Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 25.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

In reading the excellent address of Capt. R. S. Parks to the veterans [see ante pp. 354-364], as reported in your paper, and the beautiful and fitting verses with which he closed, it occurred to me that you would enjoy, if you have never seen it, or read it, the entire poem as delivered by the author, the Hon. A. C. Gordon, of Staunton, Va., upon the occasion of unveiling the monument erected to the Confederate dead at Staunton, Va., and I enclose you a copy. The late Professor George Fred. Holmes told the writer of this that he considered Mr. Armistead Gordon's poem ‘the finest on such an occasion he had read since the war.’ With many other distinguishing qualities, I am happy that Virginia has in this son one who writes so beautifully in verse.¹

I.

Where are they who marched away,
     Sped with smiles that changed to tears,
Glittering lines of steel and gray
     Moving down the battle's way—
Where are they these many years?

Garlands wreathed their shining swords;
     They were girt about with cheers,
Children's lispings, women's words,
     Sunshine and the songs of birds—
They are gone so many years.