The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-06-16
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE.
UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS
First PRELIMINARY Action Taken In New Orleans = First
Reunion Held In hattanooga-Offcers of Depart-
ments and Divisions

held at Chattanooga after its orsani-
zation in New Orleans, says the Jack
sonville Times Union.
But of the zoo 900 veterans who in
1889 were scattered over the land
when the call came from the Crescent
city to unite with the association lust
fashioned into active existence. two
thirds have now crossed over the river
to join the comrades who had gone
before. In the 1880 camps now re-
ported there are, indeed, not m, re
than 40, 600 members; however, there
are, Of course, nan veterans whose
names do not appear on the rolls.
But the ever-thinning ranks do not
lose their power to kindle the admira-
ton, arouse the sensibilities and
charm the imagination of a people
to whom the love of chivalry is trea-
sured heritage. Gen. Bennett II.
Young, the present commander-in-
chief of the association, in an eloquent
commentary upon it's growth truly de-
clared that The United Confederate
Veterans Association continues as
the most sentimental, unselfiSh, pat
riotic inc powerful organization of
its kind in the world. Within it's
sacred folds neither graft nor schem-
ing can find a Judgement; and while
it has paper generals and a vast ar
ray of similar official titles, yet. in
spite OF all of this, it has accomplish
vi llloit " IL eOulh ldA ally III
lar organization has ever don for any
other nation. and there are no more
patriotic people than representatives
of the Confederate States. Living I'M
der the flag they fought, they are to-
day as patriotic as the men who car
ried that flag, yet they bear in their
hearts a fidelity and loyalty to the
memor and achievements Of the past
as ardent as they were sincere on
facing death and enduring the great
est privations possible" The history
of the association is a recital full Of
interesting "reminiscences and will
constitute an enduring chapter in the
post-bellum nna of the South.
First Attempt to Organize the
Veterans.
The first attempts to organize bene-
VIOLENT Confederate circles soon after
the war were frustrated by depart
ment commanders of the national
government, and, although repeated
efforts were early made by ex-Confed-
crate soldiers in some localities to
form societies the objects of which
were purely fraternal, no Don were
federal officials cogniZant of their ex-
lstence than orders were given for
their disarmament. Among others, a
benevolent association was formed by
Confederate soldiers Of New Orleans
upon their return from the war. but
it shared the fate of other similar
movements, and it's life was cut short
by mandate from Gen. Phil S. Sheri-
dan. But the veterans did not re-
linquish their determination to prose
cute their work among their needy
comrades in an organized capacity;
and in the late '70's and the sos
such associations, local or state. ap-
peared in various parts of the South
Conditions were steadily becoming
suspicious for the formation of a cen
trail organization. Federal OppOSi-
ton had passed away and the pre-
paratory agitation in the severe
states was nearing completion. Feb
ruary 13. 1883, in New Orleans. ar
association limited to veterans of thu
cavalry service was formed. Mis-:
Winnie Davis. the Daughter OF tn
Confederacy," was present, in evidenc
of the interest which her father -fel
in the association. This gave tn
initial impulse to formal action dl
Iected to general cooperation by is
suing al call for IA reunion, March q
1889, at New Orleans, of cavalry vet
Grams from the entire South. and rep
resentatives from every state wer
invited.
1t is interesting to recall that tn
committee in charge addressed to eX
President Davis a special letter urgini
his cooperation in the movement t
firmly establish the cavalry associa
ton and to attend the convention
Gen. Moorman reminded Mr.. Davi
that
History records the affectionat
interest and tender sympathy SHOW
by YOU as you stood by the deathbe
of the daShing Stuart after his fats
wound at Yellow Tavern; and | ha
our side as with bowed head an
fearful eyes you inquired Of the MI
rat of the West the gallant Forres'
Friend, do you know me? WheI
with a faint movement, he gave 70
probably the last recognition he mac
upo earth. Our association Woul
hail with delight your notlhcatlo
that you would meet with us upo
the occasion named to start the move
ment to do honor to the m {
the two great cavalry chieftains nan
ed, as we'll as hosts of their bra\
n true associates in this branch
our cause
" Nj ~