History - Raleigh- Sep '99

During the weekend of 18-19 September, right after Hurricane Floyd's visit to NC, we took part in the opening of the Civil War Exposition and re-internment of Cpl. Wiley Mills. We camped on the old Capitol Grounds and had our horses close by in the parking lot across the street.

The Exposition is a superb display of North Carolinian involvement in the Civil War and is a must for a Civil War buff to see. We did a living history on Saturday morning and fired a single gun salute every minute from the time Cpl. Mills remains arrived until they were laid in Capitol Rotundra.

Sunday morning we prepared our equipment, to include the Sgt. Rhyne modified caisson, for the transportation to Oakwood Cemetery that afternoon. All members of the Legion presented an appropriate honor guard as the body was transported from the Capitol to the caisson and on to the cemetery for interment. We participated in a 3 gun salute as we paid our final respects to a real Civil War Veteran.

Below are photos taken during the Wiley Mills Funeral Procession. Click on a photo for a larger & clearer view.
Wiley Mills lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda.	Mourners await the procession.
Escort is provided from the Rotunda to the Caisson.	The infantry show their respect before the procession.
The remains are carefully placed on the caisson.	The procession leaves the Capitol.
The cannon team provides escort.	Entering Oakwood Cemetery.
The casket approaches the new grave site.	Four cannons provide assistance to the salute.