The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1904-07-20
Reunion at Leesville.

was sn occasion of much rejoic-
ing as well as of sad recollections
when memory's fingers turned back
the pages Of the past to the days
that have gone but which can never
be forgotten, and by the hour of 10
there were gathered together about
5000 Veterans, including their wives,
children and friends. 1t is said by
those who ought to know whereof
they speak that it was the largest
crowd ever gathered in Leesviile.
The line of march was formed at
10 q. m. in front of the Sheal3 old
house. At this place sweet msidens
and gallant youths formed in line lead
ing the grey and grizzled Veterans
in their march, TO the strains OF
martial music from the Lewiedale
brass band ] to the College auditorium
where the ceremonies we're to take
place. This place was tastefully and
elsborately decorated with flags and
buntings. About 800 Veterans from
this and edjoining counties were in
the procession which took up its
march to the College chapel. This
place was flled to it's utmost capa-
city and many could not find stand
ing room.
Captain A. P. West was the officer
of the day and consequently the mas
ter of ceremonies.
Capt. West is himself q gallant
soldier of the Confederate army, and
gave the best years OF bis young
manhood to the service of his country.
During bis remarks he eloquently
and pashetically referred to this re-
union as being the second time
Lsesville has thrown wide open her
gates and invited the ''gray clad
boys" to enter and partake of the
nnbounded hospitality. His touch
ing reference to the thinning ranks
of the boys who made the Confed-
eracy glorious with deeds of valor,
unsurpassed by any other nation on
earth, brought tears to the eyes of
some of his hearers.
Comrade ". D. Quick, "a Veteran
soldier of the Cross," earnestly en-
yoked the divine blessing upon the
ceremonies of the occasion.
Then the soul inspiring strains of
America Tis of Thee Sweet Land
Of Liberty" rang out from the throats
of namerous children. This was one
of the features ofSthe occasion and
the '.tender buds of promise" made
q great hit.
At the conclusion of this song, DR..
d. M. Crosson, Mayor of the progress
sivs town of Leesville, in beautiful
and eloquent address, delivered the
keys Of the town to Col. Md. Har.
man, Commandant of Camp Stead
man. He said that be felt proud on
account of the second time in the
history OF the town being called upon
TO assure The Veterans hearty vel.
come and an unbounded hospitality.
"Yon were not traitors" feelingly ex-
claimed the eloquent speaker, ''nor
rebels or towards, but heroes, noble
men and patriots" He then review
ed the history of the proud old Pal
metto State and the part that her
soDs took in making that history glo-
rions. By request a copy Of this
speech has been furnished us for pub.
hcatien and will appear next week.
In responding to this address OF
welcome, Colonel Marion D. Har-
man said that it filled his heart
with roy and glsdness to have the
honor of appearing before such a
large, refined and cultured audience
and to thank the people Of Leesville
for their kindness and loving atten.
tion 10 the surviving comrades of a
once proud and chiValrous army.
He but voiced The sentiments Of his
comrades when: be said that he ap'
preciated their courteous invitation