Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-20


who went with the Ogleshorpes to Virginia
"a young lawyer, whose delicate frame
seemed little suited for the hardships of a
soldiers life-Colonel /. w. Avery. He was
destined, however, to become one Of the
most gallant cavalry officers that ever lead
charge.
Soon after the first campaign In Virginia
he was authorized to raise q regiment of
cavalry, at the head of which he made for
himself q name, which will stand high on
the rolls of Georgia's gallant sons. Col.
Avery commanded brigade Of cavalry for
year, ard was twice in command of a
division In independent engagements. He
was thrice recommended for promotion to
Brigadiership, and was finally, towards the
close OF the war, actually commissioned q
Brigadier-General Of cavalry and his ap-
pointment was announced In the Richmond
papers.
In the confusion incident to the last days
of the Confederacy, however, and in the
destruction OF mail communication, his
commission did not reach him, and he
never assumed the rank to which he was
entitled. This gallant gentleman expected
to have been present tonight, but business
engagements prevented his attendance. He
has sent letter instead which, with your
permission, will read.n
Colonel Estill then read the following
letter from Colonel Isaac w. Avery:
ATLANTA, GA, January Is, 1881.
Captain RO6t. FdlhoGnt. Commanding O0ie-
thorpe Light IrlfGntry Savannah, Ga.
DEAR CAPTAIN-I very much regret that the
unusual pressure of official business in the
Exc utive Department forbids my attending
the anniversary celebration of the Oglethorpe
Light Infantry on the 18th inst in Savannah
twill be an occasion Of deep interest to those
who have had the privilege of being connected
with the organization; and for me IL would
have been special pleasure to have shared in
the reunion
My own membership dates back over twenty
years. Though but a private in the ranks
hold in high esteem that untitled position in
our now historic company. 1t was my for
tune to participate in two incidents of its his
tory that possess a peculiarly valuable historic
significance
When the memorable seizure of Fort Pulaski
was made und.r order of Governor JOS E.
Brown detachment of Oglethorpes was de-
tanned In the forcs that p rformed that duty,
aud the number Included myself. The seizure
was made on the Sd day of January 1851 sig
Teen days before Georgia seeded from the
Union and resumed her sovereignty. and was
the first hostile act of the war that practically
began the most colossal revolution of the
worlds history.
When the company left Savannah on a
sweet morning In the sunny month of NAV
1901. for the crimson battle fields of. Virginia.
IL was my privilege to go with it on it's heroic
mission. And the participation in that move
Inent loses none Of its cherished value from
the fact that to this company belongs the
proud distinction of being the first organiza-
tlon that enlisted in the Confederate army for
the war. It's chivalrous and distinguished
leader, the lamented Barlow, was in the Con-
rederate Congress, holding the important place
OF chairman OF the Military Committee. Up
to that time all of the troops were mustered
Tor only twelve months service. The bill
authorizing the enlistment of soldiers for the
war passed Congress under charge of Captain
Bartow was carried by him to the President
Ior MS signature, and the moment it thus be-
came the law, he promptly telegraphed the
fact 10 his expsctant company of eager young
patrlots, that they might. be the first to take
advantage or the information. A meeting was
Immediately called. and amid fiery glow of
enthusiasm, the tender of service for the war
was nasned over the wires and the swift ac-
ceptanoe or the ardent proffer made the OgIe-
th0rpes the first soldiers of the Confederacy
enlisted to the end
These two glorious and distinctive records of
honor were sadly but resplendentlv supple-
mented by furnishing in the heroic death of
BartoW at the Hateful struggle of Manassas the
nrsG conspicuous martyr Of the revolution.
Ana the subsequent career of the company in
its four long years of desperate fighting and
unstained valor forms fitting continuance of
so rare beginning of service and chivalry
My own ire lStible predictions were for a
ol1erent branch OF arms, and transfer to the
cavalry OF the West removed me from the
fed or operations, where the Oglethorpes
added constantly to their achievements of in
| trepld patriotism. But in the eventful vicissi-
| IuuSS OI distant CONNECTS IL was an exquisite
realization for me to know that the noble com
| pany was true To the mission. pre1gured in
| the ringing words OF its beloved and gallant
| leader, of illustrating Georgia.
| In conclusion, permit me with a cordial ex-
| preston of interest in the welfare of each one
| so fortunate as to join in this touching re-
union, to offer this earnest sentiment:
| The Oglethorpe Light Infantry of Savannah.
| Georgia! The first organized band of South.
| ern patriots to cOnsecrate valor to Southern
hDertY. Ithas won radiant heritage of glory
dead Your friend and comrade.
1. w. AVERY.
This concluded the regular toasts, after
| which Major Jordan F. Brooks announced
that he was in receipt of letters of regrets
at their inability to attend from the follow
lag gentlemen: Captain Joseph Lachlison,
Of Darien, formerly of Company B, Ogle.
thorpe Light Infantry, which was Company
II, First Georgia Regiment during the war;
Colonel E. c. Anderson, Judge William D..
Harden, Captain s. Yates Levy, Messrs.
James E. Grady, W. D. Oliveira, P. H.
! O'Brien, c. j. Burroughs, Ed. Mcintyre,
f. II. Thomson, Fred. A. Jones and DR.. R..
P. Myers.
After reading several of these letters, the
| following gentlemen, being called on for
volunteer toasts, responded: Captain W. G..
Waller, Mr.. Ben George-who was Corporal
In the first parade of the Oglethorpes and
Wuo oeIFeu III virginia III Ine twenty 0rSt
Mississippi Regimen = the made a very
| happy speech, which was received
with loud applause. MIR. W. H.
Baker, who also responded at
some length with great happiness; Capt
George w. Lamar, who made very humor-
GUS little speech, concluding with an anec-
dote which drought down the house;'
ex-Lieutenant W. B. Nell, who described
graphically and In a very interesting
manner, the last scenes at Appomattox, and
Mr.. Horace A Crane, who responded briefly
and appropriately.
Several others present, among them Adju.
tant Gaillard and Lieutenant Gleason
were called on, but plead various
excuses. The rest of the evening
was devoted to amusing anecdotes
from Messrs. Vincent, Falligant and Gass-
man and other members of the company,
songs from Major Brooks and Captain Falfi-
giant, and duet in German by Messrs. Chas.
Gassman and VIM. NJ. Snead. The whole
concluded with "Auld Lang SYne," as s
grand finale, all present joining in the sing
ing. About one O'Clock the banquet ended,
and the verdict was unanimous that a more
delightful reunion was never experienced
in Savannah.