Bibb County GaArchives News.....Confederate Monument, Macon, Ga - Confederate Memorial Day April 27, 1878
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The Telegraph And Messenger, Macon, Ga April 27, 1878
The Telegraph and Messenger
Macon, Ga. April 27, 1878

Memorial Day.

We surrender a very large portion of our space this morning to the interesting 
details and stirring incidents connected with the laying of the corner stone 
of the Confederate Monument yesterday, the salient letter of ex-President 
Jefferson Davis, and the noble and patriotic address of Governor Colquitt.
The former was one of the most elaborate and graceful emanations from the pen 
of our ex-Confederate Chief that has ever been given to the public. It was 
chaste, dignified and intrepid. In not one sentence could the most 
hypercritical listener detect the faintest surrender of principle or any 
abandonment of the glorious line upon which for four long and weary years, our 
people had stood in sunshine and shade battling for their dearest rights. 
Whatever may be said of the present physical condition of Mr. Davis, his 
splendid intellect is still as bright and unclouded as when he stood forth the 
champion of Southern rights on the floor of the United States Senate.
The old Confederates sniffed the scent of battle in his ringing utterances and 
unconsciously held up their heads and thought of Bull Run, Fredericksburg and 
the glorious early days of our inchoate republic, before all the world had 
joined the Yankees.

Governor Colquitt's oration was emphatically the greatest intellectual triumph 
of his life. Without compromising one jot or tittle of his proud record as a 
gallant Southron, and one of the foremost leaders of the Confederacy, he yet 
took that juste milieu, that happy middle ground in dealing with the current 
questions of the day, which common sense and a sound discretion would indicate.
He would have our people stand by the teaching and the record of their sires; 
be quick to defend the right and attack the wrong; but at the same time 
cherish no malice against our former brethren who are now equally the citizens 
of a common country. Indeed, if the questions in dispute between the sections 
could be submitted to a tribunal made up of the Blue and Gray, there would be 
less hard feeling and bitterness than now exists.

The mission of our people is to repair the waste places of the war, develop 
the material interests of our loved section, and maintain in good faith our 
obligations to flag and country.

The Governor's address was received with unbounded applause, and he won golden 
opinions from the assemble multitude. An immense crowd of every age and sex 
repaired, in the afternoon, to the cemetery, and plentifully bedecked with 
sweet flowers the last resting places of the glorious dead.
Memorial day of 1878 will never be forgotten by those who witnessed its 
imposing pageant and deeply interesting exercises.

The Historic 26th

Memorial Day in Macon - Letter of ex-President Davis - Oration by Governor A H 
Colquitt - Laying the Corner Stone of the Confederate Monument - Floral 
Decorations - A Grand Pageant - A Memorable Occasion

Yesterday was one of the grandest days Macon has witnessed in many years. The 
occasion of memorial has since the inauguration of the custom become a fixed 
fact and the legislators of our State have set apart the day as a legal 
holiday, so that all can meet and pay to the heroes of the lost cause their 
annual tribute of reverence.

Yesterday, in obedience to custom and in response to the never dying devotion 
of the chivalric dead who sleep the sleep that knows no waking, from where the 
blue Potomac seeks the ocean to the prairie bordered Rio Grande, our people 
gathered together to again strew the flowers of spring above their sod.
The observance of this the thirteenth anniversary of this occasion will remain 
ever memorable as the day in which the corner stone of the Confederate 
Monument, to be erected by the Ladies' Memorial Association, was laid.
Early in the morning the streets were crowded by a moving mass of citizens and 
strangers. Each train arriving swelled the assemblage, wagons, carriages, and 
every conceivable kind of vehicle brought in visitors from the country, all 
joining in to make one grand display.

At twelve the sound of bells and martial music called the organizations 
together and all proceeded to the city Hall.

Here the procession was formed under the direction of Colonel W H Ross, the 
gallant ex-Confederate officer, assisted by Captain C J Williamson, Captain F 
M Heath, Major W F Shellman and Captain R J Anderson, each of whom lost an arm 
in the service of their country.

The procession presented one of the most imposing sights and extended pageants 
that has ever been seen in our city. It was composed of nearly every 
organization of the city.

At its head came the Sandersville cornet band, in the beautiful uniform of the 
Washington Rifles. Following were the drum corps. Next in the position of 
honor came the Baldwin Blues of Milledgeville, with a full company, commanded 
by Captain Herty. Next in suits of gray came the other visiting company, the 
Putnam Rifles, commanded by Captain I H Adams. The Macon Volunteers, with a 
very full turn out of men, came next, commanded by Captain Carner, bearing the 
colors of the Battalion.

The Cadets under Captain T L Ross filled the next position in ranks.
The Macon Guards, under the command of Captain George L Mason, occupied the 
next place in this column.

Captain J A McManus with the Mitchell Light Infantry, and the Floyd Rifles, 
commanded by Captain Geo. F Cherry, completed the turnout of soldiery.
The Knights of Pythias, commanded by Mr. D B Woodruff, Supreme Vice Chancellor 
of the world, assisted by Mr. T J Carling, Chancellor commander of the lodge 
in this place followed.

The carriage containing his Excellency, Governor Colquitt, attended on each 
side by a Guard of Honor from the Knights of Pythias followed. The vehicle 
contained the Governor, Colonel John P Fort, Col L N Wittle and Mrs. Isaac 
Winship, President of the Memorial Association.

