davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
THE POET And REUNION.
i Voluntary Contribution to the Litera.
ture Of The Occasion.
THE SENTIMENT EMBALMED IN VERSE
Number of Psthetical Writers Sing Their
Sweet songs In Honor Of tho Reunion
aud Cornerstone Laying of the
Davis Monument

Upon the occasion OF the recent great
Confederate reunion. at which time tho
cornerstone OF monument 10 Jefferson
DAVIS was laid. Ihe Times received "a
humber OF voluntary contributions from
writers whose verses were inspired ny
the recall OF the late Conic1trdcy anu
the purpose TO pcrpotuato the memory OF
its illustriOUS President
AT the time Of the reunion the reports
OF the current events rendered IT an mn
possibility TO produce these charming
poem'. but as the fire Of genius IS not
quenchcd by time. nor "a sweet sentiment
lost in the night OF days. the verses are
given TO the public to-day In one paper
in order that postorty may learn OF the
devotion OF the poet 10 the Lost cause.
and succeeding generations may learn OF
the spirit that burned after thirty years
OF peace.
II there be poems here Of more particu-
lar merit than Others We have not at
tempted 10 - decide by any order OF ar
TanCcmcni
They are given just rs they came to us,
flowers of various hucs, dcwy with the
tears OF tho poet and fragrant with the
perfume Of Inspiration.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Since Cross Keys have l drank at thy
cool rttpnfnt, streams

Since Cross Keys have l drank at thy
cool, running streams.
Only an old gray jacket but what fancies
il weaves;
OF dear old Richmond city and sweet
Whose voice thrilled with the fire OF her
sirc:,
As she sang the martial songs heard
around our camp fires,
Whose touch WIS caress, ana whose
kiss was a heaven TO me,
When [ fought with StOnewall Jackson In
the swamps of the Chickahominy.
Only an old gray Jacket, what memories
OF jovial mess-mates and the bugles
sweet calls
Tho deafering yell and the squadrons
dash.
The bullets sharp pang. and the bright
sabor's flash:
Where brave Pelham made his last charge
and died
At Kelly's Ford, by RaDpahannocks blue
tide.
only an old gray jacket, but what Joy
e. me.
When rode 10 Maryland with Jeb Stu
Where rations were plenty and life was
serene,
My mare lived in clover, and I on kisses
and cream.
From Maryland's fair daughters. such
nectar | ween.
Was never Yet brewe1 where love was
the theme.
Only an old gray Jacket. all tattered ana
torn,
But IL covered n heart that was sad and
forlorn.
When Pickett charged AT Gettysburg and
ArmiSteat fell.
And the lannon's loud roar was com
radc's knel.
As he died with his face 10 the foe on
that terrible hill.
Ny God, its CHASTITY memories haunt me
still.
only an old gray Jacket. falling 10 pieces
with agc.
But ah' what mark IT has left on his
torys page
Fivm Brpndy station. where Burwell fir
Cd his last she'll.
To Isno<er's OIL village whore Phil Ford
dInd with a yell
AS his deadly guns belched forth their
Thateshook the earth like the wind does
tho trees In a gale.
only an Oh gray jacket-but it's every
Is dyed with the blood OF comrades long
since dead,
Who fought for a cause. and they deemed
~ just,
And neither Is forgotten. though It was
lost, and they are but dust,
For as long as men admire yalor AMI wo-
men noble deeds.
From the Chesapeake 10 the Gulf they
will live again IN their seeds.
Only an old gray jacket. but its every
ragged fold
Is far more precious 10 me than untold
gold
midas rich looms have never woven a
web:
Like that oil gray jacket TO this Johnnie
Heb.
And II heaven be my norton with that
gray Jacket. all will be well.
II not. | will wear II proudly amidst the
flames OF hell.
JAMES ID. GLEESON.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
The Home Of "DixIc.-

Through all the sunny Southland.
Down the valleys. DER be hills:
On the blue and hay mountains;
BY its rivers and Its rills.
In the homes OF old plantations;
In The cabins startling still;
In tho hearts OF all its people.
Dixie" lives, and ever VIII.
As years pass by. the bitter struggle.
Ended many years ago.
With its memories. fierce and tender,
Slowly fade and DINNER grow.
But the sweet. old strains OF Dixie"
Ring as fresh and true to-day
As they did around the camp fires,
In the days long past away.
As on that simmer morning.
When its sweet tones rang out clear,
On the battlefield inspiring
Into life the rebel cheer.
And through all time. wherever
IL greets n Southern ear,
The song OF the old plantations,
VIII be as fresh and dear.
LALLA RACHFORD DANIEL.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
The Reunion.

