Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 27.djvu/124

 HO Southern Historical Society Papers.

nobler aspirations, point your sons to this column and recount to them the story of the patriotic sacrifices and heroic virtues which it commemorates, and if a spark of true manhood remains, you will have done much toward the salvation of your country and the preser- vation of liberty.

INTRODUCTION OF THE ORATOR.

The orator of the day was introduced by Hon. F. P. Fleming, in the following words:

" It is now my pleasure to present to you, as the orator of the day, one who gallantly illustrated the valor of Florida's son on the field of battle, and has ably and faithfully represented his State in the halls of Congress; one whom our people have ever delighted to honor, Colonel Robert H. M. Davidson, of the 6th Florida infantry."

ORATION AND TENDER OF THE MONUMENT.

BY COLONEL ROBERT H. M. DAVIDSON.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen :

The vast audience before me demonstrates that the living approve the ceremonies of this day, and, could voices from the spirit-world reach us, methinks we might hear now, from angelic choirs there, songs of commendation. Almost from the beginning, pyramid, mausoleum, granite shaft and marble column have been erected as memorials.

And orator, poet, sculptor and painter, through the ages, by enrapturing eloquence, by enchanting song, by exquisite statue, and by beautiful picture, have contributed to perpetuate the glorious deeds of the soldier-dead. Patriotic heroism should ever be honored.

For that laudable purpose we have come now to this park, beauti- ful for situation, in the metropolis of our State, and near by the murmuring waters of her great river. Appropriate place, indeed, is the city of Jacksonville for the majestic column from which the veil has just fallen. Appropriate not only because it is the metropolis of our State, but also because it was for years the home, "the dearest spot on earth," of the estimable and noble-hearted gentleman to whose unsurpassed generosity and devotion to principle Florida is to-day indebted for this splendid tribute to the "chivalry and cour- age" of her Confederate soldiers. If I were not prevented by that