Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-23
GATHER AT THE HOME
MEMBERS or THE GRAND CAMP
uAyrA HEARTY REUNION.
TIE SONS COTTAGE IS ACCEPTED.
Presented by MIR. Leckyl Received
by Mai. neutrality-suspicious. by
Gen. Lee, Ex-Gov. Cameron. Rev.
Mr.. sIaymakcr, and Johnny Rcb.


d the occupation of the city by Con-
federate army.
In the early morning the sun sulked
behind sullon clouds. but as It fought
to pierce them-and gladly conquered
he character of the people seemed TO
,hange suddenly. The quiet, business
IKE. and calm. insistent air OF the usual
gathering on the streets OF Richmond
gave way TO boisterous pushing and
an aggravating lettering. II should have
been a fete-day, for the public was
anxious 10 show 10 tho distinguished
visitors every possible appreciation OF
their presence once more in the capital
Of the Confederacy. AS It was. however,
series Of animated pictures, majestic,
Itch in color, and fun OF human spirit
vas unfolded all along the route Of the
procession OF veterans from Lee Camp
20 the Soldiers Home
The lively air Of Dixie" stirred I'D
mingled enthusiasm and jollty all along
the line OF march. II was played re-
peatedly by the Regimental Band, and by
the uniquely equipped drum and fife coEps
OF the A. T. Hill Camp. OF Petersburg.
And the heartiest kind Of cheers. ringing
with local patriotism. greeted the bat
tle-flaes Of the Confederacy as they were
,orne revorently by. The veterans who
carried these honored trophies marched
With proud tread and dipped them with
ignited respect as occasion arose to
ialute their comrades of the Grand
Camp and the Soldiers Home.
No matter what the point Of view was,
whether the luxurious comfort of parlor
window. the pebeian curbstone, or the
small boys hazardous perch in a tree
.op. there was something in each varia-
Ion OF the procession TO touch one or
more OF human natures cords
THE VETERANS ON PARADE.
II was high noon when the gavel Of the
Grand Commander fell. and he declared
the Grand Camp adjourned sine die. Out
side Lee Camp Hall all was in readiness
for the parade. General Phillips, chief
marshal, with Colonel Percy Halves. chief
OF stan and his efficient aides, had done
heir work well, and as soon as the MEM
,ers of the Grand Camp had FALLEN i'm in
,he hall and descended to their places in
line. the procession started. II was
headed by a platoon Of police, under Ser
Eeant Brooks. The Regimental Band
same next. and then the chief marshal
ma his staff, which included Past-Grand-
Commander Cussons and two of his lieu
tenants. The Grand Camp headed the
inc. followed by Lee Camp, No. /, of
richmond; A. p. Hill Camp, of Peters
burg 100 strong. headed by their drum
ana fife corps. and presenting fine APP
oearance The Tom Smith Camp of Suf-
,olk, large and handsome body Of men.
followed. with Picketts men on their
right and the Sons Of Veterans, Grand
Camp. and Lee Camp. No. 1, Sons of
Veterans. in the rear.
The sponsors did not take part In the
procession. though they were on hand.
and waited until the order was given for
the procession to move forward; then
they went TO the home in cars and car
riages, and were on hand TO greet the
veterans upon their arrival
At Elba the Grand Camp left the line
and proceeded 10 the home in cars. where
they joined the inmates OF the institution
and lined the Boulevard, opposite the
home. to receive the visitors.
WELCOMED WITH HOME GUNS.
As the line came in view the guns of
the home Numbered out their welcome,
and the Soldiers Home veterans sa-
luted their comrades as they passed, and
lhen fell into line. In the driveway the
lamps formed on the side. and the bat
ue-scarred warriors marched past"
while the band played "Auld Lang
syne" Perhaps the warmest greeting
Of all was extended by the sponsors,
maids OF honor, and representatives of
the Ladies' Confederate Memorial So
ciety. Lee and Picketts auxiliaries, and
the memorial associations, who were
grouped on and about the front porch
81 the headquarters of the home, and 1t
vas not until the procession had passed
his point that ranks were broken.
The crowd at the homo was very
arge one-so large. indeed, that the cere-
monies which, II was intended, should
,e held IN the chapel, had to be held in
ne oDen air. II was more than specta-
lie. Present indications do not point TO
, ceremony Of equal Importance, relating
70 the civil war in the near future. SO
many veterans who wore the gray may
Tot be gathered together here for some
time TO come.
GIVEN A LUNCHEON.
There was an informal aud delightful
reception, and General Lee, Colonel Gus
IONS. General Porter, and other distin-
rushed veterans were cordially greeted.
Then the, veterans and the visitors were
entertained to a luncheon admirably
Ierved in the mess hall Of the home.
Following this, those who were present
assembled about the eastern veranda OF
he main building, where the exercises
Incident 10 the turning over of the Sons
II Veterans cottage took place, and
he reunion speeches were delivered. The
scene was very striking and pic
tresque one. The speakers were seated
At the north end Of the balcony, and the
iponsors and the ladies of the city so
aeties occupied seats TO the right and
n front. The veterans occupied seats
n front OF the speakers, and others
rowded as near to the improvised ros-
rum as they could get.
THE COTTAGE PRESENTED.
Mr.. Minitree Folkes. commander OF X.
e. Lee Camp, No. ]. s. G. v, called the
agsemblage 10 order, after which he IN
reduced Rev. James T.. Cook, chaplain
II the camp. who opened the exercises
with PRAYER Mr.. Folkes then arose, and,
addressing the gathering SAID:
I'VE are here to-day 10 dedicate the
cottage which our organization has erect
ed on these grounds. and TO donate II TO
the Board Of Visitors OF this home. The
Sons feel that they are now experiencing
he proudest hour OF their lives. IL seems
but a few days ago when we were here
surrounded by vast array OF military,
Engaged I'm laying the cornerstone OF tins
cottage The roar Of the cannon that sa-
luied US on that occasion, II seems nave
hardly died away. yet the Sons come now
10 fulfil the promises they made three
months ago and 10 dedicate their cottage
for the use OF these old veterans, who
liz