Confederate Veterans

Following [His] Excellency the Governor, under command of Major Rogers, of the 
45th Georgia and Lieutenant Ripley, of the 2d Georgia battery, came the 
Confederate veterans - men whose blood had crimsoned the battlefields of 
Manassas, Chickamauga, Richmond, Kennesaw and many other gory fields. At their 
head marched Captain T L Massenburg, of the Jackson Artillery bearing aloft 
the shell-torn and tattered banner which had waved o'er his gallant company on 
many a hard fought field.

Conspicuous among them we noticed the gallant Thomas Hardeman, Colonel of the 
45th Georgia, Captain James Fields, of the 8th Georgia, Colonel W H Willis, of 
the 4th Georgia, Captain F M King of the 1st Georgia, Rev A O Giezebrook, of 
Stonewall brigade, Colonel H H Jones, of Spalding's battery, Captain Cannon, 
of the 3d Georgia, Captain Townsley of the 64th Georgia, Booker, of Virginia, 
and Reeves, of Louisiana, besides many a man whose name is unknown to fame, 
yet who were heroes in the strife.

The following is the roll call of those who again enlisted in the symbolic 
cause, and by their presence illustrated the gallantry of the cause which is 
lost forever:

Major M R Rogers, 45th Georgia regiment; Lieutenant L Ripley, 2d Georgia 
battalion; Colonel T Hardeman, 45th Georgia regiment; Captain T L Massenburg, 
Jackson Artillery; M W Wimbush, 5th Georgia regiment; P E Smith, 1st Georgia 
regiment; M Peyser, Glenn's Battery; E K Emmell, Co B, 2d Georgia battalion; S 
A Tounsley, Captain 64th Georgia regiment; D B Jones, 2d battalion 
Sharpshooters; W C Wilson, Co C, 2d Georgia battalion; A F Holt, Co C, 2d 
Georgia battalion; J R Booker, Richmond Va, Howits' battery; W Beddingfield, 
Co C 2d Georgia battalion, Corporal J R Griffin, Macon volunteers, 2d Georgia 
Regiment; R V Hardeman, Macon Volunteers, 2d Georgia regiment, C E Campbell, 
Lieutenant artillery; M H Cutter, Co C, 2d Georgia battalion; A O Glazebrook, 
Stonewall Brigade; C C Sims, Captain, CSA; W G Ross, Quartermaster-sergeant, 
CSA; S B Price, Key's battery; P S Goodyear, 6th Georgia regiment; A O Bacon, 
Adjutant, 9th Georgia regiment; J C Rutherford, A A G Cobb's brigade; G W 
Sims, 6th Georgia regiment; H C Taylor, 20th Georgia regiment; C C Wilder, 
12th Georgia regiment; Wm Stephens 1st Georgia sharpshooters; H C Fennell, 
12th Georgia regiment; E O Connell, 4th Georgia regiment; J B Nelson, Company 
B, 2nd Georgia battalion; E H Steele, 14th Tenn. Regiment; D V Reeves, 19th 
Louisiana regiment; J P Simpson, 4th Georgia regiment; Captain F M King, 1st 
Georgia regiment; J R Rice, Haven's battery; W T Nelson, -- Georgia regiment; 
C W Newton, Company C, 2nd Georgia Battalion; T U Butner, 2nd Tenn. Cavalry; J 
C Wheeler, Captain, C S engineer corps; J P Plunket, Sparks Guards; A J 
Semmes, 8th Louisiana regiment; H Clark, W B Gelston, Sparks Guards; J P 
Chapman, 21st Georgia regiment, C A Ellis, Jackson Artillery; V Brunner, 10th 
Georgia battalion; R A Morris, Company B 2d Georgia Battalion; J S Cargill, 
1st regiment Georgia Volunteers; H L Cook, Lt. 2d Georgia Reserves; C B 
Massenburg, 8th Georgia regiment; H H Jones, Spaulding's battalion; W H 
Willis, Col. 4th Georgia regiment; W F Cannon, Capt 3d Georgia regiment.

Following them were representatives of the Masonic fraternity in large 
numbers, and next to them came the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Close after, the 
Odd Fellows filled the position assigned them - The Teutonia Brass Band, 
followed by the Hibernian Society, the Faculty of Wesleyan Female College. 
Mercer University, students of Mercer University, Facuilty and students of Pio 
Nono filled a large portion of the pageant.

Next came a long array of firemen dressed in their holiday attire. The 
officers of the department and all the companies were out. No. 3 came last, 
drawing a piece of artillery decked with flowers. Lastly closing the long 
procession, came the representatives of the Bibb cavalry, Confederate renown, 
commanded by Captain S S Dunlap, a very gallant ex-Confederate cavalry 
commander.

The procession marched over the route prescribed and gathered around the stand 
erected in the middle of Mulberry street. All along the line of march the 
streets were crowded.

The Stand

The stand was arranged in a semi-circle, and was adorned with the portraits of 
those who on battle-field and in halls of state became illustrious for their 
love of country and the sacrifices of self for principle. In front of the 
stand was reared an archway of evergreen, while pendant from almost every 
pillar floated a banner which had been bated in the sulphur smoke of the 
leaden sowed field or had since been on in the more quiet contests of peaceful 
days.

