Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-16
A NOTABLE ANNIVERSARY.
The Din and Destruction Of the Battle OF
fredericksburg Recalled.

The Din and Destruction OF the Battle q
fredericksburg Recalled.
FREDERICKSBURG. VA. Decembe
| 13-(SpeciaI )-To-day is the anniversar,
Of the battle Of Fredericksburg. and al
though thirty-two years have elapsed
vet IL seems but yesterday. The changes
| however. have been many. and but fev
remain to tell the story OF Its sights ant
| scenes. Those. however. who yet remain
| wildly picture and recall the meeting o
| those two great armies. and the dealt
| and destruction which followed. Every
where lay the dead and dying, and from
early morn till late at eve there poured
forth from Stafrord's hills and Marye':
heights a continual volley Of shot anC
shell. With each volley heroes fell e
fight no more, and the sight witnessed By
those on the mornig OF the 18th begsarS
description, and will never be forgotten.
IN THE CITY.
Not only did the surrounding hills re-
sound with the roar Of battle. but ever
our streets and sidewalks were the scenes
of deadly conflicts, and many breathsc
their last thinking OF home and friends
To the Confederacy II was a memorable
day, and tradition falls to record drawer
or more gallant conflict. To-day. how
ever quiet reigns supreme. and in plac;
Of tramping armies and the sound OF
battle gentle peace spreads her protecting
wings.
HANDSHAKES.
This day is recalled all the more wildly
because Of the presence of numerous citi-
zens of the county-boys then, old
veterans now--who as they met to-day
after q handshake. asked each other II
the day reminded them of the 18th OF
December thrty-two years ago. Then, as
to-day, the sun shone brightly, and II
needs only the slight covering of snow
that mantled the earth on the day OF the
fight TO make the similarity all the more
prominent. 1t was easy TO guess the sub
feet of conversation wherever was seen
two Old gray-headed men. They were
fighting the battle over, and while breath
ing a silent prayer for those who offered
up their lives as q sacrifice for what they
thought right. prayed quite as fervently
for the prosperity of reunited country.
The Battle of Fredericksburg.
BY MRS. NJ. s. whitaker.
A misty morn on Stafford's hills arose.
Where marshalled ranks confront a host
of foes;
In Rappahannock' vale the invaders
stand,
Advancing war arouses all the land.
Artillery roars-the rafting death shot
fly,
Bright spears CLEAN forth. broad ban
ners wave on high,
The maddened war-horse bounds along
the plain
And shouts arise Of terror, wrath. and
pain.
o, valorous South! thy wrongs for venge-
ance call,
Dismayed. thy foemen halt-they fly
Brave Gongstreet thunders dreadful in
their rear
And Jacksons flag victorious sweeps the
air.
The mIsts disperse-the sun CLEANS out
serene,
But battle-clouds and blood deform the
scene;
Prone in the dust the CORY courser lies.
Beside his rider nevermore to rise.
The field is won-that crimson field Of
flame;
Exuit, Oh, south-thy foes depart with
shame,
The vulture flaps his baleful wings and
Back covering to his rocks and murky
skies.
Rejoice. fair sisters of the radiant South,
Yet laurel-crowned. come slowly weeping
forth;
Mourn for the slain, bright daughters OF
the sun,
Who come no more from battles fought
and won.
Georgia! lament the gallant and the
Thine own true Cobb sleeps in a soldiers
Rehearse his deeds. and In sad accents
tell,
How great his life. how gloriously he fell.
Mourn Carolina, midst the princely dead.
Thy well-beloved Gregg hath bowed his
head.
King Death. the victor; man could ne'er
control
His lofty mind. nor awe his steadfast
soul.
Pale lies the hero on a bloody bier
And calm the look his classic features
Wrapped in the Palmy flag he died to
saves
They bear the warrior to his honored
grave.
Beside our martyred dead we VOW once
No tyrant foot shall tread our native
shore;
No chain enthrall the land to them so
But freedoms throne shall rise establish
ed here.
'"If It be my lot to die now. cheerful
" yield my life for the independence OF
South Carolina. Gregg's mes
SAGE to Governor pickens.