'< •tuQ'i ^\ "hV .<^^^0 ^"'^^. < o -^^0^ <> 'o..* G^ "^^ *?XT* .'V <. 'o.T* .G^ ^ N^ »;;^ .0^ ^0 ^^ 3477-l6<^ M /j ^^>^ s ^^.^^ Bebicatton of t^e iKcinoml jf lag ^taff at ttif i^ttljotitst Horn, for tl)e ^get College l^ni, €iminmtU flDi^fo September 20, 1909 Base and Flag Stai- UlU 71 jjju -"' -"-^'^•^i-HODisT Home ion Ti »"., WHICH IS 43 FEET SQVARE FKOM CUBB TO c Cl.B nnh Mim Staff to |[lbutmant %mx^t ^. ^anfcmnt folj0 fell ai (Ulitclmmauga, Septem- ber tfoenttetiy, ^tgi^teen Ijmtbreh nnb stxtg-ti|ree, foijUe bcarhtg a mes- aage front (general ^Ijontaa to (Sen- erttl ^oBccrans CPn % ^Sfortg-stjctlj JVmti6ersar^ of {jls Pleljop Solfn jiH- ^ifalben, presUrfng ^Mb a Sermon }jreacl|eh % professor ^. ^. Qlurrter, ^. ^., of ®berltn, ®{po, in ^ilsim (Eii^el, ai tlje ^ettjoWst "^anu for tl|c ^^geb, S^pte^nbcr mneteetrflj, ^htetcen l|«nl>reh anh ntnc •T) 0^" &\^: Stlf^ i^htrattcn BtxmttB ON A PERFECT autumn morning, Monday, September twentieth, nineteen hundred and nine, the forty-sixth anniversary of the death of Lieutenant George W. Landrum, a company composed of the family connection, a few special friends, and the Home for the Aged household as- sembled to honor the memory of a patriot who will- ingly gave his life to preserve the Union. By impres- sive ceremonies, religious and patriotic, the superb flagstaff and massive base built on classic lines of massive proportions were solemnly dedicated to the memory of a brave soldier of the Union Army, erected by his appreciative and loving sister, Mrs. Amanda Landrum Wilson, wife of Obed J. Wilson, Esq., of Cincinnati. Owing to the condition of Mr. Wilson's health, at that date, this service was not a public one, only the family connection, among them two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Landrum Stor\e and Mrs. Amanda Landrum Wilson, were present, and the Home family and at- taches being invited. Lieutenant Landrum was of the old Guthrie Grays Regiment, and is remembered by many Cincinnatians, as well as by his companions in arms, who revere his memory. He was every inch a soldier. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were Revolutionary soldiers. He was the son of a -3 — Methodist clergyman, the Rev. Francis Landrum, of the Kentucky Conference, and built a character worthy of his noble ancestors which commanded the respect of his generals, as well as his fellow-officers. Appre- ciating the danger fully on entering the army, he was ready to lay down his life for the Union, if need be, a willing sacrifice for his country. Mortally wounded and dying, he said to Surgeon J. F. S. Thompson: "I am not afraid to die. I have the consolation of know- ing that I die in a glorious cause." We do well to honor such heroes. After the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" by Smittie's band, the flag was raised by Captain Pel- ton, a seaman many years, now of the Home family, who has charge of the flag, 15 by 25 feet, which he gracefully unfurled to the breeze. Its exceptional beauty awakened much enthusiasm. Dr. H. C. Weakley, on behalf of the donor, pre- sented for dedication to Bishop John M. Walden, pre- siding, this great flag outfit, the staff over one hundred feet high above the level of the base, capped with a copper ball finished in gold leaf, saying we do well to honor thus the patriotism, moral and religious worth, the courage and fidelity as a soldier that led Lieuten- ant Landrum to go fearlessly onward amidst the immi- nent danger in the path of duty to carry the message to General Rosecrans, sending back his comrade to tell General Thomas of the changed position of the Confederate army. Reared in a Methodist parsonage, with high ideals of life and duty gotten in the home school, he faltered not before any call of duty. From his grand and great-grandfathers, who served in the Revolutionary Army, he inherited sympathies and tendencies that led — 4 — him promptly to enlist for service in defense of his country. Faithfulness seemed to have been the watch- word of his life. He won and held appreciative friends at home and in the army by this characteristic, as well as by his marked abilities. While we unite to crown his memory with honor here, we believe he is crowned with glory on high. All honor to such heroes ! Mr. Obed J. Wilson impressively recited the fol- lowing verses from a poem he wrote at the beginning of the Civil War: WttY 3FIag All hail to the banner our fathers defended I This beautiful banner, the ensign of right, Where the rose and the lily and violet are blended, And the stars of the firmament cluster in light, Hail I Flag of our Country, whose rich constellation Lights the swift growth of empire, of State linked to State; Ever broad'ning and strengthening the stable foundation Of our glorious Republic, the free and the great. Long, long, may it wave o'er a united Nation, Whose people as one shall its honor defend As the ages roll on, from all base profanation Of lips that would mock it, or hands that would rend: Then let us unite in fraternal hosanna. And give from each soul ever loyal and true. Three hearty good cheers for the Star-Spangled Banner! Three cheers, with a will, for the Red, White, and Blue! ****** May our sons and our daughters to remote generations, Still lift up their voices in loyal acclaim, To our Flag as the Flag of the Foremost of Nations, In the long roll of Glory, Prosperity, Fame! May God, in his goodness, ever lend his protection, To its folds floating freely o'er the homes of the free, And shield all its children from dishonor, defection ; lo-Triumphant ! Peace, crowned !— Victory ! Three rousing cheers for Old Glory were given by the patriotic group. —5 — Professor A. H. Currier, D.D., of Oberlin College, read the lattk %mti of % HFpitbltr Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord : He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword — His truth is marching on. I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps ; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flarmg lamps — His day is marching on. I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel : "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal : Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel — Since God is marching on." He hath sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat ; O, be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! be jubilant my feet ! — Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea. With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me ; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free — While God is marching on. — Julia fVard Hoiue. Bishop Walden then introduced the