The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-02-13
"The Man of the 18th of May

What an intellectual feast was spread
for the enjoyment of old confederate vet
Grams, their children and indeed the en-
tire community of this patriotic city on
Saturday night What memories were
evoked what deeds recalled by the hero
of May the 18th, the one whomthe great
commander Gen. Robert E. Lee, crowned
with wreath of imperishable glory and
renown by his his designation, 1.-THE
knightly Gordon"-this imprimatur
was stamped by the first soldier of the
century upon the modest chieftain who
began his ascent upon the ladder of fame
as captain of THE Raccoon Rifles "
Was there an old veteran there who did
not regret that the words spoken had
fniled to reach the ear of
every young southronl One of
Gen. Gordon'S most impressive re-
marks was addressed to his serenaders,
members of the present military com
panies, "Remem Der" said he. ''you have
In your veins the blood of those who
lived, fought and died for what each one,
on either side, believed to be constitutional
Hberty-freedom for each individual"
| wonder how many hearts in that vast
audience responded with quickened pulses
to his glowing words-how many eyes
were dry as he drew that picture of Lee
trying to lead his WORKOUT legions, his
shattered battalions, against Hancock S
NlGbOLlOuS pS--dRdlllot " ulCu Tue men
rebelled, refusing for the first time 10
follow their grand old captain. Isn't it q
scene worthy of any artists brush2 Lee
cool, calm, imperturbable calling upon
his men to follow him upon forlorn
hope; Gordon Selling his bridle-rein and
urging him to retire, amid the deafening
shouts of Lee to the rear;' Gen. Lee
until Lee goes to the rear" and seeing
him pass to the rear they
swept forward like an avalanche upon
Hancocks flushed and victorious columns,
scattering them like leaves before gale
of fire. Many handkerchief was called
into requisition; many cheek, bronzed
by sun and rain. was scanned with tears
as the recital brought the scene back to
their recollection. Then his beautiful
tribute to woman in general, and TO his
devoted and lovely wife especially. Was
1t knight singing the praises of his
''ladye love-" or a faithful husband re-
citing the virtues of the mother of his
children! II was most admirable either
way, but the latter seemed the better,
and the audience will never forget it.
Gen. Gordon, in reciting the story
of the closing days of the
confederacy, is doing a great
work of reconciliation between the sec
tions. A few sincere men like himself
could accomplish more than an
army of politicians. But men like
Gordon are rare, and we must be
grateful that we have our princely leader
left who will tell the story as it hap
pened. The country will appreciate il as
they hear or read his lecture. The
south will build monuments TO him. He
is one of the kind of men whom a nation
of gallant patriots place on the highest
pedestal and in the most conspicuous
nichs in the temples where they inter
their illustrious dead While his sol
diers, the boys who followed him where
ever he lead, and went where he sent
them, and who, (as he has said,) pulled
the trigger and thus made him "what
he was" will love, revere and honor him
living or dead Soldier, statesman,
governor. senator Georgia's knigtliest son,
"a friend TO his friend, long may he be
spared to us so. that when our old mother,
Georgia. is asked 30 show her Jewels she
may point 10 her distinguished soldier
and that army OF GeorRians who followed
him until they were lost In the smoke of
battle. CoNFEDEgATE VETERAN.