The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1896-09-12
DUCK HILLS BIG DAY.
Grand Reunion of the Fifteenth
Mississippi Regiment.
Their Old Commander, Gen. e. C..
Walthall, Addresses the Veterans.
A Fine Dinner for the Immense Crowd
After Which a Business Meeting Of
the Fifteenth IL Held.

Duck Hill citizens gained a glorious
victory Wednesday, September 8, the
vanquished being no less personages
than the surviving heroes of the
famous old Fifteenth Mississippi Regi-
ment, and the thousands of visitors
from all sections who gathered to ccle-
brate with the Fifteenth grand
reunion. The cluns gathered from
far and near, and at the hour for speak,
ing vast multitude, numbering at
least 1000, had assembled at beauti-
full grove just east of the town.
A detachment of the Grenada Rifles,
under Capt H. D. Lcwd, went down. from
Grenada, and gave fitting opening to
the exercises by firing a salute OF
thirty guns. Col. J. r. Binford,
chairman of the reception committee,
then ascended the platform and grace
fully introduced Mr.. T. U. Sisson, a
prominent young attorney of Winona,
who made the address of welcome.
Mr.. Sisson is a young man gifted with
rare eloquence, and his remarks on
this occasion we're patriotic, historical
and brought forth frequent rounds Of
applause. Every reference he made to
Confederate hero, living or dead,
was received with cheers, and
he was given quite an ovation at
the conclusion of his splendid address.
Col. Binford next, in few we'll
chosen words, introduced the hero Of
the famous Fifteenth, their gallant
and well-beloved commander, Gen. E.
c. Walthall. His appearance was re-
ceived with unbounded enthusiasm,
and the immense audience hung upon
every word that he uttered. The
General prefaced his remarks by say.
ing that he had accepted the Invitation
to be present on this happy occasion,
on condition that no formal speech
would be expected Of him, but it would
be pleasure to talk informally to so
many of his old comrades in war and
in peace. General Walthaii is at all
times eloquent, but, doubtless inspired
by tine enthusiasm his presence
created, his remarks on this occasion
were of surprising beauty and his ad-
dress was delivered with the vigor and
grace uf which he is so justly famous.
His eulogies Of the Southern soldier
were touching, and he reminded them
that their records for patriotism and
valor were unsurpassed in the history
of the world. General Walthall spoke
for about forty miuutes, tAe rapt and
undivided attention given him being
sufficient evidence that his words
reached responsive hearts and found
echo in the spontaneous bursts of
enthusiasm which issued from the
throats of the multitude.
At the conclusion Of Gen. Walthall's
address dinner WAS partakeu Of, and
right here is where the 'eitizens Of
Duck Hill and the good people of the
viciaity showed their hospitality.
The crowd was y great deal larger
than was expected, yet there sSas food
in abundance for everybody. The bill
OF fare was as varied as it was plcnti-
t ul, and the universal comment was
tha. a better picnic dioner had never
been spread.
After Il spirited and vigorous attack
on the dinner. the veterans OF the
Fifteenth repaired to the town hall
and held business meeting. Mr..
Richard Wood was elected chairman
and Mr.. J. L. Collins secretary. The
subject OF erecting II monument to
the gallant Col. M. Farrell and the
heroes Of the Fifteenth who fell at
Franklin, Tenn, was discussed. and on ;
motion the following com mmittee was
appointed to at once solicit contribu-