The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-03-14

loved so we'll.
What just pride for our section of the
country--what an especial glory for Vir-
ginia, to have produced two such men !
That grand cd State has long list of
immortal names; but if she had none
save Washington and Lee, these alone
would vindicate her civilization to the re-
motest generations. Successful rebellion
becomes patriotism: Let us honor Wash
ington az the fortunate leader of the
armies that achieved our independence /;
as the founder of our institutions and the
great exemplar of the Continent. But
let us not forget to drop one silent tear t9
the memory Of Lee, the great leader of
the Army of Northern Virginia which
carried upon its bayonets the fortunes OF
the Confederate South-the true repre-
sentative of his people, and the counter
part of Washington in all things but sue
cess.
THE WASHINGTON ARTILLERY.
GentlS,lea ofNte Washington artillery:
I AMI indebted to your kindness for the
honor of being with you to-day. You
called ME from professional laborS in the
battle of life-in these days indeed bat
tie. To respond to your call would be a
pleasure at any time, but at this particu-
lar juncture in our affairs it seemed to be
something more-a duty. This. is the
first return of the birthday of Washing
ton since the redemption of the State
from race domination and corrupt mis-
rule and being more anxious to be use
full than striking, it occurred to me that
we might avail ourselves of the associa-
tions connected with this day to refresh
our own patriotism, and to suggest to our
people some practical thoughts as to the
necessity and duty of mitigating as far as
possible sectional jealousies and cultiyat-
ing sentiments of An enlarged patriotism.
The life of Washington is standing e1-
hortation to his countrymen in behalf of
harmony, fraternity and peace. In this
view, have spoken frankly and sincere
ly opinions long entertained, and now it
only remains to say a-few words to you
personally.
You have many reasons for pride and
congratularion. You have a right to be
proud of your home-this grand old city
SO deseryedly famous for the generous
hospitality and high culture of her citi-
zens. Charleston has been conspicuous in
every great conflict Of this country, from
the time prior to the Declaration of In
dependence, when the feet of Sir Peter
Parker, shattered and shivered By the
Palmetto loen on wonder island, was
driven ever the bar-until more recently
Fort Sumter, though in ruins, frowns de-
fance o'er.the deep, and, like the dying
gladiator,
Consents to death, but conquers agony"
Whilst Washington was quartered at
Richmond Hill, on the Hudson, oppress-
ed by the responsibilities of his position
as commander-in-chief, and especially
anxious about the fate of.New York then
impending, this weight Was for time
lifted from his great heart by dispatch
from SCharleston bearing date June %,
1776, and containing these words:
"The cool courage they displayed as
tonished and enraptured me, for l do as
sure, my dear general, 1 never expert
enced better fire. Twelve full hours it
was continued without intermission.
The noble fellows who were mortally
wounded conjured their brethren never
to abandon the standard of liberty.
Those who lost their limbs deserted not
their posts. Upon the whole they acted
like Romans in the third century"
Such were your ancestors, the defenders
of Fort Moultrie, as reported to the COM
mander-in. chief by one who MAS himself
a distinguished soldier. vino was cradled
in the British army, had served in the
famous campaigns of Europe, command
ed Cossacls, fought with Turks, talked
with Frederick the Great, and been aide
de-camp to the King of Poland-Major-
Gen. Ciras. Lee, then the commander of
the Southern armies.
You have reason to congratulate your
selves in being the originators of this
happy celebration and grand reunion for
which al! Of us, your guests and the
country, are so much indebted to you.
Bearing the immortal name of Washing
toa, there is a pleasing appropriateness
in celebrating his birthday under your
auspices. Thi, good fortune is enhanced
by your being on this occasion the rep
resentative of the newly organized citi-
zen soldiery of the State-who, ignored.
overslaughed and disbanded during the
dark tines, have, in connection with
good government, sprang into existence
armed cap.a.pie like Minerva from the
head of JoTe.
1t is also peculiar felicity that on this
day Of Kindness and good fellowship
springing from common pride in Wash.
ingtoD, and sense OF common country
and common duties and destinies-you
have present as your honored guests,
uniting with you in the patriotic services
of the day, distinguished citizen soldiers
from other cities Of the State, as we'll as
from sister States-from Georgia, the
Diomed of the Revolution, the youngest
of the old Thirteen that followed Wash
ington, but now the Empire State of the
South, and from Virginia, the mother Of
Patrick Henry, who kindled the fires of
r.sistanee--of Thomas. Jefferson, who
wrote the Declaration of Independence
and of George Washington, who
achieved that independence with his
sword.
Friends and fellow citizens, Washing
TOMS birthday, which should always
make US one, this year, from a sense of
contrast with the recent past, brings to
us unwonted brightness and joy. 1t is
to us indeed a day of rejoicing; and
when to this is added the pleasure OF
your kind visit and sympathy, we verify
believe .ho year of jubilee has come.
Georgians, Virginians, Carolinians, coun-
trymen all, in the name of the Washing.
ton Artillery, in the name of the City Of
Charleston, in the name of the citizen
soldiery, and of the whole Common
wealth, l bid you welcome, thrice vel
come to the hearts and homes Of the
Palmetto State.
1t is the constitutional rig ght Of every
citizen to bear arms. 1t is not only his
privilege but his duty in view of the fact
that liberty in its last analysis is but the