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®:t)ronicleanD_snitinrl.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5, 1874
EIGHTH DISTRICT CONGRESSION
AL CONVENTION.
The State Executive Committee of the
Democratic Party of Georgia recommend
that the Congressional Nominating Con
vention for the Eighth District be held
in the city of Augusta, on the fir?t
Wednesday (the second) of September.
THE OLD THIRD.
We devote the greater portion of our
available space this morning to the re
port of the Reunion of the Third Geor
gia Regiment. It will be seen that in
teresting addresses were delivered by
Col. Claiborne Snead and Capt. San
ders.
CORN AND COTTON.
Rev. S. H. Cox, who is constantly
traveling in Central Alabama, informs
the editor of the Mobile Register that
he finds many persons in that section of
the State who have planted corn and
cotton together this season on Captain
Isaac Donovan's plan. They all seem
to vote it a decided success, and are ex
tremely well pleased, as it gives them
two good crops for very little more than
the labor necessary to the production of
one. The corn is drilled in the same
row with the cotton, and being an early
variety, is ripe and removed before it
gets in the way of the cotton crop.
OPPOSED TO A THIRD TERM.
Mr. Bonner, proprietor of the New
York Ledger, and a personal and politi
cal friend of President Grant, discoun
tenances the suggestion of a third term.
The Ledger puts this emphatic protest
on record against the re-election of Presi
dent Grant; “At the end of eight
years,” it declares, “General Grant will
quietly walk out of the White House or
he will forever place himself outside of
the esteem of the American people.”
Harper ’# Weekly indignantly denoun
ces the suggestion of a third term.—
Among the prominent members of the
Republican party, the feeling is equally
pronounced.
COMING HOME TO ROOST.
A few years ago, says the Cincinnati
Enquirer, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the
sister of the Rev. Henry Ward Beech
er, deemed it her duty to resurrect
from the almost forgotten past the scan
dals against the immortal poet, Lord
Byron, growing out of his relations
with his wife. She even w'ent to the
length of charging him with the crime
of incest with his sister. The book was
a most shameful one, and by its nature
incapable of doing any good. Retribu
tion has come. Her brother is in a much
worse position than Lord Byron ever
was. None of Byron’s liasons rests upon
such solid evidenco as that' of Beecher
with Mrs. Tilton. TJie Puritan, who
went out of her way to assail the great
est of English writers, now has an op
portunity for defense iii her own house
hold. There is a law of recompense or
retribution, of which Mrs. Stowe is now
fully aware. The wife of her brother is
another Lady Byron in injury, and as
such she will descend to history.
ABUSE OK THE PARDONING
POWER.
The Charleston News shows up the
abuse of the pardoning power by Gov.
Moses. Since his installation, a period
of about nineteen months, ho has grant
ed 421 pardons. The crimes embrace
almost every offense forbidden by the
laws of God and man. The offenses of
which (ho persons pardoned were con
victed are shown by the following state
ment, which is condensed from an of
ficial paper obtained by the News from
the office of the Secretary of State :
Murder, ‘2l; manslaughter, 2f>; rape,
10; infanticide, 5; burglary, 33; forgery,
4; arson, 24; highway robbery, 3; per
jury, 4; larceny, 110; bigamy, 6; assault
and battery, 1 i)7; horse and mule steal
ing, 6; libel, 1; kidnapping, 1; abduc
tion, 1; tresspass, 4; miscellaneous, 38;
official misconduct and malfeasance in
office, 12; total, 421.
This wholesale abuse of the pardoning
power is sufficient to consign Gov.
Moses to the penitentiary for the balauco
of his natural life.
N EWSPA PUR ENTEHPRISE.
The great newspapers have under
taken to accomplish what powerful na
tions have failed to do—to explore the
wilds of Africa and discover the sources
of the Nile and the haunts of the slave
trade. The New York Herald and the
London Telegraph, representing the
journalism of America and England, are
.engaged in fitting out an expedition for
this purpose under the command of Mr.
Stanley, The Herald says that this ex
pedition will be “more numerous and
better appointed than any that has ever
entered Africa on an errand of explora
tion.”
When the electric current flashed
Stanley’s discovery of Dr. Livinostone
in the faces of the readers of the Herald,
people were incredulous, but the truth
forced conviction and the American
mind acknowledged that Mr. Stanley did
■bake hands with the great African ex
plorer. Our readers need not therefore bo
astonished wlieu they see in the papers
some fine morning that the joint ex
ploring expedition of the Herald and
Telegraph has accomplished what the
venerable and lamented Livingstone
lost his life iu trying to find—the sources
of the Nile.
The Herald, not content with sending
Stanley to Africa, is fitting out another
expedition to Iceland. This will be
commanded by l)r. Hays, the celebrat
ed Arctic explorer, who is to study its
character, its soil, its volcanoes and its
history, with a Yiew towards solving
many of the problems that now ceutro
around the Arctic regions.
We are not prepared to appreciate the
benefits that these expeditions, if suc
cessful, will confer upon the civilization
of this day and generation. We are
like many others who fail to see
the good to be accomplished by
sending missionaries to Africa to be
eaten by cannibals, when there is
so much to be done at home in convert
ing civilized people to Christ. The
New York Herald and the London Tele
graph could spend a milliou of dollars
among the poor of New York and Lou
don to better advantage than in hunting
for the sources of tlse Nile or in fooling
about for the North Polar Sea.
The enterprise, however, that prompts
these expeditions is indicative of the
genius and power of the leading journals
of Europe and America. The growth
of journalism in this country has been
marvelous. Whatever looks like enter
prise will be appreciated by the Ameri
can people. Knowing the predominant
appetite in the American character for
something that is new and sensational,
the proprietors of the great dailies never
wait to connt the expense.
An Outuaok. —What must have been
the commingled feelings of shame and
indignation in the heart of the modest
and beautiful young lady of Mont
gomery, when invited by a negro,
revelling in the “odor of nationality,
to accompany him to church ! The ex
planation of such wonderful, such
devilish impudence as displayed by the
negro is found in the fact that the father
of the young lady is a rabid Radical
politician. Does it seem just that the
sins of such parents should be visited
upon their children?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNI
VERSITY.
To the Editors of the Chronicle and
Sentinel : .
May not the many friends of Samuel
Barnett, Esq., of Washington, Ga., call
attention to his name in connection with
the election of Chancellor for the L ui
vereitv of this State ? All who know
the man will agree that his qualifications
are ample and his abilities unsurpassed.
pEOBOU.
REUNION OF THE OLD THIRD.
THE SOLDIER IN THE DAYS OF
PEACE.
Every Company Represented on the
Ground—And Peace Hath its Tri
umphs no Less Renowned Than War
—The First Day’s Proceedings.
[SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE CHRONICLE
AND SENTINEL.]
Union Point, Ga., July 31, 1874.
Arrival of Additional Delegates.
With the trains which come down from
Athens, Atlanta and up from Augusta
this morning, there arrived many addi
tional members of the renowned Third
Georgia Regiment to take part in the
festivities of the social reunion for the
first time since their blood stained ban
ner was forever furled at Appomattox,
nearly ten years ago.
That Old Banner on the Ground.
Colonel Snead took from his valise at
the hotel last night a faded, bullet
pierced and shell-torn piece of bunting.
It was the identical battle flag which
waved over the regiment in every battle
from Malvern Hill to the surrender.
When the order came down the line to
strike it, Colonel Snead tore it from its
staff, and, wrapping it around his body
underneath his clothes, brought it back
to Augusta, and it is here to-day to
speak with tongue mute yet eloquent of
the scenes it passed through.
Preliminary Meeting.
There was a preliminary meeting of
the officers of the regiment this morning,
for the purpose of perfecting organiza
tion, and taking up such other matters
as were necessary to be considered. The
main proceedings of the day, however,
were postponed until four o’clock this
afternoon, when the regiment assembled
on the platform erected at the Fair
Grounds.
It gave way temporarily to a meeting of
the Grangers and to hear an eloquent
speech from Gen. A. H. Colquitt. But
whilst on the matters appertaining to the
regiment, I will finish them connected
ly. After the Grange meeting adjourned,
Capt. C. H. Andrews, of the Madison
Home Guards, took the Chair, and Mr.
Quinn the position of Secretary. Capt.
Andrews made a short speech, referring
chiefly to the history of the regiment.
Resolution by Capt, Corker: That a
committee of eleven, consisting of one
from each company, be raised for the
purpose of considering to-night and re
porting at 9 o’clock to-morrow morning
a plan in detail of permanent organiza
tion.
After which there were several im
promptu speeches made by various of
ficers of the regiment. It was evident
that these old veterans were more gifted
in the line of Mars than Cicero, but the
delight expressed upon the faces of their
old comrades was eloquence impressive
and eloquently expressed. Each speak
er spoke the pulsation of the heart of all
in the expression, “I am glad to meet
you here to-day in this social reunion—
to greet yon in the hour of peace—to
know that you survived the perils of
war andarestill on earth.” “ The memo
ry of your regiment will not die with
your bodies,” truly said one speaker.
But the main speeches of welcome and
response, together with the oration of
the occasion, to be delivered by Colonel
Snead, will be delivered
At Night—TUespus and Terpsichore.
