The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-10-12

soldieds are dead he would do well to
be in Pulaski today. There may be
some burrows in his forehead, his hair
NAV be winter than forty-five years
ago. but he is very much alive. The
lettings of old comrades are some
times very touching. They cry and
laugh BY turns. They know they are
welcome and they therefore feel at
home.
Uniting and streamers, Old Glory and
s. h9drew's Cross are seen on every
hand. Tie X. P. Band, of Nashville,
is playing popular Southern airs and
If isn't much trouble to get up a rebel
yell.
Promptly at, 10 o'clock Capt. ]. H.
RUSSELL, President of the Tennessee
Bivouac, called the meeting to order.
Il was opened with prayer by Rev. NJ
s Kennedy Master of Ceremonies,
Mai. 2. w. Ewing, introduced Mrs. w.
p. Romine, who welcomed the veter-
ans on behalf of the John H. Woold-
ridge Bivouac She said:
My Friends: This is memorable
day in the annals of Pulaski and Giles
County since we are honored with the
presence of so many Confederate SOL
diers from all over the fine old Vol
unteer State. Confederate reunions
will soon be an event of the past,
subject of sacred memory, as many
of the men who followed the flag of'61
are fast passing from the scenes of
this life to the realities and rewards
of the life hereafter. Soon your only
reunions will be held not upon the
soil of past battles in this beloved
Southland, but in the shade of the
trees on the other eide of the river.
Then you may meet not in the de-
creptitude of old age and MANNED bod
les. but in the magnificent strength
and stalwart freedom of rejuvenated
and perpetual youth. To us who
come after you will be left the proud
memory Of your heroism and devo-
ton. We are glad that we are en-
abled before the parting comes to
meet you once again and to look with
tender appreciation into your faces
while we recount your brave deeds.
We are glad to be able to say that we
love you and revere you for what
you have bequeathed to us, and we
will keep your memories green when
you are gone.'
Capt ]. H. Russell made an elo-
Quent response to the welcome adj
dresses He said he well remember
ed when it would have been a hazard
Gus thing to open the homes of the
people to the soldiers here assem-
bled He spoke of old scenes and old
comrades. His tribute to Capt. John |
H. Woodbridge evoked terrific ap- !
plause, as every reference to the
blind hero did. His tribute to the |
mothers of the Southland brought |
tears to the eyes of all. He said the |
heroic death of Sam Davis was one |
of the brightest pages in the history
Of the South. His peroration spark
led with eloquence. and was received
with great applause from his COM
rades.
The Committee on Credentials, pre-
viously appointed, reported, and their
report was unanimously adopted.
Gen. P. A. Stewart, now IS years
of age, wearing the gray uniform OF
his rank was received with applause,
as tottering on his cane, he was led
forward and introduced by Col. H.
A. Tyler. He referred to the death
and character of Sam Davis whom he
knew and loved. He said he wanted
to tell his old comrades of some IN
written history that no one living ex-
cept himself knew anything about. He
to the history of the Allan
ia campaign, and took up the defense
VI zen. JOSSpu 4. JOuucOOh, oOo"S
whom, he said, much had been re-
Gently written concerning his alleged
generalization of the Army of Ten
nessee, and the order Of President
Davis relieving him of his command.
His defense was complete and re-
ceived the hearty applause Of his SOL
der comrades. He said he thought
the removal of Gen. Johnston was the
1eath-stroke to the Confederacy, and
gave his reasons for it. He declared
hat Gen. Johnston had the sagac1ty
o know when to fight and the skill
o handle his men in battle. He re-
1iewed the events leading up to the
allure of Gen. Cheatham to attack
he enemy at Spring Hill.
At the conclusion of his address a
elegram was read from Gen. Gordon
aging that he and his delegation were
delayed at Decatur. and it was then
moved that Gen. Stewart should pre-