When this great crowd entered the courthouse, after making such
a long march in hot weather, most of them were willing to rest
awhile before the exercises commenced. Yet Gen. King is not one
to rest long when business had to be attended to, so he called the
large assembly to order, and announced that illness had prevented
the attendance of Gen. D. McM. Gregg, president of the society, and
in his absence Gen. Martin T. McMahon would preside in his stead. Dr. J. S. Dill, pastor of the Baptist church, was presented and offered a most earnest prayer. Mr. St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, who had been selected by the committee of entertainment to extend the welcome, was then introduced and made the following address :