The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-09-09


Daring and Courage of a Gallant
SoIdier-Address Delivered at the
Presentation of the Armistead Por-
trait by Rev. James e. Poindexter.
Following is an address delivered
by Rev. James E. Poindexter before
Lee Camp, Confederate Veterans, OF
Richmond, Va, on the occasion OF
the presentation of the Armistead
portrait, which we are sure will be
read with interest, not only on &C
count OF the speaker and the subject
but the graphic and thrilling refer
ences to the battle of Gettysburg,
where the gallant Armistead fell lead
ing his men in the desperate charge
I'D the heights OF Cemetery Ridge, as
well. Addressing himself to the Com
rnander and Comrades OF the Camp
Mr.. Poindexter said:
1t was my wish that this address
should be made by Col. Rawley ".
Martin, of Lynchburg, who led the
53rd Virginia in Pickett's charge, land
fell by the side Of Armistead on Gem
terry Ridge.
But this could not be, and so [
come to take his place. For the task
assigned me | feel myself but poorly
equipped. Unlike Col. Martin, | fol-
lowed our old commander, as St.
Peter followed the Master, "afar off. y
1t is, [ may say, with unfeigned
diffidence that / venture to speak OF
war to the veteran soldiers who are
here tonight.
On me, however, through your
kindness, is this honor conferred,
that / should present to the Camp
the portrait OF Lewis A. Armistead.
thank you for it with all my heart.
The Armistead family, coming di
rect from England, settled in Virginia
in 1886, and became ere long fam
lily OF soldiers. Five brothers, three
Of them in the regular army, took
part in the war OF 1912. Col. George
Armistead, the Oldest Of the five,
defended Fort McHenry. The flag
which was waved over it during the
bolnbardment, which Key immortal
lied as the ''Star Spangld Banner"
was long guarded as a sacred heir
loom by his DEFENDANTS. lit is now
laid up in the National Museum "A
second brother, Lewis Gustavas
Adolphus, named for the Swedish
hero, 1.-The Lion of the North, fell at
Fort Erie.
Walker Keith Armistead, the ia
Their of our old chief, graduated at
West Point in 1903, fought in Cana
da, closed the Seminole War, and
was, when he died in 1915, second in
command in the regular army. Miss
Stanley, who became his wife, was
native OF the Old North State, and
so it happened that Lewis A. Arm
istead was born at Newbern, \. c.,
in 1917.
As a matter of course the young
Lewis entered West Point in 1886.
Here, however, his career was cut
short He became involved in a per-
sonal conflict with Jubal A. Early,
who had insulted him on the parade
ground, and cracking that worthy's
head with mess-hall plate, was re-
tired from West Point, but in 1889
entered the regular army as lieuten-
ant in the 9th Regiment of Infantry,
and fought against the Seminoles
under Zachary Taylor and under his
own father.
During the war with Mexico he did
splendid service. He led the storm
ing party at Chapultepec, and was
brevetted Captain and then Major
for gallantry at Contreras and Cher
ubusco, and Molina Del Rey That
war being ended, he served for four
teen years on the frontier, and in
1859 marched against the hostile
Indians and defeated them.
On the secession OF Virginia he
promptly resigned his command in
the old army, tramped on foot across
the plains to Austin, Texas, came
straight to Richmond, and in April,
1861, was made Colonel OF the 9th
Virginia, and twelve months after
wards, in April, 1862, was Commits
stoned Brigadier General. In that
capacity he fought at Seven Pines,
at Malvern Hill, at Second Manassas,
atSharpsburs displaying everywhere
conspicuous gallantry, and winning
by his GOODNESS under fire, by his
table pluck, the applause OF his su-
periors and the entire confidence Of
his men.
During the first Maryland cam
paign he was made Provost Marshal
OF the army, and received the person.
al thanks OF General Lee for the abil-
ity with which he discharged the
duties of that office.
In September, 1862, his brigade,
which comprised the 57th, the 53rd,
the 14th, the 9th, and the 2Sth Vir-
ginia, was incorporated with Pick
ett's Division.
General Armistead was no "holi-
day soldier" no "carpet-knight."
"He was, says Col. Martin, "a strict
disciplinarian, but never a martinez.
Obedience to duty heregarded as the
qualification OF soldier. For strag-
CLING on the march or neglect of duty
on the part OF his men, he held the
officer in immediate command strict
~ responsible The private must
answer to the officer, but the officer
to him."
Thus far have we followed his ca
reef. born OF noble stock, q Nlr-
gilman to his hearts core. linked by
ties OF blood with many of our best,
the son of a soldier, familiar from
childhood with tales of war, trained
at West Point, tested by years of
service in Florida, in Texas. in Next
co, IN Virginia, obedient to duty, de-
handing in turn obedience from 9th
ers. resolute, unyieldiDg, with cour-
age tempered in the flame of battle.
he waited only for a fit opportunity
to prove himself the hero he was. to
write his name high on the roll of
fame and win the plaudits of the
world.
That opportunity came at Gettys-
burg. OF the charge made by Petit
grew and Pickett on Cemetery Ridge,
do not propose to speak at length.
On the controversies which have