The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-10-06
OXFORD'S FULL FORCE
Confederate Veterans Will
Attend Meeting Here In
ireatlStyIe.
Especial to News and Observer. ]

Oxford, N. c., Oct5.-It looks as if
Granville county will be well represented
at the reunion of the Confederate Vet
Grams to be held in Raleigh during the
State Fair. At the meeting held ten
days ago the annual election took place,
and Mr.. A. w. Graham was elected COM
mander over his protest he advocating
the election of one who had seen service
in many battles. But the members told
him he must yield to the unanimous wish
Of the camp.
Mr. Milton Blalock of the Granville
Greys, Company d, 18th Regiment and
Dr. S. ID. Booth. Pickett's Division, were
elected lieutenants.
Another meeting viii be held on Mon
day, October 5th to complete the ar
rangements and it is expected that every
one who intends going will be present or
viii send In his name so that it may be
known how many cars will be required
and how maT11 tents it will be necessary
to reserve for the Granville veterans
The camp IS is named Maurice Thomas
Smith Camp No. III. in honor of Lieu
ten8ntColonel Maurice Thomas Smith, Of
the 55th North Carolina troops, who was
killed while CALAMITY leading his men IN
the first days battle at Gettysburg. He
M
the same regiment which company was
raised in the Oak Hill neighborhood and
was composed Of some Of the finest SOL
diers in our army. It was the 55th North
Carolina Regiment that had the honor OF
going farther in the third days great
battle at Gettysburg than any other Con-
federate Regiment and left her dead to
attest the truth of North Cardinals claim
n a rtb has tn ho n
Gettysburg"
Granville county made magnificent
record in the war What a pity a true
account Of it cannot be written before
the last gallant heroes who participated
in it, have passed over the river" to join
their noble comrades. Granville was ore
Of the counties that sent many more
troops to the field then she had voters.
and their blood stained every battle field
in Virginia Pennsylvania, Maryland and
our own State and many in the Western
States Who viii write the biography of
that splendid soldier and noble gentleman
Col Sol Williams, who, at the head of the
Second North Carolina Cavalry, checked
the onslaught of Greggs' brigade at
Brandy Station and saved the day for
the Confederacy, though he yielded up his
life in doing it?
who will write of the true chivalous
Col c. c. Blacknall of the 23rd who did
so much to stem the tide of disaster at
Winchester? " 40 will give the history Of
those two heroes noted as much for their
exemplary Christian conduct, as their
courage on the field of battle?
Lieutenant Colonel Maurice IT. Smith.
of the 55th and Capt. George T. Basker-
vile of the 23rd Regiment, both of whom
fell on the same day. 1t is related of them
that no matter how fatigueing the march
or bloody the battle they never forgot to
call those who were left around them. at
night. and held divine service, praying
for the loved ones at home. the sick and
wounded, and for the success of the cause
they loved so we'll And Colonel Smith,
when he lay dying on the field of battle.
thanked God for sparing him so long TO
defend his country. Such was the stuff of
which Granville heroes were made and
their memories ought to be perpetuated
as an incentive to those who come after
them
We know the veterans will enjoy meet
ing those with whom they suffered aud
fought and tel ing over the adventures of
MANY a hard fought field and it is hoped
thew will be accorded the reception they
50 Justly merit and that they may long
he shared to their homes and their coun-
try.