Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-05-07


all around it were placed bouquets and
crosses. To the south of and directly
opposite the shaft stood the speaker
stand, about which the trunks of the
trees were white-washed and festoons Of
evergreens and white roses gracefully
hung. A large number of seats in from
were occupied by ladies. There mus
have been nearly ten thousand persons
present.
THE PROCESSION.
The south gate of the cemetery was
tastefully draped with cypress. In the
center the words 'IS MEMoRIAM' were
bordered with white roses Here assem-
bled the boys and girls of our schools
the Ladies' Monumental Association
veterans of the war, and others who de
sired to take part in the procession
Conspicuous in the group were the young
ladies of the State Female College, will
their beautiful banner. Members of the
Confederate Relief and Historical Associ
alton were known by their badges Of
white streamers and red rosettes. About
halfpast eleven o'clock the pro
cession started, young ladies bearing
roses formed into every conceivable
shape of beauty, and young men bear
ing branches of evergreen. The line
was led by Colonel Moses White, Captain
r. j. Black and Charles Locke, Esq,
who acted as Marshals. The Memphis
Brass Band followed, discoursing solemn
strains. Then the teachers and pupils
of public and private schools-a large
and Interesting number-the girls dressed
in white, with pink sashes, and holding
in their hands beautiful bouquets; the
boys neatly dressed, with white sashes,
and carrying evergreens Then distin-
guished persons invited to be present.
Then silently and softly moved amid the
tombs ladies of the Monumental Associa-
ton, closely followed by numbers of
ladies from the city and suburbs, all
laden with flowers. Next marched in
close column members of the Confederate
Relief and Historical Association, bearing
branches of evergreen; members of the
l54th Tennessee Senior Regiment Asso-
citation. HonfaIa,ata snl1,a,s .,anaralIt-
and citizens. 1t was a grand and i'm
pressive spectacle, which showed how
deeply our people revere the noble dead.
Up through the avenues the column
walked in solemn grandeur until it came
upon the sacred spot where the hallowed
remains Of our warriors rest, and there
each one deposited a floral offering,
while music mingled its sad stratus with
the zephyr's dirge, and sOhened hearts
caused lovely heads to bow in reverence.
ADDRESS.
Wien the ceremonies of decoration
were over, the dense throng moved to-
ward the speakers stand, and, after an
appropriate prayer by Rev. DIR. Munsey,
Gen. William B Bate delivered chaste
and eloquent address
mot vain is sadly uttered praise,
The words Of truths memorial NSw
Are sweet ms morning fraayaRce shed
From flowers mid ltolaau's ruins bred,
As evenings prNIdly lingering rays
On Righi's Silent brow"
MONUMENT.
After Gen. Bates address, and while
the band was playing a proper air, the
assembled crowd moved toward the
ground selected for the Monument. Rev.
DIR. Carmichael offered suitable prayer,
when the cornerstone of the Monument
was laid with due solemnity Col W.
H. Stephens delivered the address. A
large sum was collected and placed in
the hands of the Monumental Commit
tee of the Historical Society,
Thus RonoE blessed the turf of the
crave, aud Freedom dWeh awhile
weeping hermit.