Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 20.djvu/371

 Unveiling of Statue of General A. P. Hill. 365

proceedings was exceedingly solemn, and more than one follower of the great chieftain looked up at the life-like picture with tearful eyes.

Just beyond the monument was a large number of covered wagons, containing seats, which were in waiting for the procession. They were provided for the veterans, and at this point those who had become fatigued took seats in these vehicles, riding the remainder of the way to the grounds.

After passing the monument the infantry took the old Hermitage road to the grounds, while the prominent visitors and citizens in car- riages, buggies and other vehicles kept on around the new drive.

ARRIVAL AT THE STATUE. Pen- Picture of an Animated Scene The Disposition of the Organizations.

For an unveiling demonstration such as that of yesterday there could be no prettier place than the site of the Hill monument and its environments. The precise location of the memorial is at the inter- section of two grand avenues and on a broad, level, unwooded and unfenced plateau. As has been stated before, it overlooks the scene of some of General Hill's greatest achievements, and the whole locality is indissolubly associated with his name and his fame.

The ceremonies at the monument were appointed to begin at noon, but, as usual on all such occasions, there were unavoidable delays. Long before the hour named, however, the crowd began to assemble at the grounds, and as far as the eye could reach in every direction the sides of the roadways were lined with vehicles of every description, and the clouds of dust in the distance told of more coming. The monument faces to the South, and just in front of it and across the circular drive around it the grand stand had been erected. The structure, which was set apart for the especially invited guests, the orators, &c., was profusely decorated with Con- federate and State flags, and Confederate bunting. Just opposite it, and at the foot of the bastion which supports the base of the monu- ment, there was another stand about five feet square, from which the unveiling cords were to be pulled. This was similarly decorated. At both stands and around the monument were veterans from the Lee Camp Soldiers' Home.

THE MARCHERS IN SIGHT.

The head of the advancing column from the city came in sight at twenty minutes past twelve o'clock, and when about a quarter of a