The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1910-10-14
MAJOR WILLIAMSON
MAKES PRINCIPAL
SPEECH AT REUNION
COLUMBIA CONFEDERATE HON.
oRED BY HIS COMRADES AT
FRANKLIN.
PRESERVE HISTORICAL DATA
"struggle 20 Rebuild Homes No Less
Praiseworthy Than Deeds OF VaIor
on the Battlefield" Declares Gray
Haired Veteran Of Sixties.
Special to The Herald: =

: 0RSNAaA " AAC AANA 0AA'
FRANKLIN, Tenn, oct 12-Majol
J. T. Williamson, of Columbia, deliV
cred the principal address at the
opening of the annual Confederate
reunion here today. Major William
son had the entire sympathy of the
large number of old soldiers from all
parts of the state, being frequently
interrupted by applause from his old
comrades.
Major Williamson said:
Another year comrades, with its du-
ties and responsibilities, has rolled
around and we again meet in our an
nual reunion for the transaction Of
such business as pertains to our organ
ization, and to enjoy that delightful
fellowship that comes to us all in
greeting those who nearly fifty years
ago went forth in the strength and
pride of young manhood to defend
our fair South land from invasion and
oppression. While our heads have
been whitened with the frosts Of many
winters and our steps not as strong
and elastic as once, l believe our
hearts are as true and as brave as
ever for the right as we see it, and
our love for this fair Southland is as
devoted and abiding as IL was in the
sixties. The satisfaction you will ever
feel of having done your duty as men
In the camp, on the march and in the
daily conflict, will ever be comfort
and a solac eto you in your declining
years, and rich heritage to your ros-
terity.
"Your labors and struggles to re-
build your broken homes and institu-
tions have been no less praiseworthy
than your deeds of valor and renown
on the toilsome march, the lonely
night watch the dreary camp fire of
the red glare of battle. But ! am not
here to pass fulsome eulogy, or high !
wrought enconiums on what we did.
The historians have already given to
the world the, records we made for
four years and this fair land itself
speaks of what we have done since
the war. While we live in the past
today and recount it's thrilling events
and mighty struggles, we thank God
that we have been spared to this good
hour, nevertheless we mourn the loss
of some who were with us year ago.
We are forcibly reminded of the fact
that what Ne do for the perpetuation
of our history must be speedily done.
and if we do not ourselves take inter-
est in these matters, we can hardly
hope that those who come afte" us
will do so.
I'VE want nothing but a fair and
truthful record of the causes which ;
led to our unfortunate conflict, and the
motives which prompted us in the
matter. To the end that the future
historian may be prepared to write
1
hid possible to our Historical Commit
tee, both in tho State and the gener- =
al association. Our local bivouacs
can be of great service in this respect
by securing and preserving historical
data, and having 1t published in our
organ, the Confederate Veteran. liz
renew the suggestions made by some
Of my predecessors, tina tive should 4
take etps toward uniting the organi- s
cation, Sons of Confederate Veter-
ans with lis, so that our ranks, which L
are being depleted so rapidly, may
have the benefit Of their young life
nd manhood to hold up our work and
the organization. (
THE work of our pension board will Z
come before you at the proper time by 5
The committees and the officers hav 3
Ing these matters in charge. The 2
State is rightly extending the alpro- Q