The good people of Union Point did
not fail to provide amusements for last
night, anil one had choice of patronizing
the ball or the theatre. Having not
seen a moral thespian company for more
than a score of years, like the majority
of the Augusta delegation, I preferred
that. Nor -did any of us regret doing
so. The plays selected were Bulwer’s
Lady of Lyons and the farce, Loan of a
Lover. One accustomed to stage rant,
dramatic situations and overdrawn
scenic efforts would look upon the per
fectly natural acting last night with a
high sense of pleasure. The character
of Pauline was taken by the beautiful
and intelligent Miss Emma Hart, of
Union Point. Knowing the person who
personates the ideal character has a
great deal to do with one’s interest in it,
and hence the audience wont there last
night prepared to be pleased with the
effort of Bliss Emma. At various points
throughout the play she rose to almost
a real conception of the great author of
perhaps the best play he at least ever
wrote. In the scene between the de
ceived wife and the mother of Claude no
one could help the tears falling, and
looking about I saw all the old Augusta
theatre-goers present with their hand
kerchiefs to their faces. Claude was
played by her brother, Mr. J. F. Hart,
and Beausoieant by Mr. T. M. Bryau.
I have seen them, as well, indeed, as
the whole play, acted worse by regular
professionists.
But I must pass on. It was an enter
tainment that the Third Georgia will
not soon forget, and by no means the
least interesting of the many amuse
ments provided here for them.
Ball at the Fair Grounds.
Those who did not prefer going to the
theatre, had the opportunity of taking
part in a ball given at the platform uu
derneath a beautiful grove of umbrage
ous trees, mellowed by the soft moon
light, which stole through their foliage,
shedding just light enough to make na
ture ami human nature look all the
more romantic. Gardner’s band fur
nished the music, Union Point and its
county the beauty, and the Third Geor
gia the chivalry, supported by plenty of
indigenous gallantry. The Jo-lock had
passed the stroke of twelve before auy
of us regained onr temporary homes,
and as is usual, the incidents of the day
had all to be told over before a surren
der to Morpheus could be agreed to. The
night was deliciously cool, with a pure
breeze of Heaven creeping through the
groves and through the lattice, and with
nothing but pleasant dreams of the
incidents of the day, one could scarcely
help welcoming the coming morning,
refreshed by a sound sleep.
Meeting of the Grangers.
The Patrons of Husbandry held a
meeting yesterday morning, and or
ganized a council by the election of Mr.
A. Lane, President, and J. B. Hart, Sec
retary. After the election it adjourned
permanently until the 14th of August,
and to 4 o’clock that afternoon to hear a
speech from the head of their order in
Georgia.
Speech of Gen. A. H. Colquitt ou Di
rect Trade.
Gracefully introduced by Mr. J. B.
Ilart, the renowned Georgia soldier and
planter said:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am glad to meet the veterans of the
Third Georgia Regiment here to-day. I
know of nine who do or ought to take a
deeper interest in the agricultural af
fairs of our State than the soldiers who
defended it so heroically as they.
It is looked upon as a little peculiar
that farmers should meet in convention
these days. Others meet for their in
terests and devise means for protection
and advancement, but when a farmer
does so it is regarded as a singular cir
cumstance. And I dare say that when
some of these country gentlemen go
home to-night they will be twitted by
their neighbors for having lost valuable
time to their fields and asked “liow
much grass did you kill, how much did
you plow ?” They will be told that the
speeches were gas, and big talk which
produces no cotton, and that the sum
and substance of farming in this coun
try was not in windy resolutions but in
the way the lauds were cultivated.
But take away from you what yon
know about farming, what you have
learned from your fathers, and you■
would not know when to plow even, i
when it was too wet or too dry. So we j
propose iu our associations to teach one j
another, by coming together and inter
changing views and opinions. That is '
the main purpose of our organization. ;
Is there anything to excite peculiar in
quiries iu all this? If not, why is it
that so many appeals have to be made
to get yon to combine to protect your
selves against the combinations every
where existing against you?
The General went into an elaborate
explanation of what was really meant
by the Patrons of Husbandry by direct
trade. It was uothiug more nor less
than the selling of farm products to con
sumers, and getting rid of annoyance
and expense of third parties. It was
proposed to establish a cotton ware
house at Augusta and then receive the
cotton direct from the farmers, sell it ou
the spot o’ ship it to Liverpool, as the
producer directed; and in all things to
act honestly and squarely.
After he had concluded his speech,
Gen. Bryan, of Augusta, opened the
books of subscription to this warehouse,
when 81 shares were promptly subscrib
ed.
SECOND DAY.
Union Point. Ga., July 31, 1574.
A vast concourse assembled at the
Fair Grounds this morning, to hear the
speeches and to partake of the barbecue.
The first business in order was that of
the report of the committee upon perma
nent organization. The following were
choseu as its officers:
Colonel Claiborne Snead, President.
Colonel J. S. Reid, First Vice-Presi
dent.
Major John J. Jones, Second Vice-
President.
Captain A. A. Winn. Secretary.
Lieutenant S. J. Bell, Assistant Secre
tary.
Captain A. Philip, Acting Quartermas
ter. . ,
Commodore G. N. Dexter, Assistant
Quartermaster.
Rufus K. Reaves, Commissary.
\V. D. Luckie, Assistant Commissary.
Dr. John T. Kilby, Surgeon.
Dr. W. T. Hoi ingswortli, Assistant
Surgeon.
Rev. J. M. Stokes, Chaplain.
Captain C. H. Audrews, Historian.
Speech of Captain D. N. Sanders.
After which Captain D. N. Sanders
made the following speech of welcome :
Fellow-Soldiers and Friends—May
I not add the dearer word brothers, for
together we have received the fierce bap
tism of fire, aud our blood has mingled
on a hundred fields of battle. Asa
substitute for my brother officer, who
was selected to meet you with words of
gratulation and welcome on this occa
sion, I make my appearance to-day, for
the first time, in the role of orator.
While my words of greeting may not be
adorned with such flowers of rhetoric,
or fall from my lips in such harmonious
accents or such finished periods as from
his, yet they will come from a heart as
full of joy at this happy meeting, and
which is a"s true to the ties and memo
ries of the past, as any that beats in all
this assembly.
In behalf of my company, and of all
the good people of Greene, I extend to
you a most hearty welcome. We rejoice
that the ball set in motion weeks ago
by our comrades of company D has cul
minated to-day in this happy reunion of
so many of the surviving members of the
noble Third Regiment.
We thank you for having designated
Union Point—a place known during the
war to every soldier who passed over the
Georgia Railroad for its lavish hospi
talities and the beautiful ladies who dis
pensed them—as the point of meeting.
Their doors have never been closed to
fair women or brave men, and to-day
they stand wide open to receive you as
welcome and honored guests. Though
an Augusta soldier has long since pluck
ed the fairest flower that then adorned
her Soldiers’ Home, to-day she has many
fair daughters left to perform all the
rites of hospitality.
By selecting our native county as the
place of meeting you have not only
given us the pleasure of taking yon by
the hand as comrades, tried and true,
but you have afforded us the additional
happiness of presenting you to our
mothers, our wives and our children,
and saying to them, these are the brave
men who stood shoulder to shoulder
with us through four years of unparal
leled hardships and dangers, whose un
swerving patriotism and unflinching
valor nerved our own hearts to nobler
deeds of daring—who freely divided
with us the last cup of water, the last
crust of bread, and who watch&l over
and supported us, when sick or wounded,
with all a father’s strength, a mother’s
tenderness.
Third Georgians ! after a separation of
nine years we meet again to renew the
ties of affection, to strengthen the links
of friendship formed and cemented du
ring our unhappy civil strife. We meet
again to revi\e the many pleasant recol
lections of the past, to extend the hand
of brotherhood to the living and to let
fall a tear of sorrow aud affection to the
memory of the dead.
While I retrospect the past, a thou
sand recollections crowd upon the mind.
Thirteen years ago, iu obedience to the
call of the sovereign State of Georgia,
you, her gallant sons, flew to arms, aud
marched to defend the soil of the noble
old Commonwealth of Virginia against an
army of invasion, just as ninety-eight
years ago the sous of Virginia had
marched to defend the soil of Massa
chusetts.
A band of gallant youths, with hearts
fired with patriotism and filled with vis
ions of military glory, taking a hurried
leave of home and friends, yon hastened
to Augusta to organize the gallant Third
Regiment, which so nobly illustrated
Georgia on the battle fields of Virginia,
Maryland and Pennsylvania. There, on
the balmy Ist of May, 1861, you met to
gether for the first time to pledge fideli
ty to Georgia and to each other.
As it had been but yesterday, I re
member my own Spartan mother, as she
approached to buckle on my knapsack
and bid mo God-speed. Presenting me
a Bible with one hand, my musket with
the other, she bade me bo true to God
and the land of my birth; to go forth
with a mother’s blessing, and followed
by a mother's prayers, to win a soldier’s
laurels, or to find a soldier’s grave.
My heart yet glows with happiness as
I recall to mind the lovely daughters of
Augusta, whose slender fingers plied the
nimble needle in stitching our uniforms,
while their ruby lips distilled honeyed
music sweeter than a Syrens voice.
