ts who participated in the exercises of the Mecklenburg
Convention of the same date, 1775, not one was present to animate us
with their counsel, or speak of the glorious deeds of the
Revolutionary period--all having succumbed to the irrevocable fiat of
nature, and passed to "that bourne whence no traveler returns." Their
example, their precepts, and sacrifices in the cause of freedom,
constitute their rich and instructive heritage to us. A cloudless sky,
a balmy atmosphere, and a glow of patriotic feeling beaming on every
countenance, all conspired to add impressiveness to the scene, and
awaken hallowed remembrances of the past. Agreeably to the published
programme, the day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and a
salute of one hundred guns by the Raleigh and Richmond artillery. From
six o'clock in the morning until several hours afterward, the whistles
of locomotives every few minutes told of the arrival of trains, packed
with visitors, firemen, military and bands of music. The various
committees were kept busy in directing the movements and assigning
quarters for the organized bodies; while landlords and keepers of
boarding-houses showed an accommodating spirit, and received visitors
until their utmost capacity for room was more than exhausted--full to
overflowing. And, although some difficulty was observed in procuring
bed room, yet an abundance of provisions was everywhere exhibited for
the comfort and well-being of the "inner man."

THE GRAND PROCESSION.

General Joseph E. Johnston, Chief Marshal, having been prevented from
attending on account of severe sickness. General W.R. Cox, of Raleigh,
was selected to fill his place. General Bradley T. Johnston, of
Richmond, was placed in charge of the Military Department, and John C.
Gorman of the Fire Department. The soldiers were nearly all dressed in
gray suits, and the firemen in red and black, except the Wilmington
company, which also appeared in gray. While the Chief Marshal and his
assistants were endeavoring to bring order out of the immense mass of
humanity in the streets, six splendid bands from Richmond, Newbern,
Raleigh, Wilmington, Fayetteville and Salem, besides the Cadet band of
the Carolina Military Institute, were exerting their sonorous energies
to move the listening million by "concord of sweet sounds," and
thereby prevent them from ever becoming subjects "fit for treason,
stratagems and spoils."

At half-past ten o'clock the grand pageant was