Berrien County GaArchives Biographies.....Cannon, Henry Maxwell 1846 - 1923 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Linda Ward Meadows lmeadows@surfsouth.com July 14, 2004, 5:16 am Author: Linda Ward Meadows Photo can be seen at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/berrien/photos/gph675cannonhe.jpg 1st LT Henry Maxwell Cannon Growing up as a son in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rasha Cannon, young Henry Maxwell Cannon could never have dreamed how the hardships of war would ravage asunder the life of privilege to which he was born. But that life would be forever changed by the experiences that this young South Carolinian would face as he took up arms to defend his beloved Southland during the War Between the States. Henry Maxwell Cannon was born on 12 July 1846, in Darlington, SC. According to his Compiled Military Records on file with the National Archives, he enlisted for service with Co. I, 21st Regiment SC Volunteers on 20 December 1861, at Camp Harlee, Britton's Neck, SC. When enlisting, Henry stated that his age was 18 according to the enlistment data recorded by Captain E.M. Woodberry, but if his 1846 birthdate is correct, he was actually only 15 years old. That bit of information makes his story even more remarkable. Henry enlisted as a lieutenant for one year with the 21st Regiment SC Volunteers at Camp Harlee, but shortly thereafter that enlistment was changed to the duration of the war. Throughout most of 1862, HM Cannon received regular voucher payments of $80 per month for services rendered. He was paid approximately every 2 months, but later in the war, sometimes went 4-6 months before receiving pay. His Compiled Military Records show that he was furloughed home from May to June 1863 and that he spent some time in the hospital due to illness during July and August 1863. H.M. Cannon was signing the company rolls as "1st Lt. Commanding" on the Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec. 1863 muster rolls. As commanding officer of Co. I, 21st SC Regt. Henry signed a receipt on 3 Aug 1863 for an Ordnance Requisition at Fort Johnson, stating that " I certify on honor that the above requisition is correct and that the articles are absolutely required for my company's equipage." Articles requisitioned included 1200 cartridges and caps, 18 Austrian Rifles, 32 haversacks, 24 canteens, and 18 sets of accoutrements. Although Henry Maxwell Cannon was soon awarded another furlough home for two months 8 Sept 1863, he actually was in camp again by 24 Oct 1863, when he signed another Ordnance Requisition stating that the requisitioned items were "absolutely necessary" for the equipage of his company. According to Cannon, "The within requisition is necessary for the service of the company as the camp was captured by the enemy on Morris Island during the battle of the 10th July 1863." This requisition included 29 Austrian Rifles, 29 cartridge boxes, 29 waist belts, 29 cap pouches, 29 bayonet scabbards, 42 knapsacks, 15 haversacks, and 23 canteens. The young lieutenant was making every effort to provide proper provisions for his men. The reason was not noted in his Compiled Records, but Henry resigned his lieutenant's commission on 20 Apr 1864, and was replaced by Lt. HJ Chappell. His reasons for resigning are revealed in a letter that he wrote to the Confederate Secretary of War, while stationed at the 21st SC Volunteers' Camp at Secessionville, SC on 4 April 1864. 1st Lt. Commanding Co I, HM Cannon, wrote the following: " I have the honor herewith to tender my unconditional resignation as 1st Lt. Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers. My reason for resigning is simply this, I have been serving in the infantry for over two years and am now desirous of entering the cavalry since under the command of General John H. Morgan." Short and simple…the young officer wanted a horse under him as he fought. Henry was a civilian apparently for about one month. Then, he was listed as Jr. 2nd Lt. Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers on his pay roster covering the period from 30 Apr until 31 Aug 1864. Military Records show that HM Cannon enlisted 20 May 1864 at Petersburg, VA by enlisting officer, Lt. Chappell for the duration of the war. This was the same Lt. Chappell who had succeeded him a month earlier as commanding officer of Co. I. Henry was promoted to Jr. 2nd Lt. on 1 June 1864 and was due an enlistment bounty of $50. He signed the muster sheet as "Lt. Commanding company." Subsequent muster rolls for September and October 1864, show that Co. I, Jr. 2nd Lt. HM Cannon enlisted at Marion, SC, rather than Petersburg, VA. His Compiled Military Records reveal this information about a young South Carolinian who later made his home in the northern part of old Berrien County in this community that became known as Staunton. If not for the letters written home to his parents by Henry Maxwell Cannon, perhaps a more clear view of the Henry Maxwell Cannon, the soldier, would not be possible. However, those letters do exist and they show a very determined young Confederate leader. