2*76 Southern Historical Society Papers.
orable war. They have expressed the sincerest sympathy with the sufferings and misfortunes of illustrious foemen. They have rejoiced at the brilliant successes of many of their late antagonists, and they have contributed to those successes. But no generous conqueror wishes the conquered to forget their old ties and their old loves. No generous conqueror wishes us to disparage the grand heroism and the unparalleled constancy of the Confederates in the ranks. No generous conqueror expects us to underrate the ability of our great leaders because they were defeated, and unfairly fail to take into con- sideration that their defeat was due to overwhelming numbers. Every schoolboy knows of Thermopylae, and of Leonidas, defeated and slain ; but who of you can tell the name of the victorious Persian commander of the Dori-Phori, who attacked him in front? Who of you remembers the name of the commander of the so-called Immortal Band which, having gone through a secret defile, attacked him suc- cessfully in rear ?
The historian of the present looks only at victory and defeat. The historian of the past looks at all the surroundings. But even now we of the present, who have seen the great movements of our wonderful leaders, can look at those surroundings. Every one with Southern blood in his veins places in the front rank of the world's great com- manders, the two modest men who sleep so quietly and so unostenta- tiously at Lexington, Virginia. Every one with Southern blood in his veins cherishes in his inmost soul the memory of their great deeds as a precious legacy to the land they loved so well.
General Hill was vociferously applauded as he took his seat, and was warmly congratulated on his speech.
General Early was loudly called for, but excused himself from responding, except to remind his friend, General Hill, that the Fed- eral estimate of the Confederate strength at Sharpsburg was made by General Banks, who always saw the " rebels " through a pow- erful magnifying glass whenever " Stonewall" Jackson was about.
In response to calls, General W. B. Taliaferro made a brief and stirring speech, which was loudly applauded.
The officers of last year insisted upon a change, and a committee consisting of Captain C. A. Bohannon, General William McComb, and N. V. Randolph reported the following who were unanimously elected :
For President: Major- General William B. Taliaferro.
Vice- Presidents : Major- General William Smith, Colonel Charles
