Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/266

 258 Southern Historical Society Papers.

participated in the battles of Fort Fisher, and particularly with Gen- eral N. M. Curtis, the gallant Federal general who led the land attack, arid who was shot seven times and lost an eye in the last battle, and they agreed that it is conceded to be the most terrific artillery battle in the world's history.

In presenting Colonel Lamb, Colonel Waddell said we have one with us who commanded Fort Fisher in the great battles, and in de- fence of which he fell, desperately wounded a gallant officer who was once a resident of Wilmington, and whose memory would never be forgotten.

Colonel Lamb was received with warm applause, and after a few introductory remarks he delivered the admirable address to be found in full in this morning's Messenger.

He began his remarks with, " Mr. Chairman and Comrades of Cape Fear Camp, United Confederate Veterans," and remarked that he had come to Wilmington in the autumn of 1861, and brought with him the little heroine* who came to share his fortunes of the war. After he had spoken about how hospitably he and his wife were re- ceived by the people of Wilmington, he entered upon the address that the reader can find elsewhere. He was generously applauded throughout, and there was very hearty applause when he alluded to our esteemed citizen, Major James Reilly. Colonel Lamb's exordium was very eloquent, and although the address was lengthy, the audi- the audience was disappointed when he concluded.

In his address Colonel Lamb alluded to his visit to the old fort yes- terday. He and his daughter, Miss Madge, and his son, Harry Whit- ing, accompanied by Major James Reilly, Colonel Wm. L. DeRos- set, Colonel John D. Taylor, Mr. James C. Stevenson, Mr. W. M. Cum- ming, Mr. John W. Reilly and T. W. Clawson, of the Messenger, went down to Fort Fisher yesterday morning. The party took the steamer Clarence at 9:30 A. M, and returned to the city last evening shortly after 6 P. M.

The party took a trip over the old fort, but little of it now remains except the profile. The land face is completely effaced by the ocean and the elements, but enough of the battery elevations yet remain for them to be correctly pointed out by those familiar with them.

where, under the caption of ' The Heroine of Confederate Point," is printed what Mrs. Lamb touchingly experienced. ED.
 * See pages 301-306 of Volume XX, Southern Historical Society Papers,