Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/150

 150 Southern Historical Society Papers.

able historical importance. It was very beautifully and tastefully decorated. The Twelfth regiment flag, which was borne by that command at the battle of Seven Pines, floated over the minature en- campment, and another object of more than usual interest was the silk flag that was presented to the Petersburg City Guard by the ladies of Petersburg thirty years ago, and which for ten years after the close of the war had lain buried beneath the earth to preserve it from hos- tile hands. The "camp" was photographed.

MEXICAN VETERANS.

The day passed off without any ontoward incident to mar the ceremonies. The only disappointment experienced was the failure of the distinguished orators to be present.

Twelve of the old Mexican-war veterans, occupying carriages, were in the procession and were assigned seats of honor on the stage at the Academy. The ladies of the Memorial Association were also in carriages in the column and sat upon the stage.

PORTSMOUTH.

In Portsmouth the military companies joined the Stonewall Camp and the Independent Fire Company and paraded, after which the column marched to Oxford Hall, and the Rev. Dr. William E. Edwards delivered a scholarly and eloquent oration. He spoke of the importance attached to the great events in history, the sites upon which the great events had been enacted, and most especially the interest which attached to the great men of history, and among these the conspicuous figure of Robert E. Lee. "He was born," the speaker said, " at the close of a remarkable century, and in the midst of stirring and memorable events. The past one hundred years had been a scene of revolution in almost every department of thought. The path was being blazed for the more rapid advance of the car of civilization. Science, dissatisfied with the meagreness of her attain- ments, pushed out her investigations into new fields of inquiry.

WITH THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY.

" At the close of this remarkable era and in the midst of stirring events Robert E. Lee appeared, born upon the same spot with the Father of his Country and destined to the same glory if not to an equal success. ' '