Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-08-18
TILE OLD THIRD GEORGIA.
The Third Reunion of the Survivors
Association at TalIuIah Falls-Remin-
soo.oas Of the War

iscences of the War.
Mention was made in the columns of
the MORNING NEWS several days ago of
the departure of Major A. A. VIM, Sec
rotary OF the Survivors Association of
the Third Georgia Regiment, for Tallulah
Falls. where the association met in ae-
cordance with established custom.
Major VIM returned TO the city yester-
day. after an adjournment of the associa-
ton, and was sought By News repre-
sentative at his residence, No. 113 Perry
street, in order 10 learn something Of the
proceedings Of the reunion.
How many reunions has the cid Third
Georgia Regiment had since the close of
the war" inquired the reporter.
Three altogether. The first at Union
Point, Ga. July Both and 31st, 1874, the
second at Portsmouth, Virginia, August
4th, 9Th and 9Th, 1915. and the third at
Tallulah Falls, August 9th and 10th the
present year."
ssWhy was Portsmouth selected as the
second meeting of the associations"
because it was the scene Of our first
years service and the home of many
cherished friends and associations. 1t
was here that the regiment was first
organized. being the first Georgia regi-
= -
AT many stations on our way there
we were met by the flashing of red artil-
lery and by enthusiastic cheers from the
crowds. our arrival in Portsmouth was
attended with the widest demonstration,
and the people in every direction greeted
US with friendly feeling and good cheer"
THE reunion just held" continued the
Major, lin all respects, was most glO-
riOus One-a grand success in every par
ticular. growing out of the fact that the
committee which met in Augusta OH the
Both Of June selected this remote place in
preference 10 all others. 1t was one of
the largest we have had, and it is doubt
full whether another reunion will ever be
held equal TO this one in respect TO the at
tendance and the good feeling that ex-
lsted."
@sWhat was accomplished at this re-
uniOn:''
at has resulted in each company fur
nishing the Secretary with full history
OF its organization, embracing the muster
roll. encampments, battles, marches, list
and all other matters of general interest,
including memorial notices OF the dead
during the war and since"
Has the association an idea OF prepar-
ing history Of its operations"
AT our first reunion at Union Point,
Captain G. III. Andrews. Of Madison. Ga.
was elected historian Of the regiment. for
the purpose of preparing as complete
history Of the command as possible.
After few years research he compiled a
history up to the time Of the battle Of
Gettysburg, but owing to sickness was
compelled to relinquish his duties, when
Colonel James .. Farrell, of Athens, WAS
appointed to continue the work. 1t is the
intention of the command to get up as full
and as complete a history Of the old or
ganiZation as possible, and every measure
will be used to carry out the plans"
During the reunion" remarked Major
Winn, memorial services were held on
the death Of Capt stephen A. Corker,
first Vice President, Capt. Alex. Phillips,
Ouartermaster. and DR.. A. G.. {. ThOmp-
son. Assistant Surgeon of the regiment.
Many letters were received from promi-
nent parties Tegretting their inability to
attend the reunion, notable among
which was one from Gen. Malone, of Nir-
ginia. who extended unusual cOurtesies
to the survivors While visiting Peters
burg in 1915. Letters were also read
from Col. Joseph d. Brady, and
Major Sidney Herbert, OF the
Federal army. General &. Monkey SOrrell,
who was at one time the brigade COM
mander, and who was anXiously inquired
for by the boys; General r. Ii. Anderson,
Hon. p. W. Meldrim, Col. II. 4. Wayne,
DR.. r. p. Myers. Col. Devort, Hon. Rufus
+. Lester, Captain Dillon and others.
Letters full of tenderness and pathos
were also received from Mrs. Geo. W.
Grice. of Portsmouth, Va, her husband
having been Quartermaster of the regi-
ment. and who contributed very material
~ to the reunion of the regiment
at Portsmouth in 1870. from Mrs. X. II.
Tatem, who was uutiring in her efforts to
relieve the sick and wounded Of the Third
Georgia while stationed at Portsmouth in
the dark and bloody days of 81. This es-
Unable lady is the mother Of our esteemed
fellow townsman, Mr.. r. II. Tatem.
There was some mention made re-
garding the old battle-tiag which played
an important part at the reunion. What
about the history OF this tlag:"
During the reunion the old flag was
suspended over the grand stand. 1t was
carried from Malvern Hill to AppOmattOX
in triumph, and was never touched by
the hand of the enemy. 1t was taken off
the staff by Col. Claiborne Snead, the
last commander of the regiment, and
wrapped around his body, con-
cealed and brought home. 1t
was faded by sunshine and storm,
and shot into fragments by bullets. 1t
has been in the keeping Of Col. Snead
since the war. There being some doubt
about the preserving of this old time-hon.
ored relic, 1t was suggested, In a neat and
complimentary speech by Major W. ID.
Luckie, that it henceforth be placed in
the hands of Miss Lizzie Snead, the bril-
liant and accomplished daughter of Col.
Snead.
AT this reunion at Tallulah Falls senti-
ments and tOasts were given which will
long be remembered. Speeches brilliant
and fun of tenderness were made
by Col. II. b. Nesbit, Of Eden
ton, son Of Judge +. A. Nesbit, of
the Supreme Court Of Georgia; W. ID.
Luckie. of Atlanta. Col. \. B. MOntgom-
cry. of Rome; Capt. Clancy, of Macon;
W. +. COnnor, Of Macon; j. W. Indy, of
ErwintOn; George Russell, of Shady
Dale, and Joseph Davidson; also DR..
John T. kilby. of Virginia, who travelled
800 miles to participate in this reunion.
The next reunion will be had at Suf-
folk. Va. the third Wednesday in July
next"
The following letter from ex-President
Jefferson Davis was received by 'the
Secretary a day too late; consequently, it
was not read before the association. 1t is
given herewith in order that the sur
yivOrs may see its tone and tenor, which
will no doubt be appreciated by every one:
BFAUvoIR, Miss. August >, 1888.
Captain 4 i. Vim. Secretary mira GeO5giG
.SurrjrOrs. Savannah, Georgia.
DEAR SIR-Accept my thanks for the kind
shown TO me in the invitation
To attend the reunion OF the Third Georgia
Regiment Of the COnfederacy.
/ regret that circumstances will not enable
me TO be present with you and share in the re
which your reunion will awake.
The survivors. few compared TO those who
originally filed the ranks Of your regiment,
will have the sadness with which they marked
the vacant places relieved by the stern
consolation that each one who gave his life
in the defense of our cause die1 on the teId of
ton0r. Georgia freely gave her sons in 1861 -Gj,
and bravely those sons met the shock Of the
first battles in defense of the eternal truths
and resultant rights for which Georgia sever
ed her Colonial ties and asserted herself free,
sovereign and independent State. With just
pride in the memories Of the past. and we'll
founded hopes for the future greatness of your
state the trials through which you have
passed, and the disasters YOU have borne. you
NAV with stout hearts put behind you in the
,teddy march you are making in the develop
ment Of all which truly constitutes a great
state To each and all the survivors of the