In front of the stand on the edge of the monument rose a column designed and 
erected by the ladies of the Memorial Association, the most elaborate piece of 
ornamental workmanship ever designed and erected in the city. A more extended 
notice of this work is made elsewhere.

On the stand were the Ladies Memorial Association and invited gentlemen, the 
Grand Lodge of Georgia, the municipal authorities, marshals of the day; 
representatives of the press, gentlemen's committee of arrangements, and 
others.

Laying the Corner Stone

The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge assisted by the grand officers, with 
beautiful and imposing ceremonies, proceeded to lay the corner stone. Prayer 
was eloquently offered by Rev. W C Bass, D.D., Chaplain of the day. After 
music by the Sandersville band, Hon. James M Mobley, Grand Master of the 
State, of Harris County, opened the ceremonies. The articles to be deposited 
were presented, and each article read out by Mr. I B English and were as 
follows:

By Colonel C M Wiley - Sketch of the 2d Georgia Battalion, from April 1861 to 
April 26, 1878.
Present roll of the Macon Volunteers.
Present roll of the Macon Cadets.
Present roll of the Putnam Rifles.
Original muster roll of the Brown (Putnam) Rifles, Company B 3d Georgia 
Regiment.
Sunday Telegram of Savannah, containing history of Macon Volunteers.
Present roll of the Floyd Rifles.
Present roll of the Baldwin Blues.
Roll of the Macon Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Macon, Ga., April 26, 1878.
Letter of President Jefferson Davis on laying the corner stone of the 
Confederate Monument at Macon, Georgia, April 26, 1878.
Proceedings of Grand Lodge, October 30, 1877.
By C H Rogers, Macon, Ga. - Letter written by Paten Randolph, of Virginia, 
dated August 28th, 1762.
By C H Rogers, Macon, Ga. - Army map taken from the body of Capt. J G Rogers, 
commanding the 12th Georgia Regiment. Killed in the battle of Sharpsburg, 
September 17th, 1862.
By F S Johnson, Jr. - Roll of Company F, 45th Georgia Volunteers, from Jones 
county.
Putnam Light Infantry, Company G, 12th Georgia Regiment. Georgia Volunteers; 
entered the Confederate States Army, June 26, 1861.
By N M Hodgkins - Memorial to Capt. Henry J Menard, who died at Richmond, 
Virginia, December 22nd, 1862.
Memorial to Lieutenant Thos. G Hodgkins, killed at Gettysburg July 2d, 1863.
By M D Lanier, Milledgeville, Ga. - Inaugural address of President Jefferson 
Davis at Montgomery, Ala., Feb 1861.
By Mrs. H B Myrick, Merriweather, Baldwin county, Ga. - Ballad by Dr W F 
Sanford, dedicated to Robert E Lee, April 22, 1861.
By Alfred R Woodson, Macon, Ga. - One State of Georgia war bond, $500; one 
Confederate State Treasury note, $500, and one of $200; one Spanish coin of 
1774.
By Mrs. N M Hodgkins, Macon, Ga. - One new silver dollar; two brass buttons; 
one staff and one Georgia coat of arms, worn by a Confederate officer.
By Mrs. J M Boardman, Macon, Ga. - four copies of the Macon Daily Telegraph, 
dated May 4, 1863; Feby. 11, 1864; Meb. [sic] 1, 1864; April 19, 1864.
By M C Tindall, Macon, Ga. - Photograph of a Confederate soldier and miniature 
Confederate flag worn by a soldier during the war.
By Charles Herbst, Macon, Ga. - An official communication from Chief of 
Ordnance of Confederate States to Brigadier General John H Morgan, dated 
February 4, 1878 [sic]; Richmond Whig, dated July 4th, 1864.
Constitution and by-laws of the Macon Volunteers.
By J E Wells, Macon, Ga. - A complete deposit of Confederate currency, from 50 
to $500 inclusive; one $5 State of Georgia note, payable in Confederate 
currency; one $100 State of Georgia note payable in Confederate currency.
By -----, Haddock's Directory of the City of Macon, for 1872 and 1873, 
containing history of Macon by John P Fort, in which is a catalogue of the 
eighteen companies of infantry, three of artillery and two of cavalry sent out 
by Bibb County, and a complete muster roll of the Macon Volunteers and Floyd 
Rifles.
By Henry L Jewett and N M Hodgkins - Half penny of William and Mary; English 
copper half penny of William III; English copper half penny of George II; 
English copper half penny of George III; English penny of George III; English 
copper one cent Hong Kong, Victoria; English copper one cent mil Hong Kong, 
Victoria; English half penny Hong Kong, Commerce; English half penny Hong 
Kong, Commerce; English half penny, Upper Canada; English half penny, 
Liverpool; English half penny, N.S.; French brass 2 stivers, Republic 1793; 1 
silver, Republic 1793; copper un decime, Republic 1793; copper un decime, 
Louis XVI; Portugal large copper; Switzerland, two pieces, 5 bars; Germany, 
sixteen small silver and copper coins; one brass medal crucifixion; one brass 
Chinese, "Cash;" six United States copper coins, old dates.
By J E Wells, Jr. - Engraving of Confederate iron-clad, Virginia, March 8th, 
1862.
By B H Wrigley - Ivy leaf from the soldiers Monument at Richmond, Virginia. 
Atlanta Constitutioin, April 25th 1878. Macon Telegraph and Messenger, April 
26; 1878.
By J W Strong, Macon, Georgia - One State of Georgia, war bond. Central 
Georgia Weekly, of Macon, Georgia, April 21, 1878.
By M Newman, Sandersville, Georgia - Circular order of Lieutenant-General 
Jackson for recruiting regiments, dated Headquarters, 21 Army Corps, January 
14, 1863.
By H Massenburg, Macon, Georgia - Roll of the Jackson Artillery, of Macon.
By M R Rogers, Macon, Georgia - Roll of the Gresham Rifles, Company A 45th 
Georgia Regiment.

