The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-03-17
STATE OF GEnRa1A

The following is Gov, Northen's letter to
Capt. Gordon:
STATE OF GEoRGIA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ATLANTA, Ga. March 10, 1888.
Capt. Betrne Gordon, Savannah, Gu:
MY DEAR SIR-lt was my purpose IN the city
of Washington to call at your quarters after the
parade and make known TO you my special ap-
probation Of the honor you and the Hussars
conferred upon me in your illustration of the
state at the inaugural of President Cleveland
The weather was so extremely cold that
found myself suffering so intensely from ex-
posture that was compelled to deny myself the
pleasure OF meeting your men personally. l
beg that you Will convey to your company not
only my purpose as indicated above, but my
compliments for their splendid solderly ap-
pearance and manly bearing in the procession.
notice through the press that your train ran
into wreck on your return home. l shall re-
greet TO know that the damage was serious. I
trust that your men all escaped unhurt
inclose you clipping just cut from the At
lanta Constitution of this date.
The clipping is as follows:
The flag incident continues to be the talk Of
the town. THE carrying OF the Governors
Horse Guard flag cannot be excused in this
way - said an officer to-day. AS to the Hus-
saTs not Directing at Washington, what could
they do! The flag was carried turled over part
of the procession until Pennsylvania avenue
was struck, and then 1t was thrown to the
breeze, and, to their establishment. the Georgia
Hussars saw that they were marching under
tlle nag OF an ALihuLa company. III was TOO
late then to protest or do anything else. There
doubtless would have been protest If the flag
had not been furled until Pennsylvania avenue
was reached. II was known in Atlanta that
we had state flag. We we're informed that
we need not carry it, as state flag would be
carried from Atlanta
AS have seen a number of such illusions in
the papers of the state, deem it my duty to
your company. as well as to myself, to make
statement
When my staff met to make ARRANGEMENTS to
60 to Washington, Capt. John MilledZe who is
an honorary member Of the staf, was selected
&c carry the colors. He was instructed 10 secure
a Georgia flag. In casting about to find one he
reported that he could not do bet
Governors Horse Guard Of this city
He said further that he would be glad TO have a
color guard consisting Of a limited number of
men selected from the Governors Horse Guard.
I told him that l wanted to keep strictly within
the requirements military etiquette, and as your
company had rendered its services as an escort,
! should await a conference with Lieut.. Satter-
lee, upon whom am compelled to look as a
mi itarY interpreter.
Lieut.. Satterlee subsequently went to Savan-
nah and, as | understand, had full conference
with the proper authorities in your company
and reported that the color guard would be OBJ
Jected to, but that the flag would be accepted.
Because OF severe family Affections Capt,
Milledge could not fill the place assigned to
him and almost at the last moment /
appointed Capt. Miller his substitute. / never
had the least idea of dissatisfaction on the
part OF the members Of your company until I
saw the statements in the papers 20 which 1
have alluded.
Contrary to the statement ia the inclosed
clipping. Capt. Miller carried the flag flying
from the hotel to the front Of the capitol He
SO he'd it until a sudden gust of wind tore it
almost from the staff. told him he had better
take 1t into the residence just opposite where
we were halted and have it sewed together
again. When he returned with it properly
mended l told him he had better keep it furled
until we were ready to enter the procession.
Let me say, again, L had no reason to know,
nor indeed, to imagine that the carrying of
the cOiors Of the Horse Guard would be often
sive to the Georgia Hussars
| deeply regret that anything occurred to
mar the pleasautness and the brilliant success
of Georgia's part in that eVentfu occasion.
Very truly your friend,
W. j. NORTHERN, Governor