網頁圖片
PDF
ePub 版

WHAT COMMAND WAS IT?

In publishing the following the VETERAN entertains the parties directly interested without motive of conveying the impression that either side designs. discipline in the least.

Capt. F. S. Harris, Nashville: In reply to inquiry from Texas, as to who was the "Spaniard" who brought the Tennesseans "out of the Wilderness in good order," May 6, '64, I think it must have been Col. S. G. Shepard, of the Seventh Tennessee. He was in command of that famous old regiment that morning, and was just the man for such work

However, I admit that I was not one of those so brought out. I got out of the Wilderness in quite a demoralized manner, and just the once from the body of men commanded by the Spaniard," Col. Shepard. (Capt. Harris is the author of article in April number about "Sharp-shooting in Lee's Army.")

J. K. Miller, Gallatin, Tenn: Well, Old Comrade, there was an inquiry in May VETERAN from a Texan, in reference to a Colonel who got out **in order" on the morning of May 6th, '64, at the battle of the Wilderness. Col. Shepard, of the Seventh Tennessee, spent the night with me recently, and as it was thought he might have been the Spaniard," I asked him if he was in command and if his men were in order. He said they were, and went on to speak of the morning surprise, and that as he came out the Texans were deploying, and he passed through their middle. So, you see, he was the man in command of the Tennesseans.

J. K. Cayce, Hammond, Tex., June 14, 1895: In your May issue you speak of only one command of Heth's division retaining its organization when that division was surprised by Warren's corps at the batte of the Wilderness, and you ask if the officer in command thereof was not Lieut.-Col. Shepard of the Seventh Tennessee, Archer's Brigade. The officer was not Col. Shepard, but was Col. J. M. Stone, present governor of Mississippi, commanding that morning the Second and Eleventh Mississippi, Davis' Brigade, Heth's Division. These men saved the army.

Shortly afterwards Gen. Lee rode up, and Gen. Longstreet introduced Col. Stone to him as the man who saved the army. This title Col. Stone modestly declined, saying "My boys did it."

Col. Stone was afterwards rewarded for his bravery by an appointment as brigadier-general, but refused the honor, as he "could not take his boys with him" to his new command.

This bit of history was given me by my father, who was a member of the Second Mississippi, and helped "save the army" on the morning of May 6,

1864.

Miss Kate Korff, who served the Confederacy as nurse in hospitals at Richmond, Washington, Staunton (after the battle of Gettysburg), and Cassville, Ga., and was also a signer of Confederate money during the last year of the war, would be glad to hear from any soldiers who remember her. She is now Mrs. LeGrand Sexton, and her address is Marion, Smythe County, Va.

REMINISCENCES FROM MURFREESBORO.

J. E. Manson relates the following vivid story: A sketch in the June VETERAN by Dr. Hickman reminds me of a pathetic incident. Maj. Frank B. Ward of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Calvalry, of whom he speaks, was carried mortally wounded to the house of my father, Dr. J. E. Manson, on the first day of the battle. Maj. Ward had a brother on the Confederate side, who was in this battle, also; and they had been having some amusing correspondence, each saying the other would be his prisoner. The major lay wounded for several weeks, when by a sloughing from the main artery of the leg, he bled to death. His brother, the Confederate, came to see him on the day that he died, and they held each other by the hand and recited the Lord's prayer just before the major expired. A brother and sister came down from Michigan, and were at his death bed. I was quite a youth, but recall it vividly as one of the saddest deathbed scenes I ever witnessed. Maj. Ward was a very handsome man, and he bore his suffering with Christian submission. Dr. Hickman is at some fault in his recollections. Maj. Rosengarten was killed instantly, struck on the head by a cannon ball. His remains were left that night in an ambulance in front of our house. The vacated house on Manson pike was that of Mrs. Gresham, which family was trying to keep inside of the Confederate lines. This house and the negro quarters in the yard, together with several tents, were all used as a hospital for several months.

THE MEN WHO WORE THE GRAY.

Read to the Charleston Delegation, at Houston Reunion, by Mrs. Lee C. Harby.

Oh, "The Men Who Wore the Gray,"
Oh, the men who dared the fray,

Upholding the grand principles for which our fathers fought;
Fame's resounding voice shall tell
How they strove and how they fell-

A monument of glory their high sacrifice hath wrought!
Let inspired pens portray

How these "Men Who Wore the Gray"

Came back, the struggle ended. every hope of justice fled; All the future dark and void,

Maimed and poor, their homes destroyed, Their wives and children weeping o'er the memories of their dead!

