The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1916-05-25
THE BIRMINGHAM REUNION.
Correspondent Writes Interestingly
of Trip to Alabama City.

"Me and my pardner" (to use an ex
preston of Josiah Aliens wife) at
tended the reunion of the United Con-
federate veterans in Birmingham last
week. Perhaps an account of a few
things we saw and heard while there
may be of interest to those of our
readers who, like us, revere the he
roes Of the sixties.
The Birmingham Age-Herald es-
timated the number of visitors
in the city at sixty thousand, of
which eight thousand were veterans.
The oldest wet" present was 101,
while the "baby" was sc. He gave
his name as w. F. Hopkins, cf Rich
mond, Va, and said he ran away and
joined the army in 1861 at the age
of II.
When mustered out four years lat
er at the age of Is, he weighed over
200 pounds, had engaged in num-
ber of battles, and had been wound
ed several times.
All over the city, which was re-
splendent in decorations of U. S. and
Confederate flags, could be seen
groups of veterans surrounded by ad-
miring throngs listening with rapt
attention to recitals of the stirring
deeds of the time that tried mems
souls"
It was plain to be seen that the
old heroes were the centre of at
traction. Not even the maids and
sponsors in their gorgeous gowns, as
lovely a sight as they were, or the
numerous military companies, re-
splendent in glittering uniforms, as
inspiring as s~they were, could vie
with the "boys in grey in the at
tention they attracted, or the homage
which was paid.
One "vet" of fine physique wore
his army canteen. l had never seen
one and asked permission to exam
inc it.
"How long would the contents last
a man." inquired.
"That depends" he replied, ION
what the canteen contained. If filled
with whiskey, it was only about
enough for three drinks and was
quickly consumed; if filled with wa
ter it would last all day."
1 asked his age and was amazed
to hear him say that he was 81. He
added that he was a widower for the
second time and was hoping to find
during the reunion rich widow who
was matrimonially inclined.
An interesting parsonage to us wae
negro in a neat grey Uniform, his
breast covered with badges, who said
he was G. w. Perry, of Glenville,
Ala, was 76 years old, had gone
through the entire war as the body
servant of his young master, and had
attended every one of the twenty-six
reunions. In the parade on Thurs
day we noticed him bringing up the
rear of his camp (Which was we'll
represented) with two live chickens
strung over walking stick on his
shoulder!
A veteran, who is a Baptist preach
er as we'll, told us of an occurrence
so remarkable that 1 wish to put it
on record. He said in 1864, when a
boy of 20, he was in camp near Rich
mond, Va. One day, when out for
aging, mounted on big black horse,
he bought at farm house some miles
away some sweet milk and buttel =,
and the lady of the house added
some clabber gratis.
He had never seen or heard OF her
since until Wednesday Of the reun-
ion. He was talking to a group OF
ladies and gentlemen, when one OF
the former drawing nearer inquired:
"Were you camping near Rich
mond in 1864?'
eyes," he replied.
'Did you buy from a lady at a
neighboring farm house some milk
and butter?''
81 did"
"Were you riding large black
horse?"
EYES,"
"Well," she replied, 81 am the lady
and I knew you as soon as I saw you
and heard you speak"
Thirteen States were said to be
represented at the reunion. We our
selves saw old soldiers from eleven.
They wore lettered hat bands giving
their State, and very often their city
and camp.
The parade, which was so long that
two and half hours were required
En-, - +o noeo pivon noint was in