As they were announced Mr. English handed them to the Grand Treasurer of the 
Order, Mr. J E Wells, who deposited them in the corner stone. The various 
ceremonies followed until the Grand Master declared the stone well laid - true 
and trusty - according to the teachings of our craft. Oil and wine were poured 
upon the stone with the emblems of national prosperity, and the grand honors 
given. After music by the Teutonia band, the emblems of the Order were 
presented to the architect, and the Grand Master delivered the following 
appropriate address:

Address of the Grand Master of the Lodge of Georgia

Friends and Brethren - Be it known unto you that we be lawful Masons, true and 
faithful to the laws of our country, and engaged by solemn obligations, to 
erect magnificent buildings and structures serviceable to the brethren, and to 
fear God, the great Architect of the universe.

We have among us concealed from the eyes of all, secrets which cannot be 
divulged, and which have never been found out, but these secrets are lawful 
and honorable, and are not repugnant to the laws of God or man. They were 
entrusted in peace and honor among the Masons of ancient times; and having 
been faithfully transmitted to us it is our duty, to convey them unimpaired to 
the latest posterity. Unless our craft were good, and our calling honorable, 
we should not have lasted for so many centuries, nor should we have been 
honored with the patronage of so many illustrious men, in all ages, who have 
ever shown themselves ready to promote our interest, and to defend us from all 
adversaries.

We are here to-day, and pay a grateful tribute to the patriotism and merit of 
those who gallantly fell in the service of their country, battling for liberty 
and the rights of man.

None can witness this event without the deepest emotions.

To those whose hearts swelled like theirs, at their country's call, and glowed 
with patriotism or panted for glory, this, to them especially, must be an hour 
of purest exultation.

We leave to the distinguished orator of the day the pleasant duty of speaking 
of other appropriate subjects, and of responding to the proud breathings of 
this vas assemblage, on such an occasion, the 18th anniversary day set apart, 
and to be perpetuated by future generations in commemoration of a great event, 
when the green graves of those who sacrificed their lives on the altar of 
their country shall be hallowed and decorated by the warm hearts and hands of 
beautiful ladies, sent like angel spirits, not only to honor the dead but to 
cheer and bless mankind.

Macon has much of which her citizens can be justly proud, but there is nothing 
that she has done, or that will be done which will reflect more honor upon her 
people than this proud monument; when completed its splendid summit may stand 
for centuries, being kissed by the first and last rays of the rising and 
setting sun, to stimulate to bold deeds those who throng your busy streets.
Ladies and gentlemen, we return our sincere acknowledgments to all who have 
assisted in this pleasing and important duty.

To the members of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Arrangements, to the 
members of the various companies, bands and public bodies who have favored us 
with their company this monument, when completed, must be an object of great 
interest, awakening in the minds of all the most gratifying recollections, 
filling our hearts to overflowing with unutterable sentiments of patriotism; 
with love for our fellow man and obedience to the Supreme Architect of the 
universe. Long may it stand and be preserved from the destroyer's hand, and 
may those who have contributed, or may contribute or aid in its erection, live 
long to enjoy with us all the blessings of a well spent life.

Music followed, and in the distance the boom of a cannon could be heard.

Ex President Davis' Letter

Col. J P Fort introduced Mr. J L Saulsbury, Jr., the gentleman selected to 
read the letter of Ex-President Jefferson Davis. Mr. Saulsbury rose and in an 
eloquent manner read one of the grandest letters ever penned by human hand. 
The selection of the reader was peculiarly felicitous. In a voice modulated to 
great perfection and in a manner that showed how deeply the reader felt the 
sentiments of glowing patriotism of the great Ex-President of the Confederacy, 
M. S. executed the trust assigned.

The letter was read as follows:

Letter from President Jefferson Davis.
Mississippi City, Miss.
April 11th, 1878

Gentlemen: - I sincerely regret my inability to be present at the laying of 
the corner stone of "a monument to be erected at Macon, Ga., in honor of our 
dead Confederate soldiers."

This event possesses every attraction to me; it is inspired by the Ladies 
Memorial Association; the monument is to be located in the key-stone State of 
the Confederate arch; and to commemorate the sacrifices of those who died in 
the defence of our inherited and "inalienable" rights.

What though we were overborne by numbers, and accessories not less efficient, 
truth is not to be measured by success in maintaining it against force; nor is 
the glory less of him who upholds it in the face of unequal odds, but is it 
not rather more to his credit that he counted all else as dust in the balance 
when weighed with honor and duty. On many a stricken field our soldiers stood 
few and faint, but fearless still, for they wore the panoply of unquestioning 
confidence in the rectitude of their cause, and knew how to die but not to 
surrender. Let not any of their survivors impugn their faith by offering the 
penitential plea that "they thought they were right."

