Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/228

 222 we recommend to our comrades and friends liberal contributions towards the restoration of the same.

After the exercises in the Hall were through, the Association and their guests repaired to Sænger Hall, where a splendid banquet was spread.

The veterans did full justice to the viands, after which there was "a feast of reason and flow of soul," which was greatly enjoyed.

There were no regular toasts, but volunteer toasts, and a general mingling of war memories and reminiscences.

In response to calls, brief speeches were made by General Early, Colonel F. R. Farrar, Colonel Edward McCrady, Jr., Colonel Archer Anderson, Dr. J. William Jones, Major J. N. Stubbs, Judge Theo. S. Garnett, Captain Carlton McCarthy, and others.

There was a general and strong expression of a desire that these reunions shall be more largely attended by our comrades—that the Association shall be more vigorously maintained—and that the memories which it is designed to perpetuate, shall be kept ever fresh and fragrant in the hearts of our people.

[The following poem, written by John Esten Cooke in the summer of 1865, on breaking the mug he had carried through the war, will be read with peculiar interest just now in view of the recent lamented death of the distinguished author, who was widely known in the literary world for the many productions of his facile pen, but who will live in the hearts of old Confederates as one who was "true to his colors" to the last—who, unlike the infamous G. W. Cable, "did not desert during the war, and has not deserted since":]

My mug is broken, my heart is sad; What woes can fate still hold in store?

The friend I cherished a thousand days

Is smashed to pieces on the floor;

Is shattered, and to Limbo gone;

I'll see my mug no more!