The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-04-14

his line unbroken amid all the V4clsSlluueS
OF that firece struggle.
en- February, 1858, accordingly came ms
commission of brigadier-generaA. ana
few months afterwards his election by
an uprising of the people to the posi-
ton of Governor of Virginia. TIhis second
elevation to that nigh office had occurred
without his ever leaving his camp. And
he did not mean to leave it till the day
of his inauguration-tle first Of January,
1S64-should come.
Senator Daniel then adjutant-general
on Earlys staff, has eloquently described
General Smiths appearance at that
time. Let me read you an extract from
his mastery sketch
A FIRE EATER.
t.It was in this campaign" says Major
Daniel, chat I was thrown often in the
company of General Smith, and it was
frequently my duty to fulfill General
Early's orders in bearing him messages
upon the field, and pointing out the POSI-
lions he was to occupy. He oiY
went into battle at the head of his men.
and always on horseback when topogra-
ply permitted. To speak Of him as pos
sessing remarkable courage would be but
family to express what everybody knew;
but his courage was indeed OF a rare ana
peculiar order. On the edge OF 1lgnt
he was as serene as May morning:
pleasant umoured; full of vivacity and
good cheer, and his face betokened the
condence and leartiness of a spirit never
perturbet by fear or misgiving. but reso-
lutte and earnest to do with will the
work before it. Yet, when reused an
action he was full of fire, energy ana
enthusiasm. I wish / could paint the
scene before Winchester in June, 1863.
when his brigade was ordered forward
into line. and the division was forming
-, lNTijrov'S nOSitjOn.a Gem
eral Early directed me to convey the
order to General Smith. Galloping to
deliver it,, I met General Smith riding
at the head of his men. who were ap-
preaching across the field The sun was
hot, and he carried an umbrella over
his head in one hand. He wore a clti-
zen's hat and an old-fashioned standing
collar. His horse was ACQUIRED with
pair Of saddle-bags, and had nothing OF
the martial air about him. The general
looked more like q judge going TO open
court than like Southern brigadier, or
fird eater; land his smiling face and
urbane manners gave little mixing OF
grim-Sisaged war. But IN q tW1nkEns
the umbrella went down, forward-quck
step-ran down the column; the horse
caught the fire of his rider, and IL one
had seen Smiths brigade as they came
into line in front of N1ilroy, he would
have recognized instinctively that they
were veterans who knew their. business.
And glance at General Smith would
have shown that here was q born leader
who could inspire men with his own
calm but energetic and lndomltable
courage
Another gifted eyewitness, Major Rob
ert W. Hunter, has yividly portrayed
General Smiths splendid proves on the
third day at Gettysburg when. at Crisis
he dashed up with his brigade TO drive
back an Overwhelming mass of the enemy
that threatened destruction to our left
..It was done so handsomely" Major
Hunter saws, athe old Governors bearing
was so superbly gallant; his voice SO
ringing and inspiring; the reinforcement
he brought so opportune, so welcome ana
so effective that the troops in that quar-
ter, rejoicing in their detiverance,.l IN heart-
felt tribute TO that good sreyhead that all
men knew and with a spontaneous i'm
ra,,se such as only soldiers in such q
Might can feel, with one accord raised the
shout: .Hurrah for Governor Smith,
which went along the lines like.Ian cleo
trio current, mngling with the sullen roar
of the enemy's cannon.
MR. ROYALL'S ADDRESS.
Mr.. William L. Royal accepted the
portrait on the part of the Camp in a
most interesting address. He was intro
duced by Commander Richardson as Pr1-
yate" William j.. Royal. Mr.. Royal, in
beginning his address. said that he did
not know when he began to honor ana
revere William Smith, but that 1t was
some time during his youth.
In referring to the cruelties perpetrated
by Northern soldiers, Mr.. Royal said that
| It was for the keeper of the lower regions
to decide whether he would be held re-
sponsible for the actions of those men,
whom he will have to broil.
The speaker read a set OF resolutions as
presented by Governor Smith at meet
ing of patriotic citizens held at old ARR
can Church.
! At the conclusion of Mr. Royals adj
dress Captain Frank W. Cunning Cham
sang a. beautiful selection, after which
the thanks Of the Camp were extended the
speakers for their able addresses, as well
as TO Mr.. Thomas Smith, who gave the
r,,,oorfr,i ~ 70 the Camp.