Oh, how are youthful hearts swelled
with thoughts of high ambition, and
glowed with a rapture, as they pictured
to our imagination our return from the
wars, covered tvith glory and fair wo
man’s smiles. Long after my uniform
had gone to tatters, and been numbered
with the tilings that were, visions of the
briglit-eyed girl who made it still lived
fresli and vivid in my memory, driving
away, on the long, weary march, all
thoughts of blistered feet aud empty
haversack; filling my dreams with pic
tures of more than mortal happiness,
and making the hard root upon which I
reclined my head at night feel softer
than downy pillows are. Some of the
honey distilled from her virgin lips, “as
she kissed me for my sister," and bade
me fight as her knight, still lingers
around my mouth.
God bless the beautiful girls of Geor
gia, who made us feel that to die in the
effort to win their approbation was
sweeter than to live for all else beside.
While I live I shall always love them,
and I love to live to love them.
With hearts buoyant with youthful
hope, confident in the justice of your
cause, and in your own prowess, you
hurried to Virginia, eager for tlie fray.
Little did you then imagine that tlie
dread prophecy of the Harpy Celens :
‘' Te fames accisis coget dapibus con
sumere mens as,"
At which tlie stout knees of the brave
Trogan bands smote together with fear
and trembling, would be more than ful
filled in your experience. Even the
dauntless heart of dEneas quailed be
fore the prediction tliat ere he reached
a peaceful haven hunger would compel
him to consume his half eateu trencher
with his meat; but often you found
yourselves with neither trencher nor
meat to satisfy the fierce cravings of
your hunger.
During a long and trying conflict yon
stood shoulder to shoulder with un
wavering devotion to the flag you loved.
Your fortitude knew no limit of en
durance, your courage quailed before
no danger. Opposed to a powerful and
well disciplined army, superior iu num
bers and iu all the appliances of war,
you ever offered a dauntless front to the
foe, and never refused the gage of bat
tle. During those four years of doubt
ful sanguinary conflict—belonging to an
army rarely equalled, never surpassed
in the annals of history—you ever stood
the bravest of the brave, rarely yielding
an inch of ground upon which your
feet once had pressed. Always readier
to charge upon the foe than to receive
their onset, you never once were the last
to advance or the first to retire. Though
most of your bodies are pitted with bul
let marks, gou bear no scars upon your
backs. h ever was a grander spectacle
presented to the world than you of
fered to their wondering gaze during
the last sad year of the struggle. With
decreasing numbers,but unabated resolu
tion, you opposed your breasts as a ser
ried wall of defense against the great
army that was pressing toward the Con
federate capital. Again and again did
you decimate their ranks iu desperate
conflict, only to see them refilled the
next day with fresh recruits.
But iu vain was your valor, in vain
the libations of blood you poured out
like water in defense of a cause that fate
had decreed should perish.
The defenses around Richmond were
soon to be abandoned, because the brave
hearts that had manned them were mold
ering beneath the sod.
And now comes the saddest and gami
est page of your history—your retreat
irom Richmond to Appomattox. With
despair iu your hearts but defiance iu
your eyes, you still rallied around your
flag aud your chieftain; and left to his
tory another “retreat of the ten thous
and” ,not surpassed in heroism by the
retreat of the Greeks from Persia.
Fighting your way by day, scarcely
halting for an hour’s rest by night, your
fortitude and heroism shone forth dur
ing that eventful week with ever increas
ing luster. You did all that was possi
ble for human endurance and courage to
achieve. At length, exhausted by hun
ger and fatigue, your weary limbs re
fused to move, aud your arms fell from
your nerveless grasp. And the flag
which you had so often borne to victory
—which vou had wreathed with glory,
and which you had learned to love with
a devotion equal to your love to woman,
was furled forever. Ah ! life had iu store
no bitterer cup than was then presented
to your lips. But the gloom of that dark
day on which the great heart of our
honored chieftain was broken, on which
proud form of Gordon (the noblest of
Georgia’7 poble sons), which had never
shrank from mortal danger, was bowed
in anguish, that day on wil”h every heart
was filled with sorrow, every ey’d was
dimmed with tears, is relieved by the
magnanimity displayed by the brave ar
my iu blue. Never did that army pay
you a higher compliment, or do them
selves a greater honor than by their eon
dnet and words on that occasinn. From
the commander-in-chief down to its
humblest follower, yon received words
and acts only of consideration and kind
ness. Not a word of boasting or of insult
was heard from all that great army.
'The truly brave ever must and will
honor the brave. If the adjustment of
differences’ at the close of the war had
been left to the brave men who had
faced each other in battle, the gulf of
separation would have been bridged
over, and complete harmony restored
before the end of a single year.
Fellow-soldiers, it is a source of con
gratulation to ns all on this, our first
reunion, that our own State has recov
ered from the effects of war; that our
waste places have been rebuilt; that our
State government is well administered
and commands the respect and confi
dence of all parties; that our laws are
honestly executed, and that the greatest
harmony exists between all classes of
our people.
I rejoice to see many evidences of a
revival of the ancient military spirit of
our people, without which no State or
people can long preserve their liberties.
Let us revive this spirit in our own
breasts and awaken it in the breasts of
our children.
While deep down in our hearts we will
ever cherish the memory of the banner
which represented our loved “ lost
cause,” let us re-adopt the grand old
flag of the Union. ’Twas the loved
flag of our fathers ; let it also be
ours. Our grand sires made it glorious
by their valor, and consecrased it with
their blood ; let us, their children, still
claim it as our birthright, and defend
its honor as our own.
Third Georgians 1 With mingled feel
ings of joy and sorrow I cast my eyes
along your ranks for the first time since
the fatal field of Gettysburg. Left
wounded upon the field, I was carried to
a Northern prison, and held captive till
the war was over. From that day I was
prevented from sharing with you your
hardships and dangers. Like the He
brew captive, I could only look south
ward from my prison window at morn
ing, noon and night, and pray to the
God of battles to preserve and shield
you.
I see before me the familiar faces of
many who have endeared themselves to
me by the possession of every manly
grace, every soldierly virtue. As my
eye rests upon their noble forms a thou
saud incidents of camp and field flit
through my mind, and my heart leaps
to give them a joyful welcome. I
see before me strange faces, to whom
I shall offer the hand of friendship
aud brotherhood for the first time to
day. I read their history when I see
them in your ranks. They came to
you during the last, trying years, to
swell your depleted numbers.
Patriotic aud brave, they desired to
go where brave men were needed,
where the battle shouts rang fiercest,
| and where gallant blood flowed freest—
in the ranks of Lee’s infantry—and they
came to you. I am glad to see them
here, and with all my heart I bid them
welcome. But I look iu vain for the
noble forms of many who were wont to
be seen in the front rank of battle, and
whose shout of defiance or of triumph I
have often heard ring loud and clear
above the muskets’ rattle.
I miss the tall form of your first chief
tain -the brave and noble Wright—
whose clarion voice could stir your
hearts to deeds of wildest daring. I
miss the gallant Sturgis, the fiery and
impetuous Hays—than whom two truer
men never offered up their lives upon
their country’s altar, I miss the beau
tiful and boyish form of Perry, the dar
ling of the regiment, whose soul was
always waked to ecstacv by the cannon’s
roar, and for whom the humming of
bullets made music sweeter than the
songs of birds.
The commanding form and eagle eye
of Armstrong; the manly grace and open
countenance of McWhorter ; the young
and gifted Hillyer, uniting iu his person
a woman’s tenderness, a Hampton’s
chivalry and a sage’s lore, have all gone
from your midst forever.
The courtly Luckie and the gallant
McOrea are no longer seen at the head
of tlieir companies.
The chivalrous Dennis fell by my
side on the glorious field of Manassas,
and died as he had lived—without fear
and without reproach. But the day
would not suffice to repeat the names
and recount the virtues of our comrades
who to-day fill a soldier’s honored grave.
Iu the bloom of youth, with every
pulse beating high, with health and
hope, they have offered up their young
lives, a rich sacrifice upon the altar of
patriotism; but have they died too soon
who died so well ? To-day they sleep
beneath the sod—unknelled, uncoffined,
but not unsung. When the granite
shaft above their graves shall have
crumbled into dust their names and
deeds will still live iu song aud in story,
and fair women will bedew their memo
ry with tears and strew their graves with
flowers.
“Dulce et decorum est, pro patria
mori."
Let us (my comrades) who survive
cherish their memories aud emulate
their virtues. As the Angel of Death shall
souud the recall from the battle of life for
one and another, and our circle evernar
rows from year to year, may the sur
vivors be drawn into closer and closer
bonds of union.
Let it ever be the proudest boast of your
lives that while some of Georgia’s sons
—deaf to the calls of patriotism—sought
only how to fill their coffers, and loved
their gold more than their country’s
weal—that you were prompt to offer
life and fortune in her defense. Wealth
may vanish like the morning dew, but a
rich legacy of glory and honor is re
served to your children forever.
‘■For gold the merchant plows tlio main,
The farmer plows the manor ;
Bat glory is the soldier’s prize,
The soldier’s wealth, his honor.”
He was responded to by W. D.
Luckie, of Atlanta. Owing to the great
pressure around the stand, the reporter
could not catch it.
