About Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1868-1887 | View Entire Issue (May 5, 1886)
4 A MY IS CAIP. Boys in Bine and Gray. ___________ Tie Mr-State Drill Bepi The First Day's Contests. FIVE COMPANIES RESPOND. The Men Siarjly Drillei. Thousands In the En campment Grounds. SCENES THROUGH THE CITY. Ex-President Davis’ Ovation. SCHOOL CHILDREN STREW FLOW ERS IN HIS WAT. Hon. John E. Ward’s Address THE EVENTS OF TO-DAY. There was lire end color in Camp Q Washington lust evening as the Y TjXlionr for the sundown gun ap- T iiroscbed. Preparations were ' I E making for dress parade. There | I was bustie In the camp an hour ‘i The soidiers, many of iMir them, were entertaining lady visi tors who had thronged to the camp in great numbers ai xious to see military The preparatory call whs sounded Boon alter 6 o’clock and was followed by the aee mbly by the drums of the various commands. There was some “hustling,” some brushing up of clothing and shoes and arms, and the boys were soon ready tor the event. Commandant Olmstead and his staff, mounted, took positions In the enclosure outside of the parade ground, while the Adju'ant General. Col. Robert G lllard, Sroceeded on the ground and placed the ags lor the baltal'on formation. The troops marched in in battalions, each headed be a band, and took tneir positions In line. There were 17 companies, besides the camp euard. divided into five bat taiions, which were formed company fiom in divisions of battailous and iu the following order: Dubuque Drum Corps and Volunteer*. Southron Band. * Macon Volunteers. Putnam Rifles. Columbus Guards’ Band. Centennial Guards. Volunteer Southrons. Drum corps. | Montgomery Greys. Savannah Cadets. Montgomery True Blues. Gate City Guards, of Atlanta. Bust b Zouaves. German Fusiliers, Charleston. Washington Light lutaniry. Coiumbus Guards, Dawson Guards. Quitman Guards. Dnßignon Volunteers. Gainesville Guards. Louisiana Rifles. The line having been formed, the Du- Buque Drum Corps and Volunteer Souiii ron’ band, as br gade musicians, trooped down tbe tine. The brigade was put through tbe manual by Commandaut Olmstead, tbe camp orders were read by the Adjutant, and tbe parade was dismiss ed. There was at once a rush for tbe Street cars, and Camp Washington was •nee more left to tbe solitude of night. THE FIRST DRILL. The morning was as lovely at Camp Washington as tbe Chathams, tbeir mili tary guests and tbe spectators could have asked for. It was just. bright and warm enough to be enjoyable. The light cioud* that ever and anon obscured the sun, aud a pleasant breeze, not stiff enough to raise the dust and sand, rendered seats In the grand stand very pleasant. There were lew spectators on tne grounds.at 10 o’clock, aud the |>eopie gatheied slowly, coming in couples and squads. It was 10:20 when the drill call was sounded Irom the committee headquart ers, aud it was followed five minutes later by tbe “assembly.” Tbe musical tones of tbe bugle had not long ceased before the GATE CITY GUARDS marched on the grounds in fine atyle, their splendid uniforms—blu < cutaway c .us heavily truum -d wuu silver lace, and while helmeta and plumes with blue tips—and mauly bearing winning the ad miration of lbs special',l*. While the judgi-a were preparing lor the duties 0: the day, a citizen of African descent plod a wbisk broom diligently aud pul tbe finishing touches on trousers and shoes preparatory 10 Inspection, to which Capt. Sneed Drought up his men in g"od lorm. Tbe inspection was evidently good. Tbe manual of arms was well done, tbere being no bad breaks, and some ol ibe xnov menis were very tine, in unfixing tud fixing bayonets two or three men were alow. There was a slight break in •oniiug trom “right shoulder” to “carry,’’ tbe “lour” on tbe U ti 'ailing 10 respond u> tbe order. Tne siackiug wa- in good time, but one stack fell. The loading a' <i firing were good. Kneeling and tiring and .ying down and firing were online I The evo lutions were lairlv performed, taken al together. The flrat wheel made was badly bowed. Tbe marching in company line waa good, us wi re also the double time evolution*, wheeling oy fours into line. eto. One man lost Ida nelnii t. Tn company ul 1u:54 went off the rounds handsomely at double time. This cui ng in 'a well drill'd, and waa well bandied, and its lew shortcomings were, doubii.-s. due to nervousutss The GAIN ESVILLK (FLA.) GUARDS failed to respond. Owing to a oiuoder in packing tbeir new uniiorm* two were loft j out of tho P )X. besld a two men wore on j the sick list and the supernumeraries had failed 10 rap irt. I’h" oaitorms and extra men arrived lost a few inlno'e* to la e lor ibe drill, iha company havlrfg lost | its oluce. Toia Is u tin • on >.inv, and 1 Cap. L inboin and every m'-m'ier were bsnly worried 011 account o' tneir bad luck. 'I bey wore In better luck, however, than tbe n-xi c"mpanv, THE WARRIOR GUARDS #f Toa slo ,a, one ol the most popular ouipaniotn Alabama, marousd on tne I grou ds at 11:01. and captured the hearts of the lad.es present by tneir neat app ar ; mice and steady step. Tne> had on due cutaway coats, white trousers and black I helmets’ with while and bitie- I tipped plumes. The boys were | very nervous. During the in sp cl ion the. appeared to lack Self-conti | deuce and snip. receiving their i cues from the judees in a rather life less manner. Aitet inspection tbe judges I retired lorconsullati m, and live minutes later notified Cpt. Each n that his com pany had tailed to pass. No reasons were assigned. A gentleman who was in camp when the company returned from the dill ground, found the guns in good order, but on close in spection it was noticed that the white trousers of some of the men were soiled, having apparently been spattered with water which made them retain the black dust. This and tbe manner In which sev eral of the men handled their guns were, doubtless, the reasons of tbe lailureof the company to pass. The officers and men were greatly mortified, and they had tne sympathy oi the spectators. At the nexi drid eall the WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY, of Charleston, failed to respond. The company could muster only 2d men, two being on the sick list. Great was ibe