Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1904-01-20
ANSWER LAST CALL
IIIustriOus COnfederates Fast
Passing Away

After the death Of General
Longstreet on January 2 there
were only five officers of the Con-
federate Army who claimed the
rank Of lieutenant-general-John
b. Gordon, of Georgia Stephen ID.
Lee, of Mississippi; joseph Wheel
er, Of Alabama; A. p. Stewart, Of
Tennessee, and S. b. Buckner, Of
Kentucky. General Gordo.. died
at Miami, Fla, on Saturday Jan.
9th.
John B. Gordon was soldier of
whose valOr and skill in war every
American may be proud. Born in
Georgia in 1882, of Scotch ancestry,
he was trained to the profession Of
law. In his genius for command
ing troops, for conducting military
operations and for fighting he
eXemplilied in the highest degree
tine best qualities of the American
volunteer soldier. He was pro-
duet of the old South, thoroughly
imbued with its spirit. He be
lieved he was right in espousing
the cause Of his State, and after
the war he never had any apologies
to make for fighting its battles.
A man of heroic presence. Of I'M
faultering courage, he was an ideal
soldier, who inspired his men by
his chivalrous example. From the
rank Of captain he rose to the
grade of acknowledgement. On
many bloody field he led his SOL
diers to victory. He was an i'm
petuous, dashing leader, ever in
the forefront of danger, the hrav-
est of the brave. Often wounded,
sometimes grievously, his life
was spared for the service of his
people in the trying period which
followed the war.
General Gordon was held in the
highest admiration and affection
by the people of the South. His own
State conferred conspicuous honor
upon him. He served the people
OF Georgia as Governor and was
thrice elected to the United States
Senate. General Gordon was not
only soldier, but he also possess
ed many of the qualities of Il
statesman. He was prominent
figure in the Senate, forceful
and eloquent speaker, a man who
always had the courage OF his
convictions. He enjoyed to an
exceptional extent the respect and
admiration of those whom he had
opposed in war, and also of his
political opponents in Congress
He was. in fine, Of type OF man
hood which compels respect. In
the North as well as in the Soutl
General Gordon was recognized as
a chivalrous soldier and gentle
man. whose career in war and II
peace was worthy of the hes
American traditions. When hos
tilities were ended he called his
men about him and advised then
TO bear the trials of defeat, to g
home in neace obey the laws ant
rebuild the wasted country.
The heroes of the Confederacy
the officers of high rank and tn
hosts of private soldiers whor
they led in the four years con
hict, are fast passing away. with
in the last few years the nobl
Hampton has answered the iina
summons. Now Gordon and Long
street have been called. OF Hamr
ton and Gordon and many othe
Confederate generals who preceded
them to that bourne whence non
return il can be said in all trutl
that they were without fear an'
/. 4
without rerrcach. They were tn
best products of Southern civlllza
ton. of civilization when CAV
the country IA Washington and
Jefferson. Their fame will no
perish with them. So long as tn
South is loyal to its mobiles. tradl
tions it will cherish the memorle
of the knightly men who led tn
armies of the Confederacy an
} made the term Southern Soldier
Synonymous with vaIor that nev'
fnltered and devotion that ""
answering.