Confederate Monument at Franklin

Confederate Veteran
Volume 8, Number 1, Page 5
January, 1900

The Franklin Chapter No 14, U. D. C., was organized by Mrs. Judge Gaut, of Nashville, October 28, 1895 Mrs. G. L. Cowan was elected President, Mrs. Minnie Cliffe and Mrs. W. H. Syman, Vice Presidents, Mrs. W. M. Gentry, Corresponding Secretary, Miss Susie Gentry, Recording Secretary, Mrs. R. N. Richardson, Treasurer.

Their first contribution was for the "Battle Abbey." Miss Susie Gentry and Mrs. T. F. Perkins constituted a committee to solicit donations, and through a dinner given by the chapter $87.70 was raised, which was sent to Mrs. J. P. Hickman, of Nashville, Secretary.

Twelve years previous to the organization of this chapter there existed a Monument Association, which had accumulated $478, but for a number of years nothing had been done toward securing additions to it. The Association turned their money over to the chapter, members of the Association being Daughters.

Two years ago (in November, 1897) the United Daughters of the Confederacy began the work of raising money to erect a monument on the Public Square in Franklin.

There were only sixteen charter members, there are now enrolled more than forty members.

The officers now are: Mrs.R. N. Richardson, President, Miss Annie W. Claybrook and Mrs. George Nichol, Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. A. Britt, Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. T. F. Perkins, Recording Secretary , Mrs. Mary Cliffe, Treasurer.

The members are: Mesdames R. A. Bailey, H. P. Cochran, Minnie Cliffe, W. W. Campbell, Newton Cannon, G. L. Cowan, J. W. Harrison, Green Williams, E. P.Winston, W. E. Winstead, P. A. Felts, J. H. Henderson. V. W. McGavock, H. E. Perkins, W. H. Gillespie, W. A. Paschall, N. C. Bostick, W. A. Beckweth, Bettie Bradley Fentress, Ida Winstead Fly, H. H. Horton, Walter Tally, Lucy S. Vaughn, Carrie March, Misses Eliza Claybrook, Alma Anderson, Annie Brooks, Maria Vaughan, Susie Gentry, LulieHanner, Mary Pinkerton, Lou Reece, Kittie White, Elizabeth Truett, Susie Winstead, Belle White, Blanche Winfield, Maggie Roberts. The honorary members are: Mrs. G e n . Starnes, Mrs. Col. John McGavock, Mrs. Dr. W. M. Gentry, Mrs. J. M. Neeley, of Franklin, and Mrs. Judge John C. Gaut, of Nashville.

Mrs, Gaut did splendid work for the chapter in securing money for the monument.

The monument was unveiled by two little girls, Susie Winstead and Leah Cowan. The former was recently chosen Child of the Bivouac, and is daughter of the late M. P. G. Winstead, who while still a beardless youth, responded to the Southland's call to arms. She is granddaughter of Dr. Samuel Henderson, who was a colonel of militia in the early part of the century. Leah Cowan was born in Williamson County, and is eleven years old. She is daughter of Capt. George L. and Mrs. Hattie McGavock Cowan. Capt. Cowan was an officer in Gen. Forrest's celebrated escort company. Leah is granddaughter of the late Col. John McGavock, whose memory is revered by all Confederates.

Judge R. N. Richardson, of Franklin, introduced participants in the unveiling ceremonies. First, Rev. J. H. McNeilly, who was a chaplain and in the battle. In his prayer the minister said:

Thou, 0 God, didst not give victory to our arms, and we bow in absolute submission to thy will. Thou knowest what is best. But we praise and bless thee for the characters which were purified by the war, and for the example of those who didst not measure duty by success, who preferred death to dishonor, and who showed to all the world how they valued the rights and liberties thou didst give their land.

We beseech thee, 0 God, that we and our children may ever be true to the memory of these men, that we may know the principles for which they contended, that we may vindicate their motives and defend their characters from aspersion. Grant that their example may inspire the coming generations with noble enthusiasm, with patriotic devotion, with unyielding courage to dare, to do, to die for God and native land.

