THE ATHENS BANNER  TUESDAY MORNING, JULY 26, 1892

 

 

 

 

BOOM! BOOM!
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THE CANNON ROARS AND A BIG
DAY FOR ATHENS
__________________

THEY ALL COME

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The Veterans Meet and March to the
Court House Cheered by the La-
dies – Everybody Happy, and
Athens is at the Top
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  At 8 o’clock Wednesday morning the old veterans commenced assembling in front of the Armory of the Clarke Rifles, and more tales had to be told by those who had arrived the night before.  New faces brought new tales, and every one seemed to be in a good humor.

  A little after 8 o’clock the band came out and formed and the Third Ga., with their tattered and battered battle flag formed into line.  The Troup Artillery came in behind the Third, and then came the old veterans from all parts of the South.  A Louisiana regiment was represented in the procession.

  The Clarke Rifles and Elberton Light Infantry headed the procession, and with the command of “Forward March” the cannon booming, and the Oconee band playing Dixie, the rebel yell came in which made the welkin ring.  Up Broad street they marched, and as they passed the different houses on the line of march they were greeted with flowers and flag shaking by the ladies.

  Arriving at the court house, they wee marched up stairs and soon all the seats in the house was filled by the old rebels.  Rev. John Cheney being called upon to pray, he did so and asked the blessings of the Lord on those who survived the dark days of the Confederacy.

  Secretary Wiley read a large number of letters from Gov. Northen, Gen. Gordon, Joseph E. Brown, R. W. Rutherford and others, giving their reasons and regrets for not being present.

  Judge A. L. Mitchell was selected to introduce Mayor Tuck, who in his happiest manner bid the old soldiers a hearty welcome to the city, and told them that they should hold it just as long as they wanted to stay.

  The choir sang, “When This Cruel War is Over.”

  Capt. H. H. Carlton being called, he took the stand and made one of the best speeches of his life.  Capt. Carlton was in love with his subject, and the old veterans cheered him many times.

  Mr. Keating, of the Hawkins Zouaves, of New York, was introduced and made a very appropriate speech to those whom he had fought on so many occasions in the war.

  Mayor Hemphill, of Atlanta, one of the old members of the Troup Artillery, took the stand and held the entire audience spell bound during his speech.  He spoke of the bravery of the gallant Troup Artillery, and spoke of Dick Saye as being the bravest of the brave, that he had on one occasion had a bomb shell to fall in the ditches with the fuse burning.  Dick Saye saw the danger and jumped at the shell, picked it up and threw it over the breast works, the shell bursting as soon as it struck the ground.  The shell would have killed every one in the ditch if it had not been for the bravery of Dick Saye.  He also mentioned Charlie Oliver, a preacher who had rather fight than to eat, C. W. Motes, of Atlanta, who could always be depended on when it took the most nerve to stay.  Lieut. Jennings, of Atlanta, received a good word from Mayor Hemphill about his bravery.  Capt. Carlton, he said, was known in all parts of the world as the bravest of the brave.  Joe Barry and Sergeant Dillard could be depended on to stay to the last in the hours of danger.

  Mayor Hemphill’s speech was well received, and we noticed tears trickling down the cheeks of many who had heard the bullets whistle and the shells burst.

  John O. Waddell was next called on.  John is an old Athenian, and served with honor during the war.  John gave the boys a good talk, and it was received as it deserved.

  Capt. John Cheney, in one of his pleasant styles, talked for some time, and seemed to feel happy that he had met so many of his comrades in arms.

  The choir then sang Annie Laurie, which was well received.

  Capt. Carlton again took the stand and presented the Troup Artillery with a handsome Confederate battle flag that was sent to them during the war by Gen. Cobb.  He turned the flag over to the Company, and then presented to the 3^rd Georgia Regiment a new flag made by the ladies of Athens, and asked the 3^rd Ga. To keep it and use it at all the reunions, which they promised to do.

  Mr. John W. Lindsey was next called to the stand, and if there was a good speech made Mr. Lindsey certainly made it.

  Next to the front marched Commodore Dexter, the only Dexter and the only Commodore now living.  What shall we say, what can we say about this speech?  The Commodore outdone himself.  He made the speech of the hour.  We will stop as the Commodore will have it written off and published in pamphlet form.

  Capt. Carlton introduced the following resolution, which was brought out by a recent article in the BANNER, and which was copied from the Macon Telegraph and written by Mr. Callaway.

  Resolved, That every ex-Confederate soldier here present today remembers with highest appreciation and with hearts of fraternal affection the kindness so charitably and so particularly bestowed by Drs. Humphries and Squires and Private Paul F. McLaughlin, of the 9^th New York Regiment, “Hawkins Zouaves,” to Private Ard of the 2^nd Georgia Regiment, when found wounded upon the battle field of Sharpsburg, Maryland. 

