The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1903-05-27

SItlCIcS III 1tb cOlumuS during the lSSt
few years from Mr.. r. X. Lackie, Of
Detroit, Mich, who was an officer Of
the renowned Sixteenth Michigan regi-
ment, one Of the sturdiest commands
in the Federal army, and which be.
longed to Dan Buttcrfcld's famous
brigade, SO we'll remembered by the
veterans who served in the Army Of
Northern Virginia. Mr.. Lackic in
tended to make visit last fall to
South Carolina, and on his way to re-
visit the battlefelds of Virginia, which
was partially accomplished, as he in
spectcd familiar ground at Gettys-
burg and Manassas, but he was com
PEELED to return home on account of a
severe cold contracted at Gettysburg,
which was aggravated by exposure 10
heavy rain as he was reviewing the
locality where his brigade fought in
the Second Manassas.
1t was great disappointment that
Mr.. Lackie could not fulfill the expcc.
tations of himself and the friends
who awaited his coming in South
Carolina, and we are still hoping that
his health will yet permit reunion
of those who were once foes, but learn
ed to respect each other in honorable
warfare. The recent articles in The
Mountaineer pertaining to the famous
apple tree under which Gen. Lee did
not surrender at Appomattox have
attracted Mr.. Lackie's attention, aud
sew. raj weeks ago he wrote to the effect
she' he endorsed the statements made
!, The Mountaineer, which Tailed with
his recollection of the incident, and
that he would send chip taken from
the tree itself, If We desired it. His
letter was promptly answered, and
with his reply has come this precious
souvenier of Appomattox. around
which is entwined bit of cloth that
was part Of the battle flag of the
Sixteenth Michigan.
1t is mere fragment at best, but
to us it is symbol Of gallant conduct
and heroic endeavor to which we we're
witness on the 9th of June, 1862,
when the Sixteenth Michigan aud the
Palmetto Sharp Shooters met in dead
ly conflict. and this flag went down in
defeat, but not dishonor. It also re-
minds us that this flag saluted our
comrades when they stacked arms for
the last time at Appomattox, and the
men from Michigan showed kindness
and cordial regard for the defeated
Confederates, the remnant Of the Pal
metto Sharp Shooters to whom ma
jority OF, their regiment ad surrender.
edat Gai:.es' Nil! nearly three gears
before. It served likewise to cement
the friendship Of those who were once
arrayed against each other, and who
are now peering into the far-off land
where 30 many Of their comrades have
been gathered. Though ne have never
met except in opposite ranks on the
fesa Of battle, ae the result Of which
both are suffering from wounds until
this day, Yet we know each other by
oommuning over the past and agreeing
upon that which makes for peace in
the present.: Our readers will patient.
}y bear with us, but we could not pre-.
sent them with Mr.. Lackis' last let
ter until an explanation was made
Of the peculiar relations existiny be.
tween Us. The following is his let
ter:
Detroit, Mich, May 4, 1903.
Col. james A. Hoyt, Greenville, s. G.
Dear.Sir and Comrade: Your very
kind and much appreciated letter of
the Gath ult. was duly received. am
pleased to, learn ofyour improved state
OF health and increase in avoirdupois.
No one could regret more than do
she circumstances that prevented me
FROM. attending the reunion of the
grand olf veterans of South Carolina,
especially Gen. Micah jenkins P. S.
S. Your Kind and generous invita-
ton to be your guest considered
great honor and makes me feel the
disappointment more intensely.
mail with this letter the chip of
apple tree" under whose branches
the great .Virginiau rested few min
utes before going out to meet Grant
st Appomattox G.. H. I procured
little strip Of our old battle flag and
tied it around the chip, and it is just
as then prepared it. Both show the
38 years since that battle flag went
down at Gaines Mill with the. State
banner which your regiment captured
that dev. We recovered this far and