Year: 1877

hearts, awaited the result of a gallant
struggle for reinstatement in the right
to continue the noble history of Sonth
Carolina. The knowledge that fail
ure would be fatal was enough to
make us put forth the whole strength
of an united population, and to nerve
the true mon ofthe State in every
effort in retaining what was 80 well
achieved. With or without help
from abroad, tho utmost with
or without our power must have
been done. The long weary years of
oppression forbade the relinquish-
ment OF just expectations; the future
welfare of the State, wherein was in.
volved the happiness of prosperity,
urged onward the determination to
throw off the shackles which inviron-
ed the limbs OF a people who were
entitled to be free. But we were not
lett to "maintain the contest alone"
A great sympathy was energized in
increasing labor and vigilance, by
one whose position and ability was
of inestimable value, and this kindly
sympathy served to relume the hopes
of our people, whenever the clouds
of doubt and uncertainty seemed to
veil the misty future. To the unset
fish, patriotic Gordon was due the in
spirationi


The months in which General Cor
don wac giving our leaders the use
of his experience and counsel, the
women of Columbia, among others,
drew steady hope and trust from
that fact. These women, exulting in
the renewed opportunities for Caro-
lina's sons to take her from the dust
of humiliation and lit her high in
the records of the nation, designed a
memento of the event, in rec. gnition
of a noble friendship to the State. 1t
was to be presented to Georgia's bat~
tle-scared hero, for whom they felt
an everlasting gratitude, which would
fain find expression in a lasting SOU
venir Of appropriate design. The
purpose Of the devoted women who
projected this testimonial was quiet
~, dnostehtatiodsfy accomplished,
and as has. been already announced,
the silver vessel which has been pre-
pared under their direction will
shortly find its destination. The de-
lay in getting ont this beautiful offer
ing was caused by the order being
given at q season of the year when
Iskilled workmen of superior ability
were not in service. But this does
not diminish the beauty or signiti-
cance of the gift, which is the more
| valuable in its intrinsic character for
the fervor which has not abated with
times delay.


| The inscription is contained in the
words Of Governor Hampton's mem
orable dispatch to Gordon, when the
TROOPS marched out of tho State
House, except the clause relating to
Chamberlain resignation. Although
proper to be included in the telegram,
the women rebelled against their use
of name which symbollized only
dishonor. The exact wording of the
telegram has never appeared in the
newspapers we believe, and what was
printed did not convey its full and
appropriate meaning: "Tho troops
have been removed. Perfect peace
prevails. South. Carolina thanks
you.--WADE HAMPToN." The idea
conveyed is that the whole people of
South Carolina united in this heart
felt expression of gratitude to one
whose steadfast friendship deserved
this suitable recognition, Immediate
ly as the result was IAN fal accompli.'
Further, the Governor had a right TO
speak in this representative capacity,
for during the protracted days of
waiting tor the final dawn of deliver.