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr.'s parents kept the letters that their son wrote and later, he kept them. Henry kept his Special Orders # 92, accepting his resignation effective 20 April 1864. That document was signed by Assistant Adjutant General Jno. Withers. That original is among the prized letters owned by Tom Parker Daughtrey, grandson of HM Cannon, Sr. Henry also kept his original commission as a 1st Lt. under captain Woodberry's Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers, "mustered into Confederate service for twelve months." His duties were specifically stated: "to lead, train, muster and exercise, according to military discipline" the said company. Henry was directed to "follow and observe all such Orders and Instructions as you shall, from time to time receive from the Governor, the Commander-in-Chief for the time being, or any of your Superior Officers, according to the rules and Discipline of war, pursuant to the Laws of the State, and of the Confederate States." The commission further noted that inferior officers were required to obey Cannon's commands. His commission was signed by His Excellency FN Rickers, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the state of SC and was to continue during pleasure of the governor. Being away from home was obviously difficult for young HM Cannon. His personal letters and papers reflect what was important to him. He kept his paper granting him a 4-day pass home from Camp Reliance on 1 June 1862. 1st Lt. Commanding, AB Jordan signed the pass. Henry kept his clothing voucher signed by Lt. HH McClenaghan, Commander Co. I, 6th Regt. SC Cavalry on 1 July 1863. He kept letters pertaining to Gibson and Rogers relatives, who also served. He kept copies of discharge papers for friends and relatives. But, most importantly, the legacy that he has passed on to his many descendants includes the letters that he wrote home to his beloved parents, Robert Rasha Cannon and Elizabeth Cummings Cannon. It is those letters that truly tell this soldier's personal story from June 1864, until February 1865. HM Cannon's letter to his father dated 10 June 1864, in line of battle near Petersburg, VA, noted that his unit recently crossed the James River just below Richmond. They marched to "Chester Station on the R & P Railroad, took the train and arrived at Petersburg a little before night." Henry mentioned the speed with which they assembled breastworks under the cover of darkness, only to abandon them with the light of day. He noted the deaths of 6 men and wounding of 2 or 3 others when an incoming shell exploded among a crowd of soldiers. No one in Co. I, was injured in this shell attack, but among those killed in other companies were Hansig Ellergie of Co G, Franklin Carmichael, Varden Carmichael, Owen Rogers, Burt Collins, and another man whose first name was Jacob. Henry told his father that he hoped "not to be touched," but added that if he did get wounded, he wanted his father to "come and see me immediately." Henry offered fervent prayers that he would return home "safe and sound." He added that he wanted frequent letters from home, noting that "I have not received the money yet." He asked that letters be directed to him at Petersburg, rather than Richmond. Henry wrote that he hoped friends and relatives coming for service could lend him clothing because "I am getting very black. I have had on this shirt every since we left Bermuda Hundreds for General Lee's Army." He begged his parents to send him news of home often, reminding them that he wrote to them often and expected no less from them. His closing PS is an humble request: "Pray for me to prosper and survive in this cruel and unjust war." On 15 June 1864, Henry again wrote to his parents, telling them that he was bivouaced with Hoke's Division, Hagood's Brigade, within 3 miles of Richmond. He mentioned talk of the army's moving to NC, stating, "I hope it is time for I am tired of Virginia already. There is too much marching here for me, but we are equal to the Cavelry. We are called Hoke's foot Cavelry." Young Cannon also mentioned that he read his father's second letter to him, and noted that …..there was no money in it. A letter written in June 1864, asked for materials from home. In addition, Henry asked if his cousin Richard would get to camp before 1st