through a real estate firm of Richmond, on the terms of three equal payments. He paid promptly3 the first two, but six months before the third one fell due, he found himself confronted with unforeseen conditions: There had been a long, distressing4 drought, which had cut short his crops, and one of his mules6 had broken his leg, so that altogether he was in a sad state of mind. The third and last installment7 on his farm was nearly due and his wife, who was a sensible and practical woman, said to him, now let me see if I can assist in this difficulty, to which he assented8. Accordingly she went to Richmond to the firm from which the farm was bought, with that native dignity inherent to the country lady, and asked to see the head of the firm, and was told that he was not in, being detained at his home on account of sickness in his family, upon which she obtained the address of his residence, where she went, and finding him, stated her business. He told her that he was quite unfit to attend to any kind of business by reason of his distress5; whereupon she told him that she was a skillful nurse, and that if he so desired it, she would remain over in town a few days and would assist in nursing his sick family that was suffering with measles9, requiring constant, careful nursing. Under her efficient attentions and skillful nursing they were finally restored to health and to their normal condition. So he rode down to his office with Mrs. Ames, and asking for the deed he marked the balance due paid in full. It thus resulted that James obtained a clear title to his farm through the cleverness of his good wife. Now what is it that a good smart woman cannot accomplish?
A prominent, burning question of the day and time is that of woman suffrage10, and why not give them the right to vote? This is a day of progress and change, and the
right of females to exercise the privilege of suffrage should be freely accorded the sex which has really had a controlling influence in the affairs of mankind since the day of Adam and Eve. Did she not, by means of her persuasive11 arguments, induce, through mother Eve, the father of men, Adam, to eat of the forbidden fruit? Woman has always been a beacon12 light to man in guiding him in the paths of right and duty.
Yes, indeed, there are many worse things in human economy than woman suffrage. So it is to be hoped that the next General Assembly of Virginia may accede13 to the petitions presented them in advancing the cause of equal suffrage. Woman is now the great propelling force of the present age of political economy. They have always exercised the right to vote, I believe, in choosing vestrymen of the church, and in some school matters in some cities, and so why not give them the right to participate in regular elections of State and municipal officers? It is the inherent right or privilege of the sex to do as she pleases or deserves, and there should be no law to prevent her exercising her own sweet will in such matters. I believe women are possessed14 of as much intelligence as men are, and in some respects they have more, hence they should not be debarred from the polls in the general elections of those who are to represent them, as well as men, in the administration of everyday affairs. I should like to be a registrar15 of precinct which numbered a large proportion of suffragettes. I would not challenge the vote of a single one.
The Howitzer Association is formed of the surviving members of the three companies, the first, the second and third. It has a reunion and banquet on each thirteenth day of December, which is the anniversary of the
battle of Fredericksburg. A good supper is spread on that night and many recollections of the great war are recalled and renewal16 of fellowship and general intercourse17 is enjoyed, which cements the attachments18 between each of the survivors19 of the three companies. Alas20! How sad to realize that so many of your comrades have passed away.
In the voyage of life you sometimes meet persons, who say that they wish to banish21 all reminder22 of the great war between the States, or as we say, the Confederacy. Such people it might be properly asked, did they fight so hard, and were they so zealous23 that they dislike to revert24 to their prowess on the field of battle? Or did they shirk their duty to their country so very adroitly25 that they hate to be reminded of it? The true soldier of the Confederacy, the gallant26 boy who shouldered a musket27 at the call to defend his home and fireside, and who faithfully performed his duty, whether as a private or as an officer, should have no desire to entirely29 wipe out of memory that eventful period in his own history, and of his country that awful time which tested the metal of which men were made, but he should wish rather to have a full and correct account of that great conflict given to the present and the future generations.
The majority of the survivors of the Confederate armies do not believe that they ought to forget or erase30 from their minds all memory of the battles of Sharpsburg or Antietam, of Spotsylvania Court House, of Gettysburg, or of Chickamauga and Shiloh. I am at a loss to comprehend from what basis these tender-nerved Confederates reason, and I reflect that fortunately there exists but a few such among those who “wore the gray.”
