The Camden confederate. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1861-1865, 1863-10-02
NUMBER 49
kcrsllaW's Brigade.

at meeting OF this Brigade, upon motion
of Lieut.. Col. Gaiard of the eds. C,regiment
the body was organized by calling Brig. Gen.
Kershaw to the Chair, and appointing Adju-
tant Y. J. Pope Secretary.
Gen. Kcrshaw explained the object of tho
meeting to be to consider whether or not the
misrepresentation of one of our leading State
journals, concerning the opinion the army en-
tertaincd of the President, should be corrected
by the expression of the true feelings Of the
Brigade towards our worthy Chief Magistrate.
After which the meeting was declared ready
for business.
Col. James D. Nance, of the Sd S. G. regi-
ment, then said in substance: 1t is cause for
regret, Mr., Chairman, that any necessity should
have arisen for us to join issue with any por-
ton Of our fellow, citizens; and that thus an ap-
pcarance is given that the unanimity and har-
mony of our State (Which has always been her
chief glory) is disturbed. think the policy of
every one should be to avoid irritating issues or
provoking discussions which are likely to lead
to divisions and dissensons. But when we are
SO far msrepresentcd on subject vitality af-
fecting the efficiency of the army, and, we
believe, the welfare of the country, it becomes
our imperative duty to respectfully Iepel the
opinions attributed to lis. II is not proposed
to raise partisan issue, or to deny in an unbe
coming spirit the allegations Of one Of the'most
prominent papers in State.
Whatever opinions have hitherto held or
declared, have, for the most part, as some of
YOU know, been in harmony with those which
have been so ably announced and supported
by the Charleston Mercury. l am, therefore,
without prejudice. But have never agreed
with the Mercury, or those who agrees with it
in opposition to the President. Before Mr..
Davis was elected to his elevated and respon-
siblc Office thought him the fit man We had
for President, apd, in my humble judgment, he
has since pindcatcd this opinion. Apart from
these considerations, the necessities of the times
require of us all heavy support of the Presi-
dcut, who is bending his bes: energies and abil-
tiles for the good and independence of our
country Least of, all, shoud we, 10y our ST.
lencc, give Il tacit acknowed cement that tho
Mercury has correctly spoken ouI opinions in
saying we "a portion of the army have "lost
confidence in the President"
The paper which | now submit, it is consid-
orcd embraces in substance and spirit what is
proper on this subject. | submit, Mr.. Chair
man, the following paper for the considerations
OF the meeting:
A portion of the army from South Carolina
have, by the accident of republication i'll a
Richmond paper, been made aware of the fol-
lowing misrepresentation of their opinion:
Speaking Of the President, the Charleston
Mercury is represented as saying, "He has lost
the confidence of both the army and tho
people"
Among the first troops OF South Carolina to
enter the service of the Confederate States, this
brigade atlirms their entire confidence, adm-
ration and respect for the President, and they
believe their sentiments are shared by the ar
my of Northern Virginia, for which South Car
olina knows they have as clear n right to SPEAK
as any troops representing her In the fied:.
Upon motion, the paper thus submitted was
unanimously adopted and ordered to be printed
in the Charleston Courier, Charleston Mercury,
Southern Guardian, and South Carolinan, with
the request that the other papers in the State
copy.
The meeting then adjourned.
Brig. Gen. j. B. KERSHAW, President.
w. Pope, Secretary.