The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-11
John B, Gordon.

the veterans of the Confederacy their greatest hero, and the whole country patriot loved and honored. Gen. John B. Gordon's death is lamented throughout the nation. and here in the southland 1t comes to thousands who wore the grey as a personal affliction.
 General Gordon was splendid sol dier Without military education he rose from the rank of captain to that of lieutenant general in the Confeder- ate army, all by his mettle and his was more intrepid than he, ana in the storm of battle no commander inspired his men with finer courage.
 At Sharpsburg General Gordon com manded brigade and held the center. He was wounded several times in that bloody engagement, but until he was shot in the face he walked up and down the line rallying the rank and file. Had he participated in no other fight his fame as a soldier would have be- come historic from his action at Sharpsburg.
 General Gordon carried General Lees last orders at AppomattoX, and his recollection of the scenes of that crushing day were painted in a word picture of rare color and tenderness.
 After the surrender this valiant war rior not only accepted the arbitration of the sword in the spirit of Lee, but he was one of the first of the comman- ders to advise ,Ae worn veterns to re- turn to their homes and go to work in peaceful pursuits and live as good citizens under the stars and stripes. He was indeed one or the most deter mined advocates of reconciliation and while true to the hearts core for the principles for which the south poured out it's blood, and while cherishing the memories of the lost cause with passionate devotion, he possessed in such high degree the virtue of fortitude that no one ever heard him murmer During the trying days of reconstruc- tion Gordon was a leader of tact and resources, as practical as he was heroic. His counsel was eagerly sought and freely given and it always had the right ring. The war is over we are back in the Union; let Us quit ourselves like men," was the burden of his talk His advice and his ex- ample had a most wholesome effect and no one can ove. 'stimate the far reaching good that he accomplished.
 Others were disposed to accept con ditions that confronted them, but General Gordon was so hopeful and brave and sen reliant that he was pill lar of strength for the faint hearted to lean upon. He could bear his own bur den and the burdens of his brothers in arms as well. Time went on and General Gordon became stronger and stronger as leader and his desire to bring the north and the south close to- gether became more and more pas sion with him.
 The unreconstructed protested per. haps against General Gordon's idea of fraternity and good will, but he lived long enough to see his position and his work fully vindicated.
 General Gordon was thrice elected to the United States Senate and served two terms as governor of Georgia. In civic life he was a distinguished type of the politician and statesman without reproach and his noble traits of charac' ter were always manifested in his official career. At one time he became engrossed in business affairs of large scope but he was always the kind friend and public spirited citizen and was never too busy to listen to an ap peal for assistance coming from an old veteran, or to defend with tongue or pen the south against attack or un. fair criticism.
 General Gordon was man among men. as great in peace as he was un- daunted in conflict, and when his we'll rounded life comes to be written, it will forever reflect lustre upon the south which he loved and served.
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