In the days by-gone there lived in Richmond a prominent
dealer31 in horses and mules by the name of Benjamin Green, whose early career began as a contractor32, having built the bridge over the James River for the railroad to Petersburg. His establishment was the largest enterprise in the livestock33 line in Virginia. It was generally conceded that any one who was so unfortunate as to have a transaction with him was certain to be worsted, or at least to get the small end of the trade. His intercourse with the farmers was very extensive and it was said that any man who purchased an animal and threw himself upon Green’s honor in the transaction, never failed to obtain a fair, square deal. In the other hand, if the purchaser relied upon his own judgment34 of an animal he was very apt to get the worst of the bargain. Ben Green was a smooth talker and a keen, first-class salesman. His residence was a beautiful place about two or three miles west of the city on the Broad Street Road, where he entertained his guests in a sumptuous35 manner, and was looked upon as one of the most remarkable36 men in the State.
Colonel Richard Adams was a prominent citizen of Richmond and was at one time appointed high sheriff of Henrico county. At that time the office was one of dignity and emolument37, and it was one that was frequently sublet38 to a second party, and such was the case with Colonel Adams. He then boarded at the old Exchange Hotel when it was kept by Colonel Boykin, he was a widower39, being left with three children at his wife’s death. One of the latter was Mary Adams, who married General George Randolph; another one, Catherine Adams, who died while attending the school conducted by Mr. Le Febre, and a son by the name of Samuel Adams, comprised his family. He was a life-long friend of my father and his family and was a regular
visitor of the same. He was a great epicure40 and if any one knew what was good in the way of living and the proper way to cook a choice cut of meat, he was that man. When we lived in the country he often came out, and would always forestall41 his coming by sending us a nice leg of mutton or lamb, a nice tenderloin of beef, a roast of beef or a fine piece of sturgeon. My mother, who was noted42 for her good housekeeping, always directed the cooking of the particular dish which he sent out to us. When it was placed upon the table, hot and juicy, the old gentleman would exclaim that, “It is cooked and served up to a dot, it could not be improved.”
Colonel Adams was not what is known as a gourmand43, but a high-toned Virginian gentleman, who preferred the best meats to be obtained in the markets, and prepared for the table in a manner that would cause the smiles and approval of epicures44. One day he was dining with a friend whose custom was to invite his guest to join him in a toddy before the dinner was announced. Well, as the gentlemen were standing45 in front of the sideboard, their drinks were made of fine old Clemmer Whiskey, five years old, oily and fragrant46. Holding their glasses in their hands, Mr. J—— commenced to tell an anecdote47, but the suspense48 becoming too great, the Colonel appealed to him to jump over the bars, and not wait to pull them down, in other words to raze49 his story so as to proceed with their drinking, which would serve to whet28 their appetites for the good dinner awaiting their presence.
The First Baptist Church, which is situated50 on the corner of Broad and Twelfth Streets, is one of the oldest ones in the City of Richmond. It stands on the same ground it was built on nearly a century ago. Its pulpit has been occupied by the most distinguished51 divines in
the Baptist denomination52, such, for instance, as Doctor Broaddus, whose reputation as a pulpit orator53 has rarely, if ever, been excelled, Doctor Lansing Burrows54, who was its pastor55 during the great war of 1861 to 1865 and after the same Doctor Cooper, whose ministration as its pastor is held in kindest reverence56 and esteem57 by all who were fortunate enough to be under his pastorate charge.
This congregation is now served by one of the most gifted clergymen in the church to which he belongs, but also one of the most eloquent58 pulpit orators59 in the South, namely, Doctor G. W. McDaniel. Were all the reminiscences of this sacred and strong edifice60 written up in full it would fill a volume.