Rev. Dr. R. H. Rust, a former pastor of the family, who made the principal address. It was the effort of a master, and inspired those present with new appreciation and love for the flag. The following is a part of his remarks: Patriotism is a duty and privilege. The home, the flag, and the cross are symbols of the noblest and most sacred affections or treasures of feeling in human na- — 6 — ture. Love and sacrifice are inseparable. The law of love is the principle of the spiritual world just as gravi- tation is the governing force of space. History has always recognized patriotism as a lofty virtue, and patriots as the brightest jewels upon her pages. Their greatness and services are as valuable as that of poets, philosophers, statesmen, and clergymen. The conflict of the elements of nature were neces- sary for the beautiful world in which we dwell. War, with its pageantry and pangs, its harvest of heroes and vintage of blood, has ever been the law of human progress. The martys of all ages have been our noblest bene- factors — " For humanity sweeps onward, whereto-day the martyr stands, On the morrow crouches Judas with the silver in his hands ; And the hooting mob of yesterday to-day in silent awe returns To gather up the scattered ashes into history's golden urns." Whenever memory dwells on any gifted spirit that has passed from one world to the other, it brings both worlds within our nearer view ; the world of this mor- tal life, and the other world of our ideal vision of our deepest longings, and hopes of future reunions. This true knight of patriotism gave his life for the preservation of the Union. The Soldier of the Re- public saved the nation. Love holds him dear, and the crown of loyalty rests upon his brow, and he is enshrined in grateful remem- brance by those who knew his worth and the willing sacrifice he made for this land of liberty. A beautiful Christian life— death can not end that. It is great to live it; it is glorious to leave it as the sign that we — 7 — have been. From beyond the dim mists, from behind the alabaster veil the life still shines time-ward. He who so lives as to be missed when he is gone; who has so framed himself into the necessities of the living as to leave behind him a lasting influence, fulfills the purpose he was divinely sent to execute, and re- cords a grand success amid countless failures. Then followed remarks by Rev. F. E. Bigelow, of Newport, Ky.: Revered Chairman and Esteemed Friends: — From the very moment that the breezes caught the ascending flag, and caused it to unfold in all its beauty, we have been inspired by the solemnity and glory of this occasion. This feeling has been intensified as we have listened to poem and address interspersed with uplifting music. There remains but little for me to say, further than to express the sense of honor which I feel at being permitted a share in these exercises. It is right that the noble lives of those who heroically gave themselves for their country should be commem- orated, and we all appreciate the fitness of this memorial which we are dedicating to-day. The stain- less life of a noble Christian soldier, who fell in fulfillment of his duty, is best commemorated by the stainless flag. And it is yet more fitting that this memorial should be erected under the shadow of an institution such as this by which we stand — the noblest expression of the spirit of fraternal love which Christianity exemplifies. We stand at the vantage point of history, and are able to see what was accomplished by the life and death struggle in which our fallen brother had a part. We see how the years have united the once severed portions of our land, until now we are one nation, united with a solidity as sure as that suggested by this foundation base upon which we are assembled. And from the center rises heavenward this stafiF of steel from which is to float the banner of freedom and peace. May the blessing of God rest upon you, the beloved sister, in whose heart was conceived this beautiful memorial, and upon your honored husband. And may its message ever be to those who behold the message of a pure life, of a noble deed of patriotic sacrifice, of a united nation whose flag now waves in the name of liberty and peace, and of the spirit of the coming uni- versal Kingdom which is the rule of God in the hearts of men through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rev. C. G. McNeill, of the Christian Standard, Cin- cinnati, Ohio, spoke as follows: Friends: — As the flag was being raised, and during these most inspiring exercises connected therewith, we all expe- rienced such an exaltation of emotions as carried us up among the clouds, speaking figuratively. Now that we are all on our feet, on the earth again, I give expression to some of my feelings. Doubtless we all have attended flag-raisings before. In my own life time I have been present at many. They were always in the midst of political campaigns. There was always a partisan feeling in connection with it. Each party sought to have the biggest flag, and the tallest pole. Partisan feeling ran high. Never before to-day have I attended a flag raising at which partisan feeling was absolutely nil. Here it was con- spicuous by its total absence. Thus it was so much — 9 — more beautiful and in every way so much better that I have had no doubt you all felt the difference as I did. And I am wondering if this day's ceremonies may not be the beginning of a new era in such things, and find myself wishing that it may become a custom throughout our land to have all our flag raisings, in every community, and at every institution, at some other time than during a political campaign, say on the Fourth of July, or some other similar public day, so that all participants, and all the citizenship round about may have an equal interest in it, with feelings unmarred by divisive rivalry, but with emotions so much more patriotic as to be fraternal. Perhaps the glories of this day's exercises may usher in the beginning of the better way. Bishop Walden impressively closed the services, emphasizing the significance of the American flag as to religious freedom as well as to our civil liberty, in well chosen phrase, then offered the dedicatory prayer. Dr. S. O. Royal pronounced the benediction. Before, during, and after the services, Smittie's band furnished stirring strains of martial music, play- ing the national airs between parts. 