Be it thus to transmit to posterity our unequivocal testimony to the justice 
of their convictions, to their virtues, and the sanctity of the motives by 
which they were actuated.

It is meet that this monument should have originated with the ladies of the 
land, whose self-denial was conspicuous through all the trials and sufferings 
of war, whose gentle ministrations in the hospitals, and at way-side 
refectories, so largely contributed to relieve the sick and the wounded, and 
whose unfaltering devotion to their country's cause in the darkest hours of 
our struggle, illustrated the fidelity of the sex which was last at the cross, 
and first at the sepulchre.

I am profoundly thankful to them for inviting me to represent them, as their 
orator, on the approaching occasion. Had it been practicable to accept, their 
request would have been, to me, a command, obeyed with no other reluctance, 
than the consciousness of inability to do justice the theme.

Thanks to the merits of our Confederate dead, they need neither orator nor 
bard to commend their deeds to the present generation of their countrymen. 
Many fell far from home and kindred, and sleep in unmarked graves; but all are 
gathered in the love of those from whom they died, and their memories are 
hallowed in the hearts of all true Confederates.

By the pious efforts of our people, many humble cemeteries, such as, in their 
impoverishment, were possible, have been prepared, and the Confederate dead 
have been collected in them from neighboring battle-fields. There annually, 
with reverential affection, the graves, alike of the known and the unknown, 
are decked with vernal flowers, expressive of gratitude renewable forever, and 
typical of the hope of a resurrection and reunion where the wicked cease from 
troubling and the weary are at rest.

To be remembered, honored, beloved by their people is the reward bestowed on 
our Confederate Dead. It is the highest which a good and purely patriotic man 
could desire. Should it be asked, why then build this monument? The answer is, 
they do not need it, but posterity may. It is not their reward, but our debt. 
If the greatest gift a hero gives his race, is to have been a hero, in order 
that this gift may be utilized to coming generations, its appreciation by 
contemporaries should be rendered as visible and enduring as possible. Let the 
monument, rising from earth toward heaven, lift the minds of those who come 
after us, to a higher standard than the common test of success. Let it teach 
that man is born for duty, not for expediency; that when an attack is made on 
the community to which he belongs, by which he is protected, and to which his 
allegiance is due, his first obligation is to defend that community; and that 
under such conditions it is better to have "fought and lost, than never to 
have fought at all." Let posterity learn by this monument that you commemorate 
men who died in a defensive war; that they did not, as has been idly stated, 
submit to the arbitrament of arms the questions at issue - questions which 
involved the inalienable rights inherited from their ancestors, and held in 
trust for their posterity; but that they strove to maintain the State 
sovereignty which their Fathers left them, and which it was their duty if 
possible to transmit to their children.

Away then with such feeble excuse for the abandonment of principles, which may 
be crushed for a while, but which possessing the eternal vitality of truth, 
must in its own good time prevail over perishable error.

Let this monument teach that heroism derives its lustre from the justice of 
the cause in which it is displayed, and let it mark the difference between a 
war waged for the robber-like purpose of conquest, and one to repel invasion - 
to defend a people's hearths and altars, and to maintain their laws and 
liberties. Such was the war in which our heroes fell, and theirs is the crown 
which sparkles with the gems of patriotism and righteousness, with a glory 
undimmed by any motive of aggrandisement or intent to inflict ruin on others. 
We present them to posterity as examples to be followed, and wait securely for 
the verdict of mankind when knowledge shall have dispelled misrepresentation 
and delusion. Is it unreasonable to hope that mature reflection and a closer 
study of the political history of the Union, may yet restore the rights 
prostrated by the passions developed in our long and bloody war? If, however, 
it should be otherwise, then from our heroes graves shall come in mournful 
tones the

"Answer fit:
And if our children must obey,
They must, but thinking on our day,
T'will less debase them to submit."

Yours faithfully,
Jefferson Davis

Messrs. John P Fort, L N Whittle, John C Curd, T D Tinsley, W R Rogers, J F 
Greer, I B English, Committee.

During the reading almost as each sentence would fall, the applause of the 
assembled multitude would rise upon the air.

Never will those who heard it forget this letter. But stored away in the 
treasury of memory it will remain a diamond never to tarnish, sealed with the 
signet of immortality. The reader too, who so eloquently gave utterance to the 
words of the absent patriot will not be forgotten, by those for who he once 
preferred his life as a sacrifice.

At the conclusion of the reading of the letter Colonel John P Fort advanced 
and said:

Ladies, citizens, soldiers: I have the honor of introducing to you Hon. Alfred 
H Colquitt, Brigadier General in the Confederate army and the hero of Olustee.
Governor Colquitt rose, the personification of Southern manhood, grand in his 
bearing and conscious of the importance of the occasion.

With a few very complimentary allusions to President Davis' letter, Governor 
Colquitt spoke as follows:

Address of Gov. Alfred H. Colquitt

My Countrymen: - We have met here today upon this spot to speak of one of the 
most wonderful events in history, and then begin a monument which shall 
commemorate. The task which I am called to discharge is almost an impossible 
one, if a fair and adequate portrayal of the true history of that event is 
expected. The Muse of history herself will make many a vain essay in this 
great undertaking. For ages to come new and striking aspects of our great 
civil conflict will be discovered, and be wonderingly and admiringly told for 
the teaching of coming generations.

