The leader., 1898-06-08

famous in this chamber have passed away,
Davis, Lamar, George and Walthall, names not
to be forgotten, but ever potent to evoke re-
spect. admiration and affection. Today the
senate suspehds IFS usual business to speak in
eulogy OF the latest mourned OF these renowned
statesmen.
Edward Cary Walthall was native of Rich
mond, Va, born April T. 1891, OF an old and
honored family. VIII lie boy his father moved
to Holly Springs Miss, where he received an
education i'll an academy at that time cele
brated. He began early the reading of law and
commenced practice at the age of u, at Coffee
ville Miss.
Four years afterward he was elected district
attorney for the Tenth judicial district, and
was reelected in 1859, serving until he resigned
to enter the Confederate army early in 1881
His service in that Office was able and brilliant,
and while an effective and vigorous prosecutor.
he became a popular lavorite.
His face and person we're exceedingly hand
some, his courtesy winning, his intellect bright
and quick, his manner energetic, and his rise at
the bar to distinction rapid.
AT that time there were no railroads In that
part of Mississippi, and the bar at each court
house was marked by ability as lawyers and
great good fellowship. The circuit was made
by attorneys in private conyeyances, atten led
made interesting by the conflict of learning and
wit, was also frightened by the generous hos
pitality of the local bar and the citizens Of the
respective towns. In the goody company no
man could hope for either professional or social
success without the aid of intellect, learning,
integrity and honor. Amid these congenial
spirits the young district attorney was in his
element, and his good qualities were amply
recognized, and present success and reasonable
expectation melted him 10 harder study and
higher achievement.
In the spring of 1861 he was elected the first
lieutenant of Company II, Fifteenth Missis-
sippi. Shortly after the organization of the
regiment, on the 18th of June. tie lieutenant
colonel resigned to accept the appointment of
surgeon, and Lieut.. Walthall was elected
lieutenant colonel This regiment did brilliant
service at Fishing Greek, or Mills Springs in
Kentucky and here lie won his spurs by a
splendid display of that cool intrepidity which
became the striking characteristic OF his career.
On the nth OF April, 1862, he was elected col
onel OF the Twenty ninth Mississippi Infantry.
On the 30th of June the same year he was APP
pointed brigadier- general, to take effect the
18th of December, 1852 His brigade was COM
posed of the Twenty-fourth, Twenty seventh,
Twenty ninth, Thirtielh and Thirty-fourth
Mississippi Infantry.
majo general. His division was composed of
the brigades of Gems Quarles, Canty and Reyn-
ODDS.
Seven days after his appointment as major
general Lieut.-Gen Leonidas Polk, the bishop
general was killed at Pine Mountain and three
names were sent to Richmond to be considered
as his successor. These were the names Of
Maj Gen. A. p. Stewart, Maj.-Gen. William B..
Bate and Maj. Gen. +. c. Walthall
speak now with great pleasure of an incl
dent that in this world OF struggle and rivalry,
especially in military affairs, has rarely oc-
CURED.
warmly indorsing Gen Stewart for the promo
ton, and magnanimo usly retiring themselves
from consideration. They presented the facts
of the seniority and military education of Gen.
Stewart, and would not permit their names to
| be used in competition with him. Both these
| men had gallantry won the substantial honor,
| and would have been justified in at least allow
| ing the executive to weigh the merits of all
three.
The mOdesty OF Gen. Bate, now a distin-
guished member OF this senate, is only equaed by
the valor his wounds attest and will not permit
| him 10 mention this episode, as honorable TO
| him as his feats of arms.
Of this magnanmous act Gen. Walthall
| rarely spoke. but those who knew him best can
| imagine the honorable pride with which he un-
| selfshly relinQushed all claim to the prize.
After the close OF the war lie returned to Cof-
feevile Miss, to resume the practice of his pro-
| fession In association with l.. Q. c. Lamar until
| January, 1871, when he removed to Grenada.
When the distinguished Lamar was appointed
| to the cabinet by Mr.. Cleveland March 4, 1885.
| Gen Walthall succeeded him by appointment,
| and was elected in January, 1886, for the unex-
ola ls.I SZA and. nin In
| 1892. Directly afterward his health became
very feeble, and, living up to his high sense of
public duty, he resigned in January, 1894. his
position for the balance Of that term. He had
| already been reelected for the term beginning
| March, 1896 at which time he re-entered the
| senate tc meet the welcome of his former asso-
| ciates.
| 1t is not my purpose to follow the course of
Gen. waithall through the several campaigns
| in which he was actively engaged. nor to de-
scribe nor even name the many battles in which
| he took conspicuous part but it is proper to
mention a few OF those which particularly dis
| played his soldierly qualities.
The battle of Lookout Mountain. which has
| been so exaggerated as the battle above the
| clouds" In the fervid imagination of poetry and
In the cold mendacity of prose- particularly dis
tinguished the unlinching courage and the
| calm intrepidity OF Gen. Walthall.
There were no clouds that day-only mist
| that came up from the valley.
WalthaIl's brigade OF 800 men were ordered
| to hold the position occupied by a picket post
| extending from Lookout Creek up the side Of
| the mountain. continuing across bench TO the
| cliff. The road by which relief must come or
retreat be made, as well as the position. were
swept by the fire OF the Federal batteries of Par
rott guns on Moccasin Point. Gen. Hooker at