10 Wf&ct of tij? B>tgnal (EorpB Washington, yipril 7, 1864. General Orders, \ No. 18. / It is with feelings of profound sorrow and regret that I am called upon to announce to the Corps under my command, that one of its bravest and most talented officers. Lieutenant George W. Landrum, 2d Ohio Volunteers, and Acting Signal Officer, was killed upon the battlefield of Chickamauga. The fate of this officer has been, until the present time, involved in doubt and uncertainty. Unceasing eflforts have been made to ascertain if he were a prisoner of war (as there have been rumors giving evidence to such belief), but all to no purpose. The following extract, from a communication signed by J. T. S. Thompson, Surgeon 3d Tenn. Regiment (Confederate Army), now a prisoner of war, published in a Western paper for the information of friends of the deceased, presents, it is believed, a true history of the fate of this gallant officer: Cincinnati Commercial, i864 5II|? Ji^at? uf iCi^iitfitant fCattiintm [The fate of this highly respected young officer has been involved in doubt since the battle of Chicka- mauga. At one time it was believed he had fallen into — 11 — the hands of the rebels and was a prisoner of war. But his name never appeared in any of the hsts of prisoners. His relatives have made every effort, by correspondence and personal inquiry, to penetrate the mystery, but in vain. The following letters, however, which we received on Monday, show that he died a hero and a patriot at Chickamauga. It is a melancholy satisfaction to his many friends and relatives to be placed in possession of the particulars of his death, and they may well feel a mournful pride and pleasure in the knowledge that his last words were so becoming and so characteristic of the true soldier. — Eds. Com.] Decatur, Ala., March 23, 1864. Eds. Com. — Will you be kind enough to hand the within note to the parents or friends of George W. Landrum, First Lieutenant of Signal Corps, killed at the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. Sur- geon J. T. S. Thompson, (a prisoner of war, captured near this place by the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry,) learning I was from Cincinnati, informed me of these facts and wrote this request, and not knowing the deceased or his parents, I take the liberty of sending it to you. Your friend. Dr. Gaines, Post Hospital. Decatur, Ala., March 22, 1864. Lieutenant George Landrum, of Cincinnati, received his mortal wound on the 20th day of September, 1863, during the battle of Chickamauga. He lived about two hours after receiving the wound, a portion of which time he suffered very much. A Minie ball passed through the pelvis, penetrating the bladder. He was on his horse riding in a gallop at the time he received the wound. I saw him in a few moments — 12 — after he had fallen. He was suffering very much, but rested much easier after I gave him a small dose of morphine. After he had grown easy he asked me to give him my candid opinion of his condition. When I told him that I thought he would certainly die in a short time, he remarked that he was not afraid to die; that he had the consolation of knowing that he was dying In a glorious cause. He requested me, if I had an opportunity, to Inform his relatives of his death and how he died. He was decently burled the next day after he died. J. T. S. Thompson, Surgeon 3d Tenn. Regt., Prisoner of War. Evincing, In his daily Intercourse with his brother officers, traits of character of the highest order, bril- liant as a man of intellect, and a brave and energetic soldier, his loss Is deeply lamented. But, while we mourn him, we may remember, with peculiar pride, that he met his glorious fate of a hero, upon the bloody field of Chickamauga, while bravely discharging his duty. May our last words be his — "I am not afraid to die." In respect to his memory, the officers of fhe Signal Corps will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. By order of Major W. J. T. Nicodemus, _ (In charge of Bureau of the Signal Corps), Henry V. Taft, ^ ' Captain and Signal Officer. 13 A meeting of the friends of Lieutenant George W. Landrum was yesterday held in Room No. 2, Superior Court. Chas. R. Cist, Esq., was appointed president, and T. B. Disney, secretary. L. D. Champlin, Esq., Judge Hoadley, and Captain James Warnock were appointed a Committee on Resolutions, and submitted the following, which, after some remarks by Judge Hoadley, Captain James War- nock, Chas. E. Cist, and others, was unanimously adopted and a copy directed to be sent to the family of the deceased. George W. Landrum, killed in the gallant discharge of the noblest of duties, at Chickamauga, was in life a man of kindly and genial spirit, and many accomplish- ments: in death, a hero for whom we mourn, and yet with the consolation of knowing that he felt how glorious a privilege it was to die such a death. We, his friends and associates, who long hoped that his absence from the army might be accounted for by captivity at the South, have at last learned the manner of his death with grief and pain on our own account, as hereafter to be denied the pleasure of his society in this life, but with gratitude to the Giver of all good, who vouchsafed to our friend so noble an end to a worthy life, and made his death a victory. — 14 — The military and noble bearing of Lieutenant Landrum everywhere, especially in the fury of conflict, arrested attention, which, with his courage and loyalty to duty on the field of battle, won the admiration of friend and foe alike. The following extracts from letters of Confederate officers who witnessed his death bear testimony to the truth of this statement : Col. James D. Tillman, in command of the Con- federate troops before whom he fell mortally wounded, writing under date of Nov. 23, 1894, says : " The incident of the shooting of Lieut. Landrum on that Sunday afternoon (at Chickamauga) has been spoken of at reunions of Confederate soldiers and around the domestic fireside and on hunting and fishing excursions for more than twenty-five years, but none of us ever knew the name of the officer until I got into corre- spondence with Mr. Smartt." — IS — (dopg nf a Sl^tt^r from QI0I 3laa. i. ©tUmatt of tl|? OIonf^&^ratF Armg Fayetteville, Tenn., Oct. 13, 1894. J. P. Smart, Esq. Dear Sir : — If there is any place I could locate on the Chickamauga battle-field it is the place where the Fed- eral officer on the gray horse fell. I have just seen Mr. Bagley mentioned in my last letter. He also remembers, like myself, distinctly the incident, and I have not seen at any time a member of my command who does not remember it. I will try to come to Chattanooga during the next month, and will try to get Mr. Bagley to come with me. It is admitted that Bagley fired the first of the many shots fired at Landrum. We could give no informa- tion as to the place of his burial. Truly yours, Jas. D. Tillman, Col. in Confederate Army. — 16- Ixtrart torn a SIrttrr Urttt^ti by dlnpt. 