But affliction could not stay

Those brave "Men Who Wore the Gray"

From gathering up courageously their broken ends of life;
As they battled, so they worked -
Never yet had Southron shirked

The field where love and honor gave command to face the strife!

They are victors in that fray;

Now these "Men Who Wore the Gray,"

Exult in their achievments for the land they love so well;
It has vanquished many foes-
It has blossomed like the rose-

The story of their proud success, its smiling homes can tell.
May God's mercy, day by day,

Bless "The Men Who Wore the Gray"—

Those fearless, peerless heroes, who waxed stronger as they

strove;

While the people, heart and soul,

Grant to their decreasing roll

A Patriot's best recompense, the country's reverent love.

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small]
[blocks in formation]

This Editor had an inspiration at the Chicago dedication of our Confederate monument. It came

of a brief story by a young lady, who said in reciprocal spirit for magnanimity that had been so richly bestowed: "I WANT TO GIVE THE FIRST DOLLAR TOWARDS A MONUMENT TO GENERAL HANCOCK IN NEW ORLEANS." She then gave the reason why she would even be a leader in the movement.

Gen. Hancock and her father were fellow officers on the western frontier just before our great

war.

Hancock asked him, in the wise comradeship of his nature, to let him have two months of his pay, and he would invest with some of his own money in certain lands of promised increase of value; and he complied. The war came on and the two officers served under different flags. After the war Gen. Hancock called upon Gen. Harry Heth and asked of his financial condition. He, of course, was destitute. Hancock then said: Hancock then said: "I have a thousand dollars for you." Having no thought of why such should be the case, the Confederate instinctively demurred to the assertion. Then Hancock reminded him of the time he gave him two months of his salary, told him of how he had kept the taxes paid, of the advance in the realty, and that he had just sold it, and Heth's part was $1,000. Worthy thought of the daughter of Gen. Heth! The liberty of giving such prominence to the fair lady is assumed through zeal for this cause.

What say you, comrades and friends of New Orleans, and you other comrades, and other southern people? Can you conceive of anything more appropriate, than to return the compliment to Chicago, and to the North, who did so nobly respond to the diligent appeal of Gen. John C. Underwood in erecting a Confederate monument there? American citizens, what do you think of it? Would you like to see a monument to Gen. Hancock in New Orleans?

Who of the United States Army could be more fitly honored than Gen. Hancock-who knew the war was over in 1865 and ever acted accordingly! Remember his firmness as a national patriot when in command of the forces at New Orleans in that bitter, bitter period!

HOW SHALL SAMUEL DAVIS BE

The VETERAN must give expression taneous appeals for a monument to the capital of Tennessee in hono Davis, whose heroic sacrifice in delibe his life on the gallows has never bee the history of man. In faith to prin most divine, and recalls even the sa Galilean whose hands and feet were cross. He had been offered extensive

He would prove traitor. While not may be compared to Deity, we may kinship, and such sacrifice must meet and have eternal reward. He comme even unto Himself.

Shall a monument be erected to Sa the capital of his native state? L may not be familiar with the consid induce the inquiry, read the three pr of the VETERAN. Well might the government commemorate the chara solely upon the testimony of its off diers, who after the third of a cent tributes without stint. Such a mo be the pride of every noble soul rega nationality. The VETERAN does not appeal. The object is too sacred to without mature deliberation and dete

Suggestions are invited upon thi them be concise and strong. The confined to Tennessee or Tennessean hand from a Kentuckian, now livin states: "I hope Nashville will son monument to that REAL HERO, San would like to add a dollar or two."

Such a monument embodying a 1 character would ever convey exaltati an influence that would strengthen m or women who would make bequest as well do any service to all that and undying for the future. Giv comrade, southerner, northerner, m: The VETERAN would commend i He character of this young man. country home into the Confederate his excellent character, courage an was engaged as a scout for the army tions referred to are a vivid, thrillin count of the determination on the 1 erals to induce him to divulge source in his possession, but he would not, appealed to, as threats had not avai he had a thousand lives he would sa before he would betray the trust. ] at Pulaski, Tenn., Nov. 27, 1863, in

TWENTY THOUSAND COPIES NEXT.