dis appointment of this command. Officers and men tirmlv believed that the prize was wi inn their grasp. This company bad many friends on the grounds, who were much disappointed at its ill tortune. After some delay the LOUISIANA RIFLES, of New Orleans, was called in the order prescribed. Their oark blue uniforms, trimmed profusely witb gold iace, and black bearskin shakos gave them a Mus covite appearance, whlcn was relieved somewhat by I lie while straps ot their accoutrements. Theinspection was passi and fairly. Some of tae meu evidently tailed to unbutton their cartridge boxes at tbe command. The manual was fairly good. Some ot tbe movements w re not in good time and individual er rors were numerous. in unfixing bayo nets two were dropped. The tiring by company was good, as was also the load ing and tiring kneeling. The rising after firing kneeling was beautiful, and was loudly applauded. Stacking arms with bayonets on was fairly perform'd; stack ing without bayonets was too slow. Firing lying down was not very well done, and ri-ing two men left their shakos on the ground. At “rest” nearly all the men went to dusting their clothes. The evolutions were fairly performed. The first wneel was very bad. The oompany taking al most the shape ot a button hook. “Fours in circ e, right w-beel,” was good. In wheeling by platoons there was a break In the second platoon. The marching was generally good. Th“ company marched back to camp a' 12:110. The GERMAN FUBII.IKRB. ot Charleston, marched in at 12:1)0. and their neat gray (rock coats and trousers recalled tender memories ot a quarter ot a century ago, while then - brass m muted helmets gave them a touch of their “Fatherland.” The inspection was fair. The manual was v- rv good from begin ning to end, except the loading, which was very irregular. Them were com paratively few individual errors. Alter stacking arms two net vous men touched tbe stacks in troht of tb**m. apoarently to t>e assured that they were steady. The loading and tiring was good. but there was a break in “cease firing.” The aim of the men was very good. In evolutions the wheel ing of tbe company was good. Platoons wneelin.’ into line was almost perlect. The company retired at 1:20, and many expressed the opinion that it wou and be at or near the bead of the list woen the award of the prizes is made. The programme ol the day bad been cut short by tbe failure of two ol the compa nies entered lor the contest to appear on tbe grounds and the rullngout of another, and there was no burry to call in the VOLUNTEER SOUTHRONS, of Vicksburg. The young men compos ing this company hid plenty of time in which to bi ush up and abuse their tailor, who had supplied them with neatly trimmed but badlv fitted blue bl mses, in stead ot dress uniform coats, and to get very nervous. The corps looked very neat, however, from the grand stand, tue white helmets with crimson tipped plumes doing much to ad;l to Its ap pearance. Capt. Searles marched his company into the drill grounds at 2 o’clock, and he was evidently a little nervous -hlms If, as he formed the company lor inspection rather ankwa dly in sin.le rank. Before the inspection was ever with, however, the G ptain as well as bis company recov ered their equipoise ot mind and bearing, and the excellent drilling, and snap of the Southrons were frequently applauded. The manual was well performed, the priti epai fault bemg in unfixing bayonets, which is a trying movement. There were a good many individual errors, princi pally in the position ot the hands. Nearly all the movements were in good time. The loading and firing were very fine in deed. The tiring lying down was not so good. The lying down and getting up was ragged, and two men left their holmetson the ground, which were replaced on their heads by the Captain. Tbecompany per formed tbe evolutions fairly well. The first wheel was not good. Tbe platoon wheeling was excellent, but the platoons were a lit* le too far apart. Manytn litarv spectators thought tbe step too quick, hut it was onlv 122 to the minute. Thedouble time marching was good. Alter the drill the Southrons gallantly marched to the front of the grand stand, saluted the sponsors present, and marched to tbe'r tents at 2:46. This closed the drilling for second class prizes. MR. DAVIS AT THE DRILL GROUNDS. The crowd in the drill grounds during the afternoon waa not large. The fatigues of the opening day ol Ibe Centennial doubtless bail something to do with this. It does not often happen ibat people g- t Centennial cobwebs in tbeir brains, and it takes some little time naturally to straighten up tilings and get braced up lor 1 he campaign. When the Volunteer Southrons retired from the grounds 'i r flnisbing tbeir drill, there were perhaps 3.000 persons in the incloeure. Tne street cars, however, brought large relmorcetncnta at everv trip, the entire service of the company being almost inadequate to accommodate tbo rush, and w hen M r. Davie arrived on theginundin the afternoon there was a flair crowd—not as large as on the opening dsv. but still a pretiv large assemblage. \Y ben it was know n that Mr. Davis was on tbe ground the Volunteer Southrons, which constitute a portion of the citizen anltlieiyof Mr. Davis’own stale, Missis sippi. donned their new and handsome iiiu'orms and gave an exhibit ion d> ill. SHAKING HANDS WITH TI4K SOLDIERS. At itie close Mr. Davis approached the company, complimented them upon ibeir r> markable dlscinline and drill, spoke lir - fly ol the diuies aud ohliganons o sot. and era, ami flna'lv wished iliom a happy nm , a as re return home, and a happy and prosperous ll'e. At A "'clock the Busch Zouaves, bended bv the Dubuque Drum Corps, emered the arena, and gave one of ttu-ir unique and inimitable exhibition drills. there is no' nlng In military facies like Ihe Busch Zouave drills. Tneir rapid move meets, llghtn'ng action, uml queer and quaint evolutions are not laid d"Wn In all v known tactics. Thev were h*arii. ly and repeatedly applauded tbioiudiout, their wheeling in double lino being e*. pecislh fine. Tbeir peculiar method o ciisnging ironl, too. Is very unique, and its execution Is generally bey' ml the com piehensmn of a indioa-nen 'bo has been educated In the Upton acnool. THE RED FHZ/.KD FAVORITES. For inataoue, wuiie tbe company fa SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS: WEDNESDAY. MAY 5, 1886.