Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/116

 112 Southern Historical Society Papers.

As Adjutant of the Ninth Virginia Infantry he was severely wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill; wounded and taken pris- oner at Gettysburg, and sent first to David's Island, N. Y., and later to Johnson's Island.

By his comrades of the trying days of the momentous struggle of the South, he is warmly beloved for admirably exemplified traits, nor is he less regarded universally in his honorable civil career.

Hon. R. S. Thomas is the second son of the mother of Judge Crocker, by her second marriage with James Thomas, and as " Mister Dick," as he is familiarly called by those of his section who know well why they should love him, writes: "His (Judge Crocker's) father died six months after he was born, and my father died some four years after my birth. My brother is nine years older than I am, and he has always been as a father to me, taking me by the hand to mould and shape my character and life."

The addresses here printed are from revised copies by Judge Crocker.

For a graphic account of the battle of Malvern Hill, by a gal- lant participant therein, see the address of Captain John Lamb, Vol. XXV, Southern Historical Society Papers. EDITOR.]

MY EXPERIENCE IN TAKING UP ARMS AND IN THE BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.

Commander and Comrades:

It is my turn, by appointment, to give to-night reminisences of the war. It is expected, as I understand it, that these reminisences may be largely personal and that it is not to be considered in bad taste to speak of one's self. In fact our soldier lives were so much the same, our experiences and performances, our aspirations and devotion to our cause were so common to each and all, that to speak of one's self is to tell the story of the rest.

Let it be understood at once that no true soldier can speak of of himself and of his services in the Confederate Army, however humble the sphere of his service, without a tone of self commenda- tion. And if I seem to speak in self praise, remember I but speak of each of you. Comrades! I would esteem it the highest honor to stand an equal by your side. For here before me are men heroes in courage and in patriotism equal to those who fell at Thermopylae who with those to whose sacred memory yon monu-