Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/148

 148 Southern Historical Society Papers.

HIS GREATNESS DEVELOPED.

Daniel Webster said it was the occasion that made eloquence. Certain it is that opportunity develops the powers of great men. If there had been no Southern Confederacy Robert E. Lee would have lived and died a colonel of cavalry. The cause for which he fought, the men who followed him, and the women who blessed him with their tears, their prayers, and sustained him with unremitting labor and patriotism, together with his character, have given to the world examples of patriotism, heroism, and endurance, which contain many lessons, the careful study of which must be good for all the people who have and shall live after him. Who can say that such a cause so sustained is without its blessings to all humanity ?

When he died it was the judgment of the world that the white flower of a blameless life should be laid upon his bier, and to-day he lives in the memories and hearts of all intelligent, right-thinking people as the most perfect exemplification of all that is great and good and to be desired in human life.

PETERSBURG.

There was a great outpouring of the people, and flags and bunting were displayed in every quarter of the city. Private residences as well as the stores in the business section were elaborately decorated.

There was a general suspension of business in the afternoon, and the streets were crowded with our own citizens as well as hundreds of visitors from the adjoining counties. Many pictures of General Lee were hung in front of stores and residences, and the greatest en- thusiasm was manifested. Confederate, State, and national colors were seen on every side, and one of the features of the observance was the great number of ladies who participated.

THE PARADE.

The column was formed on Bollingbrook street, facing south, with the right resting between Second and Third streets. Ex-Governor William E. Cameron was the chief marshal, and he was assisted by a number of deputies. In the line of the parade were Mexican vet- erans bearing with them the flag which they carried to Mexico, the Petersburg Grays, the Petersburg Artillery, the Prince George Cav-