Mountain Remnant Brigade
United Confederate Veterans Confederate Reunion at Mason At 9 a.m. the bugle call sounded long and loud calling the Mountain Remnant Brigade C. V., to assemble on the public square in the historic town of Mason, in Mason county, for the reunion of 1906. While
the several bands discoursed music a large number of beautifully
decorated floats drove into the square and the general and his staff
were seated in the foremost one, preceded by the splendid Liberty Hill
band of about 30 members and followed by some 40 floats and vehicles
magnificently decorated and containing veterans, wives and daughters of
the Confederacy. Then the Katemcy band heading the Woodmen, Maccabees and Red Men in beautifully decorated floats; then came the Mason band heading the business floats, splendidly decorated; then came the Hofman
band heading the Rifle club, and following the Rifle club came
the undecorated vehicles and horsemen, that made the procession nearly
2 miles long. The marshals were Col. Tom Rainey, R. H. Garner, Max Martin and A. W. Koock,
who kept the procession in perfect order and made the parade to the
grounds a sight to be long remembered by all who witnessed it. It was
nearly 10:30 a.m. before the parade reached the grand stand, and 11
a.m. when General Melton
tapped the gavel and called the Brigade to order. The chaplain invoked
the blessing of the God of battles on the meeting, and when he had
finished the prayer the amens responded by the members of brigade
testified the interest the old soldiers were taking in the proceedings.
Then came a song of welcome by the Daughters of the Confederacy beautifully rendered. General W. Holland
then made the welcome address, and at its close every veteran felt that
if he did not enjoy the reunion, it would be his own fault, and not the
citizens of Mason county.
General W. T. Melton, commanding the brigade, in choice and loving words responded for the brigade. Then the splendid band rendered Dixie and the old boys went almost wild with joy.
Hon. J. L Slayden then made a speech, reviewing in brief the war, its ending, and since. He spoke of the histories that were being used in our schools that were not true in many particulars, but that were misleading our boys and girls. He very forcibly urged the appointment of a historian by every camp, to compile a true history of the event of the war from personal knowledge, so that a correct and authentic history may be handed down to posterity, and render justice to the South and give the true cause of the war. He eulogized the Southern soldier and sailor, and contended that they have never been equaled in the history of the world. Then adjournment for dinner. 2 p.m. bugle call; music by the band. Speech by Hon. Joe Adkins, who recounted the history of his family record. Left an orphan in 1864, his father and several brothers killed in battle and he and his mother driven from home out into the winter storm, where his sick mother perished and he was left alone almost a baby in age but a Confederate in blood and spirit. Music by the band. Mrs. Tommie Kidd gave a eulogy on the Southern boy and girl, entitled “Lest We Forget,” that was grand and patriotic and instructive to all. Charles Harrald, Blanco county; Total,
17 lost of the roll since 1905. As the names were called the comrades
who knew them best spoke of their good qualities, and of the entire
report 15 out of the 17 were reported as follows: A good soldier; good
citizen since the war and died a good Christian. The other two were
reported as good soldiers and citizens, but no knowledge of their
Christian character. What a band are going home.
Music by the band. Dinner. 2:30 p.m., called to order by general. Annual address, Hon. Clarence Martin.
This gifted and eloquent jurist held the immense crowd almost
spellbound as he spoke of the false histories used in our schools, that
had never done justice to the Southern soldier, whom he characterized
as having no equal in the history of the world for bravery and
endurance, and the women of the South deserved to have a monument
erected in their honor that would reach almost to the heavens. He, like
Mr. Slayden, urged that a
committee on history be created by the brigade, and the old vets should
furnish this camp with a short history from personal knowledge from the
beginning to the end of the war, of battles and events, so that a
correct and authentic history may be given to posterity, instead of the
present prejudiced and untruthful ones that are now being used to
mislead our children and their posterity.
After the speech, music by the band. Committee on history and printing appointed: A. F. Hicks, Ron W. Palmer and Joe F. Brown. 8 p.m. bugle call.
8:30 a.m., called to order by the general. Business session.
Nominations for place to meet in 1907. Fredericksburg
was put in nomination, and as she had three pledges, one from Brady,
one from Menardville and one from Mason to support her claim for 1907,
this practically gave her the reunion, and it was so decided
unanimously.
Election of officers: W. T. Melton by acclamation for general; Ben W. Palmer, Col. 1st regiment; Tom F. Rainer, Col. 2nd regiment; T. B. Thaxton, Col. 3rd regiment; A. F. Hicks, adj Gen; H. J. Dawson, Q. M. Gen. Miss Mamie Melton the ____ young song bird of the general staff, was elected as the Daughter of the Brigade for life (or until she marries) by acclamation. J. W. Patterson of Kingsland presented her with a coin dated 1355 which she will have mounted and wear as a souvenir. The constitution was changed so as not to conflict with the primaries, and now the reunion will be held on the first Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of August of each year. Report of the finance committee complimented Adj. Gen. A. F. Hicks on his splendid, perfect and systematic management and work, and urged that he be retained as adjutant general, which was done by acclamation and the Confederate yell and Dixie, with three cheers. Hon. Clarence Martin was elected unanimously to deliver the annual address at Fredericksburg the first day; Hon. Joe Adkins, second day address; Hon C. H. Jenkins third day address.
2:30 p.m., called to order by the general. Hon. A. A. Moursund
feeling addressed for veterans and bade them a kind farewell,
expressing the wish that they might live to enjoy many more reunions
with their comrades before passing over the river.
Resolution thanking the people of Mason county for the courtesies and splendid management of the different committees, the Daughters of the Confederacy, the bands, the press, the railroads, and all that had contributed to the success of the meeting, carried unanimously. The brigade was then called to its feet and after prayer by the chaplain the general declared the reunion adjourned to meet at Fredericksburg the first Wednesday of August, 1907, at 9 a.m.
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