How much that has been already written of the war between the States that must 
be cancelled! How much that God's eternal truth will not suffer to go down to 
the ages uncontrolled! This need not be the cause of fresh strife.

In dignified composure - in the love of truth and in a spirit of exorable 
justice, each of the four quarters of this Union must confess that the recent 
conflict was waged in defense of a principle on one side, and in its disavowal 
on the other. [applause.] The rights of property were merely incidental and 
altogether subordinate. The grand and vital claim of self-government made up 
the issue, and it was valuable enough for true men to risk their all in 
upholding. The South did not struggle for supremacy in the Union - nor for 
booty or empire - but for independence and for that "defensive power" in the 
Union which the founders of the Republic deemed essential to her freedom, 
safety and happiness. [applause.]

With our honest belief in the theory of this government, which had been 
inclulcated by the Fathers, how could we fold our arms and stand mute in the 
presence of efforts which we supposed were aimed for its overthrow. In our 
inmost souls we felt that the aggression had long been assumed by that side to 
which the good old ways of the founders had become distasteful and wearisome, 
and that virtual revolution had been inaugurated by it.

A chill despondency first, and then the gloom of despair came over the hearts 
of the South, when it became evident that a majority of the people of this 
Union had cut loose the constitutional moorings and substituted the prevailing 
will of the majority. If the old covenant was waived by the leaders of 
the "higher law" party, it left to us no peaceful shelter for refuge or 
security.

Here then to-day, in this vast assemblage of true hearts, and in full hearing 
of the whole country, let me claim and reassert for the thousandth time, that 
the South went to war for a principle, and not from disgust or enmity to the 
old order of things. [great applause.] For the constitution, as interpreted by 
the fathers - for the constitution with its checks and balances - for the 
constitution with its restraints upon power, its protection for the weak, its 
traditions and memories, every Southern heart would have imperilled his 
lifeblood. [applause.] The war, as made by the South, was but a struggle to 
preserve the principles of that constitution.

In terms of most equivocal compliment we have had it said of us, that the 
masses, so called, had no heart for the late war. In cruel tenderness it has 
been alleged that the leaders of our population only were responsible for the 
bloody conflict. Never did a superficial judgement convey a more stupendous 
blunder. [applause.]

The powerful motives, both of self-interest and principle, had thoroughly 
aroused and unified the public feeling. No Peter the Hermit was needed to lash 
the minds of the Southern people into phrenzy. For thirty-five years all minds 
and hearts had been contemplating the chances of evading the last resort. The 
conviction came at last that there was no longer hope, and when the supreme 
hour of decision came our millions said to each other - we are ready. Self-
marshalled our people needed no leaders - asked none - had none when making up 
the final arbitrament. In the smallest imaginable compass the fact might be 
stated. The South believed earnestly that the North loved us not - that all 
fraternity was gone, and that longer union with it would be at the surrender 
of our right and sacrifice of our honor. Right or wrong, these were our 
convictions - convictions a solemn as death and mighty as the power of truth, 
[applause] and in the light of them our people decided. Any history of the war 
which speaks of dissensions among our people and threatening and alarming 
opposition had as well be erased. In the mighty tide of the popular will, our 
entire people, men, women and children, joined with such accord as left the 
feeblest expression of dissent.

But with the oneness of spirit, and union of soul all claim for preparedness 
for the terrible ordeal ends. Without arms or arsenal - without ships and 
guns - we engaged a foe worthy the steel of the most puissant power that ever 
accepted the gage of battle. [loud applause.] After four years of war, 
sustained with unprecedented gallantry - after a series of brilliant victories 
gained under unequaled disadvantages - after losses and suffering, and 
sacrifices surpassed in the annals of no nation, [renewed applause] the 
struggle was decided against us. But we now approach forbidden ground.
Not even here, surrounded and supported as I might be, by vivid and abounding 
sympathies, would it be at all proper to draw any comparison between the valor 
or desert of the contending forces. To do this at such a time as the present, 
would be to disturb the quiet and repose of the noble dead, and invite the 
desecration of a ceremony that should be hallowed by purest and sublimest of 
human emotions. We may not speak invidiously in our own praise, for soldiers, 
men true to their own colors of both sides, understand each other too well for 
this. Better had it been for our unhappy country if all such debate had been 
left to the men of the "Blue and the Gray." [applause.]

From the impulses of a generous and self-respecting courage, we would long ago 
have had, as a peace-offering between brothers estranged, all the reassuring 
and conciliatory admissions that would have brought us, by a touch of nature, 
into each other's arms. Unfortunately, policy and politicians thought 
differently, and civil strife had its sufferings intensified by bitter pangs 
in the shape of humiliations which entered the soul like barbs of steel. I 
pass all this - I willingly forget it. Leave the blunders and wrongs which 
were born of revenge and vindictiveness, to the cooling and correcting process 
of time and our religion. This does not forbid the tribute of fervid eulogy 
over the graves of our dead, or check us in our praise as our tears bedew the 
turf that rests over them. [applause.]