—TWELVE PAGES. marching single file, the command is given, “form company, left oblique, march.” In the ordinary execution ol ibis the first tile would march forward while those to the left wou'd oblique to tne left until the company was faced to the front. But the Zouaves don’tdo it in this way. It is somewhat difficult to describe bow they execute it, but the movement is very prettily done. Another fascinating “fake,” I as military men would call It, is ihe movement to form company iront to the rear while marching In columns of tours. The order is given “On right Into line, j tours right about march.’’all In one breath, j It will be seen that these orders are le gitimate, but they are rare'y usid. The; Zouaves, however, don’t drill bv Upton. The skiiniish drill and Ddividual drill wasrepea'ed and, of course, applauded. All In all it is the most wonderful exhibi tion of the age. A well known military martinet when be first saw Zouaves drill a year or two ago was asked w hat he thought of it, to which be replied: “Zouaves, sir. Its nothing but monkeying with tactics,” which is perhaps the best description that can be given of tbe drill. It is a very pretty sight, however, and. is evidence ol wonderful discipline and study. I’be Zouaves will probably give another exhibition this afternoon. STANDARD* AND SPONSORS. The Colors atul Bright Kyes Under Which the Hoys will I * rill. Miss Virginia Fraser, of Charleston, will act as sponsor lor toe Cadets of the South Carolina Military Academy Miss Ella H. Kalllgant, a daughter of Capt. Robert Falligant, will act as spon sor lor the Montgomery True Blues iu the drill to-day. The colors of tbe Gate City Guard con sist ol a silk standard ot blue stripes and the letters “G. C. G.” on a red triangle near tbe staff. Miss Georgia B. Chisolm will act as sponsor lor the Montgomery Greys 10-day. The maids of honor will be Miss Dyer, Miss Walker and Miss Butts. The standard of the Volunteer South rons is ad' übie flag. 0"e side is of blue silk with an eagle, ui der which is the word “Mississippi.” Tne other side re presents the national colors. Miss Sallie Olmstead, daughter of the Commandant of Camp Washington, will be sponsor for the Cadets, with the fol lowing maids of honor: Miss Minnie Mc- Leod, Miss Jennie Dasher and Miss Bell McAloin. The colors of the Warrior Guards, of Tuscaloosa, are of plain blue silk fringed with gold. On each side is the shield of tbe United States, with the inscription In punted letters. Warrior Guards, “Tusca loosa, Ala., organized A. D. 1859.” Tbe colors of the Richmond Hussars Is on one sid" made of blue silk, with the in scription “Richmond Hu-sars, organized April 26 1812.” The other has a painted picture of Stonewa II Jackson, mounted, wnh the motto, “Palmam qui meruit fe rat.” The colors of the Beaufort District Troop are of blue silk on one side and yel low on ihe other. On tbe blue side is woiked in silk floss a palmetto tree with the name of tbe company, and on tne otner tbe picture of a dragoon in the uniform of tbe company, Tbe Gainesville Guard bear on their colors tne shield ot tne State ot Florida, with this inscription: ‘•Presen'ed nv the Ladies of Gainesville to tbs Gainesville Guards. Organized July 16. 1878.” The Guards wul give an exhibition drill this alternoon if time pernuts. Tbe Savannah Cadets and Montgomery Greys seem to occupy the place- of favor ites in public opinion for the first money, and Ihe contest promises to he close be tween them with a possibility ol a dark horse coming in and beating both. Under the circumstances, anylhing connected with the soldiers will be read with interest. The great event of the Centennial,as far as tbe soldiers are concerned, is tne first class lntantry prize drill which will take place to-dav, commencing at 10 o’clock, and which will bring in competuion eight ol the best drilled and most noted military organizations in toe South. In tbe city tne greaiest interest is inanisfested in tbe result, and the coming conte-t is looked forward to with intense expectation. The Savannah Cadets' standard Is o' blue silk with the shield of Georgia in ihe centre, and a uniformed cadet stand ing in tbe temple, and the inscrlp'ion. “Savannah Cadets, Organized May 17. 1861.” On the reverse side is a stand oi colors exquisitely worked in silk (loss, and representing the flans ol the United Siates, ol the Stat“ of Geoigia. and the battle and national flags of the Confeder ate states, with ihe mono ot ihe company, in a wreath of laurel leaves, “ pugna pro Palria.” THE SCHOOL CHILDREN, Ex-President Davis’ Ovation at the Chatham Academy. The children of Savannah turned out yesterday to do honor to the uiun whose name is as familiar to their lips and ears as tbe nmnes of their parents. And tbe ovation which the pupils ol the public schools gave to ex-l’resldent Jefferson Davis manifested a leeling as warm and a respect as leverential as has been con ven'd by any reception or bauquel tend ered b. their fathers. At noon, 3.IHX) children bearing flowers were wailing in the grounds of the Chat ham Academy, at Sou' h Broad and Dray ton streets, for the arrival of the great man whose path thuy were anxious to strew with roses. MR. DAVIS’ ARRIVAL. Mr. Davis, escorted by Mr. Comer, drove from the Teachers aasuciation meet ing direct to tbe Academy. Down tbe east side of tbe, yard runs a brick wall and both sides of this was lined with bright isced. smiling, light-hearted chil j dren. Between tnese two lines the l’real* deut walked with stately bearing. As be I approached those in front cast ibeir | garlands upon the bricks,making a bright j bed of colors. Tue children had uo 1 speech*, no spakesman. hut their actions and their floral tribute expressed perhaps more than any speech A CARPET OF ROSES. Over the rich perfumed carpetlug their : fathers’ Pinner leader trod until tbe end of tbe lane was reached, and then turning bs ninvd toward a shade tree under I winch a table and some chairs had beeD placed. The throng closed in around the tree, and with ttie assistance of some gentle men