Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 40.djvu/306

302 that we have done our duty in war and in peace; and that those who come after may emulate the courage, loyalty and sacrifice of true patriots. When the question is asked what the followers of Lee and Jackson fought for, let the ringing, unchangeable and ever true response be given, that they fought against invasion and subjugation, and for their wives and children, their dear ones and their homes.

As followers of our immortal Lee, in war, and in compliance with his admonitions after the surrender at Appomattox, for peace, we have had it demonstrated, indisputably, that we have not failed in our duty. This was proved in war, on every battle field, and the phenomenal recuperation of our dear Southland since, proves its truth, in peace.

Our annual reunions are most salutary and peace-giving; they are like the satisfying assurances coming to ships, speaking each other while traversing stormy seas, dark and tempestuous, all aiming for the same port, the "Haven where they would be." It gives an opportunity to verify their position, and to take any course that may be found necessary to secure the desired consummation.

The followers of Lee, I believe, are still following the principles of the greatest human leader that, take him all in all, was ever born in this or any other land; and my dear comrades, his chief and most potent greatness, rested in the fact that in his every thought, word, deed and hope, he was always a consistent and faithful follower of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

Your assembling here now is most auspicious; for, three hundred years ago, the spirit of God moved over the face of the waters, and tabernacled in the minds, hearts and souls of brave men, who took to three frail vessels, which under the guidance and protection of of the omniscient and omnipotent God, were safely brought across the Atlantic Ocean, and to our contiguous and historic waters, and established the first permanent English settlement on our continent. Their lives, under God, have hallowed the manhood and purity of our phenomenally great Republic.

In commemoration of this great event, the Jamestown Ter-Centennial Exposition is now being held, and is supported by the best citizens all over our land.