Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/213

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dauntless courage unsurpassed in the annals of war, either in ancient or modern times.

PASSING OF THE VETERANS.

Comrades: The years that remain to us are fast fleeting away, and the curtain of time descends upon the participants in that tremendous and unequal struggle. The last great leader has but lately answered to the final roll call. Like the leaves of autumn, the old veterans are silently dropping by the wayside, but as the buds of spring are put forth in new vigor, so the memory of their valor will be transmitted to posterity. We have assembled in the performance of a sad but sweet duty.

In conclusion, I might be allowed to say that if it were possible that the heroes, whose memories we honor to-day, and who fell in defence of this city, could be resurrected and brought to life, they would look with amazement at its restoration from the ordeal through which it passed, with its now enterprising, intelligent and progressive popula- tion, its bright hopes and possibilities.

THE CLOSING EXERCISES. A Beautiful Poem by Mrs. Montgomery is Recited.

More music was followed by a beautiful poem written for the occasion by Mrs. Elizabeth R. Montgomery, and recited with perfect modulation by Miss Lillie Hicks. The poem was as follows :

This stone shall be a witness,

As Joshua said of old, Lest ye deny your faith ! It stands A monument 'fore all the lands,

A hallowed one, and bold.

Not trait'rous hands have raised it,

But loyal hearts and true To those who fought a val'rous fight For us and native home and right,

The gray against the blue.

The conflict's o'er, the grass has greened

Above the battle scars, And bravest victors help to lay Above the vanquished flowers to-day,

Under the stripes and stars.