Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1909-08-31
Our Big Confederate Reunit a.

Reunion, held last Saturday in Mr.. c. F.
Walls beautiful grove short distance
north of Charles Town. was big sue
cess in every particular. The day was an
ideal one. and an immense gathering of
people was present. including not only
those from all parts of Jefferson county.
but large numbers from all surrounding
counties and many from distance. The
Charles Town City Band. Choir. Daugh-
tiers of the Confederacy. Veterans and
Sons of Veterans were conveyed to
the grounds in wagons kindly furnished
by some of good citizens, and the 10y
ride" on straw-covered wagons was
quite feature of the occasion. The
committee. of whom Col. r. p. Chew
and Messrs. Geo. II. Hagley and S. c.
Young were the especially active men,
bers. had splendid arrangement-good
location. fine speakers stand. fanked on
the right by the choir stand and on the
left by the band stand. with ample seats
for all who desired them, extending far
out in front. The speakers stand was
adorned with the old shot-riddled I'd Va.
Infantry flag, the flag presented by the
ladies of Charlottesville during the war
to the Stuart Horse Artillery. the large
flag of the Jefferson County Camp be-
sides numerous Confederate flags. In the
absence of Commander r. P. Chew, who
wasprevented from attending on occount
of the death of his sister-in-law. the meet
ing was presided over by Mr. J. w. Rider
Prayer was offered by Rev. j. T. Will
liams. The roll of the Jefferson County
Camp was called. resolutions on the death
of deceased comrades were introduced
and adopted, and the old officers, nclud-
ing Col. Chew as Commander, were re-
elected
DR.. Geo. R. Vending of Charles
Town, the noted lecturer, was the prn-
cipal orator of the day. and his burning
eloquence enrapt his immense audience
for an hour and half as if spell bound.
He took for his theme THE place that
will be assigned in history to Robert E.
Lee" ForciblY sketching General Lees
military record and his masterful general
ship from the time he succeeded Gen. |
Joseph E. Johnson in command of the
Army of Northern Virginia down to the
surrender at Appomattox. he clearly
showed his wonderful judgment and cor
responding execution to have been I'M
equafed in all modern warfare General |
Lees domestic. civil and religious life |
were each in turn referred to, showing |
naught of flaw in either. In few
years the speaker predicted. the same
golden sunlight that lights up the Wash
lngton monument will shed its beams
upon an enduring monument to Robert |
+. Lee in the national capital. In con-
GLIDING DR. Vending, rising in the fervor
of his brilliant eloquence, summed up his
remarks IN the fact that the South, with
the noble record of her great military
chieftaIn. might we'll hold him up to the
world and exclaim Match him if YOU
can DR.. Weddings address was an
treat such as is rarely ep loved,
and for giving the old soldiers and the
people generally of his home and vic.
ity the pleasure of hearing it, he de
serves the highest commentator
At the conclusion of the address of DIR
Vending an adjournment for dinner
was had. and then ensued basket c.
mic of large dimensions All visitors
were especially cared for. and none were
permitted to go unentertained.
After dinner interesting addresses were
made by Capt. VIM. B. Colston, of Mar
tinsburg, and Rev. Dr. A. c. Hopkins,
of Charles Town. A heavy storm being
then apparently close at hand, the re-
union was brought to an end. thus clos
ing one of the most enjoyable events in
the history of Jefferson county.
The band and choir added greatly to
the pleasures of the day. and their SER
vices were highly appreciated.
Among those who were present from
elsewhere we note Capt w B Colston.
] chm E Boyd and Leon Il Ware, of Mar
! t Griffith. John Rutherford,
Jack Ware and Harry Bell. from Clarke;
Alex Thurman. of Lynchburg. Va,
brother of Gen Charter Thurman of near
Berryvlle. and Col w L Goldsmith. of
New Orleans. former commander of the
I4th Georgia Regiment.