The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-04-11


have been made had I known at the
time that the flag of truce had been
honored by Lee, which entitled it to
the respect of every soldier in his COM
mand.
Confining myself to Judge Chris
tian's dispute of the claim made, will
take up his allegations in their regu-
lar order:
First-He says he was not at Apo
mattox, but claims there was so much
disorder and confusion upon the sur
render, that no one could tell who
made the last charge.
Answer-This claim that there was
disorder and confusion would only be
made by one who was absent. This
battle was fought by veterans, the
flower of both armies, who were ex-
hausted, hungry and worn down by
repeated conflicts from Petersburg to
this point The contest was in an
open country, the object of the Con-
federates was to escape, that of the
Federals to defeat it, and thus it may
readily be seen there was but little
occasion for confusion or excitement.
They had a purpose to accomplish.
Each man knew what was to be done
beforehand, and the Confederates had
but little hope of accomplishing that
purpose, but were no less resolute or
determined if possible to effect their
object.
Second-There was no official re-
port Of the battle from which the real
facts can be ascertained.
Answer-While in technical sense
this is true, yet really there were re-
ports made to the only source left
viz: the public. Soon after the close
\. r1c,-
carefully wrote out report for pub
LEGATION in a paper of large circula-
ton, which after publication was sent
to the corps commander, who corrob-
grated it. The division commander
also wrote a report confirming it, so it
only needed to be submitted to the
General in command. who was be-
tween one and two miles to the rear
during the battle, and who would, as
a matter of course have accepted
these reports had they been submitted
to him.
Third-The judge says this honor is
claimed by troops from several South
ern States, and, using his language,
1--WE have heard it asserted with great
FEASIBILITY that the last fighting was
done by troops from Virginia.
Answer-Every lawyer knows full
well that such negative testimony will
not prevail against positive evidence
as is set forth in the reports of the
brigadier, major general and corps
commander above alluded to.
good part of the cavalry left be-
fore, Ct will not say after) the sur
render, for the purpose of cutting
their way out. That skirmishes may
have taken place in so doing and that
desultory firing may have occurred in
other parts of the field is probably
very true. The contention of North
Carolina is that it was her troops who
made the last organized charge and
fired the last regular volley on that oc-
casion. 1t is true Grimes division was
composed of an Alabama, Georgia and
two North Carolina brigades, any one
of whom might have been called on
by me to make this charge, and / have
no doubt the veterans of any other
brigade at AppomattoX, if the oppor-
tunity had been given them, and they
had been called upon to encounter the
danger of defeat or win the honor of
success would with equal promptness
and eclat have acted as did
these North Carolinians, so that
it Was indeed fortunate circumstance
that secured this honor to the State.
Mark you this occasion is inter-
State, the governors of the respective
States of North Carolina and Virginia
expect to be present. 1t is supposed
that they desire that no reference be
made to the inscriptions. monu-
ment is intended to be a memorial for
all time not simply an inscription on a
flag. or a matter of passing interest;
therefore, while we admire the spirit
of our friends who saw proper TO
maintain our States contention i'm this
matter, and give them every credit for
their patriotic endeavors, / sincerely
trust, as the method of so doing is a
matter of taste. that l may be allowed
to consult my taste in this as am ac-
customed to do in all public matters.
WIN. r. COX.