The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-11-20
United Confederate Veterans
Impressive Proceedings at the
Reunion of the South Caro-
lima Division in Columbia.

Columbia, Nov. 12-Wben the
buele sounded the assembly at the
Court House this morning there was
.hrobbiog response in the hearts of the
several hundred Confederate veterans
who bad gathered together 10 cooven-
ton to press once more the hand OF
brother bound BY the closest ties and
feel the fraterna touch that ouly COM
moo service for years oa the field of
blood can give.
The courtroom bad been tassefuily
decorated by the ladies Of the Memorial
Association. Portraits of Lee and
Jackson and other leaders of the Con-
federate arms hung on the walls That
Of Hampton held prominent place.
and many an old soldier gazed long at
the cbieftiao whom all had hoped could
be present, but who was prevented
from coming by illness. Confederate
battle flags. With their signs Of service,
hung from the inches and corners; a
stack of arms was in front of the presi-
dent's desk, and evergreeus aud red
aud white bunting twined over the
ratings. On the platform with the
president Of the convention. Gen.
Walker, we're Gen. Youmans, Major
Brooks. Adjt. Holmes. Chaplain Elwell,
Col. Shapd and the commander of
Camp Hampton. Capt. R. S. Des-
portes. Just in front of the presidents
desk, within the rails. sat Gen Nc
Gowan, Gen. Butler aud Gen. Capers
The convention was called 70 order
by Commander Desporses, who asked
Chaplain Elwell to open the proceed
ings with prayer. The Rev. Elwell
made fervent prayer, thanking God
for the grace io allowing the veterans
to meet together once more, and pray
ing that they would all some day meet
together in a 6aal encampnent on the
brighter shore. Capt. Despor,es intro
ducsd Gen Youmans. who bad been
selected to accord the welcome of Camp
Hampton to the visitors. Gen. You
mans was particularly happy in his re-
marks. apd his hearers Witnessed their
by frequent applause.
His remarks concerning Gen. Hampton.
for whom Camp Hampton is named,
were particularly appropriate. and
macy rebel yell went up at the men.
ton of the name Of that great leader,
Gen. Walker replied in behalf Of the
convention that he had already been
overwhelmed with the courtesies show
cred upon him. and that he felt sure
every member of the convention would
ioin him from their hearts in the sim.
pie sentence that be thanked Colum-
bia. Camp Hampton, aud the ladies of
the Memorial Association for their great
kindness.
Capt. Desportes then read the follow
ing letter from Gen. Hampton:
Washington. November 10, 1895.
Ny Dear Captain I regret that it is
impossible for me to be with our friends
op the 18th, as my illoess still confines
me to my room and the doctor says that
to venture out might result in pneu-
moDia. I was anxious to meet orr old
comrades. for another opportunity to DO
so may not be granted me. | wanted to
Sees the men who so often followed the
Palmetto Gag on bloody fields any Of
them doubtless / had the honor to CON-
maud, AID wished to shake the haods
Of the brare men who never turned
their backs on me when their faces were
turned towards the enemy, and for this
I desired to thank them from the bottom
of my heart. This you must 90 for me
and say to them that nothing but Ill
ness would have prevented my doing so
ip person.
l beg you to thank your camp, which
has honored my oans by assuming it as
its OWE, for the Invitation given NE to
address the members. | hope that pleas
ure is only deferred.
With my best wishes for the success
Of your meeting and for the prosperity
|apd happiness of every true Confederate
soldier, ] am your friend aud comrade,
Wade Hampton.
To Capt. r. S. Desportes
IL behalf of Camp Hampton Capt.
EDsspor,es presented Gen. Walker a
malles made out Of native woods. op
which was the fol'ouing inscription !:
..Nallet used TO call the Convention Of
South Carolina Division. United Con-
k,a~ra.e Veterans, to order, under com
a of Cen e.. 7 Walker Columbia.