Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-06-05
Confederate Survivors.

The first meeting since it was organized on
the 10th of May of the Augusta Association of
Confederate Survivors," was held at the City
Council Chamber the evening of the 1st inst.
Capt. James Bumgardner, Jr., President. and
Mr.. W. L. Olivier, Secretary, present, with a
la &c number Of veterans who promptly re-
sponded to the call for the meeting. In view
of the objects of this Association, which have
heretofore been fully set forth, the meeting
was thoroughly represe ntative in its member
Ship and the remarks made were conclusive
of the Jealous spirit with which all entered into
the work to be accomplished.
Several names were enrolled. and letters
were read from Capt. Thos. D. Ransom, of this
city, and Major Thomas Shumate now re-
siding In Iowa. Capt. Ransom was present at
the meeting when the Association was organ
zed, but being prevented from attending this
assemblage, his letter TO the Secretary, after
explaining his absence. proceeded in touching
language to refer to the movement that has
for its object the memory of comrades and
to preserve the conviction that we and they
fought for the cause that was right In the
sight of God and man. We were fighting not
for slavery; not to promote the schemes of
sectional politicians; but for the eternal prin.
ciples OF constitutional liberty and of self
government. 1--WE drew the sword in defence
of our firesides, and of the honor, the liberties,
and the sovereignty of Virginia" Follow
ing are other extracts from Captain Ranson's
letter:
lust now it seems to be the popular idea
that we must forget the past and live only for
the present and the future.
Better let our struggle. Its sufieringS and
sacrifices and its lessons of heroism pass into
oblivion, than by this thing of soldiers re-
unions to revive antipathies-to waken dis
OreiudiCps
In this sordid day of money getting, we are
to look to our material development; we are
to have New South" that is to turn its back
on the past, and its face to the future-the
rising sun of commercial prosperity. This by
way of apology for the Old South, than which
the world has seen no higher civilization-as
if there we're or could be any New South that
had not its roots in the old: as If there were
any future for people or country that had
no reverence for its glorious past.
The time will come when all will see that
the truest conservatism requires no surrender
of the convictions which inspired our struggle
nor any apology for the humble part we
may have played in that magnificent drama.
Except for those who do apologize. there was
no humiliation in our defeat. We fought the
world; the trials. the danger end sacrifices of
that four years are heritage of pride for our
children.
Let this Association do its part in ciierishing
| its memories, in transmitting the truth OF
history. in preserving the friendships formed
| in that day of trial, and in keeping to the
rear those who never found the front till the
war was over, &nd it will have reason for it's
| existence"
| Major Shumate writes to his old friend,
Capt. j. T. Long. from Oskeloosa Iowa, May
22nd. He had read in the SPECTATOR the pro.
ceedings of the meeting on the 10Th of May
and wants his name enrolled in the Associa-
ton. Continuing, he says
81 feel sometimes that when this old Conjed
| has to shed the mortal coil and no old compan.
| ion to drop friendly clod upon his coffin that
| it would be SEINE solace to feel that some O
| his old associates would know of il and drop 6
/ tear.
/ | may never again get back to the dear ole
| town, or the proud old county of Augusta, Oh
| even again meet the old friends, but will bt
| proud to be remembered by the boys-so stitch
| my name on the list if you CAM
The Committee to prepare the plan OF organi
cation was given further time The views o
several gentlemen favored meetings once
month. The Association will. SIS q body
unite with the Memorial Association at it
| anniversary celebration on the 9Th instant a
the cemetery grounds, and attend the annua
meeting of that body, of which they are al
| Il. embers, the afternoon of that day.
The Association adjourned subject to In
| call of the president.