Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/302

 294 Southern Historical Society Papers. ,

mounted police came in sight down Franklin street. The head of the procession halted when opposite Richmond College in order to clear the way. At 2:15 o'clock the head of the procession reached the monument. A perfect ovation was given General Fitz Lee, who kept his head uncovered while passing through the great crowd of people who were cheering him.

The head of the procession marched around the monument and General Lee and his assistant marshals and the Stonewall Band came inside the circle.

The band occupied a stand which had oeen erected for them by the side of the speakers* stand.

THE GENERALS.

When General Early was seen to enter the circle the people set up a great yell, and the General was met by scores of old officers and privates, who gave him an affectionate greeting and escorted him to the stand.

Generals Johnston, Hampton, Gordon and Rosser were all cheered when they appeared on the stand.

General Longstreet did not arrive until the public exercises had begun. He was escorted to the stand by Dr. Cullen, and so great an ovation did he receive Colonel Anderson had to stop speaking for fully two minutes.

A TIRESOME DELAY.

After a part of the procession had arrived there was a most tire- some delay. The larger portion of the procession was still down town, and it was thought best to wait until they arrived before the public exercises should begin.

The stand was crowded with prominent people, and they spent over an hour in social chat. At one time General Fitz Lee saw that General Early was standing up and all the seats around him were occupied, and he took the old cavalry commander on his lap, and the two joked each other in a pleasant manner for some time. Gen- eral Johnston had much attention shown him, as did also General Hampton. Senators Daniel and Barbour occupied seats among their senatorial colleagues.

THE MILITARY ARRIVE.

About 3:30 o'clock the delayed troops began to arrive. The circle was opened for the veterans, who marched to the monument, and as