1 1 -2 Southern llistnrlml Society Papers.
to pine-top whiskey or new-dip brandy to kill at ten miles, has proven about as effective as one of our little mountain Howitzers, which, on the back of a mule, at the Gauley River fight, would shoot to the foot of a steep hill and carry the mule with it. But, gentlemen, we are modest.
Of course, my brothers, you perceive that I am jesting. I would not detract one particle from the glory, if that is the right name for it, won by Roosevelt's Rough Riders at Santiago, or of Fred Funs- ton's Volunteers, the F. F. V.'s at Malolos, but I still insist that we did more execution with our old-fashioned arms at short range and in shorter time, with smaller numbers, than the Mausers and the Krag-Jorgensens can ever do. The only thing in modern warfare worth mentioning is the adoption of the old Confederate slouch hat, which, as a means of grace, has served to keep off the weather and keep up the spirits of the United States Volunteers. But I am wan- dering from my toast.
HONOR TO THE HERO.
Here's to the men who " in tattered uniform, but with bright mus- kets," sustained their cause against the whole world.
Here's to our "Caesar, without his ambition; our Frederick, with- out his tyranny; our Napoleon, without his selfishness; our Wash- ington, without his reward! "
Other heroes, having won great fame, sullied it by some selfish folly or unworthy act. Marlborough was a great gift-taker so was Grant. Sherman fought for plunder, and malicious, fiendish re- venge so did Hannibal.
Yea, even now it seems good unto the modern warriors, by land and sea, to tarnish their laurels by suits for prize-money, great gifts of lands and dwelling houses, silver, gold and precious stones, as if a part of their contract for service in battle was a payment down in hard cash or a furnished mansion in the fashionable quarter of some great city. So much victory for so much preferred stock.
I forbear to name the long list of those who have accepted such rewards of their valor, but I point you to some of our companions- in-arms who held their glory above rubies and their reputation over much fine gold.
Maury, the illustrious path-finder of the seas, preferred the quiet shades of classic Lexington to the dazzling palaces of the Czar of all the Russias. He chose poverty among his own people to vast riches among strangers.
