Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/312

 304 Southern Historical Society Papers,

by two old veterans. One of them was minus an arm, and the other walked with a wooden limb. Each one had in his hand a flag, battle-scarred and torn. The flags were Pegram^s Battalion flag and the battle-flag of Crenshaw's Battery. The General was flanked on either side by these veterans. The people knew what was coming. Everybody stood up and got as high as they could. The people were packed into a mass so dense that it was painful to some.

The Richmond Light Infantry Blues cleared the way for General Johnston, but it was several minutes before he could reach the rope, which Captain Cole had held during the ceremonies.

HEADS UNCOVERED.

About the time General Johnston reached the monument someone cried out, "Take your hats off".*' This was taken up and repeated by hundreds of voices, and instantly tliree-fourths of the men had their heads uncovered. A Dispatch reporter was by the General's side when he took hold of the rope. Just as he did this some one held out his hand to greet the General. " I have use for both hands/* remarked General Johnston, but when he had performed the duty assigned him he turned around and grasped the hand of his friend and several others who pressed forward to greet him.

THE VEIL DROPS.

When General Johnston took the rope from Captain Cole he walked back about twenty steps and then looked up to the veil. He hesi- tated a moment. The quiver of his hands were perceptible. Every eye in the great throng was fixed upon the veil. It parted at the top and General Lee's head appeared in sight. The covering hung slightly on the shoulders of the rider. General Johnston gave another pull, and the veil, which was in two pieces, fell on either side of the monument. It was caught by persons placed there for that purpose, and folded up in an instant.

THE CLIMAX.

The imposing ceremonies had now reached their climax. The cheers of 100,000 people, the roar of the cannon and the thunder of the muskets greeted the appearance of General Lee and Traveller. Hats and handkerchiefs were thrown into the air — as such was never seen before.