We humbly entreat thy blessing on those of us who were once their comrades in the strife or who ministered to them in the weary struggle. Remember in mercy the men and women, now grown old, who shared the hardships of those we commemorate. As the time of our departure draws near may we realize more and more our Father's love and see his wisdom in all the way he has led us, and when the night falls about us may our sleep be sweet, and may we wake to an. eternal day.

Father, look in mercy upon our children who come after us. May they in every time of need respond to duty's call, and prove themselves worthy of the heritage thou hast given them. May they seek not inglorious ease, but may they give themselves to do thy will and to benefit the world at every cost. Especially do we ask thy favor upon those who have served their country against a foreign foe who are now in the field or who are just returning to their homes. Grant them security against the dangers to body and soul which assail them. May their service, with its hardships, be a means of strengthening and confirming their devotion to duty and love of country.

And we ask thy richest blessings on our country. On this day of thanksgiving we would remember all the benefits, temporal and spiritual, which thou hast given us during this year. May we use thy gifts aright. Make us messengers of liberty and peace to those who haye come under our sway. Enable us to hear thee and work righteousness. Give us righteous rulers and righteous laws. Save us from pestilence and famine, from fraud and violence and oppression. Hasten the time when wars shall cease to the ends of the earth, and peace shall rule the world. May our government maintain justice as its only sure foundation.

And now, 0 God of our fathers, God of battles, King of nations, as we solemnly dedicate this monument to the memory of a glorious past, as it testifies of patriotism, of courage, of devotion to principle, of faithfulness to duty, we implore thee to make it an inspiration to the coming generations, urging them to be true to whatever work thou givest them to do, encouraging them to peace, truth, and righteousness above all earthly considerations.

Now we ask thee to forgive our failures and transgressions, cleanse our hearts, strengthen us for service, and finally receive us to thyself in glory, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Address of welcome by Dr. Hanner: "Comrades, Ladies, and Fellow Citizens: It is a proud privilege to welcome you in behalf of the Daughters of the Confederacy. There are occasions when words are empty sounds and meaningless nothings, when the intenser feelings .find fit expression in the cordial grasp of the hand and the kindly beaming of the eye, when silence is more eloquent than affected and labored rhetoric, when the warm heart, overflowing with kindness, goes out in emotion inexpressible in words. Such is the welcome Franklin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy extends to you. Though orphaned and bereft, their deathless loyalty and devotion to their mother seeks a faint expression in the erection of this memorial to her soldier sons. The work of the living is ever ennobling in commemorating the glories and heroism of the past. The self sacrifice and demotion of the women of the South in our glorious but unsuccessful attempt to establish our independence and a government for ourselves is illustrated by the undying veneration accorded to the veterans of that struggle by their daughters. The Roman patrician gloried in the images of his ancestors, the Anglo Saxon exulted in the deified heroes of the Valhalla, but the pride of the ancestry of the one and the mythological worship of the other pale into insignificance before the homage and heart tribute paid to you, my comrades, by the Daughters of the Confederacy.

They welcome you to the gladness of this hour, which witnesses the consummation of a work, loyally conceived, nobly conducted, and successfully achieved. 'The end crowns the work.' Did I say 'end?' No, this does not terminate their filial devotion. It knows no limit, but will be perpetuated to successive generations, and the pages of future history will glow with a record of the continued loyalty of the daughters, as well as the bravery and chivalry of the sons, of the South.

Let this occasion arouse all the enthusiasm of your nature and kindle afresh that patriotism that never fails. Ennoble the history of our common country in the future as you Have done in the past, and coming ages will proclaim that you were as noble as citizens as you were brave as soldiers. The shadows of the evening are lengthening on our pathway, the twilight approaches. Let the evening song of our declining years, more plaintive and heart touching than the ranz des vache of the Swiss herdsman, utter its passionate longing in the strains of our Southern bard:

Yes, give me the land where the ruins are spread,
Where the living tread light o'er the hearts of the dead.
Yes, give me the land with graves in each spot,
And names in the graves that shall ne'er be forgot.
Yes, give me the land of legends and lays,
Enshrining the memory of long vanished days.
Yes, give me the land that hath story and song,
To tell of the strife of the right with the wrong.
Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb,
There's a grandeur in graves, there's a glory in gloom,
For out of the gloom future brightness is born,
As after the night comes the sunrise and morn.