July, and Henry mentioned that he needed money badly. He stated that, "If Grant does not make an attack soon I will be compelled to believe he is retracing his steps to Washington. I wish he would." He referred to the Battle Flag as "our little Southern banner." Lt. Cannon also asked his father to send him 3 shirts, 3 drawers, and 6 pairs of socks. He also asked for letters from home, saying, "I am always so much better satisfied when I can get letters often in from home." He told his father not to send his sword belt because he was afraid that he would lose it. In a letter to his mother dated 3 July 1864, near Petersburg, VA, Henry mentioned a recent illness, but told his mother that he was "very well at this time" and hoped to return to the regiment on the 7th, if he did not get worse than he was at present. Henry was anxious for his Cousin Richard to arrive because he needed money and clothing. Of additional concern to Henry was the number of desertions from his regiment. Thirteen men had deserted within the last 2 nights. The strains in lines of communication also concerned Henry, but he told his mother to continue writing, because some letters may still get through. He told his mother that the troops speculated that Grant was about to cross back over north of the James River. A letter dated four days later on 7 July 1864, stated that Cousin Richard had still not arrived, nor had any letter come from home. Henry's Cousin Richard was now being advertised as a deserter. Along with concern about his cousin, Henry gave an apt description of the predicament faced by Lee's army near Petersburg, saying, "Lee has brought his chickens to a bad market when he brought them here. The Yankees shell us terribly now with mortars and they get worse and worse every day but there is a rumor In camp that our Brigade is going to Charleston but there are so many reports in Camp that I do not know when to put any confidence in any of them." General Johnson Hagood became a topic of discussion, with Lt. Cannon noting that the general is "getting very unpopular with his command. He has struck several of his men lately." Apparently the men had not moved forward when commanded to do so. Henry believed that those men who were struck must have acted cowardly, otherwise this would not have happened to them, but he also said, "If he was to strike me one or the other of us would very apt to die on the spot." On a more personal note, Henry asked his father to send his boots to him because his shoes were worn out. Henry signed yet another letter with his usual closing, "Your Affectionate Son, Henry." There is a 7-month gap in correspondence that goes to 9 Feb 1865. HM Cannon, writing from the 21st Regiment SC Volunteers, Near Fort Anderson, NC, told his parents that he doubted his request for a leave of absence would be honored. He expected that the entire regiment would soon dishonor itself through desertion, and he expressed a desire to get out of the regiment before it disgraced itself in such a manner. He spoke of the demoralized status of the entire brigade. "All of my men swear that if they are consolidated they are going strait home and if I am retained in office I must be put under officers that I can respect if not I will not serve. As long as I have been in service and done my duty as faithfully as I have I will not be imposed upon and another thing I never intend to bootlick for a little position that will avoid the musket. The position of a private Soldier is the most honorable in the army." Although Cannon knew of the demoralization of his men, he asked his parents in this letter of 9 Feb 1865 not to mention it to others. He was despondent because his best efforts to encourage his men were not enough. He told his parents that they did not write often enough because almost a month had elapsed since the last letter came from them. He also informed his parents that he intended to choose a wife when he came home on leave, but assured them that it would be someone "that will be loved and admired by all the family." He even told them that they could have a wife picked out for him by the time he came home. Henry's letters implied that he knew the end was near for the ragtag remains of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern VA. Henry's last pay record among his personal documents now owned by his grandson was dated 18 days later on 27 Feb 1865, in the sum of $320, covering the time from 1 Sept 1864 until 31 Dec 1864. It was authorized by Captain WC Jordan, Paymaster of Hoke's Division. Less than two months later, the War for Southern Independence ended and families tried to rebuild their lives. The woman that Henry Maxwell Cannon finally chose to be his bride on 4 Sept 1872, was Sarah Alice Rogers, the daughter of Silas Rogers and Sarah Gibson Rogers of Marion County, SC. They eventually settled in the Staunton Community, where they made a home for their children. As Postmaster of the Staunton Post Office, Henry Maxwell Cannon fulfilled his civic duty to this bustling settlement. His grandson, Tom Parker Daughtrey, has proudly maintained that very same post office building. Mr. Tom has also kept the letters that secure the legacy of his grandfather for all of the many descendants of this brave Confederate soldier. