Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-02-05
THE REPUBLICAN BLUES.
The Corps Presented HandsOm
Portrait of its Oldest Surviving Mel


The Corps Presented y Handsome Oil
Portrait of its Oldest Surviving Mem
her.
An interesting incident occurred at the
meeting of the Republican Blues last
night, in the presentation to the company
OF handsome oil portrait of Honorary
Member Philip NJ. Russell, Sr. After the
transaction Of the regular business. Col.
Clifford W. Anderson was Introduced bv
Capt. Dixon, and stated that as an old
member OF the company be had
been called upon 10 discharge an
exceedingly pleasant duty. A few
weeks ago Hon. Philip NJ. Russell COM
pleted the 5lst year of his membership of
the Blues, and in compliance with the
request made by the members in antici-
pation OF that anniversary, for portrait
to adOrn the armOTy, he was present to
lender the command the likeness asked
for and TO express the sentiments of the
Blues in acknowledgment of the receipt
Of the gift. Col. Anderson continuing,
said that he was sure he voiced the senti-
ment Of every honorary, veteran, exempt
and active member Of the Blues
when he said the request Cor the
portrait came not from a few. but from
a
century Judge Russell had been a faithful,
devoted and Jealous member of the com
pany. Joining it under the chivalrous
and gallant POOler. he remained on
its active list during the long
number Of years, nearly &c. dur
iug which his own father, the late
Capt. Anderson. was in command. and re-
ceived the active and Jealous cO-OpRra-
ton Of Judge Russell in all matters per-
g, off
Anderson referred To the memorable
parade on May 1, 1860, when the COM
pany turned out 203 strong, and how a
few DAYS before Judge Russell had on
short notice been dispatched to the in
terror Of the State to endeavOr to secure
arms for the recruits who were about to
make their first parade, and the tact,
skill and fidelity with which he had
performed his duty. How soon alter
wards the unhappy civil war came on.
and although the declining years pre-
vented his subjecting himself long TO the
rigOrs and exposures Of the camp, the
veteran member remained throughout
that memorable period the same active,
Jealous and faithful Blue by filling up its
ranks from time to time with young and
active men, who contributed in making
the brilliant record the Blues have since
borne. When that disastrous period
I
the plOughshare," and the difficult and
delicate task undertaken by their present
beloved and gallant commander, Capt.
Mercer. to reOrganiZe the company, Homo
raTY Member Russell was one of his
staunchest supporters, and contributed
| heart. soul, body and purse-in resurrect-
] Ing their beloved old corps from the
1 ashes under the fires of that terrible
I conflict, in which it had lost all
Z l., 80, J.
/ Blues ranks. hfty-One years ago. up tC
/ the present time Honorary Member Rus.
/ sell has always studied and always been
devoted to its interests, and now in his
/ old age he was sure he would be sus-
/ tanned and cheered by the consciousness
I Of having faithfully performed every duty
] incumbent upon him.
At the conclusion of Col. Anderson 5
/ address the portrait was unveiled, and
/ hung on the east wall Of the armOry. 1t
/ is a life-size oil paintinZ representing Mr.
! Russell in the old uniform of the com
/ pany, the breast facing on the coat being
/ Of light blue, with three rows of silver but
/ tons, flan6ed by a border of dark blue
\ material, forming the remainder
/ Of the coat with the fore
arm of the sleeves Ornamented with ten
| silver stripes, each stripe representing five
/ years, in addition to three stripes for hon.
] OIdIN luEulDCI SUPP uG 6uDlCCl ID lCDAG'
! scented as holding his uniform hat in his
/ right hand, the white plume falling to the
/ crown of the hat. Every feature is faith
! fully portrayed.
/ The painting was set in a deep gilt
| frame about three feet square, and on the
! reverse side was shown the following:
From Honorary Member Philip NJ. Russell
to the Republican Blues, pre- ented on the oc-
casiOn Of the anniversary of my fifty hrsl
! years membership of the company. First pa
! rade Jan. 5, 1872
Upon motion of Adjutant Wilson, a
/ committee Of five members, with Capt
4 George A. Mercer as Chairman, was ap.
/ pointed to prepare a series of resolutions
/ expressive of the sentiments OF the mem
/ hers Of the company for the gilt.
A. committee was also appointed TO
/ wait on Judge Russell and request HIM
/ TO attend the meeting and receive the
/ thanks of the command in person.
The committee after a few minutes
/ absence from the armOry returned
/ with the donor, who was greeted with an
I ovation. AS soon as quiet was restored
! Judge Russell stated that the demOnstra-
I ton had almost unnerved him, and con
1 tinued by referring to his connection with
/ The Republican Blues, and reminded
/ those present of the motto of the COM
/ pany: Are we not brothers," and OF the
I duties and obligations OF fellow soldiers.
At the conclusion of Judge Russelrs
/ speech, the members and guests enjoyed
Z n COLLATION.