Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-30
'nirty miles in a private conveyance in
oruer 20 be present at and take his
allotted part in the ceremonies
49,. Hev' =. y Hepburn's Prayer.
Ihe PRAYER was az followa.

Almighty God, thou who art the ruler
OF ,ne universe, the maker OF all things
ana Judge OF all men, we would in all
our doings realize Thy presence and ac-
knowledge Thy power. We come be-
lore Ihee now to invoke thy blessings
upon TINS our present undertaking and
upon this assembly. Fill us with graft.
tude Tor tho blessings which thou hast
so richly bestowed upon as during our
past lives and teach us to trust Thee for
the future.
Thou art the God of Nations. Look
upon this broad land OF ours. bless our
nation. May we become people who
are known as Thy people, who have sub
mitted themselves to Theo. who love
righteousness, and who would magnify
Thy great name. May those who are
elevated to high positions in the land
md who have the reins of government
committed to their hands be endowed
with wisdom from on high and be en-
abled to govern wisely.
May the blessing OF peace reign
throughout our laud and may our peo-
pie be more nearly drawn together as
one great family. II prosperity be our
portion, make us humble, and teach us
To realize from whom our blessings flow.
Ii adversely come upon MS, may we still
trust Thee, and find comfort in the
thought that the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth and that We are safe in Thy
hands.
God bless our dear old Common
wealth. May she ever be able to hold
up her head proudly among the Stases
OF the Union. We recognize Thy hand
IN oil her past history. May the future
bring us increased blessings from Thee.
Bless. Heavenly Father, this assem-
bly, come together to dedicate a monu-
ment erected in stone aud brass to per-
petuate the memory Of one whose
largeness OF heart won for him high
place IN our estimation, and who by a
sudden visitation of Thy Providence
was taken from our midst.
May that which was noble and good
in his life stimulate us TO more earnest
efforts and arouse in us the desire to live
more for Thee and our fellow-men than
for ourselves. Grant that we may be
led to realize the uncertainty of human
life. in the midst of life we are in
death. OF whom may we seek for sue
cor but Of Thee, o, Lord, who for our
sins art Justly displeased +?
Let Thy blessings rest upon these ex-
ercises. May all we do rebound to Thy
glory and the good Of man. Bless us
through time and save us in eternity for
His sake who has taught us to pray, say
ing Our Father, etc.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
etc.
The Statue Presented.
After the prayer Mr.. Callahan again
rose, and turning to Mayor Ellyson said :
"In behalf Of the Wickham Monument
Association [ present, MIR. Mayor,
through you to the city of Richmond
and place in the custody of her citizens
the monument of General Williams
Carter Wickham, which is presently to
be unveiled.
The Mayors Speech of Acceptance.
Mayor Ellysons remarks in accepting
the statue were as follows
Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentle
men,-lt gives me pleasure, as the Of
ficial representative of this city, to re-
ceiye from the Wickham Monument
Association this statue, wrought by the
genius of cur gifted Valentine and erect
ed by loving comrades and friends TO one
of Virginias hOnored sons. General
Williams 9. Wickham was as brave in
VIZ rs he WAS cliyalrous and noble IN
time of peace. Richmond will cherish
his memory as that of one who was ever
lOvai to her best interests and who was
always ready, whether on the field OF
battle or in the halls OF legislation. to
bravely contend for her rights. such a
friend will have An abiding-p place IN the
memory of the people Of this city, and
as our children shall look upon this
statue it will teach them the lesson that
Virginia honors those who In their lives
honorcd her.
The Veil Drops.
At the conclusion of his Honors re-
marks revilIe was sounded from beneath
,he shadow of the monument and an
swered as if in echo by Bugler Powell, OF
the old Fourth, from the grand-stand,
and at the same instant the battle-flag OF
the Prince George troops was run up
upon the flagstaff.
Master Williams Carter Wickham Ken
shaw. grandson of General Wlckham,
drew the-red-and-w silken cords.
Ir Monyhan, Sculptor Valentines as
sistsnt waved his hand as signal to his
son. who was managing the 3ulde-ropes,
the Hoyizers thundered forth brlgadler
generals salute, and the veil dropped.
After the statue stood revealed there
uos a moment of dramatic silence with
the vast assemblage, and then cheer
after cheer rent the air.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STATUE.
The figure is seven feet in height and
is of the best quality OF toned bronze.
II represents General Wickham IN the
fnll uniform OF Confederate brigadler-
General of cavalry. booted and spurfed,
ond with coat buttoned to the throat.
The weight OF the body rests on the lett
foot the right being slightly advanced,
and the face is turned niue 10 the
rirht. Against the right hip and sus-
pended by a strap which goes over the
Ieft.shoulder rests the Generals held-
glass case, which is grasped IN the bare
left hand with the thumb over the strap
where it is attached to the front OF the
case The sword is caught full up to the
belt by the top ring, with HIT III position
to he Srasped on u seconds notice, ana
tbe oanntleted left hand presses against
the back AID holds the right-hand
gauntlet.
THE POSE AND PoRTRAIrURE.
The pose is easy but suggestive IN
every particular OF that solidity,
mossiyeness, and determination that
cbaracterized General Wickham-sus-
cestiye of the typical heavy trooper
STeady for combat mounted or on foot
From crown of head to sole OF hrmly-
nlanted foot individuality is illustrated.
lCbe modelling of tho face and head Is Is
vigorous, n the portraiture striking ana
fa;thful both as to expression ana INES
and All the general details OF the drapery;
sword belt, straps, sabre, insignia .. ..
ronk ETC., are carefully worked out IL