The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-09
MY COMRADES, FAREWELL.
General Hoke's Last Address to His Divi-
sion in 1868.
Editor Times:

Editor Times:
AS the Sth will be the anniversary OF
Lees surrender II VIII be tn order to
publish everything OF historical interest
pertaining 10 the closing scores OF the
war between the States" enclose you
the farewell address Of General r. +.
Hoke, gallant North Carolinan and an
uncle OF the Secretary Of the Interior
Hoke Smith, OF whom the Northern pa
pers wished 10 know something a short
time since. General Lee sent General
Hoke with his division 10 relieve Pickett's
division near Plymouth y. c.. where he
CHoke) covered himself with glory by
stormng the Federal works and captur-
ing almost three thousand prisoners. His
gallant division took part in the battle Of
Brentonsville under Joe Johnston. and
distinguished themselves as they had done
before on so many sanguinary fields In
Virginia. The address is as follows:
r. S. B.
Findowrie. N c.
Headquarters OF Hokes Division.
Near Greensboro. y. c.. May l. 1865.
Soldiers Of My Division:
On the eve OF long, perhaps a final
separation, / address 10 you the last sad
words OF parting.
scale against us. The proud banners
which you have waved so gloriously over
many a field are 10 be furled at last.
But they are not disgraced. my comrades.
Your indomitable courage, your heroic
fortitude, your patience under sufferings,
have surrounded them with halo which
future years can never dim. History VIII
bear witness 10 your vaor, and succeed
ing generations will point with admira-
ton to your grand struggle for constitu-
tional freedom.
Soldiers, your past is full OF glory.
Treasure II in your hearts. Rememoe$
each CORY battlefield. each day OF vtcs
tory each bleeding comrade!
Think. then, OF your home.
Freedoms battle. once begun.
Bequeathed from bleeding sire TO SOC
Though baffied oft. is ever won"
You have yielded to Overwhelming
forces, not to superior valor. You are
paroled prisoners, not slaves. The love
OF liberty which led you into the con-
test burns as brightly In your hearts as
ever Cherish il. Associate IL with the
history of the past. Transmit IL TO your
children. Teach them the rights OF free
dom, and teach them 10 maintain them.
Teach them the proudest day In all your
career was that on which you enlisted as
Southern soldiers entering that holy
brotherhood whose ties are now sealed
by the blood OF your compatriots who
have fallen, and whose history Is coeval
with the brilliant record OF the past four
years.
Soldiers. amid the imperishable laurels
that surround your brows. no brighter
leaf adorns them than your connection
with the late Army OF Northern VIZ
GINA!
The star that shone with splendor over
IT'S oft-repeated fields OF victory, over
the two deadly struggles OF Manassas
Plains. over Richmond. ChanceiiorsViiiv
and Fredericksburg. has sent It's rays ana
been reflected where true courage Is ad-
rnlred. or wherever freedom has friend.
That star has set in blood. but yet In
glory. That army is now or the past.
The banners trail but not with ignominy.
No stain blots their escutcheons. NO
blush can tinge your cheeks as you
proudly announce that you have A part
in the history OF the Army Of Northern
Virginia.
Ny comrades, we have borne together
the same hardships; we have shared the
same dangers; we have reioiced over tho
same victories. Your trials. your patience
have excited sympathy and admiration,
and | have borne willing witness to your
bravery and IL is with heart full OF
grateful emotions for your services md
ready obedience that I take leave or
you. May the future OF each one be %
happy as your past career has been brill
liant. and may no cloud ever dim the
brightness Of your fame. The past rises
before me in its ilimitable grandeur. Its
memories are part OF the life Of each
one OF u.s. But II is all over now. Yet.
though the sad dark veil Of defeat Is
over us. fear not the future. but meet IL
with manly hearts You carry 10 your
homes the heartfelt wishes OF your Gem
eral for your prosperity.
My comrades. FAREWELL
r. r. HOKE.
Major General.