The VETERAN for September will be a valuable historic publication and a rich souvenir. Eight thousand copies extra will be sent to T. H. Payne & Co., Chattanooga, who will control its sales at dedication of the parks there and at Chickamauga. There will be many attractive scenes from those places and Lookout Mountain, with sketches of comrades, etc.

This September VETERAN will contain the finest relic procurable, and which will give it lasting importance. That relic is the photo engraved copy of the original "Dixie's Land" written, music and words, by "Uncle Dan" Emmett, on that rainy Sunday in New York in 1859, together with his autograph letter written July 31, 1895, and an excellent photograph with an account of a visit to his humble home near Mount Vernon, Ohio. Diligence will be exercised to make that issue of the VETERAN a credit to the South, editorially and mechanically.

CHATTANOOGA CHICKAMAUGA PARKS.

The VETERAN calls attention to the coming events of formally dedicating the Government parks at Chickamauga and on Mission Ridge. It would electrify the Southland with its importance. The Government at Washington has enacted such laws as to give the South equal advantage in every way. Of the three commissioners, one is the eminently capable and beloved Lieut. Gen. A. P. Stewart, who has been the member in charge of the improvements nearly all the while. The spirit of Union veterans taking an interest in these parks, has been most fraternal. As a rule they are men, who boast of Confederate valor. They will come, doubtless, by the tens of thousands, and will be sorely disappointed, if they don't meet many of the men, they fought on those sanguinary fields.

Northern states have given hundreds of thousands for monuments, and the Government has expended about $600,000; while the South has been too slow of action. The Government appropriation of $20,000 to provide accommodations is as much for Confederate as Federal. And now, true comrades, do be on hand and act as host! The location makes such action proper, and you will do patriotic service by attending. Defer some other trip, but not this one.

The Railroads generally have made a one cent per nile rate, and some of them are getting out "foldrs" filled with illustrations and historic interests. The Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis system will ›e successful rival, doubtless, in the richest of these.

THE Tennessee Division of Confederate Soldiers ave their annual reunion at Columbia, September 1th and 12th. A large attendance is expected.

"OLD HICKORY" JACKSON NAMED HIM.

Governor Turney, of Tennessee, a Confederate who carried the first regiment from this state to Virginia, chatted with some friends when he gave this reminiscence: "Two years ago I was in the house by Dixon Springs in Smith county, where my father was born. It was a log house of two rooms. I recognized the locations from a description that 'Old Hickory' Jackson gave me when a boy of fifteen in 1843. I had gone to the Hermitage with Mr. Titterton. of Louisiana, introduced myself and then the gentleman, when Gen. Jackson asked me whose son I was. He was manifestly glad to see me, and said: 'I named your father.' He told of going to my grandfather's when my father was an infant and saying 'Peter, I want to name your boy,' and that my grandfather replied he would 'see Frankie about that.' Request was procured for Gen. Jackson to go in the other room to see the mother and infant, and he said when there: 'Frankie, I want to name your boy Hopkins Lacy-Hop and Pete are intimate friends. He is a good fellow and would be proud of it.' She replied 'He is named.

Lacy's name was thus honored in an eminent jurist and in an United States senator. Lacy was clerk to the first Legislature of this state.

The following is the first Confederate States order ever sent to Tennessee. Gov. Turney has the envelope still, with "Confederate States of America" printed on the corner of the official envelope. It is a coincidence that it was exactly four years to the date of Lee's surrender at Appomattox:

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
WAR DEPARTMENT.

MONTGOMERY, April 9, 1861. Capt. Peter Turney, Winnchester, Tenn.-Sir: I am instructed by the Secretary of War to imform you, that, while the department cannot even yet accept absolutely the offer of the Regiment of Volunteers made by you, he trusts that you will hold it in instant readiness to move at the call of this Government. The indications are very strong that its services will very soon become, if not necessary, highly advantageous to this Confederacy. Respectfully your obedient servant, I. I. HOOPER, Private Secretary.

Two public industrial enterprises in the south merit attention from the VETERAN. The Interstate Cotton Exposition to be held in Atlanta, Ga., beginning Sept. 18, of this year, and the Tennessee Centennial celebration, to occur in 1896. The former is well under way and promises success.

