Unveiling of the soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, at Richmond, Va., May 30, 1894. Incidental ceremonies-rev. R. C. Cave's noble Vindi-Cation of the Southern cause.
A demonstration but little less imposing than the parade on the occasion of the Dedication of the Monument to Gen. R. E. Lee in 1890.The Confederate Soldiers' and Sailors' monument stands unveiled in all its towering and majestic proportions—the suggestion of a grand eternal beacon-light radiating the truth as involved in principle, as well across the stormy track of the past, as into the mists of the future.
The event of yesterday was the crowning recognition of a grateful people of the unparalleled heroism, the splendid valor, and the sublime fortitude of the hosts of which history has graven in uneffaceable letter, they dashed themselves to pieces against overpowering numbers, but with their shivered shields untarnished and their battlerent and tattered colors unstained and waiving defiance to the last.
Yesterday was a glorious day—glorious in the demonstration that marked it—more glorious in the significance of that demonstration. It was a history-making day, the record of which will be bound in the ‘Golden Book’ of Southern memories, whose prologue is the story of the Southland's struggle for constitutional right, and whose other chapters tell of the unveiling of the Jackson, the Lee, the Wickham, the Hill, and the Howitzer monuments, and the obsequies of President Davis.
Similar chapters will follow, when the Davis, Stuart, and Cooke monuments, a monument to the noble women of the South, and other memorials shall have been unveiled, and then time will write the epilogue in the single, but all—sufficient word—‘Vindicated!’
Zzzcentre of enthusiasm.
Richmond was indeed yesterday again the centre of Southern [337] enthusiasm and patriotism—again the shrine to which all true Southern hearts turned. Those who were with us in person testified by their acts and the zeal with which they entered into the spirit of the the occasion their steadfast faith in the righteousness of the conviction of the South. Those who by force of circumstances were absent in body were present in a spirit of benediction.The city was moving early. The shrill and inspiring bugle call, the roll of drum, the concerted music of bands, and the steady tramp of military and veteran organizations broke the morning air long before the rising sun brought out the still unveiled monument in relief against the eastern sky line. As the hours wore on the streets began to fill with people, especially along the route mapped out for the parade, and in the neighborhood of the several headquarters the throngs of happy children and animated women upon the sidewalks, the majority of whom wore Confederate colors or carried Confederate flags, making a picturesque avenue through which galloped marshals, aides and couriers, and marched and countermarched the camps, military companies and cadet corps.
At general headquarters, Sixth and Main Streets, where the aides and marshals reported to receive their badges, and at the Westmoreland Club, where the distinguished visitors were assigned to carriages, all was bustle for some two hours before the parade started. Captain Ellett, Secretary of the Monument Association Executive Committee, and Chief of Staff, Captain E. J. Bosher, were on duty at the headquarters, and Mr. R. S. Bosher took charge of the carriage list at the Westmoreland, and was assisted by several of his committeemen. The club, with its usual hospitality, kept open doors, many of its members being present to entertain visitors and see that they were made perfectly at home. The same hospitality marked the Commonwealth Club, where there also were many callers.
A dense crowd gathered where the parade assembled, but as soon as the column moved, scattered for other points to get a second sight of the inspiring pageant. Many turned to Libby Hill, and from the escarpment just under the monument obtained a magnificent vista view of the procession as it approached down Main street with its fluttering banners and glistening muskets and sabres, over-arched by the bewildering maze of bunting which decorated the houses.
The head of the column reached Twenty-ninth and Franklin streets at 3:10 o'clock, and as it had to be manoeuvred in very close quarters it took some time to get the several divisions and organizations [338] into position. On the grand stand, the timbers of which were entirely concealed by Confederate colors gracefully disposed, especial provision had been made for the accommodation of the ladies of the memorial bazaar, without whose efforts the monument could not have been unveiled yesterday.
Immediately around the grand stand, and completely filling the plateau were grouped the veterans, many of whom had not been here since the dark and trying days during which, half-starved and half-clothed, they had helped to constitute a living bulwark for Richmond's defence. Behind the veterans, to the west and just upon the brow of the first terrace, the Virginia Military Institute cadets were drawn up in battalion front, and through the mass of veterans the Blacksburg cadets stood in open-order formation, thus keeping clear an avenue from the eastern steps of the grand stand to the monument. To the southeast of the monument the other infantry, the cavalry, and the artillery were massed, the guns of the Howitzers being placed just on the edge of the hill overlooking Main street, and the terraces of the park were literally packed with men, women, and children.
