The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1898-08-22
ON GETTYSBURG'S
FAMOUS BATTLEFIELD
Colonel W. A. Hemphll Visits the Historic Ground
Where the Decisive Battle Was Fought and
During Which He Was Badly
Wounded.

I left Atlanta Saturday, August 9Th. on
the vestibule over the Southern railway
with my wife and daughter Julia to attend
the reunion Of the blue and gray in Phila-
selphia, and also to visit for the first time
since the great fight the battlefield of Get
tysburg This has been one Of the most IN
terestng weeks of my life.
The address Sunday at the cathedral by
Archbishop Ryan to the gray and blue was
patriotic and brotherly. l could not help
thinking OF our own Father Ryan during
the war, whose sweet poetry and ardent
southern patriotism made the southern
people devoted to him.
On Monday the chairman of the commit
tee and Mayor Warwick welcomed US in
Independence hall. | considered it a great
honor to have the privilege of speaking IN
this historic hall The associations and MIS-
tory are enough to give inspiration to one
who Is not easily moved.
on Tuesday we had a reunited country
day at Washington park. great crown
was in attendance and patriotic speeches.
were made. An account Oh lHlS H'' '
published.
Phfladelphia is a great city and the south
has many friends there. l have visited II
several times and every time my interest,"
and pleasure increases.
left Philadelphia for Baltimore, where /
'(tNOA-'
the Exchange National bank, who took US
in charge Mr.. Dixon was In Atlanta
several years ago. He told me that "leh-
ever wanted to visit Gettysburg he WouIa
be glad 10 go with me. as he was lamlIlaf
with the battlefield. lie was as good as MS
word. We took the express on the Western
MARYLAND railroad for Blue mountain. This
road goes through prosperous and r-ch
mart Of Maryland. The scenery Is as pretty
as one could wish. We spent a most peas
ant night a the Blue Mountain house. a
favoriie resort of the Baltimore people.
The scenery from this place is grand in
front is a beautiful valley as far as the eye
could reach studded with farm houses. 10
the right was Monterey pass, through which
Lee and his war-worn veterans reiterated
from Gettysburg. They passed Immediately
down this valley and | imagined that
could see them, sad and weary, as they
retraced their steps to Dixie.
Early next morning were on our way
to Gettysburg. After an hours ride we
came to Seven Stars, the last station be-
fore reaching cur destination. | remalke
that this IVES appropriate name, for
saw Seven stars and more. too, the last
time l was here.
After leaving this station there doomed up
big Round Top. | had not seen 1t Tor
thlrty-ftve years, but 1t was very familiar
Then little Round Top, Seminary Ridge,
renowned. We rolled into the depot at
Gettysburg | Il lst confess that | had
strange sensations when | placed my foot
upon Gettysburg soil. Memories and as
sociations came trooping through my mind.
We were met by Mr.. S. NJ. Bushman,
president of &c ttysburg National bank.
with a splendid team The day was all that
We could wish It to be. We first drove
through the cemetery. then ont Hancock
avenue and United States avenue TO Con
federate avenue. l Will not attempt to de-
scribe the magnificent monuments put up
by the northern states and union troops to
mark the different places where they
fought distinguished officers We're
wounded or killed. The field the union
side Is literally covered with these monu-
ments. The first one in our way was one
put up by the state Of New York to the
memory of her soldiers that cost $l400
While there are thousands of union monu-
ments, there is only one confederate monu-
ment, md that was erected by West Vir-
giuia on Cups hill.
The history of this battle is not complete
without both sides. The confederates eX-
hiolted more daring and bravery on this
field than any other. The first two days
Resulted in glorious victories to the con-
tederatc armies.
Hin and Ewer, with their two fighting
corps on the first day drove tine union
forces before them. capturing the town Of
Gettysburg, defeating and killing Major
General Reynolds, the federal general in
command. The gallant John Il. Gordon led
the fight this day The second day Long
street. with his victorious veterans. drove
the fedCrals back ana occupied a position
at night far in advance OF the one held
in the beginning. The uhird day the fed
erals were REINFORCED. besides having the
pos. ton on US. The Confederatcs attempts
ed The impossible, General Lee occupied