Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/407

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Lee's Birthday.

401

by Captain Frank Cunningham; banjo and songs, Mr. Eugene Davis; "First Regiment, Virginia Volunteers," Captain E. Leslie Spence; " Cavalry of the A. N. V.," Colonel G. Percy Halves; "Artillery of the A. N. V.," Major H. C. Carter; "Scouts of the Army," Cap- tain John Cussons; "Ladies of the South," Major J. H. H. Fig- gett, of Botetourt ; " Missouri " (by a son of Missouri), Richard T. Flournoy. Speeches were made by Senator Parrish and Major McCann, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crump read an original poem on Lee and Pickett Camps.

At a late hour the meeting adjourned.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

The birthday of General Robert E. Lee is a legal holiday in Georgia. Year by year the celebration of it grows in interest. Last year the oration was delivered by Gordon McCabe, of Petersburg, Va. To-day the orator and guest of the occasion is Hon. Charles T. O'Ferrall, one of Virginia's most eloquent congressmen.

The Virginians resident in Atlanta, recognizing the patriotic spirit which moved Georgia to declare Lee's birthday a holiday, have per- fected a permanent organization for the purpose of taking charge of the observance of the day. The president of the Atlanta Virginia Society is Hon. Hamilton Douglas, a brilliant young attorney, who illustrates all the graces of his native State. A prominent member of the society is Dr. Price E. Murray, brother of the editor of the Norfolk Landmark. Captain Edward C. Bruffey, city editor of the Atlanta Constitution, is another member who deserves credit for his zeal in behalf of absent Virginia.

ESCORTED TO THE CITY.

A special car, with a committee headed by Hon. Hamilton Doug- las and Colonel Carter, went to Washington last Thursday night to escort Mr. and Mrs. O' Ferrall to the city. They arrived back last night and from that moment to this the distinguished gentleman and lady have been the recipients of marked social attention.

As a special compliment to Virginia, Governor Northen granted the use of the State Capitol for the public demonstration, which is at this moment in progress. A magnificent audience answered the call of the Virginia Society. Hon. Hamilton Douglas presided and gracefully introduced Congressman Charles T. O'Ferrall, the orator of the occasion. 26