Address of Colonel Snead.
Col. Claiborne Snead then delivered
the historical address, as follows:
My Comrades—Centuries ago a great
explorer crossed an unknown sea, and
traversed the hills and glens of a hither
to unexplored country. Ascending the
tallest peak of the isthmus that connects
the North with the South American
Continent, the calm blue waters of the
Pacific burst upon his view; when, beck
oning his companions to come and see
what he liad seen, he joyfully pointed to
anew ocean dazzling iu the sunlight of
Heaven. We are all explorers in this
mundane sphere, passing over moun
tains and hills, through vales, down
rivers, on and ever on to the great ocean
of eternity. And while pausing this
day in contemplation of a grand dis
covery—the glorious spectacle of the re
union of my comrades of the Third
Georgia Regiment—l would that my
voice could reach every veteran of the
old Confederacy, aye, I would that it
might ride on the wings of the wind and
penetrate the confines of earth itself,
and I would appeal to all mankind to
come and see what I have seen and feel
what I have felt.
Nine years ago that flag upon which
the starry cross is now scarcely dis
cernable ceased to wave over us. Dark
ened by smoke and torn by shot and
shell, carried in triumph through every
important battle of the historic Army of
Northern Virginia, and never desecrated
by the hands of an euerny, it went down
in a blaze of glory at Appomattox.
Through no fault of ours it was furled,
and sorrowfully we parted for our homes,
satisfied that the cause for which we had
fought—the cause of separate independ
ence—was finally overthrown. We in
dulged in uo mawkish grief, no unman
ly tears, but we felt a deep, agonizing
sorrow at the loss of the dear cause for
which we had struggled so hard and so
long.
We believed our defeat undeserved,
that it was an outrage on suffering hu
manity, a crime against civilization, a
wrong without a parallel—so great a
wrong that tlie earth should have been
clothed in sack cloth aud ashes in uni
son with the thunders and lightnings of
Heaven that knelled sympatliizingly on
that day ou the demise of so sacred a
cause.
Nine years, however, have passed since
the storm of war rolled over this land,
leaving sad desolation in ’ts track and
many lowering clouds behind. Nine
long weary years have come and gone,
filled with suffering and oppression, full
of sorrow and unjust humiliation; and
to-dav, standing upon the soil and be
neath the blue skies of our own loved
Georgia, we are proud to recount tlie
glorious history of the old organization
and the immortal career of our first
commander, Gen. A. R. Wright.
But while scanning your ranks with
pride and pleasure a, feeling of sadness
comes over me to which I must first give
vent. I miss some of the brightest
jewels that adorned your crown—some
of the choicest spirits that went
upon a field of battle in this or any
other age. Where are they ? They rest
upon the historic fields of their heroic
fame. They have ferried over the dark
stream that separates time from eternity,
and there, upon the opposite bank, the
gentle Sturges, the generous Walker,
tii6 knightly Hamilton, tho cool Haves,
courtlv Luckie and a host of others,
led bn bv the peerless Wright,
who lately' joined them, pass in
review. To us, standing ou this side of
the river, they point to a career which,
like the face of the sun, has no spot to
blemish its beauty—a career tnat dis
mays all that is noble and chivalric in
man— a career so bright in their blood
as to dazzle even the stars in brilliancy.
Though their brave hearts beat no more, 1
though their bps are forever closed,
there comes wafted hence, sweet and
sad as tits manner of falling waters
amid flowery groves at eventide, a silent
vet thrilling appeal to gwara and per- 1
petuate their memories. If is an appeal (
that reaches the heart and touches a j
responsive cord in the bosom of every
true son ot Georgia. And I would tnat t
I possessed all the ability necessary to a j
proper response thereto; I wish that for j
one moment I possessed golden»
ehain of Mercury—the fabled god of
Eloquence—that I might tell what mor
tal heart feels, but wliat mortal tongue
cannot adequately express But this
response can here be made : They have
left their impress so indellibly stamped
on the sands of time that the tramp
of succeeding ages can never obliterate.
Though the historian may not properly
record, and the muses may fail to weave
iu poesy and song all of their glorious
deeds, yet the waters of our near Oco
nee, which pass through the centre of
that State they loved so foudly, and for
which they died so nobly, ceasing to
flow towards old ocean, may turn its
coarse back to the mountains; the ocean
itself in the circles of time may cease its
rockings and its throbbings; but this
generation and generations to come will
never cease to remember their matchless
valor.
In the earlv part of May, 1861, the
following companies, constituting this
regiment, assembled in the navy yard at
Portsmouth for the purpose of organiza
tion: The Confederate Light Guards,
commanded by Capt. E. J. Walker ; the
Wilkinsou Rifles, by Capt. W. A.Bealle;
the Brown Rifles, by Capt. R. B. Nisbet;
the Athens Guards, by Capt, H. C. Bill
ups ; the Young Guards, by Capt. A. H.
Lee ; the Home Guards, by Capt. J. S.
Reid ; the Dawson Greys, by Capt. E. L.
McWhorter; the Governor’s Guards, by
Capt, J. R. Griffin ; the Burke Guards,
by Capt. W. C. Musgrove, aud the
Blodgett Volunteers, by Capt. Foster
Blodgett.
The election resulted in the choice of
Ambrose R. Wright for Colonel, James
S. Reid, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Au
gustus H. Lee, Major. W. W. Turner
was selected as Adjutant.
C. H. Andrews was elected Captain of
the Home Guards, vice Capt. Reid, pro
moted; and John F. Jones, Captain of
the Young Guards, vice Capt. Lee, pro
moted.
In a short time the Blodgett Volun
teers were transferred from the regiment
and the Clark County Rifles, commanded
by Capt. Herndon, substituted iu their
place.
As thus constituted this was the first
organized regiment of Georgians that
stood upon the soil of Virginia to hurl
back the threatened iuvasion of that no
ble old Commonwealth. They arrived
upon the banks of the beautiful Eliza
beth river before the secession of
the State, and organized amid the
smouldering fires and crumbling walls
of Gosport Navy Yard. They were no
band of adventurers, they were neither
soldiers of fortune or of pleasure, but
the very flower of our youth, at the bid
ding of whose State they enlisted and
cheerily went forth to meet the shock of
battle, carrying with them their great
hearts, every impulse of the soul and all
the energies of their nature.
A few months thereafter the regi
ment, under the command of the la
mented Wright, was sent up the Eliza
beth river, and through the canal con
necting the river with Albemarle sound,
to reinforce Fort Hatteras, that was
besieged by sea and by land. While in
transitu, and when only four com
panies had arrived in Pamlico sound,
the unwelcome tidings were received
of the fall of the fort to which they
were proceeding as a re-inforcement.
Hence they landed on Roanoke Island,
which, in a narrow strait between Pal
mico and Albemarle sounds, guards the
entrance to the latter, through which
Norfolk and the whole of Northeastern
North Carolina can be assailed. Here
one day after the surrender of Port Hat
teras, and within two hours sail of the
enemy, solitary and unaided they plant
ed the Confederate flag, and worked
continuously for months—working by
day, and the moon shining on or the
darkness of night still enveloping them
at work—building entrenchments aud
batteries at this and adjacent points for
the protection of the inland coast of
North Carolina.
On the Ist day of October, 1861, re
ceiving information that a Federal
steamer had been seen just south of the
Island, Col. Wright at once determined
to intercept and capture her; display
ing at the very commencement that
acuteness of forethought, wisdom in
contriving and decision in acting which
rendered his subsequent career so
brilliant. He improvised three small
steamers, placed guns upon them and
crews from the regiment to work them,
took with him three companies armed
with Enfield rifles—the Dawson Greys,
the Governor’s Guards and the Athens
Guards—and with this force moved
down the sound to attack the enemy. In
less than two hours the object of the
cruise was plainly seen; and when with
in range a brisk fire was opened, which
was promptly responded to. Advancing
rapidly, with the intention of grappling
aud boarding the foe that exhibited so
tnucli spirit in her responsive fire, when
immediately her colors were struck, and
then up to the mast-head went the Con
federate flag amid deaf ning shouts of
the victors. A crew of forty-nine men
were captured, besides army stores in
cluding one thousand new overcoats,
with which you decked yourselves on
your triumphant return to Portsmouth.
■This was the first naval success in North
Carolina, the first capture made by our
arms of an armed vessel; and more than
all, it was a naval victory achieved by
infantry marines.
By the Capture of this steamer,
Fannie, it was ascertained that the
enemy had established a camp at
Chicamaeoinico, on Hatteras Island,
forty miles from Fort Hatteras, and
near the Southern extremity of Roanoke
Island. The Twentieth Indiana regi
ment had there gone into camp, whither
the Fannie, when captured, was proceed
ing with commissary and quartermaster
supplies; and it was evident the enemy
intended the new position as a base of
operations against Roanoke Island.