A prominent representative of the female element of Richmond society previous to the war was Mrs. Cora Ritchie Mowatt, a leader in the best social circles. She was formerly61 an actress of distinction and of excellent reputation. She had considerable literary ability and had written a history of her life as an actress, entitled “An Autobiography62 of An Actress.” She afterwards married William F. Ritchie, the editor of The Enquirer63, the organ of the Democratic party of the State of Virginia. This talented and popular lady was truly a “beacon light” of the social and fashionable society of the time.
A GLEANING65 OF HISTORY.
After the war the present or junior company of Richmond Howitzers was organized or formed. It is well officered, Captain Myers being its commander, Lieutenant66 Pollard, first lieutenant, and Lieutenant Reese, second lieutenant. Its commanders are young men of the first character and material. The corps67 de esprit of the company is the highest order. It has the advantage over the
old company, in as much as its battery and equipment is of the very latest or advanced excellence68 of modern ordinance69. It is an ornament70 to the military organization of the State and city, and no doubt may be entertained that whenever an opportunity is offered it will sustain the prestige of the old company. I do not intend to say that the 1st, 2d and 3d companies of Howitzers were superior to other artillery71 companies in the Army of Northern Virginia, yet I do say that they were never placed in position in any line of battle that they did not hold it until ordered out. The young company is composed of the same kind of material, hence it may be safely asserted that the junior organization will perpetuate72 the name and prestige of the old company. At the reunion of the Howitzers Association, on the 13th of December, the junior company are always welcomed guests.
From 1861 to 1862 the army of the Confederacy was under the control of the several States composing the Confederacy on the peninsula. A reorganization of the army occurred and the troops of the separate States were turned over to the Confederate government and enlisted73 for the war. New officers were elected and an entire change made in reforming the Confederate Army. The name was then changed from Army of the Potomac to Army of Northern Virginia.
One of the most unique men Virginia ever produced was Captain George Randolph, who was Secretary of War of the Confederate States. He organized the First Company of Richmond Howitzers; he had been in some way connected with the United States Navy and he conceived the idea of equipping the company with boat Howitzers with a long trail attached to the piece and drawn74 by the cannoneers. This plan was abandoned and the pieces
were mounted on light carriages and drawn by two horses. Captain Randolph was a lineal descendant of Thomas Jefferson and a man of striking personality; in physique he was tall and slender, with high cheek bones, with an eye as clear seeing as an eagle. In social intercourse he was rather reticent75, though true as steel; he was a Democrat64 and ardent76 advocate of the rights of the South. At this time no Democrat received any political preferment in Richmond, yet when they were casting around for the ablest and best men to send to the Secession Convention party lines were ignored and he was elected a member, and a wise choice it was. His speeches and debates were among the ablest, emanating77 from that group of forensic78 and intellectual giants. Upon the secession of Virginia he donned his artillery uniform and concentrated all his force and energy in organizing the Howitzers Battalion79 consisting of the first, second and third companies. He was made Major. John C. Shields, captain 1st Company; J. Thompson Brown, captain 2d Company; Robert Standard, captain 3d Company. Major Randolph, with second and third companies was sent to the peninsula under General McGruder. The first company was sent to Manassas under General Beauregard, thus forming a part of the army of the Potomac.
After the lapse80 of time Mr. Davis realizing the brilliant qualities of Major Randolph, appointed him Secretary of War. Yet the ailment81 that he had long suffered with caused him to resign and in quest of alleviation82 of his suffering he took passage on a blockade runner and died abroad. Mr. Seddon succeeded him as Secretary of War of the Confederate States. General Randolph’s name is held in high esteem by all who admire a high type of manhood and knightly83 bearing.
Captain Meriweather Lewis Anderson was mustered84 into the service of the State of Virginia at the commencement of the Confederate War as orderly sergeant85 of the First Company of Richmond Howitzers. Subsequently he was elected lieutenant when Captain E. S. McCarthy was killed at second Cold Harbor. He, by seniority of rank, became captain of the company. No braver officer ever buckled86 saber around his waist than this gallant Confederate soldier. He was with the company in nearly every battle it engaged or participated in.
