Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/37

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Centennial of Birth of Admiral Raphael Semmes.
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the Old South—of which Maryland was an integral part—who gave their services and substance and lives for the cause that by knowledge and faith was to them true and just. They have left a heritage to those who have followed worthy to be treasured to the latest time, and history that is truthful has chronicled their deeds for the admiration and wonder of the generations to follow. Their devotion to their righteous cause, their self-sacrifice, their valor—no matter what biased and malevolent critics may say—are fixed in the world's history of heroic achievements, beyond any injury from detractors. Their immortality in fame is secure.

When according to Semmes the meed of praise, it should be remembered that Franklin Buchanan, another heroic and brilliant son of Maryland, was in his sphere of duty in the United States and Confederate States Navies unrivalled. His battle in Mobile Bay stamps him the world's leader among naval commanders, in action. His fight in Hampton Roads remains unrivalled, and in it he revolutionized naval warfare. Both engagements were practically fought singehanded against tremendous odds.

The civilization of which Admiral Semmes and his Confederate confreres were exponents had its birth in colonial times, was developed by Washington and those who fought with him. and was defended by Lee and his followers —paladins—in a struggle, the greatest in many respects that the world has known.

In those days of stress, suffering, abnegation and self-expatriation, there were men from Maryland, of whom their State is justly proud: Such leaders as Semmes, Buchanan, Waddell, Hollins, Barney (Confederate States Navy), and Generals Trimble, Elzey, Stuart, Johnson, the Winders, Brent, Archer, Tyler, Little, Tilghman, Mackall; subordinate officers and men, such as Andrews, Archers, (3) Annas, (4) Breathed, Booth, Browns, (many) Bonds, (2) Blackistones, (2) Briscoes, (several Carys, (2) Carrolls, (2) Colstons, (2) Chew, Crane, Dorseys, (numerous) Dement, Duvalls, (several) Davis, Emack, Elder, Freaner, Fentons, (2) Gilmors, (3) Goldsboroughs, (several Gills, (3) Grogans, (3) Griffin, Howards, (many) Herberts, (several) Hollidays, (4) Hoffmans, (several) Hewes, (2) Houghs, (2) Hodges, Hambleton, Johnsons, (many) Jones,