Col. Wright seeing a crisis at hand,
and appreciating the danger of being
isolated aud attacked at a disadvantage,
promptly determined to move forward
and strike the first blow. Passing with
liis regiment down Palmico sound, he
arrived off Cliicamacomieo and about
three miles therefrom, on the Gth day of
October. Nearer to the shore they
could not get because of the deep draft
of the vessels, except the Cotton Plant,
upon which Col. Wright, with three
companies and two howitzers, command
ed by Lieut. Sturges, proceeded two
miles nearer, and then leaping out in
the water advanced, tvading a portion of
the way up to their waists, and opening
fire upon the enemy who stood iu line
of battle upon the beach twelve hundred
strong, according to their muster roll.—
They retreated hastily and in great dis
order in the direction of Fort Hatteras.
Tlie most of our regiment effected a
lauding in the same way as the three
preceding companies, when theie com
menced a chase which lias been proper
ly styled the Chicamacomico races—the
enemy running pell-mell for twenty
miles, and pursued with a loss to them
of eight killed and forty-two captured.
At one time Col. Wright, being in ad
vance of the command, overtook the
rear guard, who fired upon him, bring
ing down his horse; but with one hand
seizing a small drummer boy that he
held in front as a shield, and with pis
tol in the other hand, he advanced, cap
turing the Sergeant-Major and four
others of his regiment. The daring aud
skill displayed by Col. Wright through
out tue whole affair won the implicit
confidence of his men, which he retain
ed during tire entire war.
This brilliant victory, achieved witli
the loss of one man, established at once
the character of the regiment, and at
the same time exploded the fallacious
idea that the Western were superior to
the Northern men of the Federal army.
The truth is, there was no real differ
ence between them, nor between them
and us, except our personel as a body
was somewhat better. We were one
people, animated by the spirit of liberty
and fighting for separate independence,
possessing the dash,: impetuosity and
macurial temperament peculiar to all
Southerners of the Caucassian race.
They had the coolness, steadiness and
perseverance common to all Northern
climes, and inspired with the cry of the
old flag and the Union, were fighting for
our subjugation, and made drafts upon
Europe, Asia and Africa to accomplish
the result. That was all the difference.
Major General Huger, the department
commander, appreciating the self-sacri
ficing devotion and arduous labors of
men hitherto little accustomed to man
ual work, and withal the signal gallantry
—approaching moral sublimity—lately
displayed at Chicamacomico and in the
capture of the steamer Fannie, ordered
them back to Portsmouth, which they
entered, welcomed by waving handker
chiefs, by martial strains and by roar
ing cannon. Rome, in her palmiest
days, never gave her conquering legions
a grander triumph than was awarded
the Third Georgia Regiment on that day
by the sons and daughters of Virginia.
After the departure of the Third
Georgia Regiment Roanoke Island fell a
prey to Burnside, who attacked it with
overwhelming land and naval forces;
and thus the whole of Northeastern
North Carolina, and even Portsmouth
by way of Dismal Swamp Canal, was
thrown open to the attacks of the ene- !
my. Hence this regiment was sent
to the head of the canal, and 1
was scattered in companies from
Elizabeth river to South Mills, to
watch and resist any invasion that
might be made. Your commander here
engaged in an expedition which more i
than any feat of arms attested his de- ,
votion to country and his willingness to
die if need be aii ignominious death in 1
her service. A large force of the enemy
occupied Elizabeth City, and it was of
the utmost importance to ascertain their
numbers and intentions. In the emer
gency, Col. Wright, accompanied by j
Major Lee, went forth to perform the ;
dangerous duty. Eluding the enemy’s i
pickets, they entered the city disguised
as citizens, where they remained for
several hours conversing with Federal
soldiers, from whom the desired infor
mation was obtained. In the silent
vigils of the night they made their way
oat of the lines, and at once prepared to
anticipate the coming storm, destined in
a few days to culminate in a glorious
victory to our arms at Sawyer’s Lane.
It will be borne in mind that Pasguo
tank river is at the head of Dismal
Swamp Canal, and runs into Alber
marle sound at Elizabeth City.—
The Third Georgia Regiment, with a
battery of Western Virginians, under the
command of Capt. McComas, were on
the southern side of the river, scattered,
as I said before, at a distance of fourteen
miles. The enemy, shelling Elizabeth
City and the banks on the southern side
as a feint, moved up the river in trans
ports, landing a brigade of six regiments
and a battery, under command of Gen.
Reno, on the northern side, near Camden
Court House, on the 19th of April, 1862,
with the intention of coming up to and
crossing at South Mills—thus to cut us
entirely off, for there is no other outlet
through Dismal Swamp.
But Col. Wright, no way disconcerted,
with the battery of artillery, supported
by the Dawson Greys, the Home Guards,
the Browu Rifles and Burke Guards,
boldly advanced out two miles from
South Mills to meet the foe. With the
military perceptions of a true soldier, he
selected for the battle field Sawyer's
laue, which runs perpendicular to the
Camden Court House road, up which the
enemy were advancing, dense woods
being in the rear and with open fields in
front. And so that the enemy might,
have no protection in their advance,
some houses were burned in front, and
fences after being torn down were thrown
into running parallel to our
lines, and fired. Sending hurriedly
Major Lee for the Young Guards and
Athens Guards that were left to burn
Pasguo tank bridge, and for the other
companies that had to march several I
miles to reach the field, calmly he went i
before that small band, and disguising :
nothing, truthfully told them of the I
numbers of the enemy and the dangers
which environed them. There he stood
like a] god of war, inspiring them with
his own intrepid spirit and unflinching
courage, as his voice rang out along the
line clear as the notes of a bugle: Though .
you may fight ten times your number, i
nothing is impossible with men like you
determined to conquer or die.
At mid-day the enemy made their ap
pearance, marching by the flank in files
of four at a route step, when Captain
McCormas opened with his artillery, fir
ing recochet shots down the road. Im
mediately deploying into line,they moved !
forward in columns of regiments to take
the battery. First one regiment and j
then another was put forward until three j
separate and distinct charges were |
made and as many times they were
driven back in great confusion. Finally,
the last charge was being made by the
Hawkin’s Zouave Regiment of New
York. Dressed in crimson uniforms,
they steadly moved on in splendid order,
with heads erect, carrying their arms at
a trail and firing not a gun. They come
within one hundred yards of the battery,
which seems to be lost.
Well do I remember that memorable
moment as the gallant Lieut. Col.
Reid directed the company I had the
honor to command (the Confederate
Light Guards) to their position, who in
fact led all the rest of the reserves to
their posts. Just before reaching the
lines the pulseless form of the chivalric
McCormas met our gaze as it was being
carried off the field, and the agonizing
cry of his men pierced our ears, “Boys,
save our battery,” as they were trying
to limber up the guns to prevent cap
ture: Col. Wright, in his shirt sleeves,
throwing up his cap high away in the
air, cried out, “Hurrah boys, give
them .”
Gathering strength for one supreme
effort, this regiment heroically hurled
back an entire brigade, killing and
wounding over one hundred. Our loss
was twelve wounded and five killed—the
latter I here record, for their names de
serve to be xvrittc n in letters of gold :
Private Mallory, of the Burke Guards ;
private Lovrey, of the Clark County
Rifles; and privates May and Widener,
of the Confederate Light Guards,
These brave comrades fell upon a bat
tle field where victory perched upon
our banner, notwithstanding the most
fearful odds and under the most galling
fire. In proportion to the numbers and
personal respectively engaged on each
side, it is unsurpessed by any engage
ment of the war, It is unexcelled by
any of the conflicts of war ranging back
even to the morning of time.
The regiment again reorganized by
the election of the following command
ing officers of companies : Confederate
Light Guards—Captain Walker; Wilkin
fttra Rifles—Captain Carswell; Brown
Rifles—Captain Nisbet; Athens Guards
—Captain Billups; Young Guards—Cap
tain Jones; Home Guards—Captain An
drews; Dawson Grays—Captain Grier;
Governor’s Guards—Captain Hamilton;
Burk Guards—Captain Corker, and
the Clarke County Rifles—Captain Mc-
Crea. Ambrose R. Wright was elected
Colonel; James S. Reid, Lieutenant Col-
onel, and John R. Sturges, Major.
Many changes and mutations in rank
subsequently occurred from disease and
from death and wounds in battle; line
officers being promoted to field offices,
and privates rising to the rank of Lieu
tenants, Captains and to the position of
Adjutant of the regiment. Heretofore
I have given a detailed history of its
operations while an independent com
mand in the Department of Norfolk;
but now I shall be more general, for
upon the evacuation of that department
our commander was soon promoted to a
Brigadier General, and we became a part
of Wright’s celebrated brigade, merging
our individuality into that of the grand
army of the sainted Lee. Your fame
henceforth became theirs, and their
glory yours. You gained still greater
renown by your gallantry, as well as by
the increased lustre reflected from the
union of the whole patriot band, which
from that time till the end was like the
waters of the great ocean—but one.
Fassiugover the fight atFrazier’s Farm,
in front of Richmond—where you drove
back for more than a mile the 16tli
Massachusetts Regiment,killing eighteen
and capturing a score or more, mourning
yourselves the loss of five, I come to a
general engagement, the first in which
you participated, but one that severely
tried the souls of all.