The record that Captain Anderson left is bright as the finest damascus blade. He has passed to the other side of the river, and may his memory be cherished by all who honor indomitable courage and devotion to the lost cause.
During the war my company, the First Howitzers Camp, was surrounded by infantry87 regiments89; it was in the fall of the year hostilities90 had ceased, so a couple of cannoneers and myself took a walk for recreation and to see what was going on. We came to an infantry regiment88 going through dress parade. It was a novel sight. The colonel had an old cavalry91 sword attached to a surcingle thrown over his shoulders. The officers wore similar side arms. The adjutant used a ram-rod for a sword; he formed the regiment and presented it to the colonel. The company officers marched forward and gave the customary salute92 when the colonel put the regiment through a few evolutions and disbanded. It was one of the best fighting regiments in the army, yet paid little attention to the formula of show on dress parade, but when charging the enemy or holding their position in line of battle they were all right.
The End
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industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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thrifty
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| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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installment
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| n.(instalment)分期付款；(连载的)一期 | |
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assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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measles
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| n.麻疹，风疹，包虫病，痧子 | |
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suffrage
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| n.投票，选举权，参政权 | |
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persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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beacon
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| n.烽火，（警告用的）闪火灯，灯塔 | |
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accede
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| v.应允，同意 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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registrar
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| n.记录员，登记员；(大学的)注册主任 | |
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renewal
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| adj.(契约)延期，续订，更新，复活，重来 | |
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intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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attachments
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| n.（用电子邮件发送的）附件( attachment的名词复数 )；附着；连接；附属物 | |
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survivors
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| 幸存者，残存者，生还者( survivor的名词复数 ) | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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reminder
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| n.提醒物，纪念品；暗示，提示 | |
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zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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revert
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| v.恢复，复归，回到 | |
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adroitly
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| adv.熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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whet
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| v.磨快，刺激 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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erase
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| v.擦掉；消除某事物的痕迹 | |
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dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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contractor
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| n.订约人，承包人，收缩肌 | |
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livestock
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| n.家畜，牲畜 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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emolument
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| n.报酬，薪水 | |
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sublet
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| v.转租；分租 | |
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widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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epicure
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| n.行家，美食家 | |
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forestall
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| vt.抢在…之前采取行动；预先阻止 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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gourmand
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| n.嗜食者 | |
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epicures
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| n.讲究饮食的人( epicure的名词复数 ) | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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anecdote
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| n.轶事，趣闻，短故事 | |
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suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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raze
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| vt.铲平，把(城市、房屋等)夷为平地，拆毁 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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denomination
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| n.命名，取名，(度量衡、货币等的)单位 | |
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orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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burrows
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| n.地洞( burrow的名词复数 )v.挖掘（洞穴），挖洞( burrow的第三人称单数 )；翻寻 | |
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pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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orators
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| n.演说者，演讲家( orator的名词复数 ) | |
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edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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autobiography
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| n.自传 | |
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enquirer
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| 寻问者，追究者 | |
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democrat
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员 | |
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gleaning
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| n.拾落穗，拾遗，落穗v.一点点地收集（资料、事实）( glean的现在分词 )；（收割后）拾穗 | |
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lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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ordinance
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| n.法令；条令；条例 | |
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ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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perpetuate
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| v.使永存，使永记不忘 | |
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enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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reticent
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| adj.沉默寡言的；言不如意的 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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emanating
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| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的现在分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
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78
forensic
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| adj.法庭的，雄辩的 | |
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79
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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80
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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81
ailment
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| n.疾病，小病 | |
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82
alleviation
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| n. 减轻，缓和，解痛物 | |
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83
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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84
mustered
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的过去式和过去分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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85
sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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86
buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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87
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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88
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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89
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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91
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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92
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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