Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/302

 29H Soidhern Historical Society Papers.

ended, he led the gentle life of a planter until summoned from that repose by the call of his native State. Entering the service of the Confederacy as the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Sixteenth regiment, Georgia infantry — then commanded by that distinguished Georgian, Howell Cobb — he gave to the Southern cause his loyal and unswerv- ing allegiance. Shortly after the memorable battle of Sharpsburg, in which, as Colonel of his regiment, he bore a brave part, he was ad- vanced to the grade of Brigadier- General and assigned to the com- mand of the Tenth, Fiftieth, Fifty-third, and Fitty-fifth regiments, Georgia infantry, McLaws's division, Longstreet's corps, Army of Northern Virginia. With this brigade he continued to share the perils, the privations, and the glories of that hitherto invincible army until, on the loth of April, 1865, it was, in the language of its illus- trious commander, after four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, compelled to yield to overwhelm- ing numbers and resources. All struggles, dangers and uncertain- ties ended, he rests with those he loved, and the flowers of affection, respect, and veneration are blooming above his peaceful grave.

On the I2th of January last another of our companions — Captain DeRosset Lamar — was taken from us. He was an aide-de-camp at first to Brigadier-General Robert Toombs, then to Major- General William H. T. Walker, and lastly to Brigadier-General Alfred Gum- ming. When General Gumming was wounded, Captain Lamar was assigned to duty with Colonel Roman as an Assistant Inspector- (ieneral.

Then, on the 15th of February, after a long illness, Private Eugene Conner, of the Washington Artillery, found friendly sepulture in our Confederate section.

And, on the i8th of last month. Private William Teppe, of Com- pany D, Fifth regiment, South Carolina cavalry, Butler's division, Hampton's cor^js, Army of Northern Virginia, responded to the trump which summoned him to the bivouac of the dead.

Alas ! the circle of our fraternity is narrowing. It will grow rap- idly smaller as the years roll on; and soon, aye, very soon, so far at least as we are concerned, there will be only silent graves to greet the sun as he ushers in the return of this Memorial Day.

There is another name high on the roll of the distinguished dead wh(j have departed within the last twelve-month — a name prominent in the annals of this State and nation — a name intimately associated with the memories of this region, and suggestive of much that was great and attractive — a name which should not be forgotten in this