The division to which wc were attach
ed (Huger’s), after marching and coun
termarching on the Williamsburg and
Charles City roads, and vice versa, num
berless times for one day, and on the
next going through the same provoking
and bootless task in the jungles of
White Oak swamp, thus letting McClel
lan slip through the net work contrived
by the genius of Lee for his capture, on
the afternoon of the third day—the me
morable Ist of July, 1862 —you reached
the deep and woody ra vine at the foot
of Malvern Hill. The winds moving to
and fro these giant oaks were soon des
tined to whisper sad requiems to de
parted heroes, while the rippling rivu
let, meandering there through, was to
change color as it commingled its waters
with some of the best blood of Georgia.
Except Holmes’ division, in isolated
woods two miles and a half off, Wright’s
brigade was on the extreme right of the
army, and for some reason unexplained
found itself subject to the orders of
Maj. Gen. Magruder, who immediately
gave the order—“ Charge !” Not a sin
gle gun up to this moment had been
fired on either side. To this order Gen.
Wright protested that it meant simply
destructi n, for it was not within the
power of man with his little brigade to
stand much less to assail to any advantage
the infantry and artillery of McClellan on
the heights beyond, which he had recon
noitered. But no, the order must be
obeyed. Up the liill side and through
the intervening trees you moved to the
open space—a wide clover plain with
no risings or underlations as far as the
eye could discern, and dotted with
neither tree nor shrub—running up to
the crest of the hill studded over with j
fifty pieces of artillery, when imme
diately a lurid flame burst forth, caus
ing the very earth to tremble beneath
your feet, and knelling the departure of
souls for eternitv.
Though the order must be obeyed, yet
General Wright, seeing that it was im
possible to persue it literally in that
direction, ordered the brigade back to
the woods, where amid bursting shell
and falling trees he filed to the rLht for
some distance, coming out again into
the open plain in a hollow, unobserved,
and three hundred yards nearer the
enemy.
The command being again given to
charge, your commander, Maj. Sturges,
remarked to a captain: “I have a pre
sentment that I shall not survive this
charge, but I am willing to die for my
country.” The accomplished Hamilton
conversing with me said: “This is
murder, but nevertheless I will stand
it,” at the same time buttoning up his
coat and putting on his gloves as if to
prepare for interment. At the very com
mencement of the charge the former fell
pierced through the brain, while the
latter, fearlessly entering the fiery or
deal, was consumed by it. Closing up
the gaps as fast as they were made you
still moved on, nearing the guns of the
enemy, when they limbered up and
then suddenly there arose out of a hol
low in front a long line of infantry that
poured in a destructive fire. There the
conflict raged for a full half hour, when
finally they were rolled back and you
occupied the ground from which they
were driven. About this time, far on
our left, Cobb's Brigade, Toombs’ Bri
gade and brigade after brigade
were seen deploying into line, and
the firing became general along
the front of McClellan’s position. The
sun went down and the moon rose upon
yon in possession of the field you had so
gallantly won, every other brigade ex
cept Mahone’s having retired to some
convenient position to renew the fight
next morning. Major-General Magru
der, in an official letter of the 6th of Ju
ly, after alluding particularly to “the
military skill and intrepidity” of Gener
al Wright, says this and Mahone’s Bri
gade “occupied and slept upon the field
of battle which was won from the ene
my.” But more than the testimony of
oue man or a dozen commauders, the de
tailed list of casualities—l43 killed and
wounded—made out by Adjutant Walter
Perry, speak in thunder tones of the
gallantry and sacrifices, of the Third
Georgia on that eventful day.
In less than two months you were on
the historic field of Manasses, fighting
nearly over the same ground where the la
mented Bartow fell the year previous.—
Oh, that our entire people had been ani
mated with the unconquerable spirit of
the noble martyr who uttered the parting
sentiment, “Never give it up. I am
dying. I look over this to distant fields
where ‘the brave will tremble and the
pious even doubt the favor of God.’
Never give up this battle, and never tire
in succeeding conflicts till the cause is
finally won.”
Several brigades having been repulsed
and driven out of the woods at the point
where Gen. Wright with his brigade was
ordered in, you not only held your posi
tion, but actually drove the enemy
through the woods and over a field in
the rear. Your loss in killed and
wounded was thirty-two. Maj. A. B.
Montgomery, your commander, after
being shot in the thigh, remained on
the field the entire day and following
night displaying great coolness and for
titude.
Rapidly followed Sharpsburg—the
third general battle—in less than three
months.
Before becoming actually engaged
yon moved forward under artillery fire
: more than a mile, when coming to a
! picket fence in an apple orchard, iinrne
t diately to the left of Sharpsburg, it was
torn down in less time than it consumes
to tell it, and you were brought to close
quarters with the foe. Gen. Wright,
while fearlessly leading the brigade
under a shower of grape on the right
flank and musketry in front, was shot
in the breast and thigh, and forced by
his men in a litter from the field. Yet a
further charge was made, causing the
enemy to break and run, in which Lieut.
001. Nisbet and Adjutant Perry fell at
the head of the regiment; the former se
riously wounded, and the latter mortal
ly, being riddled by seven balls.
Fi'om recent excessive marches through
Virginia aud Maryland and (immediate
ly previous to the fight) during the en
tire night from Harper’s Ferry to Shep
ardstown and in the morning, without
scarcely a halt, this regiment was re
duced to one hundred and thirty-eight
men, seventy-two of whom were killed
and wounded. It was by far the most
sanguinary battle of the war, in propor
tion to the numbers engaged, and was a
decided victory, as the object for which
it was fought was accomplished—to
draw the army and its trains safely from
Maryland.
In the order of succession the next
battle was that of Chancellorsville, com
mencing on the 2d of May, 1863, and
continuing for several days.
Gen. Wright, under the immediate
supervision of Stonewall Jackson, moved
his brigade on the left of the plank road
leading from Fredericksburg to Chan
cellorsville, with his right resting there
on—the Third Georgia Regiment being
deployed in front as skirmishes, pushed
forward, driving the enemy a mile and
a half to their outer line of works.
Carrying the rest of the brigade two
miles on the west to “the Furnace,”
which was threatened, this regiment was
left in their advanced position in the
woods, where it contended with a whole
brigade till sunset brought relief, hold
ing its ground even against one attack
made in column of regiments.
The next day Jackson’s men moved in
a long, steady stream by the left flank to
gain tlie enemy’s right and rear. The
sight of the Southern Achilles, as he sat
on his charger, with india rubber coat,
and cap drawn down on his face, quickly
moving those thin lips and flashing a
piercing eye as he gave his directions,
awakened the unbounded admiration of
all, to whom the very presence of Jack
son was a precursor of victory. On the
morning of the third day, amid the
booming of guns on tlie distant left,
coming slowly but gradually nearer,
General Wright moved the brigade for
ward on the line of breastworks that
had an abattis of fallen timbers in front,
while behind was a large force with
heavy batteries to protect them by di
rect and flanking fires.
This was oue of the severest fights for
an hour, the enemy pouring in a ter
rific fire of grape, canister and sclirap
nel. But the roaring of Jackson’s can
non coming still nearer and louder on
the enemy’s right, you charged tlie
breastworks, driving them back to their
second line of trenches—rifle pits in the
field around the Chancellorsville House.
From these you were momentarily re
pulsed in endeavoring to enter; but
just here Jackson, having opened fire on
our immediate left with a strong battery
of long range guns, the brigade moved
forward in column of regiments—with
tlie Third Georgia in front—leaped the
rifle pits and drove the enemy from the
field. Here our commander, Major
Jones, had an arm shot off just at the
time when the Seventeenth Connecticut,
with its Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel
and Adjutant, were captured by two
companies of this regiment.
While the army was victorious around
Chancellorsville, Sedgwick’s Corp, four
teen miles below, had captured Marye’s
Heights, and were advancing in our
rear. But General Lee turned upon
him with two of his victorious divisions,
and attacked him on the high range of
hills along the plank road above Fred
ericksburg.
Wright’s Brigade being formed
around the base of the hill leading up to
Dowman’s house, made a decisive
charge under the eyes of General Lee,
which was highly complimented by him.
The loss of this regiment in all, killed
and wounded, was ninety-two.
This was the most glorious victory of
the war. Fought upon a field of the
enemy’s own choosing and against odds
of at least three to one, it shed undying
lustre upon the immortal Lee. Attack
ed in front and rear by overwhelming
numbers, but rising to the height of the
occasion, like a tiger at bay, he first
springs on one and then on the other,
until finally there he stands,
■‘Like some tall cliff whose awful form.
Swells in the vale aud midway leaves the
storm,
Though round its breast the valley clouds are
spread,
Etomal sunshine settles on his head.
Passing through Virginia and Mary
: laud into Pennsylvania, on the 3d of
! July, 1863, we come to the field of Get
tysburg—the Barodino of the war. Like
that dread field in Russia which lost to
j Napoleon his magnificent empire, this
caused our fortunes to wane and our
arms to gradually fall.
S andiug on a ridge, we could see a
long range of hills, running parallel to
our position, occupied by masses of in
fantry and artillery, with an intervening
space of what seemed to be a level plaiu.
