Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/312

 [From New Market, Va., Shenandoah Valley, August 25, 1910.]

ADDRESS OF HON. JOHN LAMB. [The subjoined address was delivered by Hon. John Lamb, a gallant Confederate soldier and member of Congress from the Third Virginia Congressional District, of Richmond, Va., at the Twelfth Annual Reunion of the Nerr-Rice Camp, U. C. V., No. 1 194, near New Market, Va., on Friday, August 19, 1910.]

Hon. Mr. Lamb expressed appreciation of the honor of speaking where so many distinguished speakers had spoken, and in a country which suffered the greatest horrors of war and devastations of armies, in the burning of mills, barns, and other private properties, saying that many were present who saw that wanton destruction and lurid flames which had lighted up this valley and showed starvation to man, woman and child—a despicable act to aid in overpowering a noble people. He spoke of the heroism of men of the Valley, the fortitude of the women, and paid a tribute to Breckenridge and his men, who, in sight of these grounds, had achieved, against fearful odds, a great victory, and the fame of the cadet boys in this fight would continue in history, as long as there were people and nations.

After referring to this beautiful and prosperous valley, which overcame the ravages of war, by its people unaided, and with some general remarks, he spoke substantially as follows:

Memorial day has grown into an institution in our Southland. The old Confederate naturally becomes reminiscent when in the presence of his comrades he recalls the sacrifices and conflicts of forty years ago. The features and forms of those who stood shoulder to shoulder with him in the conflict, or fell by his side, come before his mind's eye as distinct as the scenes of yesterday.

This is a day of sadness to him, not unmixed however with the proud recollection that he was an humble factor in one of the grandest struggles of self-government that has ever occurred on earth.