See this grand array Of soldiers passing
Headed by children dressed In red ana
white
The colors for which many were not
ashamed TO die.
And which help to make this glorious
sight.
Look at the multitude gathered on the
street
To see the remnant left from the battle
Where many friends for tho last time
meet
And where many man. to heaven for
mercy appealed.
Men pass by. who, with iron hearts,
fought Of old;
Men whose step is less firm than thirty
years ago.
Men who cared not for hunger nor yet for
cold.
But onward they went to meet the near
ing foe.
They meet not this time prepared for
strife
But to renew the memory OF their dear
comrades,
Who fought with them, and gave their
life,
And who were then not men. but mere
lads.
Now onward they march up the street,
camp after camp.
with sounding bugies. and flying flags.
Column after column, In step onward
tramp,
Bearing proudly the banners now in
rags.
Through the cheering crowd the cavalry
rides
Loud. sounds the cheer as Gordon leads
the horse.
And with a bow to greet the crowd on
ward strides.
Next the cadets and sponsors-quite
force.
Now come in carriages the guests OF
note.
Among them Mrs. Jefferson Davis and
Mrs. Hayes.
And many more in number too great TO
quote,
For the like has never been seen for
days and days.
There come the veterans. ten-thousand
strong,
Some in suits they wore thirty-hye years
ago.
Three cheers for the band as 1t plays the
fayorite song.
And as the soldiers march on by. TO
the parks they 20
To lay the foundation-stone OF a monu-
ment,
Which will ever do honor to him-our
good friend,
Jefferson Davis, who was once our presi-
dent.
And who to his country dear. his SER
vices did lend.
Now all is over the crowd has separated.
And in a short time tho streets were
nearly bare
Many j friend has some tale related
or his adventures, which were then not
so rare. NORA CREINA.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
ANNA WOODLEY WILLIAMS.
War.

A relic OF the barbarious times
IL war but now It's honor called.
IT'S money tempts mankind 10 risk
Their lives and limbs, the love OF home,
And pride of nation, has no part
on sangunary fields nor wish
That ali the world would strive for peace.
How easy 'twere for Christian lands
To vow that wars shall be no more,
And If a nation strikes a blow.
In concert Join and wipe II out.
or II sub1ue and rule for good.
To talk of loving God and man
While war exists is strongest proof
A golden god we trust. for who
That follows Christ, would cry for war?
Who rolls the stone before the wheels
OF peace? Who makes the guns and
swords,
And they who form the rank 10 lead,
or rather drive the file 10 death?
Not righteous he-I care not who
He is who advocates for war.
With voice he seems TO serve the Lord
While heart and pockets yearn for gold.
Who truly loves the Lord will cry
For peace, and sing its sacred hymns
All steeds OF war he'd hitch to draw
The plow whose share was cannon once.
The rising youth he'd gladly train
To wieh The scythe wrought Of the sword.
And soon he'd have both rank and file.
AS God Intended husbandmen
To TIL and dress this beauteous world.
No faith have in those who preach
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
The Southern Girl.

Wore bound for the capital,
There to celebrate
The Confederate reunion.
10 be held in ore grand old State.
To JEFF. Davis
a cornerstone we'll lay,
On il Wen place a monument
Some near future day.
There will be many soldiers
And lots OF veterans there.
But we mustn't forget the Southern girls,
So grand, noble, and fair.
II was thu noble Southern girl
That FASTENED with all speed
To the side Of her soldier sweetheart
When he was wounded and In need
To-day we have gallant soldiers
And girls that are good and true
As ever fought on Southern soil
or sent lovers TO fight the blue
ANONYMOUS.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
A Song Of Lamar fontalne.

