Shaft to Historic Old Portsmouth Artillery. 155
pushed on, but were captured and paroled in South Carolina, so ended my career as a Confederate soldier.
My wife was a refugee in Richmond, therefore I made my way to that city. I wore the uniform in which I surrendered, having on this coat, and coming out of Fourth street to the corner of Broad, I met the provost guard in command of a lieutenant, who accosted me : "Don't you know it is against orders to wear those buttons?" and before allowing me time to respond, ordered his men to cut them off, and the soldiers performed the operation. When it was over I said : "Well, that is the bravest act I have witnessed since I have been in Richmond." The "brave" officer warned me to say no more on penalty of arrest. I was under parole, and it was a humiliating oppression, which I knew General Grant would have scorned; but I have forgiven all of my enemies, and have since made many dear friends among those who wore the blue uniform. Since the day of parole, I have always endeavored to follow the advice of General Lee, and be a good citizen of the United States.
THE PATRIOTISM OF PEACE.
Colonel William H. Stewart on the Lessons of Adversity
The Star Spangled Banner and the Southern
Cross on the Same Rock.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Soldiers and Veterans of the Portsmouth Light Artillery :
What is the meaning of this vast throng of people ?
Why have these men turned from their daily labor to pause here in the highway ?
Why this rest of strong soldiers in martial ranks ?
Why these happy,- beaming eyes of youth 'and beauty ?
Why these grateful hearts of venerable sires ?
Why the one mind to halt here in the presence of mute blocks of stone at this hour? Is it the force of patriotism ? Is it the spon- taneous outburst of gratitude for the chivalry of fathers ? Is it the love of household gods home love ? Is it to honor virtue and kindle the flame for this (monument) stone vestal lamp to light the path of honor and glory forever ?
Yes. It is Portsmouth striking the cords of civic pride in the hearts of her young people.