  The 3^rd Georgia then suspended business for a while, and the Troup Artillery had a business meeting.  Capt. Carlton was elected Chairman.  Mr. C. W. Motes stated that if they would all meet him at the court house in the evening he would take a picture of all of the old company who attended the reunion.  This was agreed to and last evening this gallant band of heroes had their pictures taken, and each member presented with one free of charge.  This was a good idea; and C. W. Motes deserves credit for his generosity.

  Dr. Edwin D. Newton presented the company with a complete roster.  They adjourned, and now comes the dinner.  The large crowd, which was estimated to be over five thousand, took their stand out in the court house ground and awaited the announcement for dinner.

  Here stood four long tables, loaded down with everything that was to eat, pans and dishes full of hash and barbecued meat cooked to a turn and crisp, and well seasoned.  As the odor of the well cooked meat would float through the large crowd it made them a little hungry, and seasoned their appetite for the dinner.

  The Third Georgia was formed and marched inside the ropes and given a table.  They were followed by the Troup Artillery, and then came the old vets.  They all got good places, and under the shade of the wide spreading oaks the meat, hash, cakes, pies, pickles, preserves and everything that could be named commenced to disappear.  There was no grabbing or snatching, but every man was supplied with a plate that was kept well filled by the fair ladies, who saw that no one should go away hungry.  After dinner they were taken in charge by the citizens and showed every attention possible.

  In the evening the Troup Artillery met and the following is the result:

  The Troup Artillery held a glorious re-union in Athens, July 20, 1892.  It was the occasion of the re-union of the 3^rd Ga. Veterans, and through the courtesy of this splendid regiment the Troup Artillery were invited to meet with them.  

  The re-union of the Troup Artillery was organized with Capt. H. H. Carlton as president, and John O. Waddell as secretary.  The roll was called, and the following answered to their names:

        LIST OF MEMBERS PRESENT.

Capt. H. H. Carlton, Athens, Ga.

1^st Lieut. C. W. Motes, Atlanta, Ga.

H Jennings                       “         “

1^st Lieut. A F Pope, Crawford, Ga.

J O Waddell, Atlanta, Ga.

J F Dillard, Crawford, Ga.

Howell Cobb, Corporal.

R K Pridgeon, Sergt.

A B C Dorsey, Q M  Sergt.

J J Jennings, Athens, Ga.

Jesse Williams, Jefferson, Ga.

R W Pittman, Athens.

Robert Dicken, McNutt, Oconee Co.

E L Edwards, Covington.

E C Kinnebrew, Athens.

J W Hale, Winterville.

J T Hale,            “

G B Atkisson     “

Lee M Lyle, Middleton,

Corporal B F Culp, Athens.

H T Boneshell, Maxeys, Ga.

W J Jennings, Bethlehem.

Jas. J Jennings, Watkinsville.

W S Barrett, Ila, Madison Co. Ga.

E A Robertton, Atlanta.

D J Matthews, Bascobel.

W A Hemphill, Atlanta.

R W Saye               “

T F Hudson, Athens.

F M Doster, Bascobel.

J E Bradberry, Athens.

J W Bradberry, Watkinsville.

Jesse Gann, Athens.

T S Richards    “

Corporal J D Thomas, Rome.

John Lilly, Athens.

Thomas Jones, Athens.

Geo W Moon,     “

Isaac Vincent,     “

Obadia Vincent,  “

J R Hale, ________

J W Ledbetter, [Joseph William Ledbetter, Madison, Co., GA]

O J Oliver, Atlanta.

A W Reese, Macon.

E W Porter, Athens.

J M Barry,       “

T S Richards,  “

Bob Flournoy  “

D D Blackman, Atlanta.

G W Simmons, McNutt, Oconee Co.

J E Pittman, Athens.

  Messrs. Waddell, Jennings, Dr. Newton and J. F. Dillard were appointed to perfect the roll of all who enlisted in the company.  It is proper to state that during the four years, 568 names were on the companies roll.

  The time and place for holding the next re-union was left to Capt. Carlton, Lieut. Motes and Sargt. J. F. Dillard, who were also elected an executive committee.  Messrs. A. F. Pope, Carlton and the secretary were appointed a committee on by-laws.  Capt. H. H. Carlton was elected permanent president.  C. H. Motes vice president.

  On motion of J. O. Waddell, Sergeant James F. Dillard was elected permanent secretary and treasurer.  Rev. C. J. Oliver was elected chaplain, and E. F. Edwards historian.

  The post office address of E. F. Edwards is Covington, Ga.

  J. O. Waddell offered the following resolutions, which were enthusiastically adopted:

1^st. Resolved, That we hereby tender to the citizens of Athens, especially the noble ladies, the expression of our profound thanks and appreciation for their efforts in making this one of the most enjoyable occasions of our lives. 

