Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/397

 Monument to Confederate Dead at Fredericksburg. 397

in one hand and a sword in the other. All that could not be used or carried off was remorselessly destroyed. At the far-famed old town of Lexington their work of destruction was irreparable. The col- lege that owed its name and founding to George Washington was racked and desecrated, its valuable old libraries and scientific appa- ratus all destroyed. The Virginia Military Institute, the West Point of the South, its picturesque buildings, splendid libraries, pictures, curiosities, and scientific apparatus, all made a magnificent bonfire to celebrate the Northerners' triumph."

Monument to the Confederate Dead at Fredericksburg, Virginia, Unveiled June 10, 1891.

ORATION BY GENERAL BRADLEY T. JOHNSON.

There was a great concourse of ex Confederate soldiers at Fred- ericksburg, Virginia, on June 10, 1891. They came to assist in the annual memorial exercises and to dedicate a monument to their noble comrades whose remains rest in the historic city so long war begirted.

THE DECORATIONS.

The decorations were elaborate and very tastefully executed. All along the line of march there was an abundant display of Southern colors. The more prominently decorated buildings were the Opera House, "free Lance" office, "Fredericksburg Star" office, Exchange Hotel, City Hall and Courthouse.

The hospitable doors of every mansion was thrown open to the boys who wore the gray, and a bountiful supply of everything good to eat was found upon their tables, and the fair daughters of this old burg dispensed the hospitalities as only women of the South know how.

THE PROCESSION.

It was nearly 4 o'clock before the procession began to move. The route of the procession was up Commerce to Prince Edward, to Hanover, to Princess Anne, to Prussia, Main to Fauquier, to Princess