The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-08-23
THE SOLDIERS MEETING ON SATURDAY


meet at the Court House on that day would be en-
Enthusiastically responded to-, and long before the
time for assembling had arrived, our streets wore
o busy aspect with the throng Of stalwart men
moving to and fro, intcrchanging warm greetings
and renewing friendships. The sight was pleas
ing and gratifying in the extreme, and to one who
had participated in their hardships and privations,
and shared their dangers, rejoicing with them now
that they were permitted to rekinde the fires of
friendship and resolve that these shall be kept
alive and brightly burning,-to such an one there
came, yelling up from the depths of earnest
nature, emotions too profoundly sacred for utter
ance. Remembrance Of the trying scenes now
passed forever; of the loved comrades sleeping
meath the sod on distant battle-felds of the many
cherries, and anon the bright hours spent in tho
bivouac and on the march of the dark and gloomy
prospect which overshadowed the cause and pre-
saged defeat; of the shouts Of victory and the sui
lenness of discontinue; Of the final surrender
remembrance of all these things camo crowding
thick and fast upon him who shared the joys and
endured the tolls Of Confederate soldiers life.
All such memories 80 sadly sweet and expressive,
are best removed from the worlds glitterng stare,
and there is no wonder that the bravest of our
soldiers maintain reticenco and command silence
OH their keeping.
But we have digressed And yet the spirit
which actuated the movers towards this meeting
embodied tho revival of tho memories whereof we
have written, and it is meet to havo reference to
their renewal, in this connection. We cannot
dwell, however, upon the impressive scene. Youth
and manhood wero here, and all united most
heartily in furthering tho objects for which they
had assembled to wit, tho organization of o So
cety intended to be mutually beneficial and which
shall preserve the record of names that were en-
rolled in defence Of heme and country. Simply
this, and nothing more, influenced the remnants of
battalions and companies which won imperishable
honor, and gained an enduring fame by thoir
courage, constancy and devotion. Who could for
bid the poor privilege of allowing men who had
achieved SO much for the American namo to unite
| in such an organization None, verify, none.
| AS will be seen on reference to the proceedings
officially reported, the meeting was called to order
at noon. Every arm and branch of the service
were prescnted-infantry, cavalry and artillery
of tho regular volunteers, and the troops ordered
into service by the State authorities. Such an as
scmblage has never been together in midst, and
| doubtless there wero many incidents of the field
and camp related ad Interim for there were occa-
sions offered during the progress of the meeting to
indulge freely in conversation.
The proceedings had scarcely begun, when ii
was announced that one of our most distinguished
Generals, WADE HAalrToN, was in town. This an
nouncement was received with evident satisfac-
| tion and subsequently when the gallant General
entered the Court House, escorted by the Commit
tee appointed to invite him to unto with the SOL
ders of Anderson District on this interesting oc-
casion, the entire assemblage welcomed him with
| long continued applause. When this apprecative
greeting had subsidized, Gen. HAMPTON was for
| mally introduced to tho audience, which again
demonstrated its respect and affection for the
gifted soldier. In response to this impromptu
ovation, tho General, although in feeble health and
scarcely able to sustain tho effort, delivered most
happy, feeling and appropriate speech. AS we
have the pleasure of reproducing the remarks of
Gen. H., Through tho kindness of tho Secretaries,
who reported them almost entirely,) We forbear
comment. The reader will observe that his speech
was timely and opporunc, breathing the spirit
which should actuatc every honest patriot in these
trying times. The audience were highly pleased,
frequently applauding tho great cavalry leader,
and especially when lie referred to the cause in
whose defence he once bore such q conspicuous
part. All felt that it fortuitous circumstance
which brought him into our midst at this particu-
lar timo. As stated above, Gen. HAMPTON is in
delicate health, and was only passing through our
village on his way to the mountains. His pres
encc, advice and encouragement done much to
stimulate the movement, and no doubt served to
strengthen the resolve of many to sustain our be-
lovod State in her hour of misfortune and gloom.
The effort of our eloquent friond Col. WARREN
D. WILKES, in support of tho resolutions offered
and in furtherance of the objects proposed by this
meeting was one of his most fclictous produc-
tions. His widespread reputation as an orator
was ably sustained on Saturday, and all could per-
ceivo that his heart was thoroughly enlisted in the
charitable work Of preserving the record and per-
pctuating the names of the soldiers in Anderson
District, well striving to accomplish relief for
| the survivors of those who wcre slain in battle,
even though that relief proves inadequate to their
wants.
Another incident of the occasion was marked
and expressive. The enrolment of names has q
deeper significance than at first presents itself
This becomes q permanent record, and will be
carefully preserved for generations to come, SO
that in after times the descendants of these Scared
veterans nay proudly point to their names as
among the gallant armies who wagcd fearful
war in defence of tmc-honored principles, and
| shed impcrishablc lustre by their glorious
achievements on wcl-fought fields. Who does not
feel O lingo of pride at the bare thought that his