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. was proud of his heritage that he bequeathed to each of his descendants. Standing on the top row of a group of distinguished Confederate Veterans gathered for a Confederate Veterans Reunion in Hahira, GA on 1 Jan 1908, Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. looked out over the heads of the wise old men who had seen too much bloodshed in the glory days of their youth. Henry still stood proud and straight of stature among the former Confederates who were now bent by the 43 years that had elapsed since the surrender of Genral Robert E. Lee's Army in 1865. It was here in the Staunton Community, 15 years later, that Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. died on 6 October 1923. His wife, Sarah Alice Rogers Cannon, joined him 21 August 1938. Their graves lie beside each other in the peaceful serenity of Staunton Cemetery. Ravages of war can no longer touch this honorable veteran, but the legacy that he has left to his many descendants is never-ending. Pride, honor, duty, and devotion to home and family are all virtues bequeathed to the men, women, and children who can proudly claim descent from 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon. Former Brigadier General Johnson Hagood summed up Henry's service perhaps best when he wrote a letter on behalf of his former lieutenant on 11 Sept 1867, wherein he stated that 1st Lt. Cannon "discharged his duty to himself and his country well and faithfully." No one could ask for any more from any soldier. Sources of information: Letters of 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr.; Compiled Military Archives Records of 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon; family data provided by Eugene Daughtrey, Thelma Daughtrey, and Tom Parker Daughtrey. Linda Ward Meadows, Recorder of Military Service Awards, Dixie Chapter No. 2576 United Daughters of the Confederacy 23 Sept 2000 1st LT Henry Maxwell Cannon Growing up as a son in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rasha Cannon, young Henry Maxwell Cannon could never have dreamed how the hardships of war would ravage asunder the life of privilege to which he was born. But that life would be forever changed by the experiences that this young South Carolinian would face as he took up arms to defend his beloved Southland during the War Between the States. Henry Maxwell Cannon was born on 12 July 1846, in Darlington, SC. According to his Compiled Military Records on file with the National Archives, he enlisted for service with Co. I, 21st Regiment SC Volunteers on 20 December 1861, at Camp Harlee, Britton's Neck, SC. When enlisting, Henry stated that his age was 18 according to the enlistment data recorded by Captain E.M. Woodberry, but if his 1846 birthdate is correct, he was actually only 15 years old. That bit of information makes his story even more remarkable. Henry enlisted as a lieutenant for one year with the 21st Regiment SC Volunteers at Camp Harlee, but shortly thereafter that enlistment was changed to the duration of the war. Throughout most of 1862, HM Cannon received regular voucher payments of $80 per month for services rendered. He was paid approximately every 2 months, but later in the war, sometimes went 4-6 months before receiving pay. His Compiled Military Records show that he was furloughed home from May to June 1863 and that he spent some time in the hospital due to illness during July and August 1863. H.M. Cannon was signing the company rolls as "1st Lt. Commanding" on the Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec. 1863 muster rolls. As commanding officer of Co. I, 21st SC Regt. Henry signed a receipt on 3 Aug 1863 for an Ordnance Requisition at Fort Johnson, stating that " I certify on honor that the above requisition is correct and that the articles are absolutely required for my company's equipage." Articles requisitioned included 1200 cartridges and caps, 18 Austrian Rifles, 32 haversacks, 24 canteens, and 18 sets of accoutrements. Although Henry Maxwell Cannon was soon awarded another furlough home for two months 8 Sept 1863, he actually was in camp again by 24 Oct 1863, when he signed another