The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1914-03-20
A Confederate Soldiers
Pen Picture Of Stirring
Events on BattlefieIdS
CONTINUED from page 12)

was to be his certain and sure capital
in the years to come. But the great
civil war then burst upon our land,
and he, and others like him, forsook
the walks of peace for the field of
conflict. There was then, as now, but
a small Bar here; but of these, six
of us went away as volunteers In the
first company that left this place,
and in the first regiment called into
the service. The young men of our
State, like him, knew absolutely moth
ing of war, theoretically or in prac-
tice, then; but it was to be expected
that they would so demean them
selves as to do credit to their birth
and lineage, and the traditions of
their race and people. We can GER
tainly say he did so demean himself.
1t was characteristic of our friend
that whatsoever his hands found to
do, that he did it with all his might.
He quickly became an accomplished
soldier and officer, and bore himself
with heroism, and led his men with
skill upon the bloody fields of Seven
Pines, of Gaines Mill, of Malvern
Hill, of Fraser's Farm, of Cold Har-
Dor and of Manassas, and there are
here present those of US who can
speak as eye-witnesses that in all
the gallant host that followed the
banner of the great Lee there was
not staunter heart than that which
James Blake Steedman carried with
in his bosom. At the battle of
Manassas Plains, the one fought by
Lee, while gallantly leading the reg
iment, which he commanded on that
day fate dealt him blow that would
have crushed any ordinary man. He
was left for dead upon that field of
carnage, and though he eventually
came away with his life, he was dis
abled for further service in the field.
He came home and resumed, with ar
dor, the practice of the law, and
thenceforward he steadily acquired
practice, and until the day Of his
death reaped the substantial rewards
of the profession-not merely the
money rewards, which, however, as a
prudent and careful man, he esti-
mated at their true value, but the
better rewards which come with high
character established, with the con-
fidence of clients, and with the con-
sciousness of learning and abilities
possessed and recognized by his hreth-
rem of the Bar and community. The
records of this Court show that his
practice was large and variel, and
that he was employed in many M
portant cases, and we all know that
his advice and counsel were highly
considered.
The first requisite of a lawyer is
that he should possess sound judg-
ment, and secondly, law learning
Nature gave our friend the first and
he acquired the second. He was an
accomplished lawyer, wise in counsel,
skillful in management, persuasive in
argument. Resolute, tenacious, and
untiring, he was indeed a warrior for
his clients, realizing and possessing
that spirit which anciently required
of all the lawyers of England an
oath-to present nothing false, but to
make war for their clients. 1t was
my fortune to be oftentimes, l may
say almost constantly, opposed to him
in cases, and in our legal tilts I al
ways found him worthy foeman,
wary, acute, exhaustive in prepara-
tion and in argument, always formi-
dable in attack or defence.
His presence was dignified and
striking, his bearing distinguished,
his voice clear, his utterance distinct
and trained. He was a man of posi-
tive qualities. Firm and steadfast
in his friendships, bold and outspok-.
en- in the expression of his opinions,
and resolute in maintaining them. He
was most agreeable companion, cul-
tivated, clever, responsive, captivat-
ing. He was fond of his profession
and of the society of lawyers, and we
can remember, at almost every sit
ting of this Court, pleasant evenings
around his hospitable board and the
courteous, dignified presence of our
host. Death has taken him from us,
but we find it difficult to realize that
we shall see his face no more.
1t is our privilege, your Honor, to
stand in this high forum and speak
for our clients here. Occupying such
conspicuous position, it behooves us
to be circumspect in our conduct, that
we may set good examples for those
who are to follow. us. Our friend
was ever mindful of this. Yet it was
not for this reason that he kept his
hands clean and unsoiled, but because
he had high principles and an hon
est heart.
He held and possessed throughout
his career the esteem and confidence
of his fellow citizens and of all who
knew him. He sought no worldly
honors. When death came to him he
was ready. He had trust in the faith
fulness of his Saviour, and he was
not afraid.
l am aware, your Honor. that the
impulses of friendship may some,
times cloud the vision, but surely, all
who knew him will testify that he
well deserved these words of praise
which I have spoken.
move, your Honor, that the reso-
lutions be entered upon the minutes
of the Court; that a blank page in