The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1895-09-28

true, but we believed our reverse was the re-
suit Of one Of those unavoidable accidents
against which no courage or skill could pro-
vide, and we were ready on the next day 10
fight again with all the courage and confidence
that we felt on the 18th and Goth of September.
We retired to CHATTANOOGA, and were pursued
aud beleagured by the confederates until the
25th day Of November. when the men who LEFT
the field Of Chickamauga, defeated on the Goth
day OF September. stormed Missionary Ridge.
and fully recovered the prestige OF the national
arms.
My comrades. and countrymen. l have thus
told the story Of the battle OF Chickamauga.
It II brief, and necessarily incomplete. Writ
ers, some with historical accuracy, and others.
in the language OF romance, have told the tale
OF that bloody contest. No man oan know
much OF the events which did not occur in his
immediate presence on a field like this. We
know the names Of but few OF the fallen, but
We can remember the courage and gallantry Of
ell who acted with us.
have said that the civil war was caused by
the sectional challenge to American manhood,
and that challenge was accepted and followed
by years OF bloody and desolating war. In that
war the American people learned to properly
estimate each other, which is the only founda-
tion for harmonious. national unity. By that
war the theory Of the right Of the states to
secede from the Union was forever eradicated
from our system OF national constitutional gov
eminent. BY that war African slavery. which
was the root OF sectional bitterness.
and was one OF the causes or pretexts
for national controversy. was forever
overthrow, and the flag OF our country
became at once the emblem of freedom and
the symbol OF national power. As the result
Of that war, the constitution was maintained
and not subverted; and the Union of the
American people made perpetual.
NV conrad 5, we who may survive this day.
may well be grateful 70 that Divine Being who
guides the destiny OF nations. that We are per-
mitted to see an established Union: a repub-
lie extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
and from the lakes to the gulf. and liberty
and Law the all-pervading rule Of our national
life.
We arc here to-day with malice toward
none, and charity for all" we meet as citizens
Of a common country. devoted to its interests,
and alike ready to maintain its honor. wher-
ever or however asSailed.
To my comrades. you VIII were confederate
soldiers during all the weary struggle Of the
civil war, I beg to say 1 was proud OF your gal
lantry and courage. l never allowed myself to
forget that YOU were Americans. freely Offering
Your lives in the defense of what you believed
20 be your rights and in vindication Of your
manhood.
You are now satisfied that the result OF the
civil war established the unity of the power
full American republic; submitted your con-
troycrsieS with your fellow citizens TO the ar
bitrament OF the battlefield, and you accepted
the result with q sublime fortitude worthy Of
all praise, and your reward is that peace and
order are restored, and the south which you
loved so well. and for which you fought SO
bravely. now blossoms with abundant bless
fDUS