The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-03-17
CAPT. GORnnN,s REPLY-

To Gov. Northen's letter Capt. Gordon
sent the following reply which fully explains
the Hussars position IN regard TO the in
cldent.
HEADQUARTERS GEORGIA HUssARs, TRoop "A,")
FIFTH Rect, GEORGIA CAVALRY,
SAVANNAH, GA, March 16, 1898
To His ErceHencV ~. j. Northen, Governor of
Georgia, Atlanta, Ga:
bIR-l have the honor to acknowledge re-
ceipt Of your esteemed favor of March 10, and
TO inform you Of the pleasure it gave the troop,
as well as myself, 90 hear from you personally
and TO know that you were satisfied with your
escort in Washington at the inauguration of
President Cleveland.
It was quite unnecessary for you to make any
statement in reference to the unfortunate flag
incident, for we all felt quite sure that you
knew nothing of the matter until too late to
prevent the use OF the colors OF the Governors
Horse Guard instead of Georgia flag.
Ii you will allow me l would like TO correct
one statement in your letter which may in some
measure show you why any unpleasant feeling
was engendered
You write: 'Satterlee subsequently went to
savannah and, as | understood, had a full con-
ference with the proper authorities in your
company and reported that the color guard
would be objected TO. but that the flag would be
accepted"
From this you will see that it might be In
ferred that the color guard would be objected
TO 0Y US, but that the Governors Horse Guards
flag would be accepted. In conversation with
Lieut.. Satterlee, no mention was made of any
other but state flag being carried by Col.
Mledge. Had he mentioned that Col. Miiledge
or Capt. Miller would carry Governors Horse
Huard flag, much greater objection would have
been raised than TO the proposition for the
escort to the standard to be composed of four
Of the Governors Horse Guards. Having
heard OF Col Miledge's deep RffiictioD,
and fearing that he would not
be able to carry out his portion OF
the programme, we questioned Lieut.. Setterlee
as TO the advisability of our having state flag
n - T1g IA honor M
It. From the lieutenant we also obtained a de-
scrlpton of the flag. and we discussed with him
as to the dimensions for such Tag to be car
RED on horseback. After his departure from
Atlanta we had a state flag made (coit So. Ac-
cordng TO promise, Lieut.. Satterlee wrote us
Immediately upon his return TO Atlanta, that
there would be no escort to the standard, but that
capt. Miller following you and In front OF your
stan, would carry Jhe flag. We ALL OF course,
supposed that Capt. Miller would carry the
state flag, thereby indicating the presence of
TIE governor of Georgia.
Since our return we have been criticised for
railing TO beg you not to allow the flag of a To-
car organization, Of which only one member
was present. to be carried as the standard and
representative Of youself, your staff,
your escort and the state Of Georgia,
out gives me much pleasure
70 note from your letter thai, prior
10 our appearance upon the street occupied by
you and your staff and prior TO our reporting
Tor duty, the flag had been furled. 1t was not
seen by any Of the members OF my command
untii you were ready to enter with your escort
INTO the procession. Had we seen this flag dur
Ing the three hours we were waiting for our
Time TO march and been able to respectfully call
your attention To It, we all feel sure that you
would have given such orders as would have
rghted the matter. We know that it was your
wish then, as at all times. TO ac5 with fairness
and consideration for each and every company
over which you are commander in chief. With
nigh regards, yours respectfully,
BEIRNE GORDON,
Captain Commanding.