Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/511

 Reunion of Virginia Division A. N. V. Association. 501

sumed, and has been most admirably carried out by the Southern Historical Society

But our Association has efiftciently performed its part. All over the South soldier memorial societies have been formed, and are be- ing- formed, and we can now confidendy leave to time and to truth the vindication of our motives, the defence of our political action, and the description of the genius, the courage, and the achieve- ments of the Confederate soldier.

Brief, but glorious, was that epoch that blazed out in the history of all time, but no four years have ever produced such results, or made such impression on the art of war.

The Confederate war-ship, Virginia (Merrimac), made a complete revolution in naval architecture and warfare.

The Confederate torpedo service has made an entire change in the system of defence of water-ways.

The Confederate cavalry raid has necessitated an alteration in the tactics, as well as the strategy of armies and Generals.

Von Borcke told me that while Stuart's raid around McClellan was not regarded with respect by the Prussian Generals in the Prusso- Austrian campaign, of 1866, the principle of thus using cavalry was adopted in full by them in the Franco-Prussian campaign, of 1870, and that now Stuart was considered the first cavalry General of the century, as the campaigns of Lee and Jackson were the models taught from, in Continental Military Schools.

While the civil war afforded many brilliant illustrations of genius for war, of daring and heroic achievment, while the valley campaign furnishes a model and the defence of Richmond in 1864, an exhibi- tion of defensive operations, alike the wonder and the admiration of soldiers all over the world, the fourteen days occupied by the First Maryland campaign were probably more remarkable for their per- formances and their results than any other episode of the war.

Taking into consideration the time occupied, the distances marched, the results achieved and the incredible disparity of num- bers between the armies engaged, the operations of that campaign were as extraordinary as any ever recorded for the same period of time.

On the first day of January, 1862, the President of the United States issued a general order, somewhat theatrical, to all of the ar- mies of the United States, directing them to make a general advance on the 22d of February, then ensuing, on the whole line extending