Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/112

 106 So/i//'t rn Historical Society Paper*.

That long black office table, the telegrapher's key still attached to it, is still in existence in Rockingham. It is alive with reminiscences of the Valley campaigns; of the Laurel Brigade and its brave dash- ing commander; of Fitzhugh Lee, and the lamented Ashby, and of Breckinridge, and a host of other splendid men; of Jubal A. Early, the imperturbable, who often desired of his young friend a little spirits and complained sometimas it had a " taste of rotten apples," in his high-pitched, drawling voice.

Ouster's rear guard opened fire on our men that morning across the roof of the residence of Dr. M. from the lofty bluff beyond the river. The enemy soon drew off, however, as Rosser advanced in pursuit and Major M., of Rosser's staff, dismounting a moment, begged the little maid whose home was here to play for us all before we parted on the first piano ever brought to Rockingnam and sing this song, then sung so much because it was in everybody's heart:

" When this cruel war is over, Praying them to meet again."

N. M. BURKHOLDER.

June 27, 1900.

GLOWING TRIBUTE TO GENERAL R. E. LEE.

An Unequalled Leader of an Incomparable Host.

WITH A TRIBUTE TO THE CHARACTER AND ABILITY OF GENERAL

R. E. LEE

From Lord Wolseley, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.

In celebration of General Lee's birthday, on January igth, 1899, the tenth annual banquet of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans, held at Atlantic Hotel, in Norfolk, was an interesting oc- casion. Among the toasts responded to was that entitled " Lee and His Men; An Unequalled Leader of an Incomparable Host," to which Judge T. S. Garnett addressed himself. Judge Garnett's remarks were received with great enthusiasm, and he paid a lofty tribute to General Lee and the private Confederate soldier.

Judge Garnett said: