The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-15
BLUE AND GRAY
AT FORT FISHER.
Notable and Largely Attended
Reunion Now Taking Place at
Ancient battle-ground.
EXTENDING THE GLAD HAND.
Wilmington Doing Everything in
It's Power to Make Visitors
Have Good Time.

WILMINGTON, N. c., January 14'--A
reunion Of the survivors OF the great bat
ties at Fort Fisher is now on in this
city. 1t Is a reunion OF the Blue and
Gray. and from as far south as Texas
and as far north as the New England
States the old warriors have journeyed
to the Old North State. and to Whining
ton, to mingle together in peace and OK
tend fraternal greetings to each other,
looking bark at the past with reverence,
and resolving to leave a heritage Of
united country. The city presents a
breezy. gay appearance. AS far as the
eye can sweep UP and down the 'princi-
pal streets nlasses of b-tgirt-colored bunt-
ing and great clusters OF waving United
States and Confederate flags can be
seen. The spirit OF the occasion is in the
very atmosphere. and foes OF the days of
forty-odd years ago are effusiyely greet
ing each other to-day as comrades.
Early this morning veterans by the
score commenced to arrive, and among
the very first were Major-Gensral N. NJ.
Curtis. of New York City, and Rev
George b. Fairhead, of New York Mills,
n. Y, commander and chaplain, re-
.unteers. the regiment that was to the
very front upon the rush at Fishers
bloody gate. Then came Colonel VIII
liam Lamb. OF Norfolk, Va, one of the
commanders of the Confederate forces
at Fisher. and Judge A. O. Wright, OF
Jacksonville. Fla. another intrepid fighter
who wore the gray and .battled 30
couraYeously at the fort, which com.
manded the entrance to Wilmington dur
Ing the Civil War.
Welcoming Reception.
Tonight the first formal function OF the
reunion took place. as during the day the
old soldiers were entertained. They were
guests at many homes in the city, were
taken for drives and we're received with
open arms" at the different clubs in the
city. Tonight big welcoming reception
took place at the large courthouse, which !
was damned with men, women and chill
dren. 1t was also a most enthusiastic
gathering. The meeting was called to-
order by the president of the Fort Fisher
Association. Colonel William II. Lamb, OF
Norfolk, who stirringly referred to the
days of long ago. and lovingly touched
upon the great brotherly love of the pres
ent- Music and prayer followed,
General N. N. Curtis responded on be-
half of the visitors, especially the old
Federal soldiers. Upon conclusion of his
eloquent remarks the giant assemblage
sang "Coluuibia.s Unity" an ode written
by Rev. George b. Fairhead. of New
York Mills. and dedicated to the re-
union OF the Blue and Gray at Fisher
Following this Mayor Alfred NJ wad-
dell. himself a Confederate veteran, ex-
tended gracious welcome in behalf OF
the city of Wilmington. and the re-
sponse TO this WIS made by Captain
James Parker. of the visitors. Next
came an address OF welcome for the,
United Confederate Veterans by Judge
A. o. Wright. of Jacksonville, Fla, who
gracefully performed this pleasant duty
for General Julian S. Carr, of Durham,
n. c., who was unable to be present,
and to his warm words of comrades
greeting Rev. DIR. Fairhead responded. 4
Then came music, -impromptu talks. 4
luncheon and a generally good zine.
To-morrow the trip to the ruins takes i
place. with an elaborate dinner there, 4
and tomorrow night a Campfire meet 4
ing" will be held at the Academy OF
Music. when "Reminiscences will be in
dulged in. several thousand school chill 4
dren will assemble and sing, and promi- 4
nent speakers vii make short addresses. 4