01. 1. lagkg of tljp (EnnfFli^ratf Army Fayetteville, Tenn., Dec. 1, 1894. Mr. O. J. Wilson, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir : — I assure you it gave me great pleasure to be of service to you and Mrs. Wilson in helping to locate the spot where your dear one fell. I join you in all honor to the brave spirits on both sides who gave up their lives in defense of what they thought was right. Immediately, after meeting you on your ar- rival at Chattanooga, there came over me a peculiar sadness I never felt before, and on retiring that night I asked the Lord to guide us to the spot where Lieut. Landrum fell, for the loving sister's sake. The prayer was answered. On coming to the spot it was perfectly familiar, though thirty-one years had passed since I saw it. I did not make it known until I had gone beyond to the point where I was wounded. It was also readily found. All was then clear. I was prepared to point out to you the two locations, which Col. Till- man also recognized as being the spot C. B. Bagley. — 17 — (Hopu of iMtn of E. E. WtUtama, An WfCxav in tl|? dianUhtvnU Armg Mt. Pleasant, Tenn., Oct. 13, 1894. Mr. J. P. Smart, Chattanooga, Tenn. Dear Sir: — I have been handed a communication written by you to Capt. W. S. Gennings, who com- manded a Company of the 3rd Tenn. Regiment, and he being absent, during the battle of Chickamauga, command of the Company devolved upon me as First Lieutenant. I recollect very vividly the circumstances you relate in your communication, and they are very accurate in detail. Especially do I recall the fate of the brave cavalier, who so regardless of his fate, and intent on delivering his dispatches, attempted to run the gauntlet of our line of skirmishers. I do n't remember whether I had charge of the skirmishers or not, but think I must have had, as I was near enough to see all of the affair, and recall the facts as fully as if they occurred but yesterday. I have often wondered who this person was, and what was his errand and rank. The flight of his beautiful gray steed, seem- ingly conscious of the importance of his mission, and the manly, erect, dignified bearing of the rider, to whom danger seemed to develop his fullest stature, — 18 — recalled to me more than anything I ever saw, the stir- ring description of the heroic knights of ancient chiv- alry. I have never visited the battle field of Chickamauga, but if I could be placed on Snodgrass Ridge, I think I could identify the very spot on which he fell, or within a few yards. I suppose it was about one o'clock. Yours very respectfully, (Signed) R. R. Williams. 19 — %Httt ta iirfi. 3im. p. Irabl^g. lister nf 2It?ut^«attt (i^nrgF W. IQanbrum, January, 1BB3. Hd. Qrs. Center 14th, Army Corps, MURFREESBORO, TeNN. Dear Minnie: You have doubtless read many accounts of the great battle we fought, of the awful sacrifice of life, the almost numberless host of wounded, and the great loss of property. But I do not believe anyone can give you in a letter any idea of the terrible reality. The battlefield was strewn for miles and miles with the dead, dying, and wounded soldiers, horses, and negroes. There was continuous fighting for five days. The hardest, fiercest fight was on the 31st of Dec. On that day at daylight the enemy attacked our right wing (Genl. McCook's Corps), taking our men by surprise. Many of our officers were still in their beds, the men cooking their breakfasts, and the artillerymen water- ing their horses. The attack was fiercely made, and the enemy completely turned our right wing, driving us back about two and one-half miles. The slaughter was terrible. They captured several of our batteries (as the horses were away), a great number of prison- ers, and a great many wagons. A perfect panic was started in the right wing, and was fast spreading to — 20 — our whole army, when Genl. Rousseau came on to the field and ordered his Division — the old Third, now the First — on to the charge. It was beautifully done. He checked, and finally drove the enemy back, slaugh- tering them by the hundreds. Again they came on, and again were driven back. So it was for four or five hours. Their loss was greater than ours, and they were gradually forced back on the center, but held the ground they had gained on the right. At about four o'clock Genl. Rosecrans collected all his batteries at a position to the right, and the fight raged on. Our grape, cannister, and shells mowed them down like grass. The cannonading was deafen- ing, and between the discharges of the batteries could be heard the rattling war of the musketry dealing death to the traitors even more fearfully than the artil- lery. But they fought like very devils, and for a long time it was doubtful as to whether we could hold our own even. Our right had been turned, our line of battle changed, the enemy's cavalry were in our rear cutting into and burning our wagons by the hundreds. The roads and woods were full of our flying men spreading the report: "We are cut all to pieces; every officer in our regiment killed! We are all that is left," etc., etc., ad infinitum. All this was as early in the day as 11 o'clock. I had been up for three days and nights working on Signal Station, without any sleep, and with very little to eat. I did not get on to the field until about that time. The road was completely jammed with men flying on foot, on mules, on horses — sometimes two on one horse, some without hats, all without arms. Wagons were being hurried back, and our cavalry were flying in all directions. I finally made my way to the front, ' —21 — heartsick, discouraged and desponding. I could but see that we were badly whipped, and everyone seemed to think as I did; but I determined that it should never be said of me that I had joined in so disgraceful a flight. I would rather be killed on the spot than to have it in the power of any one to point to me as one of the panic-stricken men then flying from the field. I finally made my way to Genl. Thomas, and found him in the thickest of the fight. Never have I seen such terrible fighting, or heard such a continuous roar of guns, or been in a place where the grape, cannister, and musket balls rained on us as they did there. Our corps — the center — was gradually being forced back, and it seemed that all was lost; but our brave fellows stood to their work, and the tide of battle seemed to be changing. Again we were driving them back, slowly but surely. The dashing courage and bravery of Rousseau and the gallant old Third were sure to tell. Genl. Thomas, cool