Georgia Historic Newspapers

    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