Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1911-07-26
greetings and best wishes.
Music was then rendered by the

band.
Resolutions of sympathy were
adopted in honor Of Orderly Sergeant
James H. Mcconnell and James J.
Gilmer, of Anderson, who were re-
ported quite i'll. 1t was learned later
III the day that the beloved James II.
Mcconnell had died Thursday night.
Many were the expressions Of regret
at the death of their comrade in
arms.
The next feature was a recitation
by Mrs. S. Bleckley, entitled "Old
Nose 1t was Il pathetic story of
the faithful service Of an old-time
darkey for his master, and his con-
slant care and watch over him in
camp and on the field Of battle! The
story runs that this faithful body
guard, true to his natural impulse,
inspired by love for his master, often
disobeyed orders in breaking through
the line Of battle and following his
master into the very Jaws Of death
The master falls, mortally wounded,
on the battlefield Of Gettysburg. He
was found among the dead and dy-
ing by Nose" and carried from the
field, and Old Nose. faithful to his
trust. carried him home. He kept
watch by his side until the tide of
life ebbed away, and he follows his
body to the grave, and only when
the sod has covered the face and
form OF his master forever from his
view, does "N1ose" shed his first
tears and turn his feet away to
tread unkonwn paths as he goes
forth alone in the world. This true
story was written by G. II. Merrill,
of Texas, wounded Confederate SOL
dier, and dedicatet to the late Henry
w. Grady, of Georgia. 1t sets forth
in vivid language the faithfulness
and fortitude Of the old-time darkey.
who loved his young master as his
own life. 1t is pathetic in the ex-
treme and pays a deserved tribute
where it is justly due.
The principal address of the day
was delivered by Dr. r. f. Diver, OF
Anderson. We regret that time and
space forbid a full report Of his able
and inspiring address. For three
quarters Of an hour he held the vast
audience spell-bound' and played
upon every string of the heart with
deft hand. His theme was taken
from the day, July 81, 1911, which
marks the flftieth anniversary of the
Battle Of First Manassas. He gave
graphic description of this
great battle. The records show
that about one-third Of the
10000 Confederate soldiers engaged
on that field Of carnage and death
were from South Carolina. The first
and last guns Of that battle were
fired by South Carolina troops. 1t is
historic fact that South Carolina was
the first to secede, the first to fire a
shot at Fort Sumter, the first to fire
a shot at Manassas and the first of
the seeding States to return to the
Union after the surrender at Appo-
mattox.
1t is hoped that DR.. Diver will
later commit his admirable address
to writing and furnish same to the
press for publication.
AT the close Of DR.. DIVERS ad-
dress Mrs. Ligon sang March of the
Southern Men" which was received
with great enthusiasm, manifested
by cheers and clapping Of hands,
The name Of Gen. NJ. l.. Bonham,
Of Anderson, also appeared on the
program as a speaker. He was pre-
vented from coming by illness, but
he sent letter expressing warm
greeting to the Veterans.
This vacancy on the program was
supplied, at the suggestion Of Il. II.
Jaynes, by Stiles Stribling, of Rich
land. He acquitted himself admira-
bly, as youthful orator, his theme
being Farewell to the Confederacy."
This omission on the program was
further supplied by"Lewis Campbell,
Of Belton, who paid high tribute to
the Women Of the Confederacy.
The name Of Judge J. A. Orr, of
Columbus, Miss, appeared on the
program as the last speaker. He ac-
cepted an invitation extended about
three weeks ago, but he wrote at the
last moment that it would be impos-
sible to attend. His absence was
greatly regretted by all present, who
had hoped to have the privilege Of
hearing this distinguished son OF the
State OF Mississippi. He is the young
est and only surviving brother of
Col. James l.. Orr, who raised this
regiment. He went to Mississippi
when young man, and ne occupies
to-day the unique distinction Of be-
Ing the only survivor of the Seces-
sion Convention Of Mississippi as
well as of the Provisional Confede-
rate Congress, which met at Mont
gomery. Ala. in January, 1861. He
Is also one Of the two survivors of
the regular Confederate Congress,
which met at Richmond, Va, the
other survivor being Judge Camp
bell, also Of Mississippi Judge Orr
had written that he had expected to
attend this reunion and deliver an
address. giving true history Of the
Hampton Roads Conference. His
absence was sorely felt, and .spe-
clal resolution was adopted urging
Judge Orr to commit to writing the
remarks he intended to make on this
occasion and forward same to r. r.
Jayhes for publication at an early
date.
A letter was also read from Geo.
w. A hhQtt of Cnmnanr L., LII rItIa ~