At 5:30 o’clock General Wright ordered
an advance down through the woods in
to the open fields below. Rushing
down the hill-side into a valley broken
into small ridges and hollows, we were
greeted by a sheet of fire rolling out
from the opposite side, the smoke ex
tending and ascending until it darken
ed the rays of the sun. But on
we moved, scarcely seeing one hun
dred yards ahead, across the Em
metsburg road, until you came
to a rock fence, from behind which
a fire of musketry riddled your seried
ranks. Leaping over it, seizing artillery
horses, shooting down the riders and
cutting the traces from the casons, you
press on over these guns up to the crest
of the hill, where thirteen otiier pieces
of artillery are captured—thus cutting
entirely in twain the army of Mead. If
the same advance had have been made
on our left a different history might
have been written wherein Gettysburg,
instead of being “the Head of our woes,”
would have been the Salamis and Mara
than of our independence. But without
help and having penetrated too far,
assailed on the right, on the left, in
front and partly in our rear, we were
pushed back down the hill—this regi
ment loosing in killed, wounded and
captured at least one half of its number.
Papers in Virginia about the time and
since have lauded Picket’s Division as
having made the charge, going far
ther 6ver thi3 very ''ground than
any other body of men. And
while I would not, if I could, de
tract one iota from that grand division
or pluck one leaf from its well earned
crown, yet it is due to the vindication
of the truth of history to say that they
did not even get to the rock fence much
less to the heights beyond, over which
Wright’s Brigade passed on the preced
ing day. If there is any doubt, here is
the testimony of one who knows, and
who dealt out impartial justice to his
followers:
General Lee, in his official report,
says: “Wilcox and Wright’s Biigades
advanced with great gallantry, breaking
successive lines of infantry, and com
pelling him (the enemy; to abandon
much of his artillery. Wilcox reached
the foot, and Wright gained the crest of
the ridge itself, driving the enemy down
the opposite side.”
In this connection, I will state from
my own personal knowledge, received
from the lips of Gen. Lee, that he knew
and recognized as well merited your
fame as a regiment. In passing through
Augusta to Florida a short time before
his death, whither lie was going with
the vain hope of recruiting a shattered
constitution and a broken heart, I re
marked to him: “General, all Georgians
feel attached to you, aud so far as the
regiment is concerned which I once - had
the honor to command—the Third
Georgia their attachment simply
amounts to worship.” “All (he replied,
the tears gathering in his eyes), I re
member them well, they were a part of
Wright’s Brigade. Say to them that I
shall never cease to love them.”
Here I bid farewell to our friend and
lamented first commander, for, being a
captive myself for several months,
during which time he became a Major-
General and was sent to the South At
lantic coast, I never again saw him in
the heat and smoke of battle. With no
wish to disturb him, I leave him in his
glory, among our other comrades, free
from the pains and trials and troubles
of this transitory life.
”1 never expect to look upon liis like again,
For the elements were so much mixed in him.
That nature might stand up to all the
World and say this was a man."
Passing through Crumpton’* Gap,
where Walker fell; over the Wilderness,
Cold Harbor and other battles around
Petersburg, where Luckie, McCrea and
others left us forever, down to Fartn
ville where, on the day before the sur
render at Appomattox, under my com
mand you charged, seized and dragged
from the very lines of the enemv a regi
ment of Pennsylvanians—l have reach
ed the end of my story. But one thing
more is necessary to close the record up
—a special reference to the privates and
non-commissioned officers who, for four
long years, fearlessly trod the path of
duty with u devotion and fidelity equal
to that of the Imperial Guards of Na
poleon or the Tenth Legion of Cresar.
Days of romance are filled with inci
dents where knights have performed
“deeds of emprise,” or crossed lances
beneath the smiles of some fair lady,
who stood with wreath in hand to deck
the victor’s brow, while with no less of
the romantic but more of the terrible
Napoleon in all his majesty, stood at
Jena, at Ulm and at Austerlitz, to reward
with his Imperial Eagle and the Cross
of the Legion of Honor, the most daring
of his battalions; but where on earth’s
green surface can be found a brighter
spectacle than that of the private or
non-commissioned officer who, in many
instances, without the chances of promo
tion or honors of office, rushed onward
with a sheet of fire blazing in his face,
keeping only in view the banner of the
army to which he was attached and (he
liberties of his country. Such fidelity
not only deserves the praise of mau, but
merits that of angels and of God. Life
is but a fleeting span, and I know not
not whether mine will be brief or extend
ed, but whether long or short, I ask for
no higher honor than the continued
friendship of such men. In the lan
guage of Ruth to Naoni: Entreat me
not to leave thee, nor to return from
following after thee, for whither
thou goest I xvill go, and where
thou lodgest I will lodge, thy people
shall be my people, and thy God my
God.
A few words as to the future and I
have done.
The past we cannot recall, our desti
ny we cannot change; then as reasonable
men let us make the most we can of the
situation. This is a great country as it
is. With a national story so brief in
existence as scarcely to reach the name
of history, with forty millions of people
spread over an immense territory, with
boundless resources wooing the atten
tion of enterprise, the world of mind
and matter moving on as it has never
moved; this country is destined at some
.future day to eclipse the glories of the
Grecian and Roman Empires. It is our
property, for we have a fee simple title
as tenants in common with the people
of all the States. We have a full share
in the common heritage of Yorktown
end Saratoga, of Eutaw and Bunker
Hill, of New Orleans and Lunday’s
Lane, of Buena Vista and Cheru
busco. If one section proudly points
to their esteemed statesmen, Webster
and Douglas, with equal pride, we eau
point to our Clay and Calhoun; and if
they will lift the veil of our late civil
war, and refer in terms of admiration to
the greatest living soldier, U. S. Grant,
with a holy pride we can refer to a peer
whose purity was like the snow flake,
while his genius flashed as the sunbeam,
Robert E. Lee.
Grave differences we have arising out
of the late civil war, but, having an
abiding confidence in the integrity of
purpose of mankind in general, when the
passions subside and reason resumes
her sway, I believe all the differences
will bo finally settled upon principles of
equity and justice. Such is the history
of Spain after the junction of the houses
of Castile and Arragau; such of England
after her war of the roses; such of
France after Robespierre and the car
nival of the Septembrisers; and such of
Austria after the subjugation of Hun
gary.
We can not constitute an exception
to all people of all ages, and remain for
ever the victims of continuous wrong
and oppression. No ! my comrades,
justice, acting under the inspiration of
Divinity that doeth all things well, will
again resume her throne ; and while
greeting her in a genuine spirit of con
ciliation, coupled with a firm adherence
to principle, I would invoke that
“ Dread power ! whose empire-giving hand
Has oft been slroiclied to shield the honored
laud!
Strong may she glow with all her ancient tiro :
May evory son be worthy of kiH sire ;
Hold may sho brave grim danger’s loudest
roar,
Till fate the curtain drop on worlds to bo no
more.’”
THE LAST DAY IN THE EVENING.
The Fatted Calf, the Fatted Shout and
the Fatted Lamb on Duty “And
Great Basketsfull were I,eft After all
were Fed” -Greene County and Union
Point to the Old Third Honors to
the Living and Honors to t lie Dead—
The Post Prandial Toasts, Senti
ments and Speeches The Veterans
and Beauty Mingle to the Sound of
the Castinet.
[special correspondence chronicle and
SENTINEL. I
Union Point, Ga., July 31, 1874.
I closed my report this morning with
the conclusion of the historical address of
Col. Snead, which was listened to with
the most marked attention and frequent
ly applauded.
It was very perceptible that the gal
laml Colonel of the Third Regiment and
now honored citizen of Augusta still
has the affectiou of his old heroes, and
that they would to-day once more rally
under his standard if called upon to do
so.
At 1 o’clock the regiment was formed
in line, when Col. Snead took command
and marched it to the tables, where a
barbecue dinner was in waiting for it
and for all. It is scarcely necessary to
say that this command was readily
obeyed or that the dinner received its
highest compliment of approbation by
being partaken of most heartily. There
was the greatest abundance for all, con
tributed by Greene and the adjoining
counties and prepared by the good citi
zens of this most hospitable of all vil
lages. And just here I may most truth
fully remark that the old soldiers and
all who came to participate in their re
union certainly owe a hearty vote of
thanks to the people of Union Point.
Like myself, they will leave it with
nothing but pleasant memories.
The Toasts and the Responses.
After dinner Col. Snead mounted one
of the tables, and rapping the audience
to order, read the following toasts :
1. Robert E. Lee—The noblest Ro
man of them all. Responded to by
Capt. S. A. Corker.
2. The Third Georgia—The first Geor
gia regiment on Virginia soil. Respond
ed to by Capt. C. H. Andrews.
3. Col. Claiborne Snead—lts last com
mander. Responded to by Capt. D. H.
Sanders,
4. Stonewall Jackson—The lion of the
valley. Responded to by Capt. Math
ews.
5. Jefferson Davis—The gnarled oak
may break, but never bends. Respond
ed to by Muj. Jones.
6. Our Hero Dead—Responded to by
Maj. Sidney Herbert.
7. Our Battle Flag—Carried in tri
umph through every important engage
ment of the historic Army of Northern
Virginia; it was never touched by the
hands of an enemy. Responded to by
Lieut. A. A. Winn.