Mr. Davis mounted the table and a chair whs handed him. Capt. George A. Mercer stepped on to the table, 100, and standing up, said that tt w as hardly neces sary for niin to Introduce on tliat occasion one with whose name every child toere wa familiar. Capt. Mercer spoxe ot the ex President as ihe greal exponent of the cauae over which two great peoples warred. MR. DAVIS’ TALK. Mr. Davis bad to wait some little time for the cheering to cease beiore he could begin. “I do love my own people.” he exclaim ed when liter' was partial qui"t, ' and 1 do believe that they aie the noblest peo ple woo have graced the pages ol history. The wlV's and inotnera of this pei>- ple girded tbe sword upon their bus them oil bands and sons aud sent to battle. TbrotHrh long dais, hour* ol trial and toil and suffering they watted patiently and hopefully. The wo men ol the South remained true to the last. 1 have said beiore, but I will repeat It here, that the highest hope 1 have of toe future is that tbe boys will grow up aa tbeir mothers, true and pure, and that tneir daughters may be like then), and when you take your passage hence may it be upward. 1 need not say that I glory in tins evidence of affection from tbe child ren of Savannah. God bless you one and all. I did not come here to speak but to see. 1 wanted to see .the children. Their voices are music to my ear. and I will not further disturb the harmony by ad dressing you.” CHKERKD BY TIIB CHILDREN. Cheers and yells, such as boys alone can give, burst from tbe throats of the youib'ui Southerners. For half an hour they ( re-sed around the table and shook tbe bauds of the historic roan. It was a grand ovaljon and most Impressive. Many ladies wei's present, and every one was eager to grasp the ex President’s hand. Kiually be gave signs of weariness, and to spare’him several gentlemen assumed him to tbe ground and clasping hands around him formed a circle, and in that way forced a passage through tbe dense mass of people to a room in tbe academy. For half an hour longer a great throng waited about the South Broad street en trance. ESCORTED TO HIS CARRIAGE. Alter a short rest a passage way was cleared to the str*et by a squad of police and on Mr. Comer’s arm tne South’s sil ver-haired cuieiiain reached a cairiage. Tne crowd got all around ihe vehicle and one old Confederate, wearing the uniform of a visiiing volunteer company, elbowed up as near as he could, and reaching out bis hand, said simply: “I was in ibe war.” That hand was warmly pressed. Miss Comer and Mr. Comer stepped into the carriage, and as it moved off Mr. Da vis bowed thrice to the crowd, which raised three tremendous cheers. campfire cinders. Small Shot Picked up in the En campment Grounds. The Volunteer Southrons in the drill yesierday all wore base ball shoes—gaiters made of canvas. A number of lad : es on horseback, and of course attended by tbeir escorts, rode through tbe camp yesterday. The Charleston Light Dragoons team Is expected from Charleston to-nignt. They w ill enter for the cavalry tilt. The Volunteer Southrons had a recep tion at the residence ol Mr. Guerard Hey ward, on Wbitaker stieet, last night. An enterprisin ; huckster who runs a peanut stand iq tbe camp, offers lor sale “Fine Bonannoes and cross eyed pea nuts.” The soldiers are all comfortably fixed at Camp Washington, an abuudance oi mat tresses, pillows and comforts having been served out. The Charleston soldiers brought their owu artesian water from Charleston with them. Asa consequence very few of tnem have been on the sick list. When the Zouaves dress for parade they require as-dstance at treir toilet. One man has tohold one endof the yellow sash thev wear, while the attiring Zouave winds himself into It. Tbe Cavalry, dismounted, will take part in the dress parade this afternoon. Miss Davis, the “Daughter of the Confed eracy” will ride with Col. Olmstead’s stall at the same time. The druggists in the city, yesterday, did a thriving business in paregoric, ginger and peppermin'. The trade was confined to those visitc s who have been aocus tomed to drinking cistern or spring w aier. An enterprising Fusilier, who had learn ed the tonsorial art, op ned a b irb r shop on Monmouth street. Camp Washington, yesterday, and grew rich giving his eom r dee “a’shave and a hard-boiled egg for 10 cents.” The Montgomery True B'ues received a contribution oi a dozen or more handsome bouquets yesterday, and the quarters were subsequently redolent witb the per lume of “the flowers that bloom in the spring, tra la.” The Germnn Fusiliers, of Charleston, were the first company inthegrny to en ter me parade ground at the competitive drill yesteidav. Toe crowd welcomed tbe eight and gave the Fusiliers a hand some round of applause. The Centennial trains from Charleston, which arrives here daily at 11 o’clock and depart at 6:45. bring over hundreds of visitors from “The City by the Sea,” who are thus enabled to visit’ the Centennial and return home to sleep at night. The German Artillery of Charleston, have withdrawn from the artillery con test. They entered the only team and we required to drill against the tactics, which they declined to do. Tne prize de tachment, however, is stii! in tbe city. The Norfolk Light. Artillery Blues ar rived yesterd iy and are quartered in the city. The Blip-s d ! d not come to enter the drill, but in tbeir own language “just to have a good time with the Chathams.” They will remain until Thursday night. While ex-Pre*ident Davis was address ing tbe children at the Chatham Acade my yesterday. Prof. O’Hara, a member ol the Teachers Convention, and a well known teacher of this city, had bis pocket releaved of all his readv cash—about S2O or more—and other valuables contained in his pocketbook, Ex-Cant. A. W. Marshall of the Wash ington Livht Infantry was in camp yes terday. Tho Cba leston soldiers also re ceived a visitfrom Mayor Courtenay and Lieut. T. M. U’Neill of the Montgomery Guards, whose lailure to attend the Cen tennial was a source ot much regret to their friends and comrades, the Irish Jasper Greens. Tue Morning News was compli mented last eight with a serenade hv the Henderson Drum Corps, of Dubuque, la. Accompanying the band were Lieutenants