The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-07-18
TUE EDlSTO RIFLES,
A HISTORY OF THIS GALLANT CORPS
FROM ITS ORGANIZATION,

i1sn GplplU LA uLSt
o.
HISTORY OF THIS GALLANT CORPS
FROM ITS ORGANIZATION.
The folloMing alstorIeal sEstch2of
theEdisto Rifles from the organization
of the Company down to the present
time was read by Gen. Jas. T. Izlar
OF the late picnic of the Compay:
FRIENDS AND FELLOW SOLDIERS -
That ancient historian, Charles Rol-
lin, says: "History has with reason
been called the evidence of time, the
ilght of truth, the school Of virtue the
depository of events, and, if the ex.
preston may be allowed, the faithful
messenger of antiquity" And again,
"The first duty of an author, who in
tends to compose history, and to
transmit the knowledge AND remem-
brance Of pastfaetiois 30 hosterity is,
TO make choice Of a subject, great no.
BILE and affecting, which by the va
riety and Importance of facts, may
render the reader attentive, and
keep him always in kind Of busy
suspense; and lastly engross and
please him by the nature itself of the
events, and the good success that ter
inmates them." Your request that
should give you sketch of the his
tory Of the "Edisto Rifles" from its
earliest organization down to the pres
ent time, has furnished me with a sub
ject "great, noble and affecting" A
subject (which by the variety and
Importance" OF the facts connected
and interviewer with it, is calculated
to arrest your attention, engross your
mind, and enlist your sympathies
and finally to entertain and please,
by recital Of the stirring events,
thrilling incidents, and wonderful
achievements of that grand army of
which your gallant company formed
part. But while ,yparskipdnessa has
furnished the true 'subiect;, shalP not
arrogate to myself the title of histo-
rian of the "Edisto Rifles" Of whose
history you are SO justly proud, but
leave that pleasant and agreeable
duty to some abler and more eloquent
pen.
shall endeavor only TO give a
brief, faithful and accurate account
Of the organization Of the Company,
the names Of the officers and men,
who from time to time composed, and
commanded it, and the engagements
during the recent war in which i;
took. part.
Tie "Edisto Rifles" were organized
in the year 1851. 1t was volunteer
corps, and was attached to the Four
teenth Regiment, South Carolina Mi
litia. The first Captain was John. j.
Salley, native Of Orangeburg Coun-
ty, who had received military train
ing and education at West Point.
His commission as Captain Of thc
Edisto Rifles was issued by Governor
Means, aud. bears date the 18th day
of October, 1851. His rank dated
from 18th July, 1851! John j. Sal
ley still liTes-a man honored' and
respected in his community, aas a
good citizen, faithful friend, and,
christian gentleman. May the life
history Of the FIRST Captain of the Ed
isto Rifles, teach useful and valua-
bic lessons to- us the survivors,
the present members, and to those
"hot tn;t4he@ tT4 future sHal compose the
rank and file Of our worthy and not
undistinguished corps.
The officers with Capt. John j.
Salley were First lieutenant, JOHN
Y. Glover, Second Lieutenant,
-, and Third Lieutenant, -.
Ahont the r;-- day Of :=-, 49,,
Captain Salley resigned, when First
Lieutenant John v. Glover was pro-