In the seat was a golden casket containing his heart, which had been raked from the burning embers on the morning following the night of the murderous assault.
It was amid such surrounding as these that the already aroused and determined members of the Congress assembled.
Promptly at 11 o'clock, Speaker Belton Piedmont took the chair.

He rapped for order, and the chaplain offered a prayer, in which he invoked the blessings of God upon the negro race at the most important crisis in its history.

Word was sent, by proper committee, across the campus informing the president that Congress was in session awaiting his further pleasure.

According to custom, the president came in person to orally deliver his message.
He entered in the rear of the building and marched forward.

The Congress arose and stood with bowed heads as he passed through.