I bid you thrice welcome to our hospitality, to our homes, and to our heart of hearts.

Address of welcome by Dr. Hanner:

"Comrades, Ladies, and Fellow-Citizens: It is a proud privilege to welcome you in behalf of the Daughters of the Confederacy. There are occasions when words are empty sounds and meaningless nothings; when the intenser feelings find fit expression in the cordial grasp of the hand and the kindly beaming of the eye; when silence is more eloquent than affected and labored rhetoric; when the warm heart, overflowing with kindness, goes out in emotion inexpressible in words. Such is the welcome Franklin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy extends to you. Though orphaned and bereft, their deathless loyalty and devotion to their mother seeks a faint expression in the erection of this memorial to her soldier sons. The work of the living is ever ennobling in commemorating the glories and heroism of the past. The self-sacrifice and devotion of the women of the South in our glorious but unsuccessful attempt to establish our independence and a government for ourselves is illustrated by the undying veneration accorded to the veterans of that struggle by their daughters. The Roman patrician gloried in the images of his ancestors, the Anglo-Saxon exulted in the deified heroes of the Valhalla; but the pride of the ancestry of the one and the mythological worship of the other pale into insignificance. before the homage and heart tribute paid to you, my comrades, by the Daughters of the Confederacy.

"They welcome you to the gladness of this hour, which witnesses the consummation of a work, loyally conceived, nobly conducted, and successfully achieved. 'The end crowns the work.' Did I say 'end?' No; this does not terminate their filial devotion. It knows no limit, but will be perpetuated to successive generations, and the pages of future history will glow with a record of the continued loyalty of the daughters, as well as the bravery and chivalry of the sons, of the South.

"Let this occasion arouse all the enthusiasm of your nature and kindle afresh that patriotism that never fails. Ennoble the history of our common country in the future as you have done in the past, and coming ages will proclaim that you were as noble as citizens as you were brave as soldiers.

"The shadows of the evening are lengthening on our pathway; the twilight approaches. Let the evening song of our declining years, more plaintive and heart touching than the rans des apache of the Swiss herdsman, utter its passionate longing in the strains of our Southern bard:

Yes, give me the land where the ruins are spread,
Where the living tread light o'er the hearts of the dead.
Yes, give me the land with graves in each spot,
And names in the graves that shall ne'er be forgot.

Yes, give me the land of legends and lays,
Enshrining the memory of long-vanished days.
Yes, give me the land that bath story and song,
To tell of the strife of the right with the wrong.

Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb,
There's a grandeur in graves, there's a glory in gloom;
For out of the gloom future brightness is born,
As after the night comes the sunrise and morn.

"I bid you thrice welcome to our hospitality, to our homes, and to our heart of hearts."

ADDRESS OF GENERAL GORDON

Gen. Gordon's address was eloquent, chaste, and evoked high enthusiasm. The following are extracts:

Five and thirty years ago to-day there occurred upon yonder field one of the most dramatic and sanguinary conflicts recorded in the annals of warfare. If we give first an account of the battle, it will enable us to understand more fully the matchless prowess and splendid heroism of the brave and patriotic men who fell upon this field, and whose memories and deeds we honor to-day.

About 2 o'clock in the afternoon of that tragic and memorable day the Confederate army, commanded by Gen. J. B. Hood, appeared near the crest of you range of hills that looks down from the South upon this beautiful valley, but not in view of the Federal army, commanded by Gen. Schofield, that then encircled your devoted little city as a huge anaconda. The Confederate army was halted near the southern crest of the hills, and was kept under cover thereof, preparatory to making dispositions for battle. until about 4 o'clock.

