horses. A vast throng escorted him up Dexter Avenue to the capitol.
"After he took his seat on the platform in front of the
capitol," wrote an eye-witness, "and a short prayer had
been offered, he read a very neat little speech, not making
many promises, but hoping by God's help to be able
to fulfill all expectations. He took the oath amidst the
deepest silence; and when he raised his hand and his
eyes to heaven, and said 'so help me God,' I think I
never saw any scene so solemn and impressive."
Years have gone by since those brave days.
The scenes that so stirred not only Montgomery
but the entire land have passed into
the pages of history. The eager throng that
crowded Capitol Hill, and hung breathlessly
on every word of the brief inaugural address;
the ringing cheers and the roar of cannon that
welcomed the news of Virginia's secession; the
groups of leaders planning earnestly laws and
constitutions and deep schemes of public
policy; the soldiers in gray marching by with
high hopes and light step; the sad day when the
Confederate Government packed its archives
and took its departure for Richmond—these
memories and a thousand others that cluster
about them will always be kept alive by the
tender sentiment that clings to the Lost Cause.