as marble, was thereto hold Rous- seau in check (as he is brave almost to rashness), and to these two men is due the credit of saving this army from total rout. The fight raged on, without ceasing, from daylight until it was too dark to see an enemy, and all seemed to desire rest. fVe did wish it, and were glad of the darkness. I can not describe to you my feelings that night. All with whom I conversed acknowledged we were whipped, and expected orders to come to fall back on Nashville. But how? As soon as we attempted to do that it would result in a general rout — perhaps a panic. We were evidently in a very precarious situ- ation. We had lost thousands of our brave comrades; our right was completely turned ; the enemy was an- — 22 — noying our rear, destroying our wagons and provi- sions; and all were discouraged. We did not sleep any that night, but gathered around our little fires, shivering with the cold, hungry and heartsick — not a smile on a single face; for the first time not a joke ut- tered; all gloomy, disheartened, and desponding. The Gen'ls were near by, in an old log hut, in coun- cil. Some were for falling back, some for fighting where we were as long as a man would stand. Gen- erals Thomas, Rosecrans, and Rousseau were with the latter, and it was determined to die where we were. JVe had held our council outside and come to the same conclusion. It was, I am proud to say, my wish to stay where we were if we could not go on. Oh, I can never forget one moment of that gloomy New Year's Eve, nor the de- sponding men that held the "watch-night meeting" of that night. Every minute the ambulances were pass- ing by us filled with the wounded ; the air was vile with their groans; on all sides of us the dead and dying were lying in heaps; and during this time the rain commenced to fall. Our poor men were lying out without fire (we did not dare build fires where the enemy could see us, as it would immediately draw their fire), without food, without blankets, and in the mud, too. At twelve o'clock at night (New Year's) , we shook hands all round and gloomily wished "A Happy New Year" to each other, talked of our friends at home, and each had some directions to give as to the dis- posal of personal property about us, if "anything should happen" next day. Day broke at last, and we expected, with its dawn, to hear the roar of the enemy's guns. An hour passed and only an occasional musket was heard; another — 23 — hour, no attack yet. What could it mean? We had been all over the field; the Gen'ls were posting their commands, cheering the men, and preparing to give the enemy as warm a reception as was in their power should they give us "a call." But time passed on. Twelve o'clock came, and no attack yet. We began to feel easier; they were evidently not in the best con- dition — must have been badly punished, and did not feel like coming up to time. In this way we argued and finally concluded that we were not whipped yet. All seemed to be encouraged, and faces began to wear a more cheerful aspect. Our Gen'ls rode around as cool as men could be. Rousseau was everywhere, and whenever he appeared there was a wild enthusiasm. Some of the men actually hugged his horse, shook his hands, caught hold of his legs, and nearly pulled him from his saddle. He is the most popular man in the army; just the man to com- mand the volunteers. During the afternoon there was an attack made on our right, but after two or three hours of fierce, hard fighting, they were repulsed with fearful slaughter. Our men were well handled, positions well chosen, and we drove them back with small loss on our side. There had been some skirmishing and artillery fighting all along our lines, and we had been first best all the afternoon. We again gather around our little fire at night. Our faces are a little more cheerful, so our conversation. An occasional joke is heard, and we even laugh aloud; we are in good humor. If we only had something to eat, and our blankets, we might persuade ourselves that we were really happy. Again the Gen'ls are in council. Their council is ended and we are ordered — 24 — to mount our horses and commence our rounds with Genl. Thomas. His orders are given coolly, and are executed quickly. The army have learned that they can trust in him. Every post is visited, every place examined. Genl. Rosecrans is with us, cool, calm, self- possessed— a cigar in his mouth, not lighted— never is— never saw him without it; an old hat on, a common blue overcoat. His long, large, hooked nose, sharp eyes, give him the appearance of a Jew peddler, and you involuntarily expect to hear him cry "rags, old close," etc., etc., but he is now as cheerful as he can be. He says he has '"em " just where he wants " 'em," and he and Thomas inspire all with the confidence they appear to have. We all expected they would attack us the next morn- ing, but they did not; but in the afternoon they made a terribly fierce attack on our left, and Oh, what an awful onslaught it was! On^ of our Brigades, the 23rd, in Van Cleve's Division, broke and ranhke dogs- but the 37th Ind., 18th Ohio, 19th 111., and some other regiments charged on them, and after a hard hand-to-hand fight they were driven back. Receiving re-inforcements they came on again, but were driven back, this time in wild confusion, and could not again be rallied. This fight, while it lasted, was, I think, the hottest and most closely contested of all yet, and resulted in a brilliant victory for us. The next' day the enemy commenced evacuating Murfreesboro. The next day we had some skirmishing, and at about four o'clock P. M. made our first attack on the enemy's hnes, and drove them out of their rifle-pits in front of us. That night we had a happy council around our camp-fire, and we could have a "great, big one," too. The next morning the enemy had left Murfreesboro — 25 — altogether, and after we had made a reconnoisance of the road we virtually took possession of the place. This is a confused account of a greater fight than the seven days' fight before Richmond. We lost 11,000 men, killed, wounded, and missing. The enemy lost some 15,000, so they report. They are going to make another stand at Shelbyville, some thirty miles from here, or else attack us here — they say the latter, and I should not be surprised to hear the roar of their guns at any moment. But they will not have the ad- vantage of a surprise next time, as we are doubly vigi- lant. They did not expect us to leave Nashville this winter, and had built winter quarters here expecting to stay. All praise is due our brave men. Never did men do better fighting and suffer greater hardships than