The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1909-05-06
Memorial at Rivers Bridge.

Once more we are assembled upon
these sacred grounds, to do honor to
that little band that dared all, and
lost all (save honor), for their coun-
try's cause See here, their last rest
ing place, a modest marble slab
marks the spot. Fair and gentle
hands are dressing the graves with
beautiful flowers.
These appropriate lines which you
see here engraved were suggested by
my esteemed and lamented friend,
the late DR.. Henry w. Kearse, who,
when he first commenced the prac-
tice of medicine, was living with me
and my family at Buford's Bridge.
Soldiers rest thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not
waking
Dream of battlefields no more"
Each and every one should, and
no doubt does feel at perfect liberty,
to enjoy her or himself to the fullest
extent in a social and quiet way
while visiting these sacred grounds.
But let nothing be said or done
which would in any way mar the oc-
casion or show any disrespect or
want of consideration for those that
slumber here.
Be it remembered they were not of
this State, but here they are with US,
in our care, far, far from their own
dear homes and fond ones. Little
they'll wreck" to sleep on, and on, in
this quiet, lovely spot, where noble,
patriotic Carolinians have placed
them. Let the birds here sing their
sweetest songs, and their glad notes
make merry the sylvan streams and
forests that hedge around these quiet
and lonely graves.
Mr.. Alfred Chassereau arose and
from the stage with clarion voice
bade the audience draw near under
the spacious camp shed. He an
nounced to our great regret and
sympathy that the chairman of this
association, the venerable and be-
loved DR.. n. F. Kirkland, Sr., would
not be present with us, on account OF
sickness. His devoted wife is ex-
tremely ill. Dear friends, you are
sadly missed, and we think OF you
kindly.
The Rev. E. w. Peoples, who has
so long and faithfully served his peo-
pie, was present and in his pleasant
words introduced the speaker, the
Hon. NJ. l.. Smith. who was the ora
tor of the day. A man of portly ap-
pearance and fine physique, strong
voice, clearly and distinctly he spoke.
Easily did the speaker hold the vast
audience with marked attention to
his glowing words and most eloquent
address. His fluent, classical words
left an impression which sank deep
into the minds and hearts OF those
who heard him. Most clearly did he
vindicate the lost cause and vivid
ly did he picture the North and
South, how diametrically they op-
posed each other. Their political IN
terests were so widely at variance,
that there could be no reconciliation.
This constant turmoil had much to
do in bringing on the civil war.
There is no other place like these
memorial grounds. Here the people
from all this lower country can come
to these annual congregations. Great
is the pleasure to meet your friends,
whom YOU can seldom see other than
at this place, where you can meet IN
a pleasant social way and enjoy each
others conversation. The great
Salkehatchie may divide us from our
mother county, but never can 1t les
sen that warm friendship for those
over the line. whom we were pleased
to meet and had SC we'll known in by
gone days.
L. n. BELLINGER.