Spiekerman and Sobwhaick ard of the Busch Zouaves and a detach ment or tbe Macon Volunteers. Tbe mu sic was something not usually given by a drum corps. In fact, it was of a kind not. heretofore heurd In Savannah. In the party was that old Sava' nati'an, Mr. Simeon E. Thetis, a war member of tbe Macon Volunteers, who came from New York, where he is living, to parade with his old command. Tbe Continental Guards went visiting last night. They first called at the resi dence ot Mayor Les'er and paid their re spects to Gov. MeDamei and presen'ed Miss McDaniel with rhelr colors, “buff al>d blue.” Next, they called at the resi dence of Mr. Comer, paid their respects to Mr. Davis and presented their colors to Miss Davis, after which they called upon Lieut. Wjtker. of the Chat ham Artillery, where they presented their colors to Miss Carrie Merryfleld, of New Y’ork dtv. The Guards were accompa nied by their band, and were hospitably entertained at the various places at which they called. THE CITAP* L CADETS. South Carolina's! Boys in Gray— -1 lieir Arrival In Camp. Tho cadets of the South Carolina Mili tary Academy arrived last night, and are quartered at Camp Washington. Tbe battalion oonsists of four companies, commanded and officered bv cadet officers. The prolessors of tbe institution also ac company tbe cadets. They nad Intended to enter a company tor the’li-st class com petitive to-day ’ hut objection was made by the cmnnumlsri of some of the companies, aud it has been decided to allow them to drill in tbe com petitive to-day. and the judges will give them a 1 ecu and. The Citadel Acadcmv was known be fore the war as the West I’oint of the South, and some of tbe first men of the Palmetto Slate have graduated from its walls. It was reopened only three years ago and has non about 125 cadets of whom 80 are Slate beneficiaries. THE CENTENNIAL ORATION. Hon. John K. Ward Reviews the Chathams’ History. Tbe Chathams’ Centennial oration was delivered last night at the Savannah Vol unteer Guards’ armory by Hon. John E. Ward, of New York. The hall was fairly well filled when Capt. John Wheaton in troduced tbe orator. Mr. Ward said: “Fifty years have elapsed since tbe vet eran Lioyd with tbe only arm left him by tbe enemies ot his country organized witb his associates the Chatham Artil lery.” Such were the words uttered half a century since by him who then in the morning of life was permitted to address you, and who now as the lengthening shadows ol the declining sun warn him that the day is far spent, and the night at hand, and warn the Chatham Artillery has rounded Its full century, again at your command, stands betore you for an hour to scan with you the teeming pastor seek with onward vision to penetrate the obscuritythat hangs on tne distant future. How changed with the speaker are all things, save in his love for the city of Sav annah, which time can never lessen, and his deep devotion to her people, which distance cannot change. The strongest feeling which can animate man in later life. Is that which links him to the scenes of bis earlier years, to the home ot bis youth, to the play-place ot his childhood. How changed too is the audience whom he is now to address. How few of those who heard him in 1836, are listening to him In 1886. How many have passed away, how few remain. a gulf of fifty years. Tbe gulf of fifty years—tbe distance seems but. short between us and our youth. “Some have gone the unknown way, and some await the call to rest. Who know eth whether it is best for those who went, or us who stay.” How changed too. is the old city of Oglethorpe, What in 1836 was your southern boundary, is, in 1886. not the centre of your city. But all is not changed. The great natural features of the scene about us are uualtered. Tne voices of th • advocates who so eloquently counseled , persuaded, commanded, are bushed. But the old court house still re mains. The merchants who gave such character to your city lor commercial honor and integrity are no longer met in your streets, but there still stands the old Exchange, where they were wont to con gregate. Th- holy men of God, who min istered at His altars, have gone to their reward. But the spires oi your temples yet glitter in tt e sun. Tbe venerable trees tbatadorned your oeautitul squaies, though shaken by the storms ot titty win ters, still stand, and as tip-y wave’ their branches rich with the luxurious foilage of spring, giving a welcome to vour com ing guests, to me they seem to say, “Thou hast returned to us, lice us thou still sur vivest, but no springtime brings back to you tbe green leaves tnat one by one have (alien from your heart.” the artillery's founder. Capt. Edwin Llovd, who with his asso ciates had participated in tbe struggles and endured the hardships of our Revo lutionary war, fully appreciating the val ue of (he liberty wnich nad been so dear ly bought, ami standing rea ly even in their declining years vigorously to defend what they had so hardly won, on May 1, 1786, formed this military organization for home protection, and for the security of our infant common wealth, and he was elected the first Captain of the Chatham Artillery. The first public service rendered by the battery was performed in association with other companies of the regiment of the Chatham county militia and certain troops liom Beaufort district, in the State of South Carolina, in attacking and dis persing on May 6, 1786. a camp of run away negroes who styling themselves the King of England’s soldiers h ad fixed their lawless homes on Bear creek, iu Effing ham countv, where they had long defied the civil authorities and pluiulered the peaceful Inhabitants. Some were killed, others captured, many wounded, and' hen houses, 21 in number, were burned. No casualities were sustained by the Chat ham Artillery. The first funeral honors paid by the corps were rendered upon the occasion of the burial of Maj. Gen. Na thaniel Greene in Savannah, un June 20, 1786, and tne fir>t Fourth of July was celebrated with becoming ceremonies in that year. Each of tbe tbitteen regular toasts then drunk were accompanied by a discharge of cannon from Capt. Lloyd’s artillery. WASHINGTON’S ESCORT. During tbe visit ot Gen. Washington to Savannah, in