file-closer. Palmer Leigh, a litde boy of eight or nine years, with long, flaxen curls, and dressed in a white duck suit, marched, carrying a sword that was as tall as the little soldier. The eyes of the ladies on the street lingered on the little boy as he passed, and several times he was seized vi et at mis and kissed.

The uniform that we know so well — that of the Richmond Blues — was undoubtedly the most striking in the entire column, and the boys never appeared to better advantage. They were accompanied by the white-haired veteran. Major Richardson.

A PATHETIC INCIDENT.

There were several incidents yesterday that were pathetic in the extreme. One of them was remarkable as an evidence of the deep feeling that years cannot obliterate. As General E. M. Law, who was on horseback in the advance, and wore his old Confederate uni- form, passed General's Lee house there was a slight commotion on the sidewalk. It was an old veteran, feeble and almost blind, who had fought with Law. When he saw his old commander pass he cried, ** There's Law! God bless him. Raise me and let me see him/' He staggered to his feet, and waving his old hat, in a weak

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