Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1890-06-06
LEE MONUMENT UNVEILED.
Richmond Bright With the Flag Of
the Confederaey.
Largest Army Ever Brought Together
I'm Its Streets.

Since 1861 the streets Of Richmond have
never presented such military appearance
as they did ON MAY 2Sth. The remark was
frequently heard: This looks like 'Gl.'
Then it was that the city was alive with
troops arriving every hour In new uniforms.
The first notable gathering was early in the
morning when 600 veterans sat down 10
breakfast in the sam Jones Tabernacle. As
the veteran camps entered the city through
out the day they were marched TO the taher-
naclc. The scene was one Of general hiarity.
One of the lions of the early morning was
Col. Tarlcton Alexander, an old darkey
aged sc years, who served all through the
war until AppomatoX. The old man was
covered with confederate decorations from
the various veteran organizations. The
veterans wearing original confederate uni
forms, bearing the stains of long usage, were
also lions Of the day. One of them cried
out that slOO had been offered him for every
button on his uniform, and though poor
man, he would not sell them About the
only bitter talk heard was against + lott r.
Shepard on account OF his recent attack on
Lee and the recent occasion.
The line was over two hours In passing,
and when COL. Archer Anderson, the orator,
had began his address, the column was still
moving a half mile from him. Richmond
has had no such crowd In its borders, and at
no time during the war, even when some OF
the largest divisions Of Lees army marched
through the city, were there so many soldiers
In line. The number Is estimated at from
10000 to $1,000. In fact, 1t was Lees army
marching through Richmond. No such as
semblage OF ex-coufedcrate soldiers will ever
be assembled together again. North Caro-
lima had 5000 uniformed men in line, with
out counting the veteran associations. The
marked feature of the occasion was the ova-
ton to Longstreet. 1t was the most en-
Ell hat To toll Iph / NJ
recorded 10 any general. Longstrrct was
affected to tears by it. 1t is understood that,
though anxious TO he present, he hcsitated,
fearing that political feeling might DO
against him. lie said afterwards it was the
proudest day of his life.
Gen. Joe Johnston and Jubal A. Early
rode together, and were greeted with intense
enthusiasm. The war flags Of the different
commanders evoked as much enthusiasm ps
the generals, and when the crowds rccog-
nzed some original confederate uniforms
II was the occasion Of wild cheering. The
bands played on the march the confederate
airs, "The Bonnie Blue Flag maryland"
and "DiXie," which evoked everywhere
wild enthusiasm. Gen. Lees daughters,
recipients of an ovation. Beyond this there
was little TO suggest the confederacy. There
was no rabid ranting against the Union.
The regiments carried the United States flag
along with their confederate battle flags.
Tho monument is situated in en- open field,
Mt the heal of Franklin street, the fashion,
able street OF the city. Possibly 5000 peo.
pie could get in sight, and possibly that
number was there. Upon the stand from
which Col. Anderson delivered his address
the assembage was strictly Confederate.
Gen. Lees children were all there except
Gen. Curtis, who was detained by sickness.
Miss Mildred and Miss Mary sat together,
The former was very much affected during
the ceremonies. Capt. Robert L. Lee, Jr.,
and Gen. w. Ii. I. Lee, completed the group
OF Lees children. Mrs W. II. +. Lee, her
two sons and Mrs. Fitzhugh Lee were there
When Longstreet's carriage reached the
stand he kissed his hand to Gen. Johnston,
who returned the salutatOn. Immediately
around the monument were the confederate
veterans from the soldiers home. All the
confederate battle standards were brought
i'll rs near proximity AS possible TO the monu.
ment and grouped about II. When the
Pckctt's division battle flag was brought
here. Mrs. Mcintosh Of Maryland, who was
sister to Maj. Pcgram, Killed at Gcttys-
burg, seized ii and kissed It tenderly.
The sp eChmaking on the platform was
brief. Col. Archer Anderson delivered the
| Grafton.
At the conclusion of Col. Andcrson's nd
dress, Gen. Johnston pulled the cord which
| nclu Inc 'ONCTlHE VI INV STATUTE dlb INV ven
| dropped. exposing the beautiful bronze
work of art TO view. when q mighty shout
went up from the multitude, and salyo OF
100 guns was fired by the LIST battalion Of
artillery. The asSemhlagc then slowly dis
| perSed, aud the troops msrched 10 then
various headquarters. and were dismissed.
IL was nearly dark before the great crowd
| dispersed, and then the unique dining oil
veterans In the Sam Jones tabernacle oc
Cured. Two thousand sat down 10 break
fast. Thirty-seven hundre TO dinner ut one
time. \ brilliant display Of lire
works took pace in the evening
the most striking feature being represents
tons of the equestrian statue OF Lee and
pictures Of Jefferson Davis and Stonewall
jackson. GOV Mckinney held public re-
ccpton, which was attended by many of tho
distinguished men who had gone to Rich
mond to take part in the ceremonies Hon
J. l.. NJ. Curry, who served OH Gen. John
ston's stan, gave dinner in honor Of his
| 4