Annual reunion of the Virginia division A. N. Va.
Association — address of Col. Archer Anderson on the campaign and battle of Chickamauga.
The annual gatherings of the veterans of the Army of Northern Virginia have for some years past been a most interesting feature in the exercises of “Fair week” in
Richmond, and have attracted always large crowds and enthusiastic interest.
The meeting this year was no exception; and there gathered in the State Capitol Tuesday night, October 25th, such an array of brave men and fair women as these occasions never fail to draw.
Just before the appointed hour
General J. A. Early came into the hall, and was greeted with loud and continued applause.
In the absence of the president (
General W. H. F. Lee)
Colonel T. H. Carter, one of the
vice-presidents, called the meeting to order, and stated that the Executive Committee had requested
General J. A. Early to preside.
As
General Early took the chair he was again greeted with enthusiastic applause.
He called on
Dr. J. William Jones, who lead in prayer.
On motion of
Colonel H. C. Cabell, a committee consisting of
Colonel H. C. Cabell,
Private J. Hall Moore,
Captain J. V. Bidgood,
Captain W. G. McCabe, and
Captain Maxwell T. Clarke was appointed to recommend officers for the ensuing year.
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On motion of
Major Robert Stiles,the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That in the judgment of this meeting, it is expedient and proper that the office of permanent chaplain to the Association be created, and that
the Rev. J. William Jones, whose interest in the Society has always induced him to serve in this capacity without such recognition, be elected to this office.
General Early then stated that while on former occasions the orators of this Association had selected themes which pertained alone to the Army of Northern Virginia, they were fortunate in having on this occasion a competent orator who would speak of a campaign in which our comrades of the
West did valiant service.
He had great pleasure in introducing
Colonel Archer Anderson, who would now speak of “The campaign and
battle of Chickamauga.”
Colonel Anderson was greeted with loud applause, and was frequently interrupted with vociferous and hearty cheers, as, without Ms. or notes before him, he delivered in clear, ringing voice, and with graceful gesture the following
