The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-05-24
DAYS OF BRAVE DEEDS.
Hampton, Butler, Gary, Heroes and
Patri0ts-COl. Brooks Grows
Reminiscent.

ut has been As years since the Con-
! federacy sank behind the horizon at
Appomattox never to rise again, and
those of US who have survived the
waste of time should write something
to cherish the memories of our heroes
who fell in battle by Jul side and to
recall the gallant deeds that we're
displayed on the bloody fields in the
war of secession. Whether the deeds
were crowned with success or conse-
Grated in defeat, it is to idealize prin-
ciple and strengthen character, in
tensifying love of country and con-
vert defeat and disaster into pillars
of support for future manhood and
noble womanhood."
Thus wrote Col. U. R. Brooks, M
Of Buffers immortal cavalry.
On the State House grounds, as a
fitting testimonial of the services to
his State of Gen. Wade Hampton there
stands a beautiful equestrian statue,
of tht daring cavalry leader.
Statues to Heroes
1t is Col. Brooks's fond hope that in
a few years there may be erected up
on the State House grounds statues
to the memory Of two other great
Southern leaders-Gen. NJ. G. Butler
and Gen. NJ. W. Gary. He has sug-
gested that at the next session of the
general assembly a committee be ap-
pointed from the house and senate to
look into the matter. At his speech in
Johnston on Memorial day, On the his
toric ground from which these two
great soldiers came, Gen. Brooks
started the movement for the erection
of suitable statues to two of Edge
fields sons.
"In 1861" said Col. Brooks today,
growing reminiscent, when the
Hampton Legion was formed, hone re-
sponded sooner than Butler and Gary.
On Thursday morning, June 6, 1861,
M. C. Butler made a short speech to
the Edgefeld Huzzars, at Edgefeld
court house. "The time has come not
to talk, but to fight With these words
he rode off at the head Of n Of the
most gallant bodies of cavalry. that
the war saw. This was Company I,
of the Second South Carolina cavalry.
"a few days later NJ. W. Gary
marched from Edgefeld at the head OF
a company of cavalry known. as Wat
sons Greys. Both were among the
first to reach Columbia and Hamp-
toms Legion was soon organized. OF
four companies of the cavalry, Butler
was made the major. He was soon
afterward made colonel of cavalry.
Mart Gary commanded the infantry
part of the legion known as Hamp-
tons Legion.
champions Legion was soon bri-
gaded with Hoods Texans. There
was formed a brigade consisting of
three Texas regiments, the Eighteenth
Arkansas and Hampton's Legion,
forming Hoods famous brigade. The
name 'Hampton's LEGION was retain
ed throughout the war.
Three Fine Regiments.
"In the spring Of 1864 the Hampton
Legion was taken from the brigade
and was mounted here, after having
fought toward this State from the
West. Col. Mart Gary commanded the
brigade. Gary was Immediately after
ward made brigadier general. There
were three very fine regiments, the
Hampton Legion, under Col. Logan,
now living in Greenville county; the
Seventh South Carolina, under Col. A.
u. ldSkS1 duu IAC "SAHJ
Virginia cavalry, under Col. Robbins.
Gen. Hampton placed Gen. Gary on
the left of his army along the Chica-
hominy, near Richmond, keeping Gen.
Butler and his celebrated cavalry on
the right of his army, below Peters,
burg.
"This showed how mucn was va1u-
ed the services Of these distinguished
officers. They were his trusty lie1-
tenants in war as we'll as in peace. In
'7e Hampton depended on these Two
men. he advised with them on all &C.
casions. !
"But for these three men. the Nigh
ty trio, Hampton, Gary and Butler
the State might not have been redeem
ed for years. I will continue to urge
the erection of monuments TO conf
memocrate the great work of these
men who always offered their services
for the good of their State"
1t is a coincidence that Hampton:
Gary and Butler were all born in the