Page:1861 vs 1882. "Co. Aytch," Maury grays, First Tennessee regiment; or, A side show of the show (IA 1861vs1882coaytc00watk).pdf/209

Rh that other high dignitaries and big bugs, then the controlling spirits of the Government at Richmond, visited us, and most all of these high dignitaries shook hands with the boys. It was all hands round, swing the corner, and balance your partner. I shook hands with Hon. Jeff Davis, and he said howdy, Captain; I shook hands with Toombs, and he said howdy, Major; and every big bug that I shook hands with pat another star on my collar and chicken guts on my sleeve. My pen is inadequate to describe the ecstasy and patriotic feeling that permeated every vein and fiber of my animated being. It was Paradise regained, All the long struggles we had followed the Palmetto flag through victory and defeat, through storms and rains, and snows and tempest, along the dusty roads, and on the weary marches, we had been true to our country, our cause, and our people; and there was a conscious pride within us that when we would return to our homes, we would go back as conquerors, and that we would receive the plaudits of our peoplewell done, good and faithful servants; you have been true and faithful even to the end.

I remember that Hon. Jeff Davis visited the army at this place, and our regiment, the First Tennessee, serenaded him. After playing several airs, he came out of General Hood's marquee, and spoke substantially as follows, as near as I can remember:

".I should have said Captains, for every man among you is fit to be a Captain. I have heard of your acts of bravery on every battle-field during the whole war, and 'Captains,' so far as my wishes are concerned, I to-day make every man of you a Captain, and I say honestly to-day, were I a private soldier, I would have no higher ambition on earth than to belong to