Ordnance Requisition stating that the requisitioned items were "absolutely necessary" for the equipage of his company. According to Cannon, "The within requisition is necessary for the service of the company as the camp was captured by the enemy on Morris Island during the battle of the 10th July 1863." This requisition included 29 Austrian Rifles, 29 cartridge boxes, 29 waist belts, 29 cap pouches, 29 bayonet scabbards, 42 knapsacks, 15 haversacks, and 23 canteens. The young lieutenant was making every effort to provide proper provisions for his men. The reason was not noted in his Compiled Records, but Henry resigned his lieutenant's commission on 20 Apr 1864, and was replaced by Lt. HJ Chappell. His reasons for resigning are revealed in a letter that he wrote to the Confederate Secretary of War, while stationed at the 21st SC Volunteers' Camp at Secessionville, SC on 4 April 1864. 1st Lt. Commanding Co I, HM Cannon, wrote the following: " I have the honor herewith to tender my unconditional resignation as 1st Lt. Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers. My reason for resigning is simply this, I have been serving in the infantry for over two years and am now desirous of entering the cavalry since under the command of General John H. Morgan." Short and simple…the young officer wanted a horse under him as he fought. Henry was a civilian apparently for about one month. Then, he was listed as Jr. 2nd Lt. Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers on his pay roster covering the period from 30 Apr until 31 Aug 1864. Military Records show that HM Cannon enlisted 20 May 1864 at Petersburg, VA by enlisting officer, Lt. Chappell for the duration of the war. This was the same Lt. Chappell who had succeeded him a month earlier as commanding officer of Co. I. Henry was promoted to Jr. 2nd Lt. on 1 June 1864 and was due an enlistment bounty of $50. He signed the muster sheet as "Lt. Commanding company." Subsequent muster rolls for September and October 1864, show that Co. I, Jr. 2nd Lt. HM Cannon enlisted at Marion, SC, rather than Petersburg, VA. His Compiled Military Records reveal this information about a young South Carolinian who later made his home in the northern part of old Berrien County in this community that became known as Staunton. If not for the letters written home to his parents by Henry Maxwell Cannon, perhaps a more clear view of the Henry Maxwell Cannon, the soldier, would not be possible. However, those letters do exist and they show a very determined young Confederate leader. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr.'s parents kept the letters that their son wrote and later, he kept them. Henry kept his Special Orders # 92, accepting his resignation effective 20 April 1864. That document was signed by Assistant Adjutant General Jno. Withers. That original is among the prized letters owned by Tom Parker Daughtrey, grandson of HM Cannon, Sr. Henry also kept his original commission as a 1st Lt. under captain Woodberry's Co. I, 21st SC Volunteers, "mustered into Confederate service for twelve months." His duties were specifically stated: "to lead, train, muster and exercise, according to military discipline" the said company. Henry was directed to "follow and observe all such Orders and Instructions as you shall, from time to time receive from the Governor, the Commander-in-Chief for the time being, or any of your Superior Officers, according to the rules and Discipline of war, pursuant to the Laws of the State, and of the Confederate States." The commission further noted that inferior officers were required to obey Cannon's commands. His commission was signed by His Excellency FN Rickers, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the state of SC and was to continue during pleasure of the governor. Being away from home was obviously difficult for young HM Cannon. His personal letters and papers reflect what was important to him. He kept his paper granting him a 4-day pass home from Camp Reliance on 1 June 1862. 1st Lt. Commanding, AB Jordan signed the pass. Henry kept his clothing voucher signed by Lt. HH McClenaghan, Commander Co. I, 6th Regt. SC Cavalry on 1 July 1863. He kept letters pertaining to Gibson and Rogers relatives, who also served. He kept copies of discharge papers for friends and relatives. But, most importantly, the legacy that he has passed on to his many descendants includes the letters that he wrote home to his beloved parents, Robert Rasha Cannon and Elizabeth Cummings Cannon. It is those letters that truly tell this soldier's personal story from June 1864, until February 1865. HM Cannon's letter to his father dated 10 June 1864, in line of battle near Petersburg, VA, noted that his unit recently