they have in this great battle. They had to lie down in mud knee-deep, without blankets and without food. Many horses were eaten by our soldiers. Such men can never be whipped. They are invincible. Can their country ever be sufficiently grateful to them? Can men deserve more from their countrymen? Well, Minnie, I have been through one more battle, and am unhurt. Men have been shot down behind me, on the right of me, and on the left, and before me. Strange how one escapes and another is stricken. When I learned that Col. Fred Jones was killed it so unmanned me that I cried. Only a few hours be- fore I had shaken hands with him in front of his men. The enemy were in sight, the bullets flying around us. I was sent there under orders. I can almost feel the grip of his hand on mine as we bade each other "good-bye." I never saw him more, ff^e have all lost a friend. The country has lost a patriot, a brave offi- — 26 — cer; one who had ability, courage, and talents of a much high order than many of our Gen'ls. Heaven has gained a Saint. I have known Fred for years, and have yet to hear the first ill of him. Among the first to volunteer in defense of his country, he has earned a place in her history that few so young as he could gain, none more deservedly. He has finished his ca- reer by giving up his life in a glorious cause. He died a soldier. Let us hope not in vain. I can not describe my sensations as I passed along the lines and shook the hands of my friends. When I came to Warnock neither could speak for some time. Finally our voices came out in "God bless you, George!" from him, and "How glad I am to see you! Thank God, we are both alive," from me. You may remember that last Spring I described this place to you as one of the prettiest I had seen in "Dixie." Oh, what a change! Desolation is written over the face of the whole country. Fences are gone, yards torn up, houses burned or pulled down, and where there were then beautiful flower gardens, there are now mud-holes. Trees have been chopped down for wood, arbors destroyed, and the large, fine, and elegant residences are rapidly falling to decay. All, all is desolation ! May God, in His mercy, forever keep war from our peaceful homes in the North. Your brother, George W. Landrum. -27 — SERMON PREACHED BY REV. A. H. CURRIER, D. D. OF OBERLIN COLLEGE WILSON CHAPEL AT e miW^i mome fox i^c gg^J COLLEGE HILL CINCINNATI, OHIO Hr SEPTEMBER NINETEENTH 1909 "Harg tlitrtfavt taak a pounb of otntmrnt of purp nnvh, urrg prwinua, atth anolntfb tl|p frrt of Jraua, anb uitprb Ijta ft ft tuttlj Ijrr I|air : an& tlyp Ipusp tnaa fillrin toitli tijp oJiior of ttj? otntmrnt/* — John 12 : 3. BY THIS tender and significant act Mary ex- pressed her grateful love for Christ. As a consequence, the house was filled with the odor of the fragrant ointment. She thus gave pleasure not only to Christ, on whom she bestowed her homage, but to His disciples, and the friends and neighbors of the family, and to all in the house, including even the servants who waited on the guests at the table. And so, what otherwise would have been probably only a simple, common meal was made a delicious, memorable repast. This significant fact in the beautiful Gospel story suggests a subject worthy of our consideration. It is this: That those who love Christ and express their love in appropriate ways create a sweeter atmosphere wherever they are for all about them. They do figur- atively what Mary did literally. The figurative sense in which I use the word atmos- phere is generally well understood, though not easy precisely to define. When one speaks of himself, or others, as living in a good atmosphere, an atmosphere of peace and happiness, or of cheerfulness and content, we understand him to mean that there is something in his social environment or its spiritual conditions that produces these agreeable feelings. — 31 — This social atmosphere, like the natural atmosphere, may be healthful and exhilarating, or unhealthful and depressing. It can be illumined or darkened, sweet- ened or poisoned. "A man may be," as Robert Louis Stevenson says, "a radiating focus of good will and his entrance as though another candle had been lighted," and his departure as though a bright light had been extinguished. Families, schools, colleges, societies, and companies of every kind have, each and all, their peculiar atmos- pheres. Nothing, indeed, is more distinctive of social life in every form than its atmosphere. It may be like the fragrant air of a garden, or the malarial air of a swamp. It may stimulate to gladness and song, or hush to silence and dread, like the darkening, stifling atmosphere that precedes a storm. The social atmosphere of a company or society is determined by the prevailing spirit of the people that compose it. It is what these people make it. People actuated by the love of Christ may bring about a mar- velous change in a demoralized and degraded com- munity. The thing has often been done. Through what they do, and say, and are, they may transform the whole situation, and make life there pleasanter and happier for all concerned. Whatever be the social situation, whether fair or foul, agreeable or disagree- able, tolerable or intolerable, the disciples of Christ made it fair, or are able to do this. By their kindly, helpful, unselfish spirit, through their high aims and benevolent impulses, through the love of Christ appro- priately manifested, they may create and maintain a good atmosphere there, the atmosphere of the King- dom of God on earth. "The love of Christ appro- priately manifested !" How is this condition fulfilled? — 32 — I answer, generally by obedience to Christ's command. This is Christ's own testimony. With what growing emphasis does He thrice repeat it in the Fourteenth Chapter of John? "If ye love Me ye will keep My commandments." "He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me." "If a man love Me, he will keep My words, and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." The particular word of Christ which the Christian disciple is to keep, and in keeping which he obeys all commands, is love. "Love is the fulfilling of the law," as the Apostle Paul says. That we may perceive how significant and all com- prehending this word "love" is, let us turn to the Thirteenth Chapter of 1 Corinthians, and read slowly and thoughtfully Paul's description of its nature and operation: "Love suffereth long and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil: rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth ; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things— never faileth." According to this, the love which Christ inspires and the apostle so extols is like a necklace of pearls, or a casket of jewels. It includes the most precious and highly-prized virtues; such as, much enduring patience, unwearied kindness, freedom from envy, arro- gance and conceit; courtesy, unselfishness, good nature, unsuspiciousness, no pleasure in evil, but joy in the truth, unfailing sweetness of temper, boundless charity of judgment, inexhaustible faith and hope in the ulti- mate triumph of good." . —33 — It is not difficult to believe that any one having such a love will create a sweeter atmosphere in all places and in every relation. Is it not true that, according to their possession and manifestation of this love, people of this sort will enhance the joy and happiness of all about them? Is it not good to live within the reach of their personal influence, to be in constant or even occasional touch with them, in the house, in the store and shop, in the school and church, in the neighborhood, or even within the limits of the same city or town? It is a privilege to walk, ride, or sit and talk with them. Their visits are notable events in the lives of those who receive them. The mere meeting them on the street doth cheer and strengthen the heart like a medicine, and enrich existence with a lasting benefit. Awhile ago I fell in with some interesting reminis- cences of Henry Ward Beecher, given by a company of his friends, which aptly illustrate what I am saying. In that company were Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, General O. O. Howard, and Rev. A. H. Bradford, D. D. Their tributes concerning Mr. Beecher were as follows: Mrs. Howe said: "At one time when Mr. Beecher was reported as intending to come to Boston on an errand of business, she invited him to dine with her. Receiving an acceptance of her invitation, she went to a friend on the day of his coming, and said, 'The sun is going to rise in my house to-day. Henry Ward Beecher is to dine with me. Come and dine with us, and enjoy with me the sunshine of his presence.'" General O. O. Howard told how, on one occasion, when he was in sore trouble, Mr. Beecher met him on the street in Brooklyn, and, hastening forward to greet him, stretched out both hands to grasp his one hand (the other had been lost in the service of his country); — 34 — he took hold of it with such cordial warmth, accom- panying this action with such expressions of friendly regard and real sympathy, shown by his word and look of loving interest, that he went on his way comforted. The tribute of Dr. Bradford was illustrative of Mr. Beecher's susceptibility to religious suggestion, and gave a hint of the influence that gave to his lips their wonderful eloquence. He told how Major Pond, of the Lecture Bureau, and Mr. Beecher were driving to- gether across an Illinois prairie. Their road ran west. In the late afternoon, as the sun was setting, Mr. Beecher gazed silent and absorbed at the beautiful spectacle, like one entranced by a heavenly vision, when at length, turning to his companion and laying his hand on his knee, he said, with eyes glistening with tears and voice touched with emotion, "Just think of it, Pond; in a little while we shall be with and see Jesus 1" Now, unquestionably, a man who, like Mr. Beecher, can, as a guest or companion, by his genial presence and conversation fill a house with sunshine and inspire those who listen to him with high thoughts and uplift- ing sentiments, and whose influence, by reason of his great religious faith and hopeful spirit, makes the dull earthly present and the clouded future bright with heavenly hope, and our sad life here, despite all its sadness and hardships, appear well worth living, cre- ates a new and better atmosphere. Any man, be he an author, teacher, preacher, or lay- man, possessed of wealth and a benevolent spirit, or without money, but with an amiable disposition to be useful, agreeable, and helpful to others; any man who by his writings, public utterances, or kind and gen- erous deeds raises the level of intelligence in a com- — 35 — munity, improves its prevailing sentiment, promotes its general happiness and cheerfulness, or endows it with privileges that increase the public welfare and promote virtue, may be truly said to sweeten its atmosphere. Take Robert Burns for example. He was far from being a model man. His faults were great, so great as to forbid my speaking of him with much confi- dence as a Christian. But since he confessed and deplored his faults, and the predominant note of his poetry was Christian and he devoted his great gift largely to the exaltation of man's conception of human life and duty, for this consecration of his powers to a high purpose we may charitably think of him as a Christian, despite his faults, and honor him, as we honor King David, as a real servant of God, notwith- standing his human infirmities. Certainly he created a new atmosphere for his countrymen, so that Scotland has been another Scotland since his day to peasant, commoner, and noble. " Touched by his hand the wayside weed Becomes a flower; the lowliest reed Beside the stream Is clothed with beauty ; gorse and grass And heather when his footsteps pass The brighter seem. " And now he haunts his native land As an immortal youth ; his hand Guides every plow ! He sits beside each ingle nook ; His voice is in each running brook Each rustling bough." This uplifting influence of Burns is not confined to his native land. It follows his countrymen like a sweet fragrance of their homeland to the far-off places of the globe to which they emigrate. — 36 — There is a striking evidence of this, which I myself have lately seen, in the City Park of Denver, Colo. In a conspicuous spot in this City Park the countrymen of Burns residing in Denver have placed to his mem- ory a beautiful bronze statue, of heroic size and noble expression, in grateful recognition of the honor their native land, and of the personal benefit they them- selves, the children of Scotland, have received from him. On its granite base is this inscription: Mnms A poet peasant born, Who more of fame's immortal dower Unto his country brings Than all her Kinsrs. In almost every civilized nation there are found preachers, statesmen, and philanthropists that render their country by their utterances and philanthropic labors a similar service, a service that creates a purer and better atmosphere for the whole nation, John Wesley did this in Great Britain. The nation had be- come godless, immoral, and un-Christian — " dead in trespasses and sins." Wesley, with his heart alive with vital Christianity and afire with evangelistic zeal, through his abundant, untiring