Virginia Free Press

The violent storm of rain, with lightning and thunder, on Saturday, interfered greatly with the pre-arranged order of exercises for the decoration of the soldiers' graves. As the rain continued to pour down after many of the citizens had gathered in Charles Washington Hall to witness the reorganization of the Ladies Memorial Association, it was thought advisable to have the address delivered there. Judge Lay, of Richmond, who had kindly consented to fill the void made by the absence of General Terry, ascended the rostrum. After a prayer by Rev. A. C. Hopkins, and Stonewall Jackson's Dirge sung by J. Shannon Gallagher and members of the Musical Association, Wm L. Wilson, Esq. explained the absence of General Terry, and read a letter from General Early, and then introduced Judge Lay, who spoke in a most felicitous and appropriate style for half an hour. At the conclusion of his address a beautiful Hymn was sung by the Musical Association, and the two Bands played appropriate music. The rain having slackened, many persons preceded by the Bands and under the Marshalship of Mr. David Howell, proceeded to the Cemetery and Episcopal and Methodist burial grounds and strewed the graves of their with flowers. Of course the display was not near so great as it would have been had the day been favorable, but under the circumstances everything was done well by those who took part, and there was a very fair show of blossoms, bouquets, crosses and wreaths on the graves.