Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/13

 Southern Historical Society Papers.

VOL. XXXII. Richmond, Va., January-December. 1904.

REMARKS OF CAPTAIN JOHN LAMB

On March 24, 1899, at Richmond, Virginia, in the Hall of R. E. Lee Camp, No. i, C. V.

IN ACCEPTING, ON BEHALF OF THE CAMP,

The Portrait of General THOMAS T. MUNFORD, C. S. Cavalry.

[The portrait, in oil, of General Thomas T. Munford, Confeder- ate States Cavalry, a striking life-likeness, executed by Bernard Gutman, of Lynchburg, Virginia, was presented on Friday even- ing, March 24, 1899, to Robert E. Lee Camp, No. i, Confederate Veterans, in a chaste address by Major Samuel Griffin of Bedford City, Virginia, who served as Adjutant-General on the staff of Gen- eral Munford. It was evidently, as stated by the speaker, "a labor of love," and was in glowing eulogy of the personal virtues and valor of the distinguished cavalry leader. The description of the disbanding of General Munford' s famous command after the mem- orable surrender of April 9, 1865, was highly pathetic.

The speaker said, in conclusion, that he could not refrain from a passing tribute to the signal gallantry on the field of battle, he had so often witnessed in his old comrade Captain Lamb, who was to follow him in accepting the portrait of their beloved commander.

The remarks of Captain Lamb were in deep feeling and unos- tentatiously characteristic of him. They embody many details of history of intrinsic value as the testimony of a participant in mo- mentous campaigns and engagements covering the period of the stupendous struggle of the South for independence. Captain Lamb the oft-re-elected, efficient and popular representative of the third district in our National Congress, in his exemplified merit is well-known to our people.

The occasion was highly enjoyed by a large and intelligent aud- ience comprehending leading ladies and gentlemen of our city and