Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-21
GOVERNOR OATES SPEECH
Was the Feature of the Reunion Last Night.
 It's Text,


 ernor Oates speech was the feature of tonight's joint meeting of the survivors of the Army of Northern Virginia and that portion of the Army of the Potomac that fought at Chattanooga. He was given magnificent ovation, and his speech was punctuated with hearty ap- plause from both the blue and the gray, and during the course of his remarks Governor Oates reiterated his oft re- peated belief that any state in the union
 The following is the speech of Gov. William c. Oates of Ala bama:
 Soldiers of the, Lost Cause and Successful
 Defenders of the Union:
 This is a great occasion, and an extra ordinary compliment is extended to me by the invitation to address you. l ap- prehend that my lack of ability will poorly Vindicate the wisdom of the se- lection.
 Thirty-two years after one of the bloodiest conflicts in the history of bat ties between the gallant soldiers who fought for the union and the Confeder- ateS who fought for separate national existence, on. the field of Chickamauga- the 18th and goth days of September, 1863, Saturday and Sunday-iS receiving it's second baptism into the everlasting history of the great events of the world. This fraternal meeting and participation in the dedication of the great national park, which will point out the scenes of the conflict to succeeding generations for hundreds of years, marks new era in the history of civilization. In no book was it ever recorded that the battle scared soldiers of two opposing armies ever before met as brethren on such a field of strife to mark with enduring monuments where they shed each others blood.
 The good example was first set by members of congress, who served in the
  ation of money from the national treas ury to purchase, mark and beautify this great park, which properly embraces not only the field of Chickamauga, cn which the Confederates were successful but also that of Missionary Ridge, where at a later day, the union forces were equally victorious.
 But few months ago we saw unveiled in the city of Chicago monument to the Confederate dead.
 That caused not only many old Con federates to pause and think how the mellowing influence of time smooths down the wrinkled front of war, but inn pressed the younger generation with the fact that the memories of the great struggle now belong alone to history.
 This great gathering and the fraternal feeling manifested will give to the his torian for record something new under the sun.
 This great occasion is higher honor to the union veteran than to the Confed- crate, because he was a conqueror, and yet he indulges no vain or offensive boast over his fallen rival. It is a high compliment to the Confederate that his prowess and patriotism are thus ac- knowledged
 It is patriotic and sensible on the part of the union veteran because it com mends the side he fought for to the m ore generous consideration or the younger generation of southerners.
 The union veteran by this fraternity, extolls his own gallantry and high sol dierly qualities, by which alone he was ever able to triumph over such stubborn and determined foes. It is compliment ary to the Confederate veteran in this manly way to acknowledge defeat, though accomplished by overpowering numbers. and to strike hands with his late adversaries as honorable men, and it is not only commendable to the Con federate, but highly honorable and pa triotic for him and his late foeman to meet here on this occasion, which pro- claims to the world that we are a com pletely reunited nation; that we really have peace.
 This meeting is a most impressive pre- sentation to the civilized people of the entire world of the highest observance of the great national code of honor.
 Army of Northern Virginia.
 I have been designated to represent on this occasion the troops of the Army of Northern Virginia who came down to re- inforce the Army of Tennessee. This task should have been committed to abler hands.
 was one of those who in an humble way performed conspicuous part in the battle. l commanded the Fifteenth Ala mama infantry regiment, and part of the time on the afternoon of the 18th com manded four regiments of Laws brigade Two entire divisions and battalion of artillery were transferred out here, but the only brgades which arrived in time to participate in the battle were Ben ning's Georgia, Robinson's Texas and Laws Alabama brigades of Hoods di- vision, and Kershaws South Carolina and Humphreys Mississippi brigades of, McLawfs division.
 = These troops were all old veterans, who had seen much service and had been commanded through many engagements by excellent officers and never had known defeat .--,-.- --
 It is not expected of me that I should give a detailed account of the conduct of these. brigades or the regiments com posing the same It is enough for me 70 say that their gallant conduct was fully up to the high standard they had erected for themselves at Manassas or Bull Run, at Seven Pines. Meadow bridge. Gain's mill. Frazier's farm. Malvern Hill Cedar Run Sharpsburg. Freder,cks burg. Chan  the regiments were with Jackson in his celebrated valley campaign in 1862.
 The roar of the deadly musketry and the deafening thunders of the artillery were noises with which they were famil- far; and at Chickamauga on Sunday there stood before them living wall of brave and determined men: yet when Longs said Forward, my men, they moved like thunder storm. which no line however strong, and even though double could long resist or withstand and they had not taken drop of powder and whisky.
 The union lines were broken on that part of the field. and at the last point of the heroic resistance there fell before the fire of my regiment that accom- pished and lamented soldier and poet General Lyttle. the author of Dying Egypt, Dying"
 In this struggle-just at the turn of the tide-my regiment captured two gun battery, turned and discharged one
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