To celebrate the centenary of the admission of Tennessee into the Union is highly important, from patriotic and historic considerations but so many failures to raise funds disheartened friends, and the purpose was about to fail; when, with much unanimity of sentiment, representative men in business and in financial affairs, resolved upon it. The President, J. W. Thomas, and the Director General, E. C. Lewis, are never identified with failures, and they are capable leaders in all they undertake.

GENERAL JOHN C. BROWN.

Judge Jno. S. Wilkes, now of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, long a law partner and business associate, pays the following tribute to Gov. Brown:

Jno. C. Brown was born in Giles county, Jan. 6, 1827. On the side of both father and mother, he was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was one of a family of nine children. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances and gave to his son a preparatory school education, finishing with graduating at Jackson College, Columbia, about the time that his older brother, Neill S. Brown, was a central figure in state and national politics, defeating Aaron V. Brown for governor in 1847, and afterward taking an active part in the election of President Zachary Taylor, who appointed him Minister to Russia.

[blocks in formation]

Jno. C. Brown entered the service of his state as a private, and was elected at once captain of his company, and immediately thereafter, colonel of the Third Tennessee Infantry Regiment.

At Fort Donelson he was in command of a brigade as senior colonel, and took an active part in its defense. Hew as captured and sent to Fort Warren; was exchanged in 1862, when he was promoted to Brig.-Gen. and assigned to duty with Gen. Bragg. He participated in the battles of Perryville, and

other places in Kentucky. He was afterward with Gen. Joe E. Johnston in the Georgia campaign, and engaged in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, that hundred days fighting between Dalton and Jonesborough, and all the engagements incident to the retreat. He was promoted to Major General; was wounded at Franklin, which finished his military career.

At the close of the war he returned to the practice of law at Pulaski, and continued in active labor until 1870, when elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, of which he was made chairman. In 1870, he was elected Governor; and in 1872, was re-elected to that office. His administration of state affairs as the Executive, was upon a vigilant business basis. He reduced the bonded debt of the state from forty-three to twenty million of dollars, besides paying some three millions of its floating

debt.

[graphic]

In 1876, he was elected vice president of the Texas Pacific Railway; and under him the great transcontinental route was built. In 1881, he was appointed general solicitor and attorney for the entire Gould system of railroads west of the Mississippi River. In 1885, he was made receiver of the Texas Pacific Railroad; and under him it was rebuilt and thoroughly reconstructed. Then in 1888, he was elected its president. In 1889, was elected president of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Co.

He died on August 17, 1889, and was interred at Pulaski, Tenn., among the people he loved so well and who honored him so highly. A life size statue stands on a commanding spot in Maplewood cemetery presenting a lifelike figure of him in his soldier's garb, with his hand upon his sword, his head bowed, and his gaze to the South, that he served so faithfully and loved with such ardent devotion.

As a student, he was ambitious, quick, active, and studious; as a lawyer, he stood in the front rank. He was in no sense a case lawyer; but thoroughly versed in its general principles, especially as they affected the history, policy and business interests of the state. He was not an orator, but a man of much force before a jury or an audience. His personal presence was majestic and commanding. I have seen him in many assemblies of distinguished men, and he was ever the center of observation. was a born leader; in private life an honest and just man, broadminded, full of charity and tolera

tion.

He

He never spoke harshly of even an enemy in his absence. I knew him intimately; and in his most confidential mood, no word of bitterness ever escaped his lips. But he he was quick to resent an affront, and to maintain his right. As a soldier ready, friendly, and he knew no such word as he was a strict disciplinarian, firm but kind, always fear. His officers and men loved and respected him.

A short epitome of Gov. Brown's life appears upon his monument at Pulaski. It is as follows:

"He was a Master Mason, Pulaski Lodge 101, in 1851; Royal Arch Mason, Pulaski Chapter 20, in 1871; Knight Templar, Pulaski Commandery 12, in 1871; was Secretary, Treasurer, Junior and Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master of his lodge, and was more Worshipful Grand Master of Masonry in Tennessee, in 1870.

He enlisted in the army in May, 1861; was elected Captain of Company A, Third Tennessee Infantry, May 1, '61; elected Colonel of the the regiment May 15, 61; appointed Brigadier-General Sept. 30, '62; Maj. Genl. Aug. 4, 1864; paroled May 16, 1865. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, Perryville, Chickamauga, Atlanta and Franklin. In civil life, prominent for personal integrity, business capacity, and social qualities; a profound lawyer, distinguish ed statesman, and an able financier, president of the Constitutional Convention of 1870, twice Governor of Tennessee, for many years chief counselor and president of extensive railroads and industrial properties in the west and in Tennessee. He was successful in every undertaking, and faithful to every trust."

