Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-11-23
4 Dinuer in Camp speech from Bca II:
regard

regard.
We find in the New Orleans Della, of the 18th, 8
letter from the seat of war on the Potomac dated
"Uniou Mills Nov. . giving an account of dinner
GA the 3lst of October, given by Captain GILMAN
of the Crescent City Rifles. Amongst the guests
we're Gen. BE4uREGARD. Prince PoIGSAo, aad other
notables. We make the following extract
Prince Polignac, or Col Polignac, as he is called
10 the army, is q young gentleman Of genial man
ners fine intelligence and cOnsumste accomplish.
ments In recognition of q toast given by DR..
ChapPin, he responded IN q few remarks, delivered
In the English language, and characterized by q
purity of accent and an elegance of expression
which excited the surprise and admiration of his
| auditors. When he declared that he was ready in
tbs cause of liberty and the Confederate stars, to
shed his blood in emulation Of his distinguished
countryman the friend and the companion of Wash
Ington his words elected the most unbounded en>
thusiasm. Nor could we fail to appreciate the
magnanimity of his reference to Lafayette, wLel
we remembered that the distinguished man was one
of the most effective instruments Of the downfall
the speakers grandfather, the unfortunate Prince
Polignac Minister of Charles X, and that between
them bitter political and personal feud existed.
! Another incident of this entertainment was like
wise peculiarly interesting. When the newly de-
vised battle-fag was brought in, General Besure-
gard related to the company the motives which
led to its adoption; and as the recital embraces a
thrilling portion of the eventful battle of Manassas
shall endeaveP to reproduce 1t. as nearly as pos
sibIe, in the Generals own words
"On the 2lst OF July, at about half-past three
o'clock. perhaps 4, it seemed to ms that victory
was already within grasp. In fact, up to that
moment had never waVered N the conviction that
triumph must crown our arms. Nor was my cons
idence shaken until, at the time l have men
toned, observed on the-extreme left at the dis
lance of something more than q mile, column
of men approaching. At their head waved q
flag which | eeHld not distinguish. Even by the
aid of strong glass l was unable to determine
whether it was q United States flag or the Con
federate flag. AT this moment received dis
patch from Captain Alexander in charge of the sig
nal station, warning to look out for the left that
q large column was seen approaching in that di-
rectiOn, and that 1t was supposed to be General
Patterson's command, coming to reinforce McDow-
ell.
AT this moment, must confess, my heart failed
me. came. reluctantly, to the conclusion that, af
ter all our efforts, we should st last be compelled
to yield to the enemy the hard fought and bloody
field / again took the glass to examine the flag
ofthe approaching column but my anxious ia
quiry unproductlve of result could not tell
to which army the waving banner belonged. At
this time all the members Of my staff were absent
having been dispatched with orders to various
points. The only person with me was the gallant
officer who has recently again dis tinguished him
self by brilliant feat Of arms-General then Col
Evans. To him communicated my doubts and
nv fears L told him feared that the approaching
such was the case, should be compelled TO fall
back upon reserves, and postpone, till the next
day, continuation of the engagement. After furs
Their reflection directed Col. Evans to proceed to
Gen Johnston, who had assumed the task of collect
ing reserve to inform him of the circumstances
of the case and to request him TO have the reserves
collected with all dispatch and hold them in readi-
ness to support our retrogade movement.
Col. Evans started on the mission thus entrusted
to him. He had proceeded but q short distance
when it occurred TO me TO make another examine
ton Of the still approaching flag called him back
Let u.s., said wait few moments, to co nirm our
suspicious before finally resolving to yield the field
took the glass and again examined the flag. l
had now come within full view. A sudden gust of
wind shook out its folds, and recognised the stars
and bars of the Confederate banner. II was the
flag boone by your regiment here the General
turned to Col Hay swhO sat beside him the gallant
9TH Louisiana; and the column of which your regi-
ment constituted the advance, was the brigade Of
Gen. Chen COLI Early. As soon as you were re-
cognised by our soldiers your coming was greeted
With enthusiastic cheers; regiment after regiment
responded to the cry; the enemy heard the triumph