The Monticellonian., 1898-07-29
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS
Their Loyalty to the Stars and Stripes Never More To Be
 Questioned.
PRESIDENT M'gINLEYS PATRIOTIC SPIRIT.
Cost in Blood and Treasure" For the Love It Brings to Union and Confed- crate Veterans Views of Col. Fordyee on the Result of inc Present War


 crate Veterans Views of Col Fordyee
 on the Result of the Present War.
 In the July number of Confederate Veteran, monthly magazine published at Nashville, Tenn. Col s. ". Fordyce, the well known railroad manager, gives his views, at the request of the editor of the spirit exhibited by the Confed. crate element in the south in connec. tlou with the present war with Spain. O.. Fordyce, as Is well known, was gallant Union soldier, though probably no other man in the south. and especi- ally in this state, is held in higher esteem by his old "enemies in battle |" Taking up his residence in Arkansas shortly after the war, and having min gled with the old soldiers of the Host cause in everyday life and at their re- unions and gatherings for the past 30 years, Col. Fordyee has been enabled to judge correctly of the patriotic spirit which prompted them in t861-65 to con tend on battle field for that which to them seemed to be the right. Col For dyce is an honorary member of Arkan- sas Division, United Confederate Veter- ans, an honor bestowed in recognition of many acts Of kindness shown the members of the division. Below is given the letter of Col. Fordyee to the Con- federate Veteran:
 "To the eX-Federal soldier and to those of the north who have lived among these ex-Confederates since the close of the war between the states, and who have had opportunity to judge of the character of these brave and true men, it was no surprise when, at the presidents first and second call for troops, they responded as promptly and with as much alacrity as did the vet erans of the north. They are now yieing with their quondam adversaries in the army and navy. and sharing in the glory of victories on sea and land. There is now no longer any north, south, east or west, excepting as to the geographical division of the country. All glory alike in
 '' "A union of hearts, a union Of hands,
 A union none can sever;
 union of lakes, a union of lands,
 Tho flag Of our union forever
 "It is especially gratifying to the patriotic people of the north, as it must be to those of the south; that a noble scion of the house of Lee was immedi- ately assigned by the president to an important command In the volunteer army of the United States. The plain and direct statement of Fitzhugh Lee as to the condition of affairs in Cuba. under Spanish rule, was accepted by the country he represented so well as sufficient cause for our president to ask that the Spanish government recall her army of occupation, and recognize the independence of Cuba. The refusal Of this request on the part of Spain was deemed sufficient for 2 declaration of war by this government. call for volunteers was made which was re- sponded to at once by the ex-officers and soldiers of the Confederate army, as well as by their descendants. An op- portunity was thus offered to demon stpate their patriotism and love for a reunited and common country, thus forever eliminating what is commonly known as bloody shirt politics in this country. Foreigners, not familiar with the character of our free born American citizens, must stand amazed at the spectacle of Wheeler leading the advance of our army against Santiago when we recall the fact that he once led the advance and covered the retreat of an army opposing the flag he is now so brayely defending. How sublime the thought that the one-legged and onearmed Butler and Oats are now serving as generals under that same flag before which they fell wounded nigh unto death in the war between the states. Opportunity only is lacking for thousands of the rank and file of ex-Confederates to show to the world that they would do battle for and, if need be, die, in defense of their gov ernment and flag.
 The unanimity with which the ex- Confederates in congress voted money and supported measures in aid of a vigorous prosecution of the war with Spain must command the admiration of all the people north as we'll as south, and shows to the world that we stand together, band of brothers, if need be in battle array against the armies of the world. This war with Spain is worth all it will cost in blood and treas ure, for the love it brings each for the other and the confidence it begets be- tween the ex-soldiers of both armies, as we'll as the fraternal feeling it will create between the people of all the states.
 h ! I patriotism and magnanimity, as well as his far-seeing sagacity, in making no distinction between sthe ex-soldiers of the Union and Confederate armies in the distribution of commissions for i'm portant commands. He has shown to the country that while we are divided on political lines as to what policy is best for the happiness and prosperity of the people in times of peace, that no partiality will be shown for or against any political party in time of war, and that no distinctions will be made be- tween the ex-soldiers of the armles that once fought for and against the union.
 With such an unselfsh and patriotic spirit evinced by the chief executive, fully cqualled by the brave and chivaI- rous ex-Confederates, in this contest with Spain is there no cause for all the people to rejoice in reunited re- publie2 IS w FoRDYCE. Late Captain First Ohio Vol Cavalry. and As-
 sistant InSpeetor-General in the Army Of
 the Cumberland"
 
 As It Will Be Told,-sPanish Grand dad (a0 years hence)-"And in that