crossed the James River just below Richmond. They marched to "Chester Station on the R & P Railroad, took the train and arrived at Petersburg a little before night." Henry mentioned the speed with which they assembled breastworks under the cover of darkness, only to abandon them with the light of day. He noted the deaths of 6 men and wounding of 2 or 3 others when an incoming shell exploded among a crowd of soldiers. No one in Co. I, was injured in this shell attack, but among those killed in other companies were Hansig Ellergie of Co G, Franklin Carmichael, Varden Carmichael, Owen Rogers, Burt Collins, and another man whose first name was Jacob. Henry told his father that he hoped "not to be touched," but added that if he did get wounded, he wanted his father to "come and see me immediately." Henry offered fervent prayers that he would return home "safe and sound." He added that he wanted frequent letters from home, noting that "I have not received the money yet." He asked that letters be directed to him at Petersburg, rather than Richmond. Henry wrote that he hoped friends and relatives coming for service could lend him clothing because "I am getting very black. I have had on this shirt every since we left Bermuda Hundreds for General Lee's Army." He begged his parents to send him news of home often, reminding them that he wrote to them often and expected no less from them. His closing PS is an humble request: "Pray for me to prosper and survive in this cruel and unjust war." On 15 June 1864, Henry again wrote to his parents, telling them that he was bivouaced with Hoke's Division, Hagood's Brigade, within 3 miles of Richmond. He mentioned talk of the army's moving to NC, stating, "I hope it is time for I am tired of Virginia already. There is too much marching here for me, but we are equal to the Cavelry. We are called Hoke's foot Cavelry." Young Cannon also mentioned that he read his father's second letter to him, and noted that …..there was no money in it. A letter written in June 1864, asked for materials from home. In addition, Henry asked if his cousin Richard would get to camp before 1st July, and Henry mentioned that he needed money badly. He stated that, "If Grant does not make an attack soon I will be compelled to believe he is retracing his steps to Washington. I wish he would." He referred to the Battle Flag as "our little Southern banner." Lt. Cannon also asked his father to send him 3 shirts, 3 drawers, and 6 pairs of socks. He also asked for letters from home, saying, "I am always so much better satisfied when I can get letters often in from home." He told his father not to send his sword belt because he was afraid that he would lose it. In a letter to his mother dated 3 July 1864, near Petersburg, VA, Henry mentioned a recent illness, but told his mother that he was "very well at this time" and hoped to return to the regiment on the 7th, if he did not get worse than he was at present. Henry was anxious for his Cousin Richard to arrive because he needed money and clothing. Of additional concern to Henry was the number of desertions from his regiment. Thirteen men had deserted within the last 2 nights. The strains in lines of communication also concerned Henry, but he told his mother to continue writing, because some letters may still get through. He told his mother that the troops speculated that Grant was about to cross back over north of the James River. A letter dated four days later on 7 July 1864, stated that Cousin Richard had still not arrived, nor had any letter come from home. Henry's Cousin Richard was now being advertised as a deserter. Along with concern about his cousin, Henry gave an apt description of the predicament faced by Lee's army near Petersburg, saying, "Lee has brought his chickens to a bad market when he brought them here. The Yankees shell us terribly now with mortars and they get worse and worse every day but there is a rumor In camp that our Brigade is going to Charleston but there are so many reports in Camp that I do not know when to put any confidence in any of them." General Johnson Hagood became a topic of discussion, with Lt. Cannon noting that the general is "getting very unpopular with his command. He has struck several of his men lately." Apparently the men had not moved forward when commanded to do so. Henry believed that those men who were struck must have acted cowardly, otherwise this would not have happened to them, but he also said, "If he was to strike me one or the other of us would very apt to die on the spot." On a more personal note, Henry asked his father to send his boots to him because his shoes were worn out. Henry signed yet another letter with his usual closing, "Your Affectionate Son, Henry." There