In the meantime the Confederate officers had been inspecting the enemy's position with field glasses, and had discovered that he was fortified immediately south of the town, and extending to the east and west-his wings apparently resting on the stream that bounds the town in an abrupt bend on the north. About this time (4 o'clock) Gens. Hood and Cheatham rode to where Gen. Brown and his brigade commanders were, the speaker among the number, where the Columbia pike crosses the hills coming north. After they had examined the enemy's position from that point, Gen. Hood said to Cheatham: "General, get your command ready to go at the work immediately; we have no time to lose. Tell your officers to go with the men, to stop at nothing, and to sweep everything before them." Gen. Cheatllam turned to us and said: "Gentlemen, you have heard Gen. Hood's orders. Get your commands ready to move forward immediately." The speaker had examined the enemy's position with a strong field glass, and had discovered. that his defenses of earthworks were formidable, especially in the vicinity of where the pike leading into the town crossed them; and when he heard Gen. Hood's orders to sweep everything before us he felt that a desperate and death-dealing struggle was about to ensue. And it was.

I had observed that, in addition to the enemy's main and rear line of fortifications, there was, from six to eight hundred paces in front of that, another line of works, but extending only two or three hundred paces on each side of the pike leading into the town, and that this short and isolated line was well manned. So that in our immediate front Cheatham's right brigade and Cleburne's left two lines of fortifications had to be stormed and taken if we were victorious.

Our commands were promptly moved into the positions. Brown's Division of Cheatham's Corps formed to the left of the pike leading into Franklin, with his right wing resting on the pike, which was to be his right guide in moving to the assault. Cleburne's Division was formed on the right of the pike mentioned, with his left wing resting thereon. The brigade formation of Brown's Division was Gist's and Gordon's Brigades in the front line-Gordon on the right, Gist on the left-Gordon's right wing resting on the pike. Carter's and Strahl's Brigades formed the second line of battle in this division-Carter supporting Gist and Strahl supporting Gordon-the supporting lines being ordered to keep within two hundred paces of the front line. Bate's Division was moved to the left of Brown's thus making the formation of Cheatham's Corps Cleburne's Division on the right, Brown's in the center and Bate's on the left. Gen. Stewart's Corps was on the right of Cheatham's. Only one division of Lee's Corps (Johnson's) had arrived, and that was held in reserve.

When these dispositions were made the advance was ordered. We were-one and a fourth to one and a half noises away on the elevation of hills that looked down upon the then solemn and tranquil valley-to begin the charge in a regimental movement that our tactics designated, "double column at half distance," in order that we-might move with more facility and precision, and also more easily pass obstacles, such as fences and small groves of trees that here and there interspersed the otherwise open plain upon which the mighty struggle was soon to take place.

In describing the battle I can speak only from personal knowledge of the action of the men and officers near me in the fight.

As the array of columns which has been mentioned, with a front of two or more miles in length, moved steadily down the heights into the valley below, with flying banners, beating drums. and bristling guns, it presented the most magnificent and spectacular military pageant ever witnessed by that veteran army, or perhaps any other during that great international war. It presented a scene so imposing and thrilling in its grandeur that the sense of ensuing danger was lost in the sublime emotions inspired by the surpassing martial panorama.

When we had arrived within four or five hundred paces of the enemy's first and short line of entrenchments our columns were deployed from the march into two lines of battle, and were halted for a few moments and aligned, preparatory to the charge upon this line. The speaker here dismounted to charge with the men on foot.

Immediately after the alignment just mentioned was made the "charge" was ordered, and, with an impetuous rush and a startling shout, we dashed wildly forward on this line. The enemy delivered one volley at our rushing ranks and precipitately fled for refuge to his rear and main line of defense. When they fled the shout was raised by some one of the charging Confederates: "Go into the works with them! Go into the works with them!" This cry was quickly caught up and wildly vociferated from a thousand straining throats as we rushed on after the flying forces we had routed-killing some in our running fire, capturing others who were slow of foot and sustaining but little loss ourselves until, perhaps, within a hundred paces of their main line and stronghold, when it seemed to me that hell itself had exploded in our faces. Men fell right and left, fast and thick, and the field was covered at this point with a mantle of dead and dying men.

They had thus long reserved their fire for the safety of their routed comrades, who were fleeing to them for protection, and who were just in front of and mingled with our pursuing forces. When it was no longer safe to; those in the works to reserve their fire to protect their comrades they opened upon us (regardless of their own men, with whom we had mingled in the run ) such a storm of shot and shell, canister and musketry, that the very air was hideous with the terrifying shrieks of the mad messengers of death. The booming of cannons, the bursting of bombs. the screaming of shells, the rattle of musketry, the shouting of the combatants, and the falling of men-all made a scene of surpassing terror and appalling grandeur.

