The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1886-08-19

OnlO, Win our army IN Iull retreaL De-
fore you.
On the 30th day of November, as Hooi
stood upon the high ground that over
looked franklin and our little army, he
saw only hastily formed breastwOrks
before US and the unbridged Harpeth
river behind US. 1t must have seemed
to him that he could walk right over
them and easily push US into the river,
and he said to the diyisiJn generals
surrounding him:
"We will drive that half-whipped
army into the river and our march to
the Ohio will b. ulobstTucted." The
prize was great and the opportunity
greater. 1t is part of history how your
splendidly trained battaliOns, one, two,
three and four deep, advancing at quick
step, with trailed arms, pursued with
such speed and impetuosity our retreat
ing line of skirmishers, that before the
first line behind our intrenchments
could fire Volley you were sWarming
on our works, flushed with promise Of
an easy victory.
1t Is part Of history too, how, In that
| desperate hand tC-hand conflict which
followed, the men Of the north and
south locked in an embrace as fierce and
stubborn as ever was witnessed on any
battle field.
We know how your own brigade and
its gallant General Adams filled the
trenches before US with dead and dying
men, and how, 10 the confusion and
without any impeachment Of your
bravery or discretion, you found your
self prisoner of war, In the hands of
this gallant regiment of Ohio men.
Your Ormal surrender of your sword to
Captain Knapp followed, and you be
came by the usages Of war his prisoner.
And now, after more than twenty years
by chance, he discovered your residence
and you meet under these auspicious
surroundings.
He has asked me on his behalf to re-
turn this sword. 30 wOrthily borne by a
gallant foe, and go hOnOrably lost in
what was almost, literally, the last
ditch Of the war in the west. You won
the right to reclaim 1t because of your
gallantry on the field when 1t was fair
ly lost and won.
Take 1t as the gift of q brave Union
soldier and keep 1t as new evidence of
the fact that forever hereafter, as always
heretofore, the brave soldiers of the
North will bear, as they have borne, re-
spect and good will for those of the
brave soldiers of the South who have
manfully accepted the results Of the
war.
Accept it and carry 1t back to your
Southern home as token to your com.
rades and friends from a regiment of
Ohio soldiers that as we fought to pre-
serve the flag of the Union with malice
toward none, but charity for ALL" so
now we will welcome your and their
fraternal cooperation to perpetuate the
principles 1t represents and carry our
reunited country onward towards des-
tiny eminently fit for brotherhood so
great and grand as the brave people of
the North and South.
Captain Watts, fondly holding his old
sword, listened attentiVely to the ad
dress of Captain Ricks, at the conclusion
Of which he responded in brief address
full of pathOs and tender feeling. His
every remark commanded the WTaDt at.
tention of the large as9emblage and
many eyes filled with tears as the ex.
confederate, who twenty-five years be-
fore, stood arrayed against the very
friends who now surrounded him, SPOKE
with the kindliest feeling of the emo
tion and gratitude he felt at the event,
which had just been cOnsummated. He
cherished and priced the sword as an
old friend and mementO Of days gone
by, the like of which he fondly hoped
would never occur again. If that sword
was ever to be Unshe8thed by him he
hoped it would be In defense OF our COM
mon country.
Sergeant StackhOuse, the "big heart.
ed Sergeant" as Captain Watts termed
him, was present, and made the Captain
the same generous offer as when the
latter was captured, and barefoOted,
namely, his shoes. The Captain smiled
as Stackhouse pushed forth foot, COW
cred by large, substantial brOgan, and
pleasantly declined the offer he was
only too glad to accept when prisoner
of the 104th.
Messrs. McClymOnds, Owens and Kep-
ner were appointed a committee on resO-
luti0ns, and reported later as follows:
Whereas, 1t has pleased God to take
from earth the immortal spirits of our
comrades, Joseph irwin, Company A;
| 0. G. Beard, Company A; Isaac Levers,
Company E; F. B. Allen, Company F !;
John B. CappOck, Company G; Joseph
B. Ray, Company G.; j. c. GAunt, Com
pany u; Daniel Vlers, Company Ii, and
VIM, j. Jordan, Company K,
Resolved, That in the death of these
comrades the Brotherhood of the One
Hundred and Fourth O. l. sustains
the loss Of loved and pleasant cOmpsn-
ions, whose military record in the war
and upright walk in civil life commends
them to the endearing remembrance of
their old comrades In arms. They were
faithful to every trust.
Resolved, That we desire to extend to
the families our real and heartfelt sym
pathy In their bereavement.
Resolved, That these resolutions be
recorded in the minutes of the organi-
zation, and that copies of the same be
forwarded to the families of our late
comrades.
After the presentation the people dis.
persed about the grounds and enjoyed
themselves In various ways throughout
the day.
Captain Watts is the guest of Captain
Knapp at the lstter's home in Massil-
lon.
Mr. Dana says in the New York Sun:
l 81 - NJ, e.