A lady who chatted about Gov. Brown while developing Texas in the building of the Texas and Pacific railroad, said with pride: "He is our own Tennessean." She was then a resident of the Lone Star, but from the Volunteer State.

A group of prominent railroad men, who came from St. Louis to the funeral of Gov. Brown, concurred in the sentiment that in whatever assembly he at once became the center of attraction. He was honored in his ability to organize and execute, and for his integrity of character. While proud of his career as a Confederate, he was so considerate of gentlemen, that Union Veterans who had occasion to know him well admired him ardently.

THE BURIAL OF GEN. HENRY LEE.

Robert L. Rogers, of Atlanta, Ga., copied for the VETERAN from an old Savannah Republican extracts about the burial of "Light Horse Harry" Lee, from which is taken the following extracts:

*

*

*

I have seen the body of General Lee receive all the honors, that could be given by feeling hearts. He was buried from Dungeness house. Mr. Shaw and family strove all in their power to keep the lamp of life burning; and althoughthe oil was expended, they still blew the gentle breath of affection and attention to preserve the wick alive. Commodore Henley superintended the last sad duties. Captains Elton, Finch, Madion, Lieutenants Fitzhugh and Richie, of the navy, and Mr. Lyman, of the army, were pall-bearers. As the procession moved, the swords of the two first crossed the old man's breast-they were in their scabbards. The other officers of the navy, and Captain Payne, of the army, followed. The mariners of the U. S. ship, John Adams and brig Saranac formed the guard, and a band from our army assisted. A Mr. Taylor performed the last ceremonial duties. A long train of sailors, cleanly dressed, their respectful deportment and rough, but independent, looks, interested my feelings. I was immediately absorbed in contemplation. Once a fine orange grove had flourished. An invader of our country had destroyed it. Admiral Cockburn had been there, 'the last of his name,' and a far greater scourge to mankind than the locusts of Africa. A volley of musketry was fired over the grave of General Lee.

HEROIC CADETS AT NEW MARKET, VA.

The following appeal will be read with interest: Among the many exhibitions of gallantry that distinguished the great war between the states, there was none more conspicuous than the battle of New Market. The unflinching fortitude, the daring and the steady discipline displayed by the corps of cadets from the Virginia Military Institute on that occasion, are almost without a parallel in history. The story is too well known to need repetition.

Not all of these brave boys survived their baptism of fire. Eight of them died for their country, gave their lives for it before they were old enough to raise their voices in the administration of its affairs; and five of these sleep, under the shadow of their Alma Mater, in graves almost uncared for. No memorial of bronze or granite is needed to keep alive their memories or preserve their noble example of patriotism and devotion to duty for coming generations. These are firmly enshrined in the hearts of thei countrymen, but we of the South-whether we fought for the Lost Cause, or only treasure it as an undying memory owe it to ourselves to erect an enduring testimonial for the noble record they bequeathed to our boys.

It is but lately that a movement has been set on foot to erect a monument over the graves of these cadets. The alumni of the Institute are already responding to the appeal made to them in this behalf; but neither the burden nor the honor should be theirs alone. There are many whose sons sleep in unknown graves, where they may never hope to set the mark of their affection and remembrance. What they would, but cannot, do for their own dead, it is alike a duty and a consolation to do for these, who were equally loved by their bereft parents and who are equally worthy. But such an object as this should find an answering chord in the heart of every southerner who is able to give a mite. For in this day when monuments and memorials of every sort are being dedicated to those who fell on both sides whether in the performance of deeds of daring or in the simple discharge of their duty, we may well feel a sense of shame at the neglect which has been visited upon the graves of these martyred heroes.

Contributions for a granite shaft to be erected over the graves of the cadets who fell at the battle of New Market and who are buried at Lexington, will be received by Miss Margaret W. Freeland, Lexington, Virginia, who will also furnish any information that may be desired on the the subject. No sum is too small; and the size of the gift should be determined solely by the ability and good will of the giver.

[blocks in formation]
« 上一頁繼續 »