Such a din was there,
As if men fought on earth below,
And fiends in upper air.

It yet seems a mystery and a wonder how any of us ever reached the works alive.

Amidst this scene Gen. Cleburne came charging from our left, through his men and mine, diagonally toward the enemy's works, looking like a war god in a battle picture. His horses running with great speed, would have plunged over and trampled the speaker to the ground if he had not checked his own pace as he ran on foot to let the charger pass. This was near the works, and Gen. Cleburne must have fallen immediately after this, though I saw him no more.

On we rushed, Granberry's men and mine mingling as we approached the enemy's works, on reaching which the most of us halted in the ditch on the outside, amid the dead and dying men of both armies. From the time the enemy opened the fire they had reserved so long they slew friend and foe alike. We reached the works with but few men, and these were well-nigh exhausted, having charged at full speed for more than half a mile. Some of our comrades in their impetuosity went over the works at this point, but were clubbed to the earth with musketry or pierced with bayonets. But, as staled, the most of our small number halted in the ditch on the outside, seeing that it was futile death to attempt to overcome, in a hand-to-hand struggle, such superior numbers, especially in our exhausted condition. So we did not break the line at this point. But for quite a while, however, we fought them across their breastworks, both sides lying low and putting their guns under the head logs that were on the earthworks, firing nervously, rapidly, and at random, and not exposing any part of the body except the hand that fired the gun. While this melee, which now seems like a hideous dream, was going on across the works we were exposed to a dangerous and destructive enfilading fire of the enemy on our left, there being an angle in their works; and also to the fire of some of our own forces of Gen. Stewart's Command from our right rear. there being another angle in the works in that direction. Our position at the works was just to the left of the famous old gin house, between that and the pike-some of my men and myself, in the rush and confusion, having crossed to Cleburne's side of the pike, reached the works with some of Granberry's men.

Finally, the fatality to us, as we crouched and fought in the ditch, became so great from these three fires- front, left, and rear-that some of the men shouted to the enemy across the line that if they would "cease firing" they would surrender. Amid the uproar this was not heard, and a signal of surrender was made by putting our hats or caps on their bayonets fixed on their guns and holding them up above the works. The first of these signals that were seen were perforated by the enemy's bullets. I suppose they thought it was our heads, or they did not know what it meant. At length, however, they heard and understood our men and, amid the fearful din, we distinctly heard the command, "Cease firing!" given on the other side of the works; and in a moment more all was comparatively quiet in our immediate front, and the men walked over the works and surrendered. It was fatal to leave the ditch and attempt to escape to the rear. Every man who attempted it-and a number did-was at once shot down. I ordered them to remain in the ditch until I told them they could surrender. When all had walked over the works except one of my men and myself he asked if I was not going over. I replied in the negative, saying that I would remain under cover of the dead in the ditch until night, which was approaching. He said he would remain with me. But the bullets from our right rear and the enfilading fire on our left (and which had never ceased) fell so thickly about us that I finally said, "We shall be killed if we remain here," at the same time handing him a white handkerchief and telling him to put it on his bayonet and walk over the works. He did so, and I followed him.

As I jumped down on the inside of the works a Federal soldier struck at my head with the butt of his gun but the stroke was averted from my head by another Federal soldier pushing the gun as it came down, causing it to give me only a glancing blow upon the shoulder, saying as he did so: "Don't strike him. He is surrendering." I was immediately placed in charge of two soldiers, who were ordered to hurry me to the rear. There was great confusion, not to say consternation, in the enemy's ranks, even after we surrendered. I heard officers cursing their men and saw them striking them with their swords to hold them at the works. And when I arrived, in charge of the escort mentioned, at the pontoon bridge across Harpeth River, about a half mile from where I was captured, I saw hundreds of stragglers from the Federal army huddled and attempting to cross the stream, but were kept back by officers with drawn swords and pistols, who were urging them to return to the field they had abandoned.

