The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-05

forms of cadet grey. On the platform sat the Hon. Robert M. Patton, MT. A. D. Coffee. Judge Richard W. Walker and others. who conducted the cere- monies. Dr. Mitchell opened with prayer and addresses were made by these gentlemen. The silk banner was unfurled by the Venerable Mrs John Coffee and presented by her to the company After living through the war of 1872 with her gallant husband. Gen. John Coffee. who commanded the left wing of Gen. Andrew Jackson's army in the battle of New Orlenas, and who was to Gen. Jackson during that war what our "Stonewall' was later to the illustrious Lee, Mrs. Coffee lit- tie dreamed that her life would wit ness two wars. The flag was received by Capt. Stirling Wood. It was then proposed that a purse be raised as pocket money for the soldiers and in a short time $1.000 was given as pin money. From the college the process sion formed to escort the company to the depot and was of such length as mad never been seen in Florence. A band of music lead, followed by the Home Guards" composed of all the older men of the town with furrowed brows and grey locks. each carrying a shot gun, rife or any old weapon they possessed. Next marched the company, then, on foot, in vehicles of all kinds, followed the citizens. It was heart rending sight at the de- pot to see mothers bidding goodbye to their sons. wives their husbands. sfs- ters. their brothers and sweethearts. their lovers. A great many accom- panied the boys in grey to Tuscum- bia and awaited the train that took them to Mobile where the 7th Alabama RaRtmnpf they were ordered to Fort Banacas opposite Fort Pickens. (which was oc- cupied by Federal troops) to protect the cost of Florida. The regiment was kept there for ten months and then or dered to East Tennessee to nut a stop to the depredations being committed there by Union men, from there to Shiloh. When the 7th Alabama was formed its members volunteered for twelve months, little thinking that their services would be needed longer. The regiment disbanded in April, 1862, and the members scattered to join other companies all to re-enter the fearful conflict of the Civil war. In May. 1861. the second company that left Ference was The Lauderdale Dragons" commanded by Mr. Robt. Mcfarland as captain. John Simpson as first lieutenant They were ordered
  bama, which regiment immortalized itself in many battles under Lee and Jackson
 We first realized the horrors of war, when after the first Battle of Manas- sas telegram was sent from Rich mond to Judge Richard Walker, a member of the Confederate Congress. telling of fourteen members of this Florence company being killed and twenty-one wounded.
 In October. 1861. the third company of 100 men was organized by Mir wm A. Patton. drilled by him in camp in Florence month, then electing Mr. A. D. Coffee captain, MT. Wm. A. Pat ton first lieutenant, they were put into the 18th Alabama and sent to General Zollicoffer's command in Tennessee; They fought in the Battle of "Fishing Creek" and then at Shiloh, where the brave Lieutenant Patton was killed in taking battery April 6, 1862.
 The fourth company to leave Flor ence was 'The Patton Invincibles." commanded by Capt. A. D. Ray. The company was uniformed with suits. overcoats, etc, by Hon. Robt M Pat ton. for whom 1t was named. They fought in some of the greatest battles of the war. Shiloh. Murfreesboro, Chic amauga. Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, 1 Franklin. etc. and surrendered with Gen. Joseph p. Johnson in North Caro- lima.
 Capt. Ray commanded the company through the war-1s61-1s65.
 Eufaula Auxiliary.
 The Robert E. Lee Chapter, Children of the Confederacy. held the regular meeting for this month on yesterday afternoon at the home of Miss Rena Brown. In the absence of the presi- dent, the meeting was called to order by the Vice President Miss Louise Foy, who presided with sweet wo- manly dignity. The secretary, newly elected, read the minutes of the pre- ceding meeting, giving the results of election of officers for the year. which were as follows: President Miss Ad- die Skillman: Vice President, Miss Louise Foy; Secretary. Miss Terese Merrill; Historian. Miss Mary Ross: Treasurer, Miss Mary Wilson Foy The director reported that The annual per capita dues of the chapter had been sent to Mrs. Julia Pratt, the State treasurer. The program presented was quite interesting. First. a sketch of the life of Gen. Joe Wheeler, by Miss Lucy Keller. Music--a piano solo by Miss Carrie Spurlock, who is d skill ful performer, indicating careful train ing. Miss Rena Brown read short sketch of one of Barbour county's H. lustrious sons or representative, as he was not native born, Gen. Alpheus Baker. She portrayed him as a man of diversified talents; as being a scholar, musician. poet, lawyer. artist and la ter soldier All of this was true of this gifted man as Eufaula knew him.
 After the meeting adjourned the kind Director entertained the chapter with a valentine party in celebrat tion of the 14th. The decorations served as a forerunner of the surprise awaiting them. Hearts of various colors and sizes were in evidence gracing every carrying out the scheme in an attrac- tive manner The drawing of ones own valentine pinning the arrow In the center of the large heart suspend cd; the trying of fortunes, etc, added to the mcrriment of the occasion
 The shades of evening were gather ing, and twilight dews were falling fast when adieux spoken. with ex- pressed thanks for pleasant time, the happy participants wended their ways homeward and the meeting be- came pleasant memory.
 Joseph F.. Johnston Chapter. Athens.
 Wind and gloom did not deter the members of the Joseph E. Johnston Chapter from gathering in full force at 80 ?. m. on the 18th, at the home of Mrs. T. C. Jones. where the bright interior with the cheery greeting of