Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/523

Rh for their gallantry, good management of their commands, and prompt and unhesitating obedience to orders. The steady courage and cool bearing of officers and men under my command saved us from any of the horrible accidents that can so easily attend night attacks. To say that I am proud of their conduct would but feebly express my feelings. I refer you to accompanying reports of commanders of regiments for particulars as to the parts taken by them. I have to regret the loss of the services of Captain J. L. Coker, Sixth regiment South Carolina volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general on my staff. He was seriously wounded while nobly performing his duty. My courier and a guide from General Law's brigade, whose name I did not learn, are entitled to my thanks for their conduct on the occasion. I cannot close without making special mention of Courier George Peitz, whose enthusiastic gallantry and intelligent conveyance of orders after the fall of my acting assistant adjutant-general contributed greatly to the good order and success of the withdrawal.

, Colonel Commanding. Captain R. M. Sims, Assistant Adjutant-General.

[At the annual re-union of the Army of Tennessee Association, held in New Orleans on the night of April the 6th, 1880, Rev. Dr. Markham responded to the toast to the "Army of Tennessee," in the following eloquent speech, which it gives us great pleasure to publish]:

Mr. President and Comrades:—Through four eventful years, years of sun and storm, its flag flung to the battle and the breeze, there lived and ruled and warred a nation, a Confederacy, with its President, its statesmen, its leaders, its soldiers and its people—men who suffered and and were strong, and women who were steadfast and true, who were its flower and crown. That is history. That past is secure. And, as tonight its memories gather about our hearts and tremble on our lips, its achievements swell the souls, fire the hearts and nerve the arms of freemen, and will, while truth and honor and nobleness have name and praise among men.

The famed leader who brought the remnant escaped from their burned