Reverting again to the battle, I remark that the main line of the enemy's defenses was broken by the left of Gordon's Brigade, under the splendid leadership of Col. Horace Rice, commanding his (the Twenty Ninth) and my old regiment (the Eleventh Tennessee infantry) consolidated, some of the soldiers being killed fifty or more paces within the enemy's line, Col. Rice himself being wounded after he had crossed the works. But at this critical juncture, and before the rout could be Bade general, Opdykes's Brigade of Federal reinforcements arrived at the critical moment in front of Rice with the small force he was leading, and pressed them back to the works they had taken, but which they held till the Federals retreated during the night.

Col. Frank A. Burr, an ex- Federal soldier and a brilliant writer, in an account of this battle, published in 1883, gives me the credit of leading the men who broke the main line of the Federal defenses, but I am not entitled to this honor. It belongs to my friend and comrade and colonel, Horace Rice, long since dead. The gallant ensign of this consolidated regiment, Serg. Dru, leading the charge, sprang upon the works, was shot down, and fell inside of the line, with this standard in his hand. (Showing the battle flag of the Eleventh Tennessee Infantry.) This dark discoloration which we see is the blood of that martyr, Serg. Dru, who fell and died upon it. These tattered fragments, these bullet holes, and this faded blood speak a more eloquent and glorious history for that regiment than all the eulogies that my poor tongue can utter. I do not exhibit this flag and speak thus so much to individualize heroic deeds and special commands as to indicate the general prowess courage, and self-sacrifice that characterized He action of that valiant, war worn. and battle-scarred army known in history as the Army of Tennessee. Other flags were perforated and other commands decimated on that momentous day, other deeds performed that deserve equal and honorable mention.

The opposing forces in this battle were nearly equal in numbers, the Confederates having about 19,000 infantry actually engaged and the Federals about 22,000. But, as already stated, the Confederates were the attacking force, and the Federals were so well fortified as to render one man defending equal to about four attacking.

The casualties in this battle were appalling, especially on the Confederate side. In general and field officers, especially, they were greater in proportion to numbers engaged than in any battle of the war. Six general officers were killed, six wounded, and one captured-total, thirteen. Of the four brigadier generals of Brown's Division, Carter, Gist, and Strahl were killed and Gordon captured, and Maj. Gen. Brown severely wounded; so that this division was commanded next day by a colonel. Maj. Gen. Cleburne and Brig. Gen. Granberry, of his division, were killed. Maj. Gen. John Adams, of Gen. Stewart's Corps, was killed, himself and horse falling upon the enemy's works. Gens. Cockrell, Quarles, Scott, Manigault, and one other general officer, whose name I cannot now recall, were wounded. Thirteen regimental commanders were killed, thirty-two wounded, and nine captured. Besides these, many other field and line officers were killed and wounded, and about six thousand of the rank and file lay dead or disabled on the field at the close of that memorable day. The Federal loss, I think, was about one-third as great as the Confederate. The infantry forces actually engaged lost 33 per cent. In Stewart's Corps the loss was 28 per cent; in Cheatham's, 35 per cent. The loss in Stewart's Corps by divisions was: Loring's, 23; Walthall's, 25, and French's, 45 per cent. In Cheatham's Corps, by divisions, the loss was: Bate's, 16; Brown's, 31; and Cleburne's, 52 per cent. In Loring's Corps, Johnson's Division (the only division of this corps that was in the battle and in the second charge), the loss was 21per cent.

In Forrest's Cavalry Corps, which did valiant service, the loss in Jackson's and Chalmers's Divisions was 5 per cent. Pickett's Division, in its famous charge at Gettysburg, lost 21 per cent. while the loss in this battle (Franklin) of the entire infantry engaged was 33 per cent, or 12 per cent greater than that of Pickett at Gettysburg. Military statistics of foreign and American battles, as compiled by Lieut. Col. Dodge, of the United States army, show the following losses: Prussians, up to Waterloo, in eight battles, 18 per cent; at Konniggratz, nearly 4 per cent. Austrians, up to Waterloo, in seven battles, 11 per cent; since, in two, 8 per cent. French, up to Waterloo, in nine battles, 22 per cent; since, in nine, nearly 9 per cent. Germans, since 1745, in eight battles, 11 per cent. English, in four battles, nearly 10 per cent. Federals, in eleven battles, nearly 13 per cent. Confederates, in eleven battles, 14 per cent; at Franklin, 33 per cent.

