Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/295

 The Confederate Dead of Mississippi. 295

Mrs. Hays, the daughter of Jefferson Davis, accompanied by her husband and son. Next came carriages containing distinguished Confederate veterans, followed by the organized camps Confederate Veterans and the remnants of half a dozen famous Mississippi Con- federate regiments.

The floats bearing young ladies representing the different Southern States was greatly admired.

THE SONS OF VETERANS

made a good showing. Among the officers of the National Guards who assisted in commanding the great army in line were Major G. M. Govan, Colonel George Green, Major G. G. Dillard, and many others.

The procession then moved to the monument, where the unveiling ceremonies took place as follows :

Prayer Rev. Father F. A. Picheret.

Unveiling monument.

Address General E. C. Walthall.

Poem Mrs. Luther Manship.

Unveiling statue of Jefferson Davis.

Address General Robert Lowry.

Benediction Chaplain H. F. Sproles.

The stand is constructed just east of the monument, in full view of the monument and overlooking the valley below. At 11:15 o'clock, when the procession arrived at the capitol, the yard and the space around the stand was literally packed and jammed with an eager crowd. Every available place was over-filled, including the windows of the adjacent buildings. The stand was occupied by the fifteen young ladies who represented the different Southern States, the

PARTICIPANTS IN THE CEREMONIES,

and a large number of guests. The space in front of the stand was occupied by the Confederate Veterans, and the space to the left by the Mississippi National Guard. The ceremonies were opened with music by the band, after which Rev. Father H. A. Picheret, of Vicksburg, delivered the following

PRAYER :

O, Lord Jesus, who, whilst upon this earth, didst ever show Thy- self the friend and defender of the oppressed, we ardently beseech