The Confederate Reunion

Marble Falls Messenger, 11 August 1910

      On the morning of the 3rd of August, 1910, the bugle call sounded loud and long calling the veterans of the brigade to assemble for the annual reunion, and flags went up over every department except three, and all were ready for the business of the brigade meeting.

      The encampment was held in the beautiful park belonging to the city, and with the lofty pecan trees, tents and flags made a picture that will long be remembered.

      Promptly at 9 a.m. the general gave the command calling the meeting to order, and while the veterans were being seated the splendid band gave one of their choice selections, and at its close all were called to their feet and the chaplain general offered a prayer for the success of the meeting.

      Hon. W. D. Yett made the welcome address and it was a welcome indeed, and the old veterans felt that it was go genuine that they were already paid for the dry and hot journey they had taken to reach this beautiful city on the banks of the mighty Colorado river.

      Hon. Clarence Martin of the general’s staff responded in his happy way, and the fraternal sentiment expressed by this gifted orator and jurist made all feel that the time had indeed come when we were the recipients of a loving and genuine welcome. Then followed more music by the band, after which came our distinguished congressman, Jas. L. Slayden, who in his happy way held the immense audience entranced as in review he took up the war of the 60’s with its wonderful record of brave men who have been the admiration of the world. The gentleman said Julius Caesar with his legions of brave warriors, Napoleon with his wonderful troops, all paled before the luster and brightness of the American soldiers, on both sides, that took part in this mighty conflict that was never equaled by mortal man; and only ended when the Southern soldier was worn out by force of numbers, and were too tired to continue the struggle. And when the war was over and they returned to private life they continued to display the greatness of their lives and took up the duties of life with so much courage that the Southland has again assumed the appearance and stability of a great and prosperous nation, second to none on the face of the globe. After the gentleman closed his speech, the dinner was next on the program.

      2 p.m. bugle call. The historian of the brigade, Hon. Joe Frazier Brown, entertained the veterans as only he can with choice selections of poetry and song. Then came Dixie by the band, which called for the rebel yell that was the terror of the enemy during the war.

      Inspector General McInnis then made a short address full of patriotism and love for the Lost Cause.

      The agricultural exhibit sent out by the State then arrived, and for the balance of the evening was enjoyed by the veterans.

      8:30 p.m. bugle call for the annual sermon by the chaplain general was next in order and completed the services of the first day.

Second Day

      9 a.m. bugle call. Music by the band. Called to order by the general. Prayer by the chaplain general. Memorial service. Roll of dead 17, as follows:

      All but two of the above died Christians. Talks by their old comrades, followed by hand shaking and son, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder I’ll be There.” Dinner.

      2 p.m. Bugle call. 2:15 called to order and invocation. Talk by Captain Clarence Martin of the general staff that was grand and which the veterans applauded heartily. The old boys certainly love “Our Clarence” as they call him. Then came a graphic description of several battles by Colonel Bates from personal observation on the field, and so real to life was his description of the bloody encounters that you could almost fancy you were viewing the greatest and most bloody carnage the world has ever known. It was certainly a most thrilling and faithful word painting of a great and mighty battle with all its attending horrors and sufferings. He finished with this statement, that the American soldier can whip any other in the world but cannot whip each other, for as soon as they have rested a little after they have been subdued they will come again and again and fight it over and over until time shall end for them. More music by the band. Then Col. Tom Hill of the 4th regiment showed very conclusively that he was well up in the history of the Lost Cause, and should the occasion ever require it would be as ready to fight again as he was when he went into the war of the sixties. Judge Cook made a most eloquent talk of the reminiscences of the struggle between the North and South and how fast the old veterans were passing away, and that soon it would be a rare sight and a difficult thing to see a line of veterans of the war. He was glad that with very few exceptions the North and South were again a united people, knowing no North, South, East or West.

      8:30 p.m., entertainment by the matron and her staff that was greatly appreciated.

Third Day

      9 a.m., bugle call.

      9:15 a.m., called to order by the general commanding. Prayer by the chaplain. Business meeting. First, nomination for place of meeting in 1911. Ballinger was nominated and Llano was nominated. After speeches on both sides a vote was taken and Ballinger won out by 15 votes, when Llano magnanimously moved to make the nomination unanimous, which was done; and the brigade will meet at Ballinger the first Wednesday in August 1911. Then came the election of officers as follows:

Aides de camp, Jas. Callan, Menardville; C. H. Jenkins, Brownwood; Joe A. Adkins, Brady; Clarence Martin, Fredericksburg; B. H. Riley, Fredericksburg; A. N. Moursand, Mason.

      Resolution offered as follows:

      Resolved, That the State encampment of Confederate soldiers be and are hereby requested by this brigade to memorialize the Legislature to so amend the pension law as to insure to those entitled to a pension such an amount per month as the encampment in their judgment may decide right and proper. Moved by Col. McInnis and seconded by Col. Tom Hill and carried unanimously.

      Resolution offered by Captain Clarence Martin and carried unanimously by rising vote:

      Be it resolved by the Mountain Remnant Brigade of Confederate Veterans,, now assembled in annual encampment at Marble Falls, Texas, August 5th, 1910:

      That we tender to the citizens of Marble Falls and Burnet county who assisted in the splendid reception and entertainment in our annual meeting at this place, our sincere thanks and gratitude for their genuine hospitality and the many and varied courtesies extended us.

      We desire especially to thank the members of the various committees who worked so unceasingly in our behalf, and to the splendid band for their music that added so much to our entertainment and pleasure, and to the chaplain who labored so faithfully in our behalf; also to all who assisted in making our three days encampment one continual round of pleasure; and to all who assisted in our entertainment we wish to assure you of our appreciation for what you did for us while we remained with you, and we will ever remember with gratitude to you all the pleasure you conferred on us while with you on this occasion will be treasured up as one of the most pleasant meetings in the history of the brigade.

                              Signed Clarence Martin, W. W. Bales, T. G. Hill,         Committee.

      No further business appearing the general called the brigade to attention and after prayer by the chaplain the general declared the encampment adjourned to meet at Ballinger the first Wednesday in August, 1911.

      Flags were then pulled down and tents struck and the encampment of the Mountain Remnant Brigade of Confederate Veterans for 1910 was ended.

                                                A.F. HICKS, Adjutant