These statistics prove that the battle of Franklin was the bloodiest of modern times.

In concluding the account of this great conflict, I doubt if in any of the bloody battles of the world, from Marathon to Waterloo, from Waterloo to Balaklava, and from Balaklava to Gettysburg, there was more desperate daring than was displayed on some portions of this famous field.

With these facts before us we are better prepared to appreciate the patriotic virtues and splendid manhood of the brave and self-sacrificing officers and men who died here and whose names and deeds we this day commemorate by dedicating to their honor and glory this beautiful and durable monument, erected by the love and gratitude of the noble women of this community, and especially by the Franklin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, after years of persistent effort and patient perseverance. And on behalf of every surviving soldier of this battle, and in the name of every sister whose brother and every widow-whose husband died on this field, and in behalf of Confederate soldiers everywhere, I want to thank these noble, true, patriotic, and generous Southern women, and all other contributors, who, after so many years of effort, have at last completed this enduring testimonial to the prowess. and patriotism. to the valor and virtue of the martyred heroes who perished here. We can never do adequate honor to their names and memories. They died as it became men to die-in defense of the laws, constitution, and independence of their country. Be it said to their glory that they never engaged in a cruel, criminal, and commercial war of aggression, but strictly in a war of defense. We simply withdrew from a voluntary Union of sovereign States in the same solemn dignified, and peaceable manner in which we entered that Union. This was not done, however, until the terms of that Union had been repeatedly violated and the Constitution of the country and the decision of our highest courts had been denounced and disregarded by the people of the North. The compact of Union had been broken by the Northern States, and the Southern States were no longer bound thereby. So the act of these States in withdrawing therefrom was not an act of treason and rebellion as charged. Besides, the States were sovereign and the units of power. New York, Virginia, and Rhode Island expressly reserved the right, in their acts ratifying the Federal Constitution, to withdraw from the Union whenever the interest and happiness of their people required it. And a reciprocity of principles should surely admit-the right of every other State to withdraw whenever the interest and happiness of its people demanded it, especially when there was no provision in the Constitution disallowing the right to secede. Nor was there any provision to coerce a State, should it secede. This was emphatically denied by Hamilton, Livingston, Madison, and others who took a leading part in the formation of the Constitution.

No. We did not want war and we did not inaugurate it. All we asked was to be let alone. But the North., which had become more populous and powerful than the South, determined to preserve her commercial interests, hence the war. If the people of the North had believed that they could have teen happier and richer without the South than with her, what rational ground would they then have to expend six billions of money and sacrifice a half million of lives to keep the South in the Union? If the South had been allowed to go in peace, as she desired to do, the North would have lost her richest taxing district-the best patron of her manufacturing and tariff-protected establishments. The South would have opened free trade with Europe, and this would have tended to paralyze, if not pauperize, the great manufacturing industries of the North, and especially of New England. Such a loss was more than they were willing to bear, hence her war of subjugation. Mr. Lincoln disclaimed that the war was to free the slaves, but to save the Union. To save the Union for what purpose? The one I have mentioned-namely, to preserve and augment the commercial interests of the North.

I have deemed it appropriate to say thus much (though it is little of what could be said) in vindication of the cause for which we fought and our comrades died from the charge of treason and rebellion that we hear and read from day to day. If the charge were not constantly uttered and reiterated, published and republished, I should not have thought it expedient to make any vindication on this solemn and sacred occasion. We were and are no more traitors and rebels than George Washington and his contemporaries. If they had failed, they too would have been called rebels and traitors; but as they succeeded, they have been honored and exalted as heroes and patriots. This is the difference between the accidents of success and failure.

And thus we see that the merit of a cause is not to lie judged by its success or failure.

Finally, let no man, unchallenged, asperse the memory of our sacred dead, our fallen comrades, with the charge of treason and rebellion. They fell in defense of the liberty and independence of their country consequently were heroes and patriots. But let their history in granite, so fittingly summarized in the mottoes on this monument, vindicate their memory, pronounce their eulogy, and perpetuate their example. Peace to their spirits! Honor to their ashes!

---