In his speech, Major Sidney Herbert
said he had served four years in the
Northern armies, and had met the vet
erans of the Southern army around him
face to face on the field of battle, and
that a braver or nobler army than that
of the South was never seen in this wide,
wide world. When he said that the
audience thundered the loudest ap
plause it spoke during the day. There
were many other eloquent passages in
the speech of the Major, which made
the forest resound with applause. At
the conclusion he read the following
beautiful and patriotic poem, written by
Prof. Fletcher J. Cowart for this occa
sion :
“ Our Heroic Dead.”
Harp of the Southland, though thy strings are
broken,
Aud silence decks thee with her cypress
wreaths,
’Yet give to me one funereal token,
A wail for the brave hearts now stilled m
death.
How can we see the pall of silence settle
O'er nameH whoso lustre should be over
bright—
The heroes stricken in the stonn of battle,
Struggling for home, for kindred aud the
right.
O let their doods in deathless song and story
He cherished always with a mournful pride ;
Let unborn millions swell the strain of glory—
How hard they struggled aud how nobly died. I
In far Virginia many a one is lying.
Old Georgia’s hills are whito with bleaching
bones ;
And cold iho sea’s restless waves aro sighing
Above the bier of loved and noble ones.
Shall the sad breezeH of the pitying heaven
Around tlinii low graves be the only dirgo f
And to the sea’s dead shall no rites be given
Except the thunder of tho ocean surge ?
Shall wo, for whom tlioy suffered, bled and
perished,
Oblivion's mantle o’er their memory throw ?
Nor hold their deeds and treasures proudly
cherished ?
Nor pay the debt of honor that wo owe ?
No ! it shall bo our over sacred duly
Upon their names with honor’s due to wait;
To yearly dock tlieir graves with floral beauty,
While longue and pen rehearse their tragic
fate.
Letters were read from Hon. Alexan
der H. Stephens in which he regretted
not being able to attend, from Lieut. R.
A. Stanley, of Dublin, Ga., from John
D. Carter, of Savannah, and from sever
al other members of the regiment. At
the conclusion of which volunteer toasts
and speeches were called for. Fiually
Col. Snead formally introduced
Sergeant Cyrus B. Barrow,
Who came upon the platforn in a suit of
flax linen and in otherwise contrast to
many speakers who had preceded him.
In a few moments, however, he electri
fied the audience with the finest oratory
displayed during the day. The old bat
tle flag was suspended over speaker and
bis apostrophe to that I must give you at
length, and regret that the report is al
ready too long to send this remarkable
speech to you entire:
“Do you love that old flag hanging
there, all torn, ragged and dilapidated V
Emblem of what our country was four
teen years ago, typical of what it is
to-day. When it was first presented to
the regiment by the ladies of Ports
mouth it was bright, beautiful, unsul
lied by a single stain, unrent by a single
bole, each and every star and stripe
without a blot. To-day you see it in
tatters and rags, pierced witli holes,
torn and shattered, all soiled, drooping.
So was our country thou, so is our
country to-day.”
Speech of Captain IV. 1). I,tickle,
Tho following speech of W. D.
Luckie, Captain of the Governor’s
Guards of Atlanta, should have ap
peared in the proceedings of this morn
ing. It was in response to the address
of welcome made by Captain D. N.
Sanders :
Comrades —l came not hero to-day to
make a speech. J simply came to grasp
in friendly and fraternal greeting the
hands of my old companions in arms.
I rise before you laboring under great
embarrassment, for 1 remember that I
take the place of one upon whose shoul
ders lies gracefully folded tho mantle of
eloquence, and whose fame and whoso
name for oratory have spread through
out Georgia’s wide domain. Gallant,
sir, would that just for to-day I were
possesssed with a silver tongue, so that
I might, in behalf of the survivors of tho
Third Georgia Regiment, express to you
in fitting terms our grateful, heartfelt
thanks for the kind and generous wel
come you have so beautifully conveyed
to us on tlio part of tho citizens of
Greene county.
Comrades, when I look around and
about me upon your familiar faces my
heart swells witli joy and gratitude that
1 have been enabled to mingle with you
this day. But when 1 remember Fred
ericksburg and Chancellorsville, Gettys
burg and Sharpsburg, the Wilderness
and Spotsylvania, Petersburg and the
crater of hell; when I remember that ter
rible retreat and Appomattox, my heart
could weep tears of blood for those gal
lant spirits who so freely gave their lives
to the cause wo loved so well. Com
rades, where are they to-day ? Go to
ward tlie sunrise; go to where Lee, our
grand old hero, swept with his victo
rious banners across the valleys and
over tho mountains of Virginia; go to
any and all of her fields made memor
able by their baptism of fire and blood,
and there you will find the mouldering
bones of our brothers and comrades.
And shall they have died in vain? Shall
the principles for which they died bo
forever trampled in tho dust ? I tell
you no. So sure as there is a God
above us. so sure will they some time be
vindicated. They were true and right,
and they must triumph.
It may lie that tho burning fiery elo
quence of Southern statesmen may pre
vail aud lift them on high, or it may ho
—but we all love peace and detest war,
and our prayer is that tho whito robed
angel may forever brood over our land.
But I feel assured if tho time should
ever come the Third Georgia Regiment
xvill in the future, ns she has in the
past, enrve high in glory’s temple an
immortal name.
Comrades, ere another twelve months
roll around some of us may have “passed
over the river” and ho resting “under
tlie shade of the trees” with those im
mortal heroes who havo gone boforo.
Lot us, therefore, so order our lives that
when the last battle of life hns been
fought, when from the gloomy walls of
the grave we have snatched and clothed
ourselves in the robes of victory, when
xve have plucked the envenomned sting
from the insatiable monster, when wo
havo passed through the dark valley and
across the murky waters, standing in Iho
presence of our last great Judge, xvemay
receive from tho lips of Him,.who spake
as never mau spake, the same salutation
xvith which Georgia’s sons and daugh
ters greet us this day—“well done.”
The Moonlight Hop,
After Kitppcr the members of the regi
ment again assembled at the platform,
and tlicn and there met a largo number
of ladies of Union Point and Greono
county. The dunce commenced soon
after dark and was kept up untill after
midnight. I presume all enjoyed it, at
least all appeared to do so. With the
ending of the bull closed the reunion of
the Third Georgia.
Good-Bye,
Nearly every one left Union Point last
night for home and for congratulations
upon certainly the most pleasant episode
which has taken place in the history ot
the regiment since it surrendered at
Appomattox.
Letter from Gen. Horrid. *
The following letter from Brig. Gen.
Sorrel was received by Col. Snead too
late to be read at the Reunion :
Savannah, July 29, 1874.
Col. Claiborne Snead, Union Point,
(7 a.:
Mx Dear Colonel — l must say to
you, and through you to tlie survivors
of the Third Georgia Regiment, how
much I regret my inability to be pres
ent at their reunion at Union Point. It
would be a great happiness to meet the
survivors of that famous ami historic
regiment, whose services on almost
every field in Virginia have contributed
to our Confederate renown.
My own connection with the brigade,
of which it formed so conspicuous a
part, was unfortunately brief, but long
enough to endear it to me by its splen
did soldierly qualities, and l>v the trust
ing confident!j exhibited to a brigade
commander, young and comparatively a
stranger. I think of those trying days
with gratitude to the men and pride in
their achievements, ands wish f could
avail myself of the opportunity to say
this to them personally.
The reunion of the survivors is a hap
py thought, and it is gratifying to know
that it has been so successfully carried
out to its fulfillment. I hhevo the oc
casion will be productive of great and
lasting good in keeping alive the manly
feelings of fellowship, in devotion and
danger, anil, above all, in honoring with
a breathing, living love and pride the
dead of the old regiment; the glorious
dead, whoso names, from the heroic
Wright to the humblest soldier, should
live, indelibly stamped on our hearts.
I trust that this initiative of your
former command may soon he followed
the by other regiments and battalions*
the Twenty-second, the Forty-eighth,
the Sixty-fourth, the Second Battalion’
the Tenth Battalion, Georgians and com
rades all, that Wright led at Chieka
hominy, Manassas, Sharpshurg, I red
oriekslmrg, Chancellorsville and Get
tysburg.
To yourself, Colonel, yours should no
no common pride. The surviving Co
lonel of the Third Georgia Regiment
yours it is to revive its memories and
guard it,s fame.
Permit me to say, with the survivors
whom you are to meet, that this trust is
safely placed. Again, and deeply re
gretting my absence on this most inter
esting occasion, I am, Colonel, with
great respect, yours truly and faithful-
G. M. Sorrel.
In “ A Rebel’s Recollections,” in the
August Atlantic, George Cary Eccle
xton pays an appreciative and just tri
bute to the devotion of the women of
the South. Says Mr. Eccleston : “Tho
women of the South could hardly have
been more desperately in earnest than
their husbands, brothers and sons wero
iu the prosecution of the war; hut with
their woman natures they gave them
selves wholly to the cause; and, having
loved it heartily when it gave promise of
a sturdy life, they almost worship it now
that they have strewn its bier with flow
ers. To doubt its righteousness, or to
falter in their loyalty to it while it lived
would have been treason and infidelity;
to do the like now that it is dead, would
be to them little less than sacrilege.”
Talbot county planters complain of
Jilack rust in cotton. There is also an
insect resembling red rust.
Tho War Department promises that
the work of improving the Chattahoo
chee and Flint rivers will commence at
an early day.
*
I