The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1880-10-21
The Kings mountain Centennlal.
sPARTANDURo. 8. C., Oct. 9. 1880

| SPARTANBURG. .. u, Oct. 3, 1880.
EDITOR SBRTIEEL: will endeavor TO give
you only brief account Of one days experi-
enoe at the much spoken Of Kings Mountain
/ Centennial; although tho breyity ofmy CON-
munication will fall short Of an accurate do,
soription. 18 iM '#f &
! y One hundred years ago, October 7th, 1880.
was q period when a-deep gloom of excitement
| overhung the cause Of American Independence
| Il was time when the confidence of America 8
best friends was shaken. And yet in the
midst of this wall, Of woe, in the near future
there was awaiting he.American army o glo-
rious success in the defeat Of British cham
pions. 1t is not necessary that 1 should re-
view the various events which crowd them,
selves into the history Of that memorable day
but make, it suffice by declaring the tri-
umphant result in the words of Th0s Jeffer>
son, of Virginia, the third President of the
United States: cit was the joyful enuEciation
of that turn in the tide of success that termi-
mated the Revolutionary war with the seal of
our Independence" On last Thursday morn
ing mass of people, who came from many
parts Of the United States, assembled on the
antiquated spot to pay homage to their fallen
heroes, and to watch the unwilling of monu>
ment which is supposed to stand throughout
coming centuries, reyerencing the bravery and
patriotism which characterized the worthy
competitors Of America, who fought with
Great Britain for the cause of free govern :
ment. The thirteen colonies which existed at
that time, were each represented by q flag, and
| in the midst Of these unfurled banners there
could be seen, resting in the serene atmos.
phere of Kings Mountain, that one, which
filled each heart of South Carolina with feel>
ings Of high appreciation and immortal de-
| light. Many of Americas noble sons who
are to-day sustaining TIE glorious cause Of
| I~lo - III 4 bo,,.
| umphantly won, were present at the unveling
Of the monument, and with blended efforts
they -occasioned tile events Of last Thursday
| to pass away with great success and undyiug
| grandeur. The oration was delivered by Ex-
| Congressman Daniels, of Virginia, who spoke
at length in mighty tones Of eloGuence, fol-
lowed by Col. Campbell, of Tennessee, a de-
| scendent OF the great commander Of the Kings
| Mountain bnttle. Many other prominent
statesmen were present, among whom were
| Governor Jeter and Senator Butler, OF
s. c.; Gov. Colquitt, of Ga; Senator Vance
and Gov JarTis Of N. c.; Gov. Holiday, OF
Va. Many other distinguished guests were
present, but will desist from further mention,
The U. s. band, which once occupied the
Citadel Of Charleston, but now of Atlanta,
furnished music for the OCCASION and led the
procession rom the stand to the monument
1t was followed by the several military COM
panies present, and directly in the rear of the
latter came the fair forms who represented the
States Of South and North Carolina, Virginia
and Tennessee. On reaching the monument
the band played in soft and melodious tones
the suggestive song "Aslecp in Jesus. While
the strains Of this piece fell feclngly upon the
ear of the vast audience, the gentle hands OF
the fur young ladies drew the chords, and
soon the monument in all Of it's beauty and
splendor was presented TO the eye of The nnx.
ious spectators. Then n feeling Of seriousness
and admiration penetrnt ed the henrs of nd
mrcrs. who listened with dstinctness TO the
Long Metre Doxology so beautifully and pa-
thetically played by The band. The obelisk is
about % fee, high with a solid foundation, and
nice engraving, and will stand there, il is
hoped, for years yet to come, TO perpetuntc
the memory Of those who fought 80 vaiently
| for American Independence. NoMEN.