Hc. buglers, sound the charge.
10, mdrShals, clear the way
The Southland knights. in all their might
Ride Richmond's streets to-day.
To-day each door ana gateway.
Is decked with colors bright,
In honor OF JEFF. Davis.
The Martyr Of the Right"
They come, each crowned with glory,
They've won a deathless fame.
But renowned among that number,
is the brave Lamar Fontaine.
Who, like Horatius Coolies.
I'm the brave days OF old
Feared neither food nor foe
Within his heart OF gold.
His eagle eye and steady aim.
Twice thirty foemen slew,
While the pulsing minute-hand
Around the dial flew;
And Lee and StOnewall Jackson,
Stood gazing in surprise.
At the calm and valiant scout
Who thus the foe leaes.
He spared not blood nor muscle,
His duty was his pride
TIL three score CORY wounds,
Believed his gallant side.
on. on. through blood and carnage,
He ever pressed his way,
Until at AppomattoX,
The Southland lost the day.
Hc. buglers, blow louder note.
Ho, marshals. lead the wayl
The Southland knights in all their might.
Ride Richmond's streets to-day.
But. within the serried ranks,
OF that long. glitterin. train,
Breaches there none more brave, more
true
Than Scout Lamar Fontaine.
MRS. NJ. L. WILLIAMSON,
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Our Dead Chicftain.

Transatlantic bell IS tolling.
Sad its mournful solemn peals
Muioly tell the poignant anguish
That his Alma Mater feels.
Every Southern eye is weeping
For tho brave and for the best.
In the sacred vault he's sleeping
Peacefully AT last. at rest
Every Southern heart is bleeding
In remembrance of the past.
But could We hear him now proclaiming
Victory! Victory. at laSt...
He has passed beyond he river.
A successful journey made.
He's with Stuart. Lee. and Jackson,
Resting underneath the shade.
The brightest Southern light has leaped
From a grave so cold and damp.
Blazing In the ethereal heap
To flame eternity's lamp.
Dear Dixie land his sepulchre.
Dearer than home. sweet home.
Defend. . Lord. defend her
From battle, tempest. storm.
Weep not, dear land weep not
For one who knew no wrong
But TO know he's not forgot
Ia swceter than soraphs' song.
What monument or marble slab
Records the names ne left?
he died like the brave De Kalb.
Who bowed alone TO death.
He needs no eulogy from earth.
Who has risen To heaven above.
Whose greatness and whose worth
Is the song, in the Paradise Of love.
Earth to earth" saith the God of heaven
To all men. great and just.
But TO inherit that blessed haven.
ashes TO ashes" Dust to dust"
GEORGE NJ. BRIGHT.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
The Soldiers Monument.

Ttis noble shaft and bronze to Entitled
Heroes raised
Recalls that true devotion all the world
hath praised.
Whether on land with our matchless Leo.
or proudly unfurlet our banner upon the
stormy sea.
Truth shall he spoken now as .hen
Ard shall continue while we are men:
II was they, tho North's great host from
all the world.
Long in route thrown back. in confusion
hurled.
Their valor and sodierly devotion
Calls even from foe, generous emotion:
The vanquished vet as they died
Left their example. the soldiers truest
guide.
The lesson their memory and this shaft
would teach
To all 70 whom their fame may reach:
To yourself and country your cause and
colors e'er be true.
Nor care what numbers. nor IL the world
opposes you. G. NJ. HOOPER.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19

There will be no poor: on that uay, on
They will be all rich, IN titlt lO'''
A welcome you'll get old sol~er'
A wecome like that from ABOVE
You ask. did serve my country,
I'm the BATTLES. you ask did ! go
T marched. YES. marched. TO follow Lee
fril NV feet were blistcred ana sore
OH 7 want TO 60 70 Richmond
10 meet old comrades thele'
But. II | go. dear lady,
have nothing decent TO wear
Yon see my clothes look shapoy
The hrim on my hat IS loIH, ,u..
This coat does look pretty WeH' Mss
Considering the years It's been "o'n'
Still. you give me welcome to Rich
"ris welcome Ike that from above
COD t.ass Won. Nircinia's fair daughter
MAY YOU ever abide in his love.
Yea WILL 60 10 Richmond,
VIII YOU write them letter to-day anu
non then, that an old soldier Is coming
Who hopes they'll not turn him away.
Tell them that ! am coming.
And ] only have one day 10 stay
Ru. 7 know when / knock az virginia
dOO.. ,.,
sho will not tell an old soldier AWAY!
A RICHMOND GIRL.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
discovered.

Seen you down at chu'ch las night
Nevah min' Miss Lucy.
What | mean? In, OATS all right
Nevah min. Mss Lucy.
Oh. yous smart ez smart kin be.
But you couldn't hide rom me;
Amt | got two eyes 10 see?
Neyah min. Miss Lucy.
Guess you thought you's awful keen
Nevah min. Miss Lucy;
Eyahting you done l seen
Nevah min. Miss Lucy;
Seen him TEX yo' ahm jes' so.
When you got outside de do
All. l know dat mans yo' beau
Nevah min. Miss Lucy.
Say now. honey. wha' d he say?
Nevah min. Miss Lucy:
Keep yo' sec'uts-dats yo' way
Nevah min. Miss Lucy:
Won't tell me. an I'm you pal.
I'm gwine tell his othah gal
Know huh. too-huh name Is SAL
Nevah min. Miss Lucy.
-Pam Laurence Dunbar. In June Coat,gJ
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Pathos Of Presidential Conventions.

NO ono can examine the records OF
presidential conventions. with their per-
sonal successes and failures, and easily
escape the conviction that there Is far
more OF tragedy than comedy I'm our
national politics. There are touches OF
humor here and there. but the dominant
note is that OF path6s. Behind every
great success there is to be seen the SOM
bre shadow of bitter disappointment. OF
wrecked ambition. OF lifelong hopes In
ruins. As one pursues through biography.
autobiography. and memoir. the personal
history OF the chief figures In the conven-
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
observation-disclosures

Brave hearts. thus again united.
That beat In unison to-day.
As on that bloody field benighted
Bent as one in that deadly fray.
Near High Top va" ,.att fatal day
Our line LAY" for one hour or more;
''Mis' shrieks Of steel and lannon's roar
"Wherc thousands passed through
deaths dark door"
Cannonading ceasing 10 roll
At tho call charged that deathlike wall
Comrades. left TO weltCr in gore
To that wall tho great Alamo"
We tell to-day that brave display"
In which terror reigned forlorn
Reaching. / climbed High Top" wall:
VJose rocks slide me the other side
prisoner made long TO wait
with thousands more to share that fate
The Cartle's Right there lost its might
That fall Of ali ia dark midnight.
RICHARD X. PIPER.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
yapoleon's Dependency.

Napoleon. threatened by the knife OF
would-be assassin. had sunk into despon-
dency. which was the deeper because he
had been wounded at Ratisbon. knocked
senseless by a fall from his horse near
Schonbrunn, checked AT Aspern. compell-
cd to expose his life like any common
soldier to save the day AT Wagram. and
only half supported by the Car during
this last supreme effort; and because
Soult had been driven out Of Portugal
June Century
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Our Homage.

From far OFF hill and valley.
From inland stream and bay,
The gallant heroes rally.
The men who wore the gray.
From councils of the nation.
From factorys busy hum.
From quiet, old plantation,
The noble rebels come.
They come not for the battle,
To caIl Of clarionet,
With musketry's fierce rattle
And bristling bayonets set.
No gatherings are waving
Defiance, as OF yore,
But holy tears are LAYING
The colcrs that they bore.
They bring no heart Of malice
To the boys that wore the blue.
But drink from memory's chalice
To comrades dead but true:
To the men who fought beside them
on many a bloody field.
To the men who fell beside them,
Who fell, but would not yield.
They come. as pilgrims lowly,
To render homage due
To memories pure and holy.
To chieftain tried and true.
They come at fame's behest
To honor Helmsman great.
Who guided through the tempest
The Southern Ship OF State.
And tho the winds blew wildly
About her sails and spars,
And tho the waves rushed madly
Across the trcacherOus bars.
He kept her course right onward
With steady hand and head,
Until she settled downward
Beneath the pillows tread
And many a sire. hoary.
VIII. 10 his sons, relate
The true. tn immortal story
OF the Southern Ship Of State.
And they'll honor Davis name.
Wherever there may be
Who love the deathless fame
OF men that followed Lee
FRANK l.. CROKER.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19

lions that have been held during the sixty
years which have passed since that meth
Cd of nominating presidential candidates
came into use, he finds II almost inyaria-
bly, ending In sadness and gloom. Not
one of those seeking the presidency with
most persistence has succeeded in GET
ting possession of that great office. and
few of them, when fnal failure has come.
have shown themselves able TO bear the
blow with fortitude.-June Century.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
The Reunion sc.

