The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1908-06-05
DINNER FOR THE CONFEDERATE
VETERANS

he DlChlS0n CHaplef l. u -, are
always doing something elegant fo~
the Confederate Veterans.
Wednesday being the centenary an
niversary Of jefferson Davis birthday
il was celebrated in very handsome
manner. The celebration was begun
at twelve O'Clock with a big dinner at
the Gary grove, on Fort King avenue.
Two large tables were spread, and
there was ample room for every invit
ga guest TO sit and enjoy the feast
with every comfort of q meal at home.
The dinner was a most bountiful
one. was elegantly prepared and thor
oughly enjoyed by the guests of the
Daughters. and never a finer meal has
been served in Ocala.
After the dinner there were several
impromptu speeches made, Mr.. Henry
". Long acting as master Of ceremon-
les.
Capt w. L. Ditto was first called on.
He enthusiastically thanked the ladies
FOR their untiring kindness and devo-
ton 70 the veterans. He also paid
tribute 10 the memory and virtues Of
jefferson Davis, tracing his history
from his birth to his death and said
that he would stand out in his coun-
try's annals as one OF the great men
OF the century.
DR.. c. c. Carroll, who is alwayE
primed with wit and eloquence, was
next called on and responded most
happily. He said that he himself was
soldier and told Of his hardship II
San Antonio. Texas, when fighting
was going on in Cuba. His speech was
interjected with anecdotes apt and
pleasing.
Mr.. Long then gave a thrilling ac-
count of the charge Of the Ninth Flor
ida regiment at the battle Of Cola Haf-
Dor, when a wrong order was given,
which meant certain death 10 the sol
diers forming the unfortunate picket
line. The charge was headed by Capt
| Pickens Bird, and every soldier form
/ ing this line went to his death or was
badly wounded, yet not a one quaked
OF halted. 1t was a repetition Of the
charge at Balaklava-it was theirs moi
to reason why; it was theirs to do OF
die
Col. Martin, who was in comman,
of the Ninth regiment at the time, toll
of the fateful picket charge, consist
ing Of every fifth man of the line. H.
said he felt sure that a mistake ha
been made, as the order to take tn,
ibreastworks meant certain death, ;
he took the precautiOn before givini
the command OF having the order re-
ipeate6 from headquarters, not only
ionce hut the second time, so reluctan
was ne u put il into execution
Though fatal in its consequences, .
was one Of the most desperate, cour2g
Ieous and brilliant acts Of the war an
lit covered the Ninth regiment Wit
imperishable fame.
capt. c. L. Bitunger. who Is q W
eran. and participated in the way g.
the Union. was called on and mao"
most appropriate speech. and on
which was spIendidiy applauded. Il
distributed flowers on the gray-hair
a5 veterans and on the brcws of tn
lDaughters of the Confederacy in hi
suparlative and finished manner.
The speaking was ended by DR.. "
H. Dodge giving his experiences as
=. Had during the closing scenes Of tn
war. As usual he acquitted himsel
very splendidly.
Mrs. Fannie H. Gary. president q
.ba Dickson Chapter. then made
few very sincere and affecting re
marks. and presented a cross Of hon
or 10 Mr.. \. J. Harren of Oklawah
istation. who was conspicuous sharp
. shooter in the great struggle. NJ
Harren was not present but his frien'
, Mr.. J. r. Bailey. received the cross
his behalf.
This closed the days program.
4 4 large number of veterans we:
ipresent. Among those noted were
. Col. J. N. Martin, Col. L. P. Mile
Cant. H. W. Long. Capt w. L. Dit
Capt. L. NJ. Graham, J. E. Bailey,
In. Lancaster f. T. Williams, w.
q Jeffords. r. y. Beck, w. P. Norma
y p. H. Norris. Frank Harris, H. c. MOI
? lrison. Montholon Atkinson, T. \. D.
]. wis. c. c. Stevens, r. a. Evans, j.
= IT. Carter. NJ. P. Frink. W. Hogan.
- NJ. Seckinger H. c. Mills. James Ca
r lrington. B. ". Mcdonald, L. L. Alike
- Joseph Shuford, ]. H. Roller and NJ
IS Hinton.
Mr.. Morris Benjamin of Atlanta, al
o not Mr.. Morris Rheinauer, as we u
-;-+;vrr1,- cold was a visitor 10 Oca