Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/260

 254 Sitti/lu-rn Historical Society

ments of Cavalry, that first composed the brigade under command of General W. H. F. Lee, as we learned, and then, on his promotion, by General Chambliss, and at the death of the latter, by General Beale, of Westmoreland, and it is hoped that every comrade will embrace this opportunity to perpetuate the honor and devotion of his comrades and of his respective command. Aside from Major Nash's desire to write a fair and accurate history of his regiment and brigade, he, as well as the writer, participated in this last engage- ment of the war at Appomattox Courthouse, and all of us who did naturally feel the liveliest interest in our claim that we were the last command in the Army of Northern Virginia to have engaged and routed the enemy in a charge at Appomattox, and to have captured men, officers and artillery, secured them in the rear about the time of the surrender, and had ceased fighting only, as General Beale says, "while the terms of surrender were being signed." These officers and men and two handsome brass guns were wrested from the elated and victorious command of General Phil. Sheridan, in spite of their exultation and our depression.

We all hope that every surviving comrade will aid Major Nash in his arduous task and communicate freely with him at Atlanta, Ga., with facts and incidents of the camp and field, of the march, battle, and surrender, lending all aid that is possible to perpetuate the patriotism, the bravery, and the self-sacrifice of our army.

Let history show how gallantly our soldiers fought even when hope was gone and no hing left, but their sense of duty to a just cause, and to the grandest army and commander that this world has ever known.

E. E. BOULDIN, Formerly Captain Campany B, I4th Virginia Cavalry.

P. S. It is hoped that the press will notice the desire of Major Nash to get this information for publication.