Patriotic love trings the men in gray.
Though years have passed, and silvery
white
Their locks are growing.
Since they. as comrades, stood upon the
battle field,
The fear of death ignoring
Welcome them, their records hold
No cowardly deeds. no cOnscicnces' reprf-
mard:
Alone impulsive movements 10 tho right.
At death they laughed Nor swer ,ed
save when m memory's hour
Home voices chimed. Goodnight"
No thought Of enmitv they bring
No sound OF war J. battle call
Peace whispers in eacl flaming zephyr;
Her magic voice lcrds pleasure TO all.
In it's unbrOkcn hallowed spell
A charm is woven. vibrating from soul TO
soul.
Yes. welcome them with drum, the cor
net, and the flute
And long gone days wake up with greSt-
ing.
Bind tho broken chord. tread lightly DER
tho dead.
The boys In gray again are meeting.
They were gallant. true. kind. and gentle
Daring II II need to be.
Men no'er fought nor died more bravely
Than those led by n. Il. Lee.
MRS. l.. A. WHITE.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Tho natriots Of their native land
An Old GRAY Jacket.

only an old gray jacket, but 10 me
thing divine. .
For IL speaks OF the days OF my youth IN
Virgnia's fair cline,
Where Shenandoah's blue mountains are
kissed by the breeze.
And the lovely Potomac goes mean1ering
TO the seas.
Sweet. smiling valley, how oft In my
dreams,
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19

Who then see and talk TO one announcer
FREQ from all anxieties and fears'
Reunions OF soldiers recall battles fougn'
And n any tiresome days In camp.
And foot-sors marches with Danger
fraupht.
And evenings spent, with fires Tor
lamps
But time kindly filings about those days.
As soldiers recount the hallowed story,
A mantle TO hide the bloody trays.
And only shows the deathless glory.
NJ.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
In McnlOriam.

At. rest, not deadl
Such men can never de
Just gone ahead
To bs cnthrOned on high
Above the spite
OF those base coward knayes
Whose sole delight.
Tho JOY OF ghouliSh slaves,
II X TO howl.
Like ours Of lowest state,
And seek 10 foul
The truly pure ana great
Naucht carcth he,
Don't cur-dOgs bay the moon.
And why care we?
As shines the sun at noon
In clOUdlesss sky
with wholesome warmth and Hight
For low and high:
SO he. In glory bright.
To peace doth call
The North. the East, the West.
And. most OF all.
Tho South by him loved best
JOHN NJ. RICHARDSON.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
IA than hear arms: a sal rebuke

And then bear arms: sal rebuke
Christ Peter gave for one slight wound.
And he who fights denes his Lord
Dear Peace, come. raise with US thy
throne.
Thine attributes are born ~ love;
Dispel all fears. the eagle flown.
Perch on thy flag the harmless dove.
J. WILLIAM POPE.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19
Float side by side. Reunion Day.


Unfurl both banners. let them wave,
Ger comrades loyal. brave. and true.
For men who fought and wore the gray,
All love the nation OF to-day
AS well as these who wore the blue.
To age the years roll swiftly on,
1t greets its comrades while 1t may,
Yet, soon with picket duty done,
Lifo's battle fought and brdvely won,
Theroll be Grand Reunion Day.
". Il. Z.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-19

CNathaniel Bacon a. d. 177G)
Dacon was right, lie drew the sword
10 set his country free
From unjust taxes. cruel laws,
And allen tyranny.
Va Failed. the patriot cause went down
The conquoror cursed his name
To-day tho rebels fame is bright
The victor's portion. shame.
George Washington A. j.. l1'd)
And Washington was right. lie. too
Rose at Nireinia's call;
Fearless. he drew y patriot sword
And wrought her tyrants falL 49,,
HIS was tho conqu'rlng aim. maze Eoou
The chart our fathers sighed, "a,
They called him Rebel but MS sworn
Gave freedom 20 manAlhu'
ANDREW Jackson. 4. u. 1Sl2D
Jackson was right. lie lea the South
Against inyalng foes,
who leaeued win torch and scalping
ia NH her cup with woes.
VA fought TO save the southern homes
From plunder fire, ana shame
lie conqrered, and his native land
Wteatfes laurels round his nam
Robert Lee, \. ID. lsbl)
And Lee was risht! Al dutys cal'
lie led the patriot band,
To meet the horde, with Ite anu S""iu
That como TO spoil the land.
Long years. on many a glorious HELD
He led it to success; .ss..
Ue called before Overwhelming oddsi
But he was right, no rtheieSs'
,Tis but the number OF his foes
That gives the hero name,
Men cal some rebels patriots some,
WI. ...rfte. IL all The same.
,rresa glorious leaders Of the south
All warreI 10 keep her free
Fought the good ight FOR home ana right
Loved ones and liberty.
The patriots Of their nativd land
Revere each mighty name <u
The conqu'rors, ana the enters WIN iei'
Her cause was aye the same
Long as the patriot tale is taught
Columbia's pride will be $500.
How Bacon! and how Jackson fought
And Washington. and Lee, ..
-'''- HENRY II. HARRISON.