The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-15
FLATTERING MEMORIAL.
LEE CAMP PAYS A DESERTED TRI-
Butte TO ONE OF ITS MEMBERS.
Interesting Sketch of Past Comm ander w.
+. smith-Progress of tho Arrangements
for President Davis Eeinterment.

meeting last evening. Commander Thos.
Z. Pollard was in the chair. and Adjutant
j. Taylor Stratton recorded.
After the transaction of the usual
amount Of routine business a report was
received from a special committee con-
sisting of Comrades j. w. White. James
w. Pegram and John Murphy. This COM
mttee had been appointed TO draw up a
memorial in honor OF Past Commander
William T. Smith for the noble work
which he has done while in command Of
the corps The report submitted was as
follows:
Whereas. Colonel w. p. Smith. who
has served X. Il. Lee Camp with such
conspicuous ability and satisfaction as
It's commander and as member of our
Camp, has been in and out amongst us.
rendering valuable services while grand
commander, we feel it fitting and but just
that an enduring record be kept Of his
services; therefore,
Resolved, That the following record
which has been carefully prepared by
your committee be spread upon the min
utes Of the Camp, and a copy furnished
Colonel w. Z. Smith.
Colonel W. =. Smith, who has been one
VI Oul HOSl tStttlntu ltllOW -GlllLtnS lOT
more than quarter OF a century, was
born in the historic town of Fredericks-
burg July 30, 1870. and was a clerk in
the house Of Messrs Samuel NJ. Price &
Co. when the war began.
When the rolling echoes Of Sumter's
guns smote the ears Of the patriotic
sons of Virginia. he enlisted In the First
company OF Richmond Howitzers. and
struck his first blow for the Confederacy
at the battle Of Manassas.
Following fearlessy by his battle-fag
through the Valley of Virginia. he and
his dauntless comrades stood stoutiy 10
1t, unloosing the iron dogs Of war on
the advancing columns of the invader
His deep-tongued cannon doomed at VIII
liamsburg and Gaines Mill. and thun-
dered at Harper's Ferry and Fredericks-
burg, and ploughed through the Northern
ranks at Charlottesville. where the noble
jackson ceased to lead his warriors
Ever TO the front-victorious or defeated
-"Marse Roberts children" followed
where the bravest hearts on Gods green
earth beat proudly beneath the raggedest
OF jackets. on, on charged the gallant
Grays. beaten. but unconquered: on. on
while the mighty Rebel yell pealed wild
and clear above the din and crash OF
battle and drowned the hoarse thunder
OF the booming cannon.
Of Gettysburg. beneath the hail Of shrek
ing shells. and only left his gun when
he was stretched bleeding at his post.
He was wounded severely in his left
hand, and had a leg shot away. but was
taken prisoner and confined until the fol-
lowing November. when he was exchanged
and sent back TO Richmond.
After recovering from his wounds he
made application for discharge. but was
lot Oh q Clprk N CnDfaIara 70
Office Department. as his country could
not afford TO lose the valuable services
of one of her most tried and faithful
sons.
Afterwards he entered into business
with the firm of y. VI. Norfleet & CO.,
but having been burnt out and lost
everything-fate was hard on hm.-he de-
termined 10 try his fortunes in another
State and was engaged in business for
two years in North Carolina. But Rich
mond possessed a charm for him which
he seems 10 have been unable 10 resist.
and so he returned 20 this city I'm 1870,
and for twenty years has been connected
with the house of Messrs. Taliaferro &
Co, one OF our most promising mercantile
firms.
In 1888 he was elected first lieutenant
commander Of the r. e. Lee Camp, which
position he filled so acceptably and eff
GENTLY that he was promoted 10 the office
OF commander, and was in charge Of the
arrangements when the monument and
statue TO our noble Robert +. Lee was
unveiled.
He was elected and served two terms as
the grand commander Of the Grand Camp
OF Confederate Veterans. and while occu-
pyng that honOred and trustworthy posi-
ton inaugurated the ELECTROMAGNETIC
movement for the publication of a most
valuable history Of the war for use in the
schools Of the country.
Colonel Smith has also held the high
position Of president Of the Howitzers
Association; also past governor OF the
order OF the Golden Chain; past governor
Of the Progressive Endowment Guild Of
America. and was appointed by Governor
Mckinney as Commissioner Of Direct
Taxes, &c.
Colonel Smith has always proved him
self TO be a man OF sterling integrity,
high intellectual capacity and moral
worth.
For seventeen years he has held the
honorable position as secretary and treas
urer Of the Second Baptist Sunday school. !
Beloved and revered by the youthful gen |
Grafton springing up around him, this |
war-worn veteran bearing the scars OF |
a hundred battles has laid aside his |
sword to rust in it's scabbard. and with |
gentle hand leads the little ones In the |
paths Of purity and peace.
The report Of the committee was en-
Enthusiastically received and unanimously |
adopted.
Colonel Smith responded very feelingly |
with a few appropriate remarks. express
ing his thanks and appreciation.
General Thomas a. Brander. the chair |
man of the executive committee OF the |
jefferson Davis Monument Association, |
made n report as to the meeting held by |
the committee on last Saturday evening, |
and which has already been published In |
The Times.
General w B. Taliaferro, who was pres
ent. was then invited to maize an ad- |
dress. and cheerfully responded. He spoke
of the importance of securing Southern |
history of the late war, and explained |
the work already done in that respect |
bv the committee which recently met at
the Exchange Hotel
II. was followed by his brother. Major
Thomas S. Taliaferro, who spoke IN
similar line. 49,
After some additional speeches. the
Camp adjourned.
unprE UEnFRTlHING.