The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-07-31
-Addres. of Cen. Hampton.

~ Address Of Gen. Hampton.
The proceedings of5i,r,-un ion of tn
Hampton Legion wero opened by Gen.
Hampton, as follows:
FELLow-SoLDIERs OF THE LEGION: In
assuming the position to which you have
called me, it would be ungraoious to you,
and unjust to myself, were not to tell
you how deeply this action, on your
part, and this warm greeting, have
touched N.Y., heart. To me this scene
possesses peculiar and tender signifi-
cance, for it brings back vividly the
memories and associations Of tho past.
At the first coll to arms in the late war
gallant band Of patriots, who were
destined to win for themselves an indy
ing fame, did me the honor to choose me
rs their leader. On this day, fourteen
men and brave soldiers together in
bonds that can never be broken on earth,
were cemcntcd Dy the best blood of our
comrades on the glorious field of
Manassas. :. 1t is not for mo to tell you,
on this occasion, of that heroic and
desperate fight; our gallant and dis
tinguishcd comraac, who is to speak for
the Legion tonight, will doubtless do so
fully and we'll. But this 1 will say, that
q longan large experience, gained on
many of the great historic fields of the
war, has convinced me, beyond all
doubt, that tho Legion had the good
dny to:turn what threatened Mt one time
to be defeat into a glorious victory,
than any other command engaged. Far
be it from me to detrnct the fame Of any
Of the brave troops who shared with us
tho perils and glories of that bloody day,
and still more unbecoming would it he
in me to claim any merit for myscly. 1t
was only our good fortune to come on
the field Mt the proper place at critical
moment Of, the battle, and your high
and stubborn courage it was, then, men
of the Legion, that stemmcd the tide of
retreat, and my only merit it was, that
in response to what felt was the instinc-
tive call of every heart in the command,
I led you where the fire was the heaviest.
But do not propose to touch on themes
which belong to our orator tonight. In
his hands your fame will be safe, and
history will pcrpetuatc it. Mine, is the
less high but not less grateful task of
thanking you for the renewed evidence
you give me of your confidence and
affection, by calling me, on this uuspi-
cious occasion of our first reunion, to
direct your deliberations, now in peace,
as you then called on me to direct your
conduct in war. Believe me, my dear
old friends, that appreciate this honor
from the bottom of my heart. Nor is
this the only debt of gratitude due by
me to you. I have to thank you for your
war of the very highest soldierly qualities;
for having sustained mc with an un-
faltering trust; for having entitled your
selves by your conduct to all the love
and pride IL commander could ever
lavish upon his troops, and for having
placed on your historic and unblemishcd
banner my name, thus transmitting to
our children, for all generations to come,
the fact Of which am SO justly proud,
that you deemed me worthy to lead
''The Hampton Legion" Although
tho eXigencics of the service demanded,
in the course of the war n separation Of
the constituent parts of the Legion, thus
taking portion, for IL time, from my
immediate command, l watched with
the deepest interest the conduct of all,
and felt always the highest pride in the
noble achievements of every branch of
the command. To mo you were always;
my Legion, anl wherever yon bayonets
cleaned, or your sabrcs flashed, or your
artillery thundcrcd, Jay heart WAS with
you, for there my men were lighting, and
felt pride like that father feels III
tho noble deeds of his SONS. Knowing
this, YOU can readily understand, tried
and trustcI friends OF the Legion, :l.at L
use no idle words when | lid you heart
lily anl cordially welcome! welcome IL
one and all to each and every arm of
the command. Zach Of these arms CON
tributIl is full share II .hc common
glory Of the whole, and You lave won
fame Snliricnt tof all. L.: t'scrc lie no
aii;:cnrrou.s rivalry .,;w', :hc different
bc.,lrcil,; OF The coL.iiiti.,,, bat only 1t
;,.uc:uuS emulation. We III to"EI:: 81;
the cad o.: oar coi.in"n ia0tICr, TIA;
proud ani dear Carolina ot old. u:
fought IN 4. common cu,,sv, ana Wc t'ou.n:
under {, cu:nlnol banner '','!" Ga; o.!
the l..ion.' iou have not fora":;ui.,
my c,,inralo>, .hat d,..r Oh H.: =, Nou
think oi il "e:in. doc, not :. .,oo,! Of
!.ro;i h'lt sal nomoril#."o:! oi'r oi.Y