Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-11

uI's ucHOiFlhB on him. lie made a most
interesting address. setting forth the ex-
piCits OF Wickhams cavalry. and
dwelling at length on the most thrilling
duties they were called upon to perform.
The speaker gave a most interesting
description of the greater, or more
prominent cavalry fights, and defended
the cavalrymen against the aspersions
cast upon them from time 10 time. Pass
ing down the list of generals who wore
the gray, Captain Sydnor grew eloquent
as he paid tribute to each, and recount
ed some Of their most valiant deeds.
He reached his climax when he referred
70 General Wickham, and amid stirring
applause turned the portrait over to
the camp.
Ere he did So however, he called upon
Mr.. Charles II. Powers, Wickham's old
| bugler. TO give blast or two on the old
| brigade bugle. Mr.. Powers responded
with reveille, and brought forth great
applause from the vets present.
CAPTAIN TAYLOR'S ACCEPTANCE.
When Captain Sydnor descended from
the platform. Captain Charles A. Taylor.
one of the most eloquent of the camps
| speakers. assembled to II, and in most
interesting address, accepted the por-
trait. Captain Taylor. like Captain
| Sydnor, served in the old Fourth Vir-
ginia Cavalry (Wickham's Brigade), and
he paid the highest tribute to his late
commander. Captain Taylor spoke Of
the portraits that had been acquired by
the camp, gave sketch Of General
Wlckham's career, and in conclusion
said:
Whether in public office or in private
life, his great influence was always ex
erted for the best interests of his people
and State. and time after time has he
stood between them and danger, az firm
and immovable as Jackson's Brigade upon
the field of Manassas.
In Monroe Park there stands n bronze
monument erected to his memory. bear
Ing the inscription: Soldier, Statesman,
Patriot, Friend" And he was all these.
There were greater generals than WICK
ham, but none Drawer or more faithful.
There have been greater statesmen, but
none purer or more honest. AS a patriot
he was above party; as a friend UNI
the poor, all had a place in his great
heart. The aid so delicately bestowed
upon needy friends. the charity given 10
the suffering poor, are known only to his
God.
"Ohl good gray head that all men knew,
OH iron nerve TO true occasion true;
oh! tower of strength
That stood four square to every wind |
that blew"
Brave soldier, honest statesman. pure
patriot, true friend. this is a memory that |
men delight TO honor.
WAS A HAPPY CONCEPTION.
Lee Camp accepts his picture with sim
cere thanks TO its donors, and will give |
II a place in its gallery OF heroes of the |
Lost Cause. 1t was beautiful concep-
tion, comrades-that of preserving upon |
canvas the features of those whose deeds
The ranks of the old Confederate army
are melting day by day. The thin line |
OF gray that withstood the mighty onset
of Grants legions. hurting back their
masses in defeat again and again, is now
but a handful of old men and a memory.
Before these men pass away, before tins
memory vanish, IL is our duty to show the
respect In which we held our cause ana
its champions. We must repudiate with
Indignation and adherence the dishonor-
ing terms of treason and rebellion as APP
piled TO our struggle for consAtutionaI
liberty
The cause for which we fought was the
patriots cause. and, thank God patriot
ism Is too pure, too holy, too divine a
flame TO be extinguished I'm the noisome
nists OF treason and rebellion. III bursts
through them like the MONDAY sun. scat
tering their foul yapors and sheds re-
splendent lustre on mankind.
Then let us invoke the writer's pen the !
chisel. and the painters brush
to tell our story 10 succeeding genera
tons. that they may read our cause
|
lenders
Let us make our walls like the painted
porch at the market-place OF the Athe-
mans, reminders of the courage and de-
,otion Of oSr countrymen. And when our
children gaze upon these pictured can |
iases may the contemplation inspire
heir hearts and nerve their arms TO ike
heroic acts God grant that their per- ,
ormance may be In the defence OF our I,
Whole Countrywide country OF our fathers,
,ndeared and ennobled by deeds of pa
riot heroes from George Washington to
Robert Lee.
PICTURE OF DRUMMER MORRIS.
The picture Of Mr.. Morris was pre-
ented by Mr.. Matthew +. Maury, who ,
! the outset complmented the camp on :
he happy inspiration which caused !
hem TO begin the collection of what
ids fair TO become such valuable col =
.ction OF portraits. He then gave a !
REF account OF Mr.. Morris's career with !,
q entered the service at the age OF 10 =
ears and 3 months, he dwelt on the =
humorous events that lent spice TO his :.
angerous duties. He concluded amid "
reat applause, and Mr.. LaughtoE in :.
neat cut bric. address accepted the =
cture. n
The presentations being concluded, the :.
lestion Of electtng sponsor to the "
rand Camp was brought up, on mo-
on of General Brander who moved "
.at an election for this Office be eon. :,
TO at the meeting next Friday night. -
he camp adjourned after this. Com -
ander Warren explaining that he had | =
EN- disappointed by the musical talent -
no were TO have closed the evenings ~
-