labors with voice and pen aroused his country to a consciousness of her de- plorable condition, and brought her back to the faith and life of the gospel. Among American statesmen who exerted this trans- forming influence were Washington and Lincoln ; among English statesmen and philanthropists were William Wilberforce, William E. Gladstone, and An- — 37 — thony Cooper, the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury. The motto of the Earl of Shaftesbury consisted of two words — Love^ Serve — and he actually embodied this motto in tireless efforts to improve through much- needed legislation the conditions of the working people and the lowly classes of his country. He might have had the honors and dignities of high office, and was urged by Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister of that day, to accept such an office. " I can not satisfy myself," Lord Shaftesbury replied, "that the call to accept office is a divine call, but I am satisfied that God has called me to labor for the poor." "His life-long purpose and passion," says a careful student of his career, "were to uplift to a better estate those who were lowest and least. He was their un- tiring advocate in the House of Commons. By his importunate and resolute plea the hours of labor in factories are shortened for women and children; sani- tary and educational provisions secured; cruelties abolished, and crimes diminished. He befriends the little chimney-sweeps and the shoe-blacks — the outcast and the criminal." His name is written large in the legislation of England of that time. " The social re- forms of the last century," says the Duke of Argyle, " have been mainly due to the influence, character, and perseverance of this one man — Lord Shaftesbury." We may say of him, therefore, in view of his potent, com- pelling, far-reaching influence, his high Christian char- acter, and his humble piety, what Wordsworth says of Milton : " Thou had'st a voice whose sound was like the sea, Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free; So did'st thou travel on life's common way In cheerful godliness : and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay." — 38 — A generous heart with wealth to dispense may sweeten the atmosphere of a community. We have an example of it in this beautiful chapel in which we are worshiping, which Mr. and xMrs. Wilson have given to this Methodist Home for the Aged. Through the coming years the people of this Home will experience its sanctifying influence as a great blessing to their lives. All through our land, East and West, there are pub- lic libraries, schools, colleges, and hospitals, which the grateful citizens and sons of the places where they stand have erected and endowed with the means of support; or, building on other men's foundations, have enriched and enlarged with the benign result of making a residence in these places much more happy and desirable because of the means of culture, enlight- enment, and relief these benefactionc afford to rich and poor alike. But not only to the mentally-gifted, the socially-powerful, and the rich is this privilege of creating a better social atmosphere around them given. I have said that the ability to do so is only conditioned upon having a heart animated by the love of Christ and expressing this love in appropriate ways. Missionaries to heathen lands are seldom rich people, except in faith, nor people of extraordinary gifts, ex- cept those of the spirit, which their love of Christ gives; but some of the most striking examples of suc- cess in creating new and better social conditions are found among them. What a transformation and im- provement of social life and its atmosphere is implied in the fact that a group of islands like the New Heb- rides, formerly peopled by ferocious cannibals, has been Christianized! In Aneityum, one of this group. Dr. John Geddie — 39 — and Dr. John Inglis, two Scotch missionaries and their wives, labored for the Christianization of its savage people. When Geddie died, after laboring twenty- four years, they placed in the Missionary Chapel a tablet to his memory with this inscription: "When he landed here, in 1848, he found no Christians. When he left, in 1872, there were no heathens." The words of St. Peter, "Out of darkness into His marvelous light," express but the literal truth in regard to the change thus wrought in this and in many another mis- sionary station during the last century. Similar changes of spiritual atmosphere are pro- duced wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached and commended by the labors and Christian living of its ministers. Have you ever read "Down in Water Street," by Mr. S. H. Hadley, or the biography of Mr. Hadley by Dr. J. W. Chapman ? If not, get them and read them, for the striking illustration they give of how great things humble men, saved by Christ from the power of sin, can accomplish through their grateful love for Him in rescuing other slaves from the bondage of sin and improving the foul places in which they live. People who thus for the love of Christ and their fellow-men put forth efforts to ameliorate human con- ditions, make the Kingdom of God a reality on earth. They carry the atmosphere of heaven about with them, and this atmosphere is as real as the air we breathe, and as truly a source of happiness to all they meet as light and sunshine and the perfume of flowers in June. God be praised for those saintly souls who, as mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and brotherly men, have diffused this atmosphere of heaven in their homes and neighborhoods; who have shed the Spirit of — 40 — Christ in our churches and gladdened our communi- ties with their Christly deeds. God help us all thus to carry about with us and spread the atmosphere of His Kingdom I And, as it is the aim and natural effect of the religious services of worship that we sin- cerely participate in to bring us back from our worldly thoughts and cares and activities to the true spirit of Christian discipleship, and to quicken and intensify in us the love of Christ and His Kingdom, may He bless to this end our service here to-day. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for- ever. Those who draw near Him in faith and touch but the hem of His garment receive virtue from Him now as when He walked the earth. " Warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is He, And faith has still its Olivet, And love its Galilee." — 41 — h ^t ^^0^ .^O-* ^ ^^ -%. ^"'"^ ^"-^^^ '^ .0^ ^^0^ °-'~°--\. ./.•i-;^'> ./\.a^-.\ c°\'^^^% , -...- 0'' v*^-\/ V-^'*°' \'^-^'*y ' \^^ :'A \/ =»•- \/ .''M^^ %/:'^ -^--0^ A« 7 V. .,•,.% ,-i- .