The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-01-20
DR.. AVIRETT'S ADDRESS.
Captain Ashes Analytical Estimate of
the Winchester Grafton.
. (Correspondence News and ObserverD


Through the lberality Of the de-
voted Confederate, Charles B. Rouss,
there has been published in pamphlet
the proceedings at the S:onewall CEN
etery, Winchester, Va, Oh the 18th Of
September last, when the foundation
stone was LAID for the monument TO he
erected in honor Of the 497 North
CarolInians inferred there. These
proceedings have a mournful interest
to all patriotic Carolinlans. During
the entire period Of the great struggle,
Winchester was the very center Of the
mad storm Of war. Here continually
came victory AMI disaster, and all the
dire calamlties Of fierce warfare were
daily experienced 10y It's devoted
years, elghly-seven times Winchester
fell, and eighty seven times The flag OF
the Conquerer replaced The colOrs of the
vanqulshed. No other spot ever wit
messed such spectacle Of successive
triumphs and defeats. And there as
elsewhere North Caro!Inian5 shared
the glories and the sorrows. We can
with pride recall that here, TOO, as on
all the great batlltfirlds OF the war,
North Carolina suffered most and laid
upon the altar mDre lives than any
other State. Because our Slam there
outnumDer all others, the pint Of honor
IN thu Confederate cemetery was
awarded 10 North Carolina.
On the day of the proceedings de
scrlbed in the pamphlet before US, the
brave General Cheek having hand
sOmely expressed "to the noble, pa
trlotlc, generous and loving women OF
historic old Winchester nj, grateful
appreciation Of their pious care Of our
dead, in fitting terms introduced he
orator-the Rev. James Battle Avirett
who was chaplain of A,hby's fam
Gus cavalry, and who, although d de
voted CarolInian, has long been
closely associated with the good peo-
pie OF Winchester. 1t IS Of Mr.. Avir
day, for II Carries ones through the
historic times OF which 1t treats. We
thank Mr.. ROuSs fer its publication,
tor Its merits deserve preservation aud
frequent perusal.
Indeed 1t is notable contribution
to our war literature. The leading
a IlN hr
the Rebel-Tne Traitor-The Trans
susquehanna man or the Cis-susque
| hanna man, ard to its calculation
| Mr.. A.Irett brings ripe scholarship, a
| large acquaintance with the principles
| of government, and with the CirCum
stances under which our constitution
was framed, and an eloqenCc that
enChains the attention throughout his
argument.
He show how the clashing between
the Hamiltonlan and Jeffersonlan
schools Of thought resulted in the es-
tablIshing Of government based on
compromises, and as comprises settle
nothing but leave the antagonistiC
principles al work to secure the mas
terry, he shows how eventually the con
flIct arose between centrallism and the
doctrine of S,ate-rlghts. The COntes,
was ever on the same lines though the
Causes of quarrel were often diverse
At length the denial was reached when
the North no longer observed the con.
stltution, and the compact broken BY
one side was dissolved as to the other
Indeed, Mr.. Avirett has given US d
masterful presentation Of the subject
one that Will augment his reputation
and claim the attention Of The Thoughts
full student in years TO come.
Proceeding with his address, Mr.
Avirett as of peculiar interest to hi
audience dwelt somewhat largely or
the battle of ShaIps5urg, giving al
account Of that great contest between
Lee and Mcclellan that is no:eworlh,
for its clearness and precision OF state
ment.
His eulogium on the Army of Vir
glnla is particularly fine, while thu
tribute he pays to Vance, the grea
War Governor and to the people O
North Carolina is admirable in con
ception and elegan; in language.
All in all, as it splendid perform
ance by this accomplished scholar, ant
we know not which to admire most hi
sterling patriotism and correct prin
ciples, his masterful augmentation O
his eloquence that SO Thoroughly charm
while casting bright radiance owe
every subject he touches.
S. A. ASHE.