The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-07-29
0RR'S REGIMENT OF RIFLES.
THE REUNION AT WALHALLA.
ANlMMENsE GATHERING.


Rifles at Walhalla, on Wednesday, 2lst
of July, was decided success. The
thronging memories Of the past seemed
to inspirit the veteran survivors, and the
exchange of cordial greetings between
them showed the amity and concord
which. existed among the members OF
this famous command. Many of the
survivors were meeting for the first time
since the bloody drama of the late war
closed at AppomattoX, and twas touch
ing scene to witness the fraternal re-
union of men whose deeds of valor were
once the admiration of the civilized
world. Ten years devotion to peaceful
pursuits, struggling with adversely and
with the disadvantages by which they
have been surrounded, has not effaced
the warmth and enthusiasm towards
each other of the men who stood shoul-
der to shoulder in q gallant struggle for
civil liberty, and in defence of an ever
lasting principle. Defeat and disaster
bind them closer together in fraternal
bonds, and their manly$eforts since the
war to become good and useful citizens
exempts such men from the carping
criticism of blind partisans and ignorant
zealots.
The object of this reunion was mainly
of social character, and to provide the
means of preserving the records of the
command. Its social pleasures and ben
etits were gratifying to every one in at
tendance, and were greatly enhanced by
the presence of ladies and gentlemen
from every section of the up-country,
who were anxious to do honor to the
occasion. The preservation of impor-
tant records will occupy the attention OF
those with which the duty has been en-
trusted, and we are pleased to know that
the action of the Anderson companies
will serve as guide to the others il pre-
pairing full and complete history of the
command.
The exercises of the day began with
the formation of the Regiment at Bic
mann's Hotel at IL o'clock, under the
officers last commanding, and marching
thence in column of companies to VIE
ber's Spring, which is situated in grove,
on the west side of the town. Col. G..
Med. Miller was in command of the
survivors, and r. R. Hemphill, Esq, of
the Abbeville Medium, acted as Adju-
tant. Nearly two hundred and fifty
men were in ranks, representing the
companies from Anderson, Abbeville
and Pickens-nine in all. The compa-
ny from Marion was not represented.
at the head Of the Regiment was flag,
borne by Sergt. r. Y. II. Lowry, which
was originally presented by the ladies of
Charleston. This flag was afterwards
exchanged for one presented by Mrs. J..
Foster Marshall, which was borne in the
centre of the Regiment, and is the one
recently forwarded from Atlanta.
The march to the stand was exceeding
ly hot and dusty, reminding the veterans
of similar experiences in more stirring
times. when the end of the march was
not so easily determined. The column
was headed by the Walhalla Brass Band,
portion of whose members belonged to
Orr's Regiment.
The platform for the speakers was in
an open place, and protected from the
sun with green brushes overhead. The
were massed in front of the
stand, placing the members Of the Reg
ment in close proximity to the speakers.
The immense gathering of visitors sur
the little circle Of survivors,
and eagerly sought positions to listen
with advantage. A number of distin-
guished members of Orr's Regiment and
several invited guests occupied the stand,
including Col. G. Med. Miller, Adjutant
w. C. Keith, Col. J. Townes Robertson,
Col. F. E. Harrison, Col. J. ". Living
ston, Col. j. j. Norton, Col. J. S. Goth
ran, Mai. John B. Moore, and others
connected with the command; Gen.
Samuel MCGOWAN, who commanded the
Brigade to which Orr's Rifles were at
tached; and members of the press, in
Guiding Mr.. j. Calvin Hemphill, of the
Abbeville Medium, who reported the
proceedings for the Charleston Nears and
Courier; Mr.. E. M. Taylor, of the Green
vile Daily Ne,cS, and several others.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by Rev. J. G. Law, Of Walhalla, who
invoked the blessing Of Almighty God
upon this meeting OF former comrades,
asking His guidance and direction in all
things, and earnestly praying that each
and every survivor might enlist under
the banner of the Cross, fighting the
good fight of Faith, and ultimately at
tanning a blessed reunion beyond ihe
skies.
In brief and appropriate language,
Col. Miller then welcomed the survi-
vors, and introduced the first speaker,
Adjutant w. C. Keith, who entertained
the audience for about thirty minutes.
The address of COL Keith was finished
production, in which he extended a hearty
welcome to all, and alluded briefly in his
opening remarks to the causes which led to
the clash of arms, making the South a mil
itary camp for four years. Scarcely house
hold or family that did not feel the dire
results of grim-visased war, which swept
away the youth and talent of tho country.
1t is a sacred duty to gather the records OF
heyoism and courage so frequently exhib