May, 1791, he was con stantly attended by the Chatham Artil lery, then uuder the command of Capt. Ell, our second Captain. Tne conduct of the company, and the precsion of tbe sa lutes tired by it, commanded from Wa-h ington special commendation, and edc ited from Brig. Gen. Jackson a congratu latory order. Gen. Washington, after that visit, presented to the Chatham Ar tillery, the guns taken at Yorktown, which are still ill their possession, and wli'Ch tney cherish with so much pride. Our third commander was Josiah Tatt nall, the lather of Commodore Tattnall. He was Captain of theCliathara Artillery, Colonel ot tbe First Georgia regiment, Brigad er General of the First Brigade of Georgia militia, a member of tbe Legisla ture on various occasions, a, member of Congress, and finally Governor of the 81 ate. Georgia delighted to bestow upon him every honor, civil or military. At the early age of 36, he died in the West India islands, in 1804, leaving as a last request, that his body should becarriedto Georgia, that it might rest in the bosom of tbe land he loved so well. TRIBUTE TO AN EARLY COMMANDER. That wish was observed, and beneath the aol< ran snadows #f the venerable live oaks at Bonaventure, he sleeps with his two illustrious sons, who were des lined to make tbe name of Tattnall still more renowned, and to cause it to be ut tered in lands where before it bad nev.-r been heurd. Forgive me if 1 pause in my narrative at tbe uame of I'attnall, to pay a tributeof affectionate respect to his soil and to one whose name is closely asso ciated with his own naval annals, and not less closely in tbe memory of 1 hose who knew them and loved them as I did. Bom have passed where neither human antag onism nor human affection can touch them more. In 1813, during the war with England, which was undertaken in the defense of the rights of seamen, the State of Georgia gave to our navy two young men. They were James McKay Mclntosh and Josiah lattnall. Comrades in (heir profession. Inoihers in soul; ol both in their profes sional life It may be said that they were tearless and stainless. B"arch onr naval records from 1813 to 1860, and you will find no name so IreqnemL a* theirs, on the list of volunteers lor duty where danger was to be incurred or glory to be won. Slowly and psiniully. In spile ot ail ibeir gallant deeds, they dun bed to tbe highest rank in tbeir profession. At the lime to which 1 refer, both were flag officers,a title soon afterwards exchanged on our naval rolls for tbe more appropriate one of Admiral. TATTNALL AND M'INTOSH. While Tattnall was commanding our fleet in Chinese waters, M<-ltiU>ab in tbe Gulf of Mexico, was defending American passenger snips trom search by Bruish OratEM*. whose zeal Was in danger ol ob. arming tbeir discretion, in the desire to prevent what was then known as Ameri can filibustering. Never sbsll 1 lorget the tnrill 01 pride which 1 felt as an Amer ican eltzen, when, at a diplomatic din ner in l’aria, 1 heurd flag-officer Mein toali’a letter to the KngllS" noinuiai ders in tile gulf referred to. and its concluding sentence, quoted as * calm and honorable expression of • determination to perform bis duly without regard to consequences. That letter is nut before mo. but 1 rnmem* her well tbe forcible reasoning and clear expressions with which he exposed the mistakes in the position assumed by the English people, and the coin clusion so quietly and yet so firmly ex pressed that should tbe arguments be bad respectfully submitted fail to prevent the attempt to search American ships, he should be compelled to oppose it with all the force at bis command —a force notone quarter as large as bis antagonist's. Two years later, and just before tbe cloud of war burst in such a terrible storm over his native State, this gallant heart ceased to beat, saved thus from the woes that awaited his less fortunate friend and brother-in-arms, Tattnall. lam reoalled by that name from ray wanderings, ON THE TOYWAN’S DECKS, Again 1 stand on the deck of the Toy wan in the Ueiho river, with the gallaut flag officer at my side,whose tall form.dig nified bearing, and noble, expressive face will be recalled by most ot those whom I now have tbe honor of addressing. To me be presents himself at this moment, not as he looked at tbe peaceful hour of meeting, but as l tnen saw him with a face all alight with leeling and fixed in resolute purpose, and heard him in response to the well-meaning suggestions of some ot his brother officers, that bis course might not meet with tbe approval of his own goverment give utterance to these mem orable words, “Blood is thicker than wa ter,” then step into bis open boat, and pass across the very track of a storm of shot and shell fired with the cool precision of sharp shooters from the Chinese forts erected on both B'des ol tnat narrow river, that he might bear to the brave old English Admiral, lying wounded on tho deck of his snip, the grasp of a friendly hand and the cheering words of a com rade. His course did command the entire approval of his government and elicited through that government the thanks ot the British admiralty and the British na tion. Such was Josiah l aftnall; prompt in decision, fearless in execution; a hero in action, a woman In sympathy. That brave lender heart has (ought its last tight, suffered its last sorrow. It broke when he saw the flag he had so dearly loved and so gallantly defended, waving over the ships against which his arm was to be directed. Though broken it beat on for a tew sad years, the beat growing tainter and fainter and then was still. The checkered llle is over and the weary is at rest. THE INDIAN TROUBLES. James Robinson, our fourth Captain, was elected on July 17, 1794. Durlug the disturbances caused by tbeCreek Indians along the Southern frontiers ot Georgia, the Chatham Artillery, under his com mand, tendered its services to the Gov ernor of tbe State, which tender was ac cepted, and 29 men rank and file reported to Capt. Sanders, stationed in Liberty county, then the outekrts of tbe settle ments which had not been deserted by tbe whites, and there tbev were posted until the danger had passed. Benjamin Wall was our fifth Captain. He was for mauy years Uuiied