Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/149

 Robert Edward Lee. 149

airy, A. P. Hill Camp, Confederate States Veterans, the police corps, veterans, members A. P. Hill Camp, the fire department, public- school pupils, and many others who took part in the parade to testify their respect for the man and the day, including the three councils of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. There were two bands in line one of the Grays' and the other band of the Normal School, composed entirely of colored students. The procession moved through the principal streets of the city and was brought to a stand at the Academy of Music, where an interesting programme had been arranged. Senator Daniel was unable to be present, however, as intimated in Sunday's Dispatch, and Hon. C. P. W. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, telegraphed that reasons of State prevented him from coming.

DANIEL APPLAUDED.

So, after prayer by Rev. Dr. Gibson and a short address by Mayor Collier the audience was dismissed. The Academy was crowded from pit to dome, and the stage presented a most picturesque appearance. When Mayor Collier, explaining the cause of Senator Daniel's ab- sence, eloquently referring to him as battling bravely now for the liberties of Virginia as he had battled in the past, a great cheer went up from a thousand throats, and subsequently the Senator's name was applauded to the echo. Mayor Collier made an excellent impromptu speech, and more than once when he alluded to the force bill the audience applauded his sentiments and re-echoed his spirited condem- nation of that measure.

Thousands of people were unable to get inside of the doors of the Academy.

GENERAL LEE'S HEADQUARTERS.

Among the handsomest and most picturesque decorations were those at the residence of the late William H. Beasley, on High street. The house is located in very spacious grounds, and on the sward in front was a minature camp, three tents in all, and pacing up and down in camp was Captain John T. Parham, a Confederate veteran, wear- ing the identical uniform with which he was clothed when he was a soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia. Here also were to be seen many mementoes of the great struggle, one of the most interest- ing of which was the earthen-ware pitcher which had been used by General Lee. The Beasley Mansion was General Lee's headquarters during his operations around this city, and therefore it is of consider-