is a 7-month gap in correspondence that goes to 9 Feb 1865. HM Cannon, writing from the 21st Regiment SC Volunteers, Near Fort Anderson, NC, told his parents that he doubted his request for a leave of absence would be honored. He expected that the entire regiment would soon dishonor itself through desertion, and he expressed a desire to get out of the regiment before it disgraced itself in such a manner. He spoke of the demoralized status of the entire brigade. "All of my men swear that if they are consolidated they are going strait home and if I am retained in office I must be put under officers that I can respect if not I will not serve. As long as I have been in service and done my duty as faithfully as I have I will not be imposed upon and another thing I never intend to bootlick for a little position that will avoid the musket. The position of a private Soldier is the most honorable in the army." Although Cannon knew of the demoralization of his men, he asked his parents in this letter of 9 Feb 1865 not to mention it to others. He was despondent because his best efforts to encourage his men were not enough. He told his parents that they did not write often enough because almost a month had elapsed since the last letter came from them. He also informed his parents that he intended to choose a wife when he came home on leave, but assured them that it would be someone "that will be loved and admired by all the family." He even told them that they could have a wife picked out for him by the time he came home. Henry's letters implied that he knew the end was near for the ragtag remains of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern VA. Henry's last pay record among his personal documents now owned by his grandson was dated 18 days later on 27 Feb 1865, in the sum of $320, covering the time from 1 Sept 1864 until 31 Dec 1864. It was authorized by Captain WC Jordan, Paymaster of Hoke's Division. Less than two months later, the War for Southern Independence ended and families tried to rebuild their lives. The woman that Henry Maxwell Cannon finally chose to be his bride on 4 Sept 1872, was Sarah Alice Rogers, the daughter of Silas Rogers and Sarah Gibson Rogers of Marion County, SC. They eventually settled in the Staunton Community, where they made a home for their children. As Postmaster of the Staunton Post Office, Henry Maxwell Cannon fulfilled his civic duty to this bustling settlement. His grandson, Tom Parker Daughtrey, has proudly maintained that very same post office building. Mr. Tom has also kept the letters that secure the legacy of his grandfather for all of the many descendants of this brave Confederate soldier. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. was proud of his heritage that he bequeathed to each of his descendants. Standing on the top row of a group of distinguished Confederate Veterans gathered for a Confederate Veterans Reunion in Hahira, GA on 1 Jan 1908, Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. looked out over the heads of the wise old men who had seen too much bloodshed in the glory days of their youth. Henry still stood proud and straight of stature among the former Confederates who were now bent by the 43 years that had elapsed since the surrender of Genral Robert E. Lee's Army in 1865. It was here in the Staunton Community, 15 years later, that Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr. died on 6 October 1923. His wife, Sarah Alice Rogers Cannon, joined him 21 August 1938. Their graves lie beside each other in the peaceful serenity of Staunton Cemetery. Ravages of war can no longer touch this honorable veteran, but the legacy that he has left to his many descendants is never-ending. Pride, honor, duty, and devotion to home and family are all virtues bequeathed to the men, women, and children who can proudly claim descent from 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon. Former Brigadier General Johnson Hagood summed up Henry's service perhaps best when he wrote a letter on behalf of his former lieutenant on 11 Sept 1867, wherein he stated that 1st Lt. Cannon "discharged his duty to himself and his country well and faithfully." No one could ask for any more from any soldier. Sources of information: Letters of 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon, Sr.; Compiled Military Archives Records of 1st Lt. Henry Maxwell Cannon; family data provided by Eugene Daughtrey, Thelma Daughtrey, and Tom Parker Daughtrey. Linda Ward Meadows, Recorder of Military Service Awards, Dixie Chapter No. 2576 United Daughters of the Confederacy 23 Sept 2000 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/berrien/bios/bs237cannon.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 33.2 Kb