Slates Marshal fer tbe district ot Georgia, and was succeeded by Richard Montgomery Stites. who was the sou of Richard Si tes, a distinguish ed lawy. r of Elizabeth, N. J. His father bad joined tbe volunteer company raised by Lord Sterling as Captain, and was killed at the battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776. His wife was Sarah Den nis, daughter of John Dennis, of New Brunswick, N. J. As the son and only cbi'd ot this marriage Richard M. Stiies was born alter bis father’s death, and on his mother’s, marriage to John Y.Noel, a lawyer of Elizabeth, he was taken with them to Savannah, their future residence. He was graduated at Brown’s University, Roode Island, and returned to Savaunan, where he commenced and successiully prosecuted the practice ot law until bis death, which occurred at the early age ol 37, from exposure on the circuit. AN UNDYING NAME. Although dying at that early age, it was not before he bad achieved a reputa tion for ability, integrity and learning which survives to this day with tne Bar of the Sta:e and country. He married Mary Wayne, daughter of Richard Wayne, 01 Elizabeth, South Carolina, and sister of Mrs. George Anderson, and of U cnard William and James Wa.vue, all of whom were distinguished citizens of our Stale; the last me personal and political friend of Andrew Jackson, by whom be was appointed one of tbe Jus tices of the Supreme Court of the United Stales, in which high office he was asso ciated with Marshall, Taney, Story and Nelson, and the exulted duties ot which were ably and faithfully discharged by bun tor more than a quurter ol a ceulury. The name ot Stites has passed from among us, but, fortunately, the blood still flows in tbe veinsof some of our most distinguished and honored teliow-cit'zeus. He was succeeded bv Robert McKay, our seventh Captain, during whose com mand England and tbo United States be came involved in the war for sailors’ rights. The First regiment of tbe Georgia militia was ordered iuto active service, under the command 01 Capt, McKay, and Fort Jackson on the Savannah river was garrisoned by a detachment of the Chat ham Artillery. THE WAR FOR SAILORS’ RIGHTS, During a portion ol the war the com pany was reim arly mustered into tne service ot the United States, and at one time was actively ;ngaged in tbe con struction of earth-works, lor tbe imme diate protection ot tbe City of Savannah. Upon the conclusion of ’hostilities, tbe Companv was mustered out of service by Colonel Booth, Inspector General, and re ceived tue pay of tbe regular army. Oureigbiu Captain was Col. William T. Williams, who was elected on Decem ber 10, 1816. and continued as our Cap tain, beloved and honored by every mem ber of tbe corps, until bis promotion to the majority of the First regiment, which was on December 14, 1824. Col. Williams, as be is best known to us, was again and again elected Mayor ol our city, one of the Justices of our Court,and filled every office, civil or military, to which he was ever promoted with honor to himself, and to the great satisfaction and benefit ol bis fel ow-citizens. Tne vacancy created by bis resignation in December, 1824, was tilled by tbe election ol Capt. Elms, who was .vur ninth commander. During bis command in March, 1825, tbe citv was honored bv a visit from Gen. Lafayette. LAFAYETTE’S VISIT TO SAVANNAH, And with lull range our company par ticipated tn extending military boners .0 this triend of Washington, and the guns presented by that illustrious man, rang out tbeir de< p-toned salute to the distin gulshed hero, who, alter the lapse of al most bait a century, returned again to tbe land, to battle for which in tne early mm ning ot youth he bad left his home amid the vine-hills of bis own oeautitul France, and turned away from all the en dearments ol wile, kindred and friends. On Feb. 2, 1826, C'tarlet M. King was elected the ten in Captain of our battery, and for a period of six veins be retained ils active command. The battery then consisted ol two 4 pounder brass pieces aud of the 6 pounder bronze .Mins pre sented by Wasuington tn 1791. Capt. King was born in Morristown, Morris countv, N. J., on May 3, 1796, and re ceived nis early education in the Morris town academy. Alter some yeurs spent in New Y'ora business pursuit., he came tn nur city in tbe year 1817, sod soon be came connected with the old house of Andrew Low ,fc Cos. He was afterwards associated In business witb James An derson. under the name of James Ander. sin & Co s., a house which moat or ua still remember. AN HONORED COMMANDER. Although a Nortnern mao, be became an enthusiastic lover of the South. Hfs nature fraternized with tbe people of vannah, and be regarded hi resilience hero as the most charming episode of his life. He was one of the most liberal ol men, and capable of the strongest attach menti. In 1832 be retired trom business in bavanuah, and returned to his native State, settled at Newark, where he soon became immersed in business pursuits and so remained until tbe year 1850, when be retired with an ample fortune But upon the formation of the old Newark Savings Institution he was Induced by the solicitations of many friends to take Its management, and to his integritv and ability must be attributed the great prosperity which that institution so long enjoyed. Suffering from 111 health, and desiring freedom trom labor, he resigned his post and retatnei} only the Vice Pre-i decoy of the old State Dank of Newark which be held until bis death, which oc. curred at Morristown on July 19 py;.