Our great and good Chieftain expressed truest estimate of our rank and file, 
when with aching heart and tremulous voice, he said, as he pointed to his 
ragged and war-worn host - "Ah, there stand the men whom history will delight 
to honor after all this is over. [applause.] It will not be us who command, 
but the men yonder who are enduring these trials, who should reap the praise."
Our beloved Cobb epitomized the truth about our sufferings, when he said, "The 
gloomiest days of all my life, were the days when the mails were brought into 
camp for my men." The overflow of grief that would swell up for utterance from 
wife and children left staring at home, so dwarfed the hardships of the 
Confederate soldier that it was almost unmanly to feel them. O let the too 
mournful theme be tearfully dropped! In brief terms let us only recount how 
one hundred thousand noble hearts gave away their life's-blood with a smile - 
how crutches and crape were resignedly seen in every home - how an earthly for 
hundreds of miles was blasted and changed into a desert - how uncounted 
millions of property were swept from the face of our land, and the attachments 
and associations which came down to us from the century behind us, were rudely 
severed.

This much we may say here and at all times, and avow before God and man, that 
such sacrifices were not the punishment for the sin of greed - of ambition - 
of groundless discontent and factiousness, and, least of all, for hatred of 
our fellow-men. [Applause.]

But, friends, and countrymen, if our sacrifices willingly, if our sufferings 
so heroically borne, give us high place, those who, for the sake of principle, 
have trod the fiery ordeal, what does our resignation merit?
In all history there never was uttered in the soul's extremity a sublimer 
speech than on the day of Appomattox, came up to the great Lee's lips from a 
breaking hear: "We have fought and shed our blood from a sense of duty, now 
let us return to home, if we can find them, and suffer, if needs be, in the 
same cause." [Loud Applause.]

These were the parting words which disbanded the army, and in an instant 
adjourned, and it is hoped forever, the awful conflict. If our courage and 
devotion to a principle are worthy of eternal memory, was not the most 
illustrious of our virtues that moderation and self control which at the 
failure of our armies instantly declared that no useless blood should be shed.
With what heart sickness upon the day disbandment did we all take our weary 
way for what was once happy homes. Let the word do us justice and confess that 
the efforts we made, after the battle was fought and lost, to recognize a 
shattered society and restore law and order, was a virtue equal to Confederate 
valor. [enthusiastic applause]

A word from the great leader might have made civil disorder chronic, and a 
little concert of malign agencies might have established in every mountain 
fastness a guerilla band, but we did not at the first seek a benefit beneath 
the ambition of the noblest people, nor at the last was our conduct disgraced 
by the excesses of the desperate.

Are not the martyrs of such a cause entitled to their monument? Will friendly 
hands withhold the commemorating pile? Or a generous foe grudgingly consent 
that it may rise and stand before the eyes of the generations to come? No my 
friends, - a thousand times, no, will be the response of every unselfish 
patriot.

The day is fast approaching when men who once faced us with muskets in their 
hands will clasp us fraternally and admit that our hearts were right, and if 
we erred it was because we loved the rights of the State too sensitively and 
too well. [applause]

From this point of departure let us take up the great and good work. With that 
sincerity and earnestness of soul which has ever marked our history in the 
midst of stirring public interest, let us prosecute the task of a complete 
restoration of peace. We will honor our dead - we will gather annually around 
their graves with a tribute of tears and flowers - we will cherish their 
memories and defend their names against the assaults of false accusers - we 
will raise monuments to transmit their fame to ages to come - this will we do 
in love for them and for the cause which perished with them. [applause.]
But we owe a debt to the living. The future as well as the past demands our 
concern. This is our country, here are the graves of our fathers, here will we 
be buried - here are our homes - here are our children. Let us seek to make 
the country a land of peace - to make our homes peaceful and permanent, and 
our children happy, buoyant and hopeful. There should be no further strife 
between the sections. I will not believe that a people so committed to each 
other by the terms of a great compact, so bound to each other by moral and 
religious ties, will ever consent to see a part of this grand sisterhood of 
States only tolerated in its freedom, or bowed down in the shame and 
humiliation of abject bondage. Let men who desire this have a care. Let the 
cruel and arrogant giant think a moment how long life can be endure if he is 
chained indissolubly to a dead carcass.

My friends, if you should prove unfaithful to the duty you owe to our common 
country in defending and perpetuating the rights of freemen, then of all men 
you will be the most culpable and the most miserable. The men whose memories 
we cherish by the noble monument you this day begin to erect, laid down their 
lives, as they firmly believed, in defence of that interpretation of freedom 
under our constitution which was a tradition with us. All they hoped to 
accomplish by war was the preservation of such rights as the constitution 
guaranteed. We this day, and for all time, will honor them most by upholding 
in all its strength and purity such a government as that constitution has 
established. If they could speak from their serene heights they would bid us 
to forget and forgive, [applause] and with surviving comrades and surviving 
foes they would plead for peace, justice and fraternity. [Loud Applause.]

The oration is the grandest of his life. The noble sentiments of patriotism 
evoked frequent applause. But though the outward demonstration was hearty, it 
did half convey the deep impression that the eloquent words of our noble 
Governor made upon the assembled multitude. Those who know him and have heard 
him on other occasions say that never has he approached his effort of 
yesterday. Every Georgian present was prouder than ever of him who, in war and 
in peace, has battled for the old commonwealth and a common country.
The exercises at the stand were concluded by a benediction pronounced by Rev. 
R F Jackson, Jr., of St. Paul's Church.

