Sixteen Confederate veterans were reminiscent when they assembled around the tables in the first Presbyterian hut this afternoon to attend the Christmas dinner as guests of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The dinner, which is an annual event for the members of the High Point men, was declared by the old soldiers to have been the most enjoyable they have yet had the privilege of attending.
Besides recalling the days of the war between the states, the veterans heard several interesting addresses, including one by a comrade, Col. A.H. Boyden of Salisbury, head of the first North Carolina brigade, and one of the best known confederate veterans in the state.
Colonel Boyden, who fought for the cause of the south during the days of the war, delivered a splendid address. It was a talk to his comrades, for whom Colonel Boyden showed a great deal of respect and admiration.
The speaker discussed the days of the war, going into details concerning many of the battles in which North Carolina troops took a large part. He informed his comrades that arrangements are now being made to publish a history of the Confederate war, particularly concerning this state.
North Carolina has a record in that war, according to Colonel Boyden, who said this state sent men into the army who were prompt to learn their military duties and the importance of obedience. They were brave men, and they have been just as b rave in the time of peace, he declared, pointing out that the Confederate veterans did not shirk their duties. They do not refuse to render aid to those who called for assistance, many of them at the close of the war having taken their mules and plowed the land of some neighbor who was unable to plow for himself, the speaker said.
“I was a member of the ku klux in those days,” said the colonel. “I do not deny it. I was with the organization to protect the virtue of our women and to help drive the carpet baggers out of the country. We did not harm people who behaved themselves.”
Colonel Boyden praised the confederate soldiers. They have a good record, he reiterated. Looking at the veterans who sat directly in front of him, the speaker told them that when they died they would pass away with the satisfaction of knowing that North Carolina soldiers played a large part in the cause that they believed then and believe now to be just and right.
Discussing the question of pension for the veterans and their widows, the colonel said more pensions were being added to the list because many of the veterans up until a few years ago were unable to work between the plow handles. Now, he continued, they are getting old and weak and are unable to work for themselves.
The widow of a confederate soldier who owns her home is entitled to a pension, he said. The home does not give her an income. She is paying taxes on that home, and where is her income, he asked.
Colonel Boyden said he was interested in the Confederate veterans of Rowan county, his home county. He credited himself with knowing every veteran in that county and declared that he had promised himself when he came out of the war that as long as he had a dollar he would share it with a comrade.
Other Speakers Heard
State senator O.E. Mendenhall acted as toastmaster at the meeting today. The senator also praised the Confederate veterans, declaring that the younger generation had learned to appreciate the presence of the men who wore the gray and that the young people were ready to serve them.
Speeches were made by Major John Hendrick, Dr. H.B. Hiatt, president of the Rotary Club; J.E. Kirkman of Kiwanis club; and Rev. H.N. Browne of the Civitan club. Each speaker praised the veterans, who appreciated the greetings.
After dinner the veterans were taken to one end of the room where they were presented with Christmas gifts taken from a tree.
From the front page of The High Point Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1922
No comments:
Post a Comment