Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/303

 The Monument to General Robert E. Lee, 295

many as could do so took seats on the pedestal. The Richmond Light Infantry Blues also came in as the escort to Lee Camp Vete- rans. The other military took positions on the field around the monu- ment.

GALLANT AND DEVOTED CHAPLAIN.

Rev. James P. Smith, of Fredericksburg, who was captain on Stonewall Jackson's staff when he was wounded, marched with the veterans. It was noticed that he had a bandage over the arm of the Confederate coat he wore, and when asked by an old comrade why he had the bandage, he replied with deep emotion : *' To conceal the stains of blood left there from General Jackson's wounds." It will be remembered that when Jackson was being borne from the field the fire became so hot at one point that Captain Smith insisted upon lying by his side and protecting his loved general with his own body, and these blood -stains yet remain to tell the story of his devoted heroism.

THE BAND OF THE HORNETS.

At the reception given by Mr. W. S. Forbes to the Hornet' s-Nest Riflemen, of Charlotte, N. C., they were accompanied by the famous " Hickory Military Band" (twenty-six pieces). Mr. Forbes had as his guest Major John G. Young, of Winston, N. C. (formerly of Charlotte, N. C), who reorganized the Hornets after the war.

Just before leaving Mr. Forbes' residence, the Hornets presented Mrs. Forbes with a very large hornet's nest which was carried in the procession on the 29th by Sergeant Blockwelder, a veteran of the Mexican and late war, and who has been a member of the Hornets for the past forty years as color-bearer. The Hornets wore their dress uniform — olive-green and gold — and left with regrets, in love with Richmond, her people, and especially with Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Forbes.

THE LEE HOUSE — GREAT CROWDS BEFORE IT — INCIDENTS OF

INTEREST.

Several incidents of interest occurred before the "Lee House" prior to the hour for the procession to pass and afterwards. At about 10 o'clock the handsome body of New York veterans, with their Commander Colonel A. G. Dickenson and Adjutant- Major William S. Keiley, on their march down to the point at which they were to join the procession, halted in front of the "Lee House"