At the Cemetery

From the stand the procession was again formed, and marched to the cemetery. 
Here the decorations took place, and each sleeping soldier was again crowned 
with earthly flowers, emblematic of the eternal laurels won in the battle for 
the truth and the right which can never fade away while the pauseless years 
roll on. No grassy mound was neglected, but each humble grave, by the devotion 
of the fair, received a floral tribute. In the middle of the soldiers' 
cemetery was erected a monument of cedar and evergreens, about twelve feet in 
height, made by Mrs. S Boykin and other ladies.

A prayer was fervently offered by Rev. M O A Glazebrook, and the ceremony of 
decorating was completed. Three volleys were fired above the graves by the 
battalion, and the public rites of memorial day were concluded, and the heroes 
who slumber on the banks of the Ocmulgee were left alone once more.

The Crowd

The crowd, both at the stand and cemetery, was immense. Never has such a crowd 
congregated in Macon on a memorial day. The grounds presented a perfect sea of 
heads in front of the stand, and all the windows and even the house tops were 
full of spectators.

The Floral Monument

Just in front of the speaker's stand rose the floral monument before alluded 
to. It consisted of a shaft thirty-six feet in height made of cedar, laurel, 
evergreens and flowers.

The shaft is made in imitation of the columns of St. Paters. [sic] The base is 
a broad square covered with large leaves of the magnolia. Above the pedestal 
rises a column cylindrical in form, covered with garlands of cedar and 
festooned with wreaths of roses and other flowers. The capital is composed of 
the emblematic pomegranite flowers, wheat and corn leaves, illustrating the 
productions of our country, intertwined with crimson flowers.

At the top is a massive urn three feet in height made of pure white pinks. 
From the urn drapes a wreath of evergreen.

Ornaments

On one side of the vase, made of crimson geraniums, pinks and lark-spurs, are 
the Confederate national and battle flags. On another, compassed of rich 
golden hued flowers for the hilts and steel colored verbenas for the blades, 
are crossed swords.

On another was a cannon also made of rare blooms, while on the fourth was the 
well known verse commencing "On Fame's Eternal Camping Ground." Half way up 
the shaft, surrounded with forget-me-nots, are the words, "Our Dead," and on 
either side the portraits of Lee and Jackson, surrounded with leaves of laurel.
The design was gotten up by Mrs. C H Plane, of Atlanta, formerly of Macon, and 
was exquisite in general design and detail. It is undoubtedly the handsomest 
floral decoration ever made in Macon.

To Mrs. Plane is due the greatest praise and two cities may be proud of her 
artistic skill. She has several times assisted in the floral decorations in 
Macon, but this time she has eclipsed all other efforts.

Her heart is in the work and with her it is a labor of love. To the cause of 
the gray she gave up the partner of her life and he sleeps with our 
Confederate dead by side of Ocmulgee's waters. Major W F Plane, of the 6th 
Georgia regiment, was killed at Sharpsburg in 1862, and since that time she 
has remained faithful to his memory and true to the cause for which he gave 
his life. The ladies of the Memorial Association and other ladies assisted in 
making this beautiful and appropriate decoration, and to them must be given 
the highest mead of honor for the great exertion and trouble willingly 
undertaken.

The Design and Erection of the Monument

The wood work of the monument and the execution of the design was by Mr. E D 
Irvine.

The lofty monument was placed in position by Mr. Walter T Johnson.

The Music

Among the things that added to the attractiveness of occasion was the splendid 
music furnished by the Sandersville Cornet Band and the Teutonia Band, of this 
city.

The Salutes

During the exercises at the stand a military salute was fired at stated 
intervals. The firing was arranged by Captain T L Massenburg, and was done by 
the old Jackson Artillery, called, in the latter portion of the war, 
Massenburg's battery.

This portion of the exercises was in the charge of Mr. Jasper F Greer, a 
lieutenant of the battery, and was most admirably done. Thirteen guns were 
fired during the evening.

General Remarks

Yesterday was a day which will be ever memorable in the history of Macon. When 
the events of the past shall troop through the mind on memorial days these 
memories will come to mind.

The events of the day will shine forth as a triumph to all interested in them.
Peculiarly gratifying must be this consummation of the work to the honored and 
worthy President of the Association, Mrs. Isaac Winship.

Never has a daughter of the South been more devoted to its cause. Since the 
first smoke of the battle was cleared away and woman like an angel of humanity 
first sought on the blood washed ground of the battlefield, the uncared corses 
of the hero slain, her life has been devoted to the work.

The building of this monument has been the latest ambition of her life. To her 
the sincerest congratulations are offered that now the work begun years ago 
will soon be crowned with a complete and glorious consummation.

The gentlemen, too, who have made the arrangements of the grand pageant of 
yesterday can look back to the day as one which will always shine conspicuous 
in the past.

May the beginning of yesterday be an earnest of a rapid completion of the 
work, and may the shaft soon point skyward in its graceful and symmetric 
beauty.

Let the monument rise. Let remain a perpetual reminder of those who in the 
path of duty took from death's hand the garlands of victory. Let it stand 
until deeds of valor and heroism are no longer sung, or recorded on the 
historic page. Let its voiceless marble lips tell the story of those who died 
for principle, truth and right, to coming generations while the ceaseless 
seasons bloom and fade.

And when time, wearied with the march of years, shall expire in the arms of 
eternity, may this structure whose foundation stone was laid on yesterday, be 
the last thing on which the eyes of the patriot may rest when the veil is 
removed which shuts from view the band of those who, loyal and true, have 
crossed over the river and with Jackson are resting "under the shade of the 
trees."


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