Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/300

 292 Southern Historical Society Papers.

OLD BATTLE-FLAGS.

Another feature was the number of old Confederate battle-flags carried in the column, and the wonder was where they all came from ; but one on the inside would soon hear touching stories of how some brave color-bearer concealed his colors on his person when he found that surrender must come, and has sacredly guarded them all these years to bring them forth to honor their loved old chief

MARCHED ON CRUTCHES.

was to see maimed soldiers — a bandaged eye, an empty sleeve, a wooden leg— in the procession. Mr. A. J. Blackburn, of this city, who \os\ his leg while gallantly serving in the famous old Thirteenth Virginia regiment (A. P. HilPs old regiment), marched on his crutches the whole distance, and was vociferously cheered along, the route.
 * One of the most touching things in the incidents of the great day

THE STATUE UNVEILED— IMPOSING CEREMONIES WITNESSED BY TENS OF THOUSANDS.

By to o'clock a considerable number of people had gathered at the monument-grounds, and between that time and the arrival of the procession they went out there by the thousands and tens of thousands.

The veterans from the Soldiers' Home were on hand early, and were stationed at the base of the pedestal, where, with muskets in hand, they stood guard.

A rope was stretched around the circle in which was the monument, and stands for two thousand people, and considerable space reserved for the veterans.

Inside of the rope were several policemen, some of them special offtcerSj who kept out all persons who did not show tickets.

DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE.

Mr. J. R. Blunt had charge of the speakers* stand, which was arranged to seat about one hundred people.

Among the first to arrive there were Bishop Gallagher of Louisiana, Honorable J. L. M. Curry, and Mr. John Dunlop. During the exer- cises the following persons had seats on this stand : General A. L.

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