> Respected and honored by all 'who knew him, he was followed to his grave in his native place by mourning relatives who still survive to cherish tbe memory of hi* virtues while they mourn his loss. VOLUNTEERED FOB MEXICO. Our eleventh Captain was Charles St* phens. an officer of the army who bad seen much active service in the South west under the command of General Jackson. He was present at Pensacola when tbe British were compelled to evac uate tbe harbor and blow up Fort Barran caß - ~,U e was in active service during the Honda campaign against the Indians and at tbe time of Packingham’s defeat was Adjutant of one of the regular regi mentß of the United States inrantry sta" tinned on |the Mississippi river, in 1835 with a detachment of volunteers, and accompanied by tbe First Lieutenant of the corps, the brother of our late distin gulshed fellow citizen, the Hon. JohnC, Nlchol, with a section ot two field pieces he repaired to Picolatta and joined Gen. Clinch’s command. When our country became involved in the war with Mexioo, theChatham Artillery rnadea formal ten der of its services to tne Governor ol Georgia. They were not accepted because tbeir services were not required. For 17 years tbe command or the com. pany was retained by Capt. Stephens, and he was succeeded by Capt. Jobn B. Gallia who is affectionately remembered by all wno knew him. He was elected our twelfth Captain on Feb. 10, 1849. AT FORT M’ALLISTER. With the rank ot Major, he was in com. mand of the garrisou at Fort McAllister on tbe Ogeechee river on Feb. 1, 1863, when that fort was for tbe fiftb time furl, ously bombarded bv tbe Federal iron, clads, aud again succtssfiilly defended, only, however, at tne sacrifice of this lile, then of such inestimable value to his country. Early in the action Major Galiie was wounded bjr a shell, and upon its ex plosion was buried in tne sand. Gallantly refusing to retire from the post of danger, he continued passing trom guu to gun, encouraging his men, and direct ing the fire of the battery. Wtide in the chamber ot one of the 32-ponnder guns the piece was struck by a 15-inch snellj and Maj. Galiie was hit in the head by its! left truncheon and instantly killed. “To every man upon this earth, death cometh soon or late, and how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for tbe ashes of| his father, and tbe Temples of nis Gods.”l It was during his Captaincv that the company uni:ed at the Midway meeting house with the citizens of Liberty county in celebrating the centennial anniversary of tbe settlement of that comity. On Feb. 22. 1853, the Chatham Artillery, the Re publican Blues and tbe Savannah Volune leer Guards formed a military organiza tion known as the Washington Legion. ON THE EVE OF SECESSION. The thirteenth commander is now ad dressing you. and he was succeeded on July 20, 1858, by Joseph 8. Claghorn, the fourteenth commander. Very soon after the elec ion of Mr. Lincoln and before nis inaugura'ion, the government of the United States bad evidently ndopted the policy of preventing the peaceable acces sion of anv one of the Southern States; ad, it necessary, ot using force to coerce any St ue attempting to secede back into the Union. For this purpose It was soon apparent that thev intended to reinforce ami occupy with Federal troops the Southern torts, including Fort Pulaski, which in any contest that might ensue, would of course give great advantage to the Federal government over the seceding Stale. The Governor of our State, Joseph E. Brown, now our distinguished senator In the Congress ot the United Slates, ever faith lul to ihe trusts reposed in him by the people,and tearless in the discharge of every duly demanded by such trusts, without waiting for the lorniation of the Coni' deraey, immediately issued his order requiring Fort Pulaski to ee occupied. That order was issued to our distinguished fellow cit zep. Gen. A. U. Lawton then Colonel commanding the First regiment of Georgia Volunteers. He was directed to take possession of tbe fort, “and immedi ately upon occupying it, to put it in a' thorough state of defense, as tar as Its means and ours would permit. And for thi- purpose, to advise with Capt. Clag horn of the Chatham Artillery, who was charged witn all matters relating to ordi nances aud ordnance stores and their supply.” FORT PULASKI OCCUPIED. This order was issui don Jan. 2, 1861, and it will thus be seen that Capt. Clng horn and tbe Chatham Artillery were en listed in tbe service ol tneir State, by the very first order issued iu preparation foi the Impending struggle. In obedience to that order tho Chatham Artillery, undei the command ot Capt. Claghorn, took pos session ol Fort Pulaski. Tbeir quarters were at ail times remarkable lor the neatness and goo a order, their cui siue was perfect, their mess room the abode of good cheer and hospitality. Each member worked bird and cheerfully on duty, but were jovial when the drill was over, and no soldiers lived like the Chatham Artillery. This j was their gala day ol service. They were ever after as faithful to their duty when on the lever-stricken coast of South Carolina or breath iug the pestilential air of the swamps of Florida. It was the only thor oughly equipped- artillery company si | that lime within tbe limitsbf Georgia, and for three-fourths of a century there had J existed a pride of organization which had i induced both officers and men in time of peace to familiar ze themselves with the most important details connected with tue drill aud general economy of the bat tery. COMPLIMENTED BY LEE. Their proficiency in field evolutions at tracted tue attention and commanded the commendation of that matchless soldier, Robert K. Lee, who had, carefully Inspect ing its drill, pronounced it inferior to none In the Confederate service. Such praise from auen a source can never be forgot j ten bp Mny member ol tbe company or by I tint organization as long as it shall con ! tinue to exist. Although at fitst only eu* I listing lor a brief period ill Ihe aervlce of the Btate, and expecting aoon to be dis charged without, perhaps, even en countering the perils of war, this anticipation was eoon abandoned, and, turning away trom all tl>® allurements of borne, and realiz n£ that their obligations to tbeir c-uiitry In her hour of peril wore superior 10 all pri vate oj- oersonal considerations, they re sponded cheerfully to tbe wish ot the com manding General, and this child of tbs Revolution, true totbe principles and pur poses whieh bad originally ealled it into being, became a willing volunteer mili tary organization* in the service of tbs Confederacy, . MUSTERED INTO SERVICE. On July 81 1861, the Chatham Artillery was in Ifa own armory yard, duly mustered Into tho service 01 tbe Con federate dtatea by W ill lam S. Rockwell. Lieutenant Colonel of the First Volunteer regiment of Gerogla,mustering officer. The company was received a a unit