2^nd. Resolved That we are under many obligations to our comrades of the 3^rd Georgia Regiment for the opportunity afforded us to visit this great city and enjoy with them the hospitalities.

  These resolutions were ordered published in the daily paper, and a copy be furnished Col. Snead and Mrs. S. D. Mitchell.

  A resolution of thanks was adopted by a rising vote to Sergeant W. A. Hemphill for courtesies extended the Atlanta, Macon and Covington contingent in furnishing a special car for the occasion.

  A letter was received from comrade John W. Edwards, which was read and ordered printed with these minutes.

                                          HALL’S MILL, Ga., July 15^th

   To the survivors of the Troup Artillery.  I send greetings to you all, invoking God’s blessings on you in all your deliberations.  I regret that I am so situated that I cannot be with you today, for I feel that it would be the greatest pleasure of my life to press the hand of my old comrades.  My official duties demand my service here.  I ask to be remembered, and trust you will arrange to meet annually, so I may arrange to be with you yet.

   Let us ever fondly cherish sacred memories of the past.  While my blood is absorbed in the soil of Malvern Hill and Gettysburg.  I have today no apologies to make, our cause was a just one.  We were denied the right of local state government, a privilege that every free people should enjoy.  I would have the principle transmitted to posterity.

   Twenty-five years have elapsed since we were together, but many of life’s scenes in our campaign is fresh on my mind today, and I hope yet to met you all and speak of past events.  It fills my heart with pride when I look back on the history of our country and find all enterprises and high places of trust filled with our soldiers.

   With kindest regards for you, my comrades, I am as ever yours, etc.,

                                                                                          Jno. W. Edwards

   A resolution was passed looking to the formation of a company to be composed of the sons and daughters of the members of the Troup Artillery.

   As such they will be enrolled as auxiliary members of the Troup Artillery.

   Dr. Edwin D. Newton, of Athens, and Commodore Dexter, of Madison, were elected honorary members.

   This pleasant re-union was closed with an appropriate prayer by comrade Rev. L. M. Lyle.

                                                                                                      H. H. Carlton,

                                                                                                               Chairman

John O. Waddell,

                  Secretary.

   Thus ended the reunion of the 3^rd Georgia Regiment and Troup Artillery, and we hope that every one went away satisfied that Athens had done her best to make their stay pleasant.  The BANNER wishes each and every veteran a safe trip to their home, and it hopes they will all come again.

 

  

 

  

  

                          Names from article

 

Surname	Title	First Name
Ard	Private
Atkisson		G. B.
Barrett		W. S.
Barry		Joe
Barry		J. M.
Blackman		D. D.
Boneshell		H. T.
Bradberry		J. E.
Bradberry		J. W.
Brown		Joseph E.
Callaway	Mr.
Carlton	Capt.	H. H.
Cheney	Rev.	John
Cheney	Capt.	John
Cobb	Gen.
Cobb		Howell
Culp	Corporal	B. F.
Dexter	Commodore
Dicken		Robert
Dillard	Sergeant
Dillard		J. F.
Dorsey	QM Sergt.	A. B. C.
Doster		F. M.
Edwards		E. L.
Edwards		E. F.
Edwards		John W.
Flournoy		Bob
Gann		Jesse
Gordon	Gen.
Hale		J. W.
Hale		J. T.
Hale		J. R.
Hemphill	Mayor
Hemphill		W. A.
Hudson		T. F.
Humphries	Dr.
Jennings	Lieut.	H.
Jennings		J. J.
Jennings		W. J.
Jennings		Jas. J.
Jennings	Mr.
Jones		Thomas
Keating	Mr.
Kinnebrew		E. C.
Ledbetter		J. W.
Lilly		John
Lindsey	Mr.	John W.
Lyle		Lee M.
Matthews		D. J.
McLaughlin	Private	Paul F.
Mitchell	Judge	A. L.
Mitchell	Mrs.	S. D.
Moon		Geo. W.
Motes	1st Lieut.	C. W.
Newton	Dr.	Edwin D.
Northen	Gov.
Oliver		Charlie
Oliver		O. J.
Oliver	Rev.	C. J.
Pittman		R. W.
Pittman		J. E.
Pope	1st Lieut.	A. F.
Porter		E. W.
Pridgeon	Sergt.	R. K.
Reese		A. W.
Richards		T. S.
Robertton		E. A.
Rutherford		R. W.
Saye		Dick
Saye		R. W.
Simmons,		G. W.
Snead	Col.
Squires	Dr.
Thomas	Corporal	J. D.
Tuck	Mayor
Vincent		Isaac
Vincent		Obadia
Waddell		John O.
Waddell		J. O.
Waddell	Mr.
Wiley	Secretary
Williams		Jesse