Before all was in readiness for the ceremonies to commence, the rain, which had been threatening for some time, began to descend, and a consultation was held by the officers of the Association and others to decide whether it would not be better to unveil the monument right away, and have the rest of the programme carried out in the Grace Street Baptist church. It was determined to brave it out, and Dr. Hoge, after being presented by Hon. D. C. Richardson, commenced his prayer in a gentle shower, which continued while Mr. Gordon was reciting his poem. Just as Mr. Cave, the orator, was introduced, however, there was a rift in the clouds, and a burst of sunlight, which brought out a picture that will never be forgotten by those who were in position to view it. All umbrellas had been lowered. The sober, gray, and serious faces of the veterans made a strikingly contrasting frame-work to the grand stand, with its warm decorations and the dresses of the ladies, and the uniforms of the military officers upon it. Fringing the frame-work was a line of steel. Over and far beyond this, to the west and through the haze of the city, could be discerned the soldiers' monument at Hollywood, and the falls of the river, and to the southwest and south was spread out the Chesterfield landscape in a perfect dream of peace. To the north and east the profusely-decorated houses on the hill formed a glowing background. [339]
But the sunshine lasted only a few minutes, and the greater part of the oration was delivered during a pouring rain.
Zzzthe Unveiling scene.
As Mr. Cave concluded the bugle signal was given to prepare for the unveiling, and little Edward Stevens McCarthy, representing the Confederate army, and little Mary Curtis, representing the navy, preceded by their respective veteran supporters, John J. O'Neil and Charles Laylon, who bore Confederate flags, and followed by Mr. Carlton McCarthy, a male relative of the little girl, and Mr. Norman V. Randolph, marched from the grand stand along the avenue formed by the Blacksburg cadets to the foot of the monument.Again the bugle notes rang out, the cords were pulled, and amid the thunder of artillery, crashing volleys of musketry, and cheers from thousands of throats, the veil fell slowly away and the sentinel soldier, crowning the column, was exposed to view.
Zzza superb Street parade.
The parade, bright and beautiful, representing, as it did, what of the Confederacy there remains to tell the soul-harrowing tales of 1861-1865, and portraying the patriotism, valor and military spirit of another generation, was a brilliant incident to the unveiling. It was more than two miles in length, and in it was represented not only the chivalry and citizen soldiery of Virginia, but the fidelity and love of Maryland, of North Carolina, of South Carolina, and of the National Capital for the ‘Lost Cause.’ It was a demonstration that reflected to the world the glory of a sentiment cherished for thirty-three years, and the enthusiastic interest of a grateful people.The pageant—for it was indeed a pageant—was witnessed by something like 100,000 people, and nearly one-tenth as many participated in the procession. It was headed by 2,000 children, clad in costumes of white, wearing red, white and red sashes, and carrying Confederate colors. The little ones constituted one of the most unique and impressive features of the parade. As the great column moved through the crowded streets there was almost continuous cheering. Frequent outbursts of enthusiasm greeted the honored organizations, as the war-worn standards were observed by the eager spectators.
From the windows and roofs, from cornices and fences, from balconies, and even from the umbrageous branches of the stately elms and oaks which line the thoroughfares, went out in vociferous [340] applause the admiration and commendation of the tremendous aggregation of citizens and visitors.
Until the column had nearly reached its destination the day was fair and pleasant, and everybody who could do so rushed to some convenient point from which to view the passing soldiery—veterans and cadets. At many places bouquets of flowers were tossed to the marching veterans and soldiers, and all along the line there was a constant waving of umbrellas, canes and handkerchiefs and flags. So crowded were the streets that the line barely had room to pass through the more dense sections. All along the route the spectators covered every available spot, and the faces of merry maidens and their glad beaus added to the beauty of the picture.
Although it was announced that the procession would move from the corner of Eleventh and Broad streets at 2 o'clock, it was fully 2:45 before the command to ‘Forward march,’ was given. This order was but one to move a column, the like of which in times of peace had but once before been seen in Richmond. There were possibly more soldiers here on the day that the equestrian statue to the memory of the immortal Robert E. Lee was unveiled, but upon no other occasion has there been such a parade. There were in the parade more than two thousand veterans, who, fast passing beyond the brink of life, are transferring to their children and their children's children memories of an event which will not perish in the world's history.
After a great deal of marching and counter-marching, moving from one place to another, and several of the delays which always attend such an affair, the great column was moved up Broad street. It was headed by that dignified and commanding veteran of the Mexican war, Major John Poe, Chief of Police, who rode with fitting grace a beautiful sorrel charger. He had with him two squadrons of his faithful officers. The first was under command of Captain James B. Angle, with Sergeants Cosby, Brooks, and Acting-Seargents Talley and Allen, while Captain E. J. Hulce, with Seargents Epps and Thomas, directed the movements of the second part. In all there were forty police in line.
