Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/156

 156 Southern Historical Society Papers.

BALTIMORE.

"Fall in" was the command at night of General Bradley T. Johnson, as he looked over a great mass of talking, hand-shaking, congratulating Confederate veterans. They had met to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of General Robert E. Lee. The com- mand, as between 1861 and 1865, was promptly obeyed, and the party of more than two hundred gallant veterans marched by twos into the great dining-hall of the Carrolton Hotel, the band playing " My Maryland."

RARE DISCIPLINE.

General Wade Hampton was with the president of the society. General Bradley T. Johnson. The jolly company quickly distributed themselves around the long and spacious tables, all well-laden for their delectation. "Attention," cried President Johnson, and every man arose and reverently listened to a short prayer by Rev. William M. Dame, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, whom so many- present had known during the struggle on Virginia's soil.

A CONFEDERATE ATTACK.

The attack was then begun, and was continued until there was nothing remaining to attack and nothing remaining to "down." "Dixie" by the band, delayed the disposal of the terrapin course. Everybody involuntarily ceased to eat, and everybody joined in the old battle-cry, and there was long- continued hand-clapping. " My Maryland" made another viand particularly appetizing, and Private James R. Wheeler, the chairman of the committee of arrangements, led in the loud acknowledgement of the State ode.

THE CHARGE RENEWED.

With a " Hi-ye-yi" the assault was renewed. " My Maryland " merged into a medley of "The Star-Spangled Banner," " Djxie," "Yankee-Doodle," and other inspiring strains during the day of combat and conflict of Confederate and Federal, and there were cheers and good nature for everybody. If it is given to the spirits of great commanders to sit at the banquet board with the followers and admirers still in the flesh, General Robert E. Lee must have kissed the phantom-blade in salutation to the noble men whom he often led.