ADDRESS 
 
 DELIVERED BY 
 
 Comrade I V. RANDOLPH 
 
 BEFORE 
 
 R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1, C V. 
 
 December 3, 1886. 
 
 Printed by Resolution of the Camp. 
 
 RICHMOND, VA.: 
 
 JOHNS & CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 
 
 1887. 
 
ABJDRESS 
 
 DELIVERED BY 
 
 Comrade £ V. RANDOLPH 
 
 BEFORE 
 
 R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1, C V, 
 
 December 3, 1886. 
 
 Printed by Resolution of the Camp. 
 
 RICHMOND, VA.: 
 JOHNS &, CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 
 
 I8S7. 
 
SUBJECT. 
 "Origin, Growth and Present Condition of R. E. Lee Camp." 
 
 OCCASION. 
 The opening of the new R. E. Lee Camp Hall. 
 
 After the routine business of the Camp had been finished, Commander 
 Murphy introduced Comrade Randolph, the orator of the evening, who 
 delivered the following address. 
 
 Southern Pamphlets 
 
 Rare Book Collection 
 
 UNC-Chaoel Hill 
 
 598248 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/addressdeliveredrand 
 
.a.:d;d:r,:ess. 
 
 Commander and Comrades of R. E. Lee Camp : 
 
 I was much surprised to learn a few days ago that 
 by unanimous resolution of this Camp the honor had been 
 conferred on me of delivering an address before you to- 
 night, the occasion being the dedication of our new hall. 
 I fear the mover of the resolution has allowed his personal 
 friendship for the man to warp his better judgment; for 
 certainly there are many members of the Camp who, more 
 gifted by nature, could do the subject greater justice than 
 I can, for no matter what else I may have claimed to be, I 
 certainly never claimed to be an orator. 
 
 But, sir, when J entered R, E. Lee Camp in its early days, 
 I did so with the determination to do my duty to the best 
 of my ability, feeling that I could and would be of some 
 service to my fellow man. The spirit that caused me to 
 take an active part in your organization was the same that 
 prompted me, when at fifteen years of age, to throw aside 
 my school books and enlist in the Confederate army, 
 determined to do my duty to my native State with all my 
 soul and strength. 
 
 The subject for this address, as outlined in your resolu- 
 tion, is the " Origin, Growth and Present Condition of R. 
 E. Lee Camp, No. 1, Confederate Veterans," and certainly 
 no more fit subject could have been selected. 
 
 To give a proper history of the origin of Lee Camp, 
 it is necessary for me to go back to 1860— a year the events 
 of which shaped the future of our country. When the 
 statesmen of the country, returning from the " halls of 
 Congress," told the people that all efforts to settle the vexed 
 
old veterans find their way to tlie almshouses, there to die 
 in want and be buried in pauper's graves. 
 
 But this was not to be so always, for there met by chance 
 in March, 1883, seven old soldiers, separated for years in 
 the different avocations of life, and in talking over former 
 days of the war, the names of old comrades came to mind, 
 and as name after name was mentioned, a large number 
 were found to be in want and suffering. Then that spirit 
 of charity born of dangers and hardships sprang up in 
 their hearts, and they said surely, surely something can be 
 done, something must and shall be done to put these old 
 friends at least above the pangs of hunger and suffering. 
 With this determination a notice was put in the daily pa- 
 pers calling on all Confederate soldiers in Richmond to 
 meet, organize and start a soldiers' home, humble though 
 it might be, but still a soldiers' home. On April 18, 1883, 
 thirty-eight veterans met and organized E. E Lee Camp, 
 No. 1, Confederate Veterans, ('apt. Chas U. Williams was 
 its first commander; Col. W. C. Carrington was its second 
 commander; Gen. Jno. R. Cooke was its third commander, 
 and Col. Jno. Murphy is its fourth and present commander. 
 
 Subsequent meetings were held, the organization was per- 
 fected and the work of the Camp was commenced. A com- 
 mittee was appointed to petition the legislature for a 
 charter, and in it the life work of the Camp is so plainly 
 laid down that I will read it : 
 
 " Whereas, an association of Confederate veterans has 
 been organized in the city of Richmond, under the title of 
 R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1, Confederate Veterans, the object of 
 which is declared in the by-laws of the association to be 
 to perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades and to 
 minister as far as practicable to the wants of those who were 
 permanently disabled in the service; to preserve and main- 
 tain that sentiment of fraternity born of the hardships 
 and dangers shared in the march, the bivouac and on the 
 battlefield. It is proposed not to prolong the animosities 
 engendered by the war, but to extend to our late adversa- 
 
ries on all fitting occasion courtesies, which are always 
 proper between soldiers, and which in our case a common 
 citizenship demands at our hands. 
 
 " We propose to avoid anything which partakes of par- 
 tisanship in religion and politics, but at the same time we 
 will lend our aid to the maintenance of law and the pres- 
 ervation of order." 
 
 Mr. Commander, I challenge any man living to say that 
 the recitals in the charter have not been carried out to the 
 letter. The fulfillment of that promise to extend to our 
 former foes that courtesy due among soldiers to each other 
 has brought together in pleasant reunion veteran posts of 
 the North, who in accepting our invitations and visiting us 
 and we in return going to their distant homes, has done 
 more to break down the sectional feeling between the 
 North and South and make us one people in fact as well as 
 in name than all other influences combined. 
 
 The founders of Lee Camp had seen the associations of 
 the Army of Northern Virginia meet in this city for thirteen 
 years, composed of soldiers renowned in war and who tes- 
 tified in glowing terms to the valor and fortitude of the 
 men who had done so much to win for them the stars and 
 wreaths which they wore, yet not one had raised his voice 
 in aid of the old and maimed Confederate soldier. 
 
 Lee Camp, the members of which were for the most part 
 men who belonged to that honored class — the private sol- 
 dier — had undertaken the work and proposed to push it 
 to its completion. 
 
 It was decided to hold a " bazaar," and calling to its 
 aid the noble women of Richmond, who are ever ready, like 
 ministering angels, to help in the noble work of charity, 
 the work was begun. 
 
 My friends, I cannot pass this point in our history without 
 pausing to say a word in their praise, for well I remember the 
 answer of these noble women when we asked them to help 
 us : " Help you, Lee Camp ! Lead and we will follow. Why, 
 my father was a Confederate soldier, my son was a Con- 
 
10 
 
 federate soldier, my husband was a Confederate soldier, 
 and these men now in distress were their comrades, and we 
 will do our part for their sake." 
 
 This was the same old spirit of love born in woman's 
 heart for suffering man. It was the same love that carried 
 her into the hospitals, and many a comrade now before me 
 can bear testimony to the fact that he owes his life to her 
 gentle ministrations. Among the many who came, there 
 was one at the head, and I am confident that no pang of 
 jealousy will spring in a sister's heart if I mention her 
 name. With wonderful executive ability, indomitable 
 energy, a sweet disposition, a gentle voice that many a 
 wounded Confederate soldier has cause to remember, Mrs. 
 Lewis N. Webb organized the bazaar and success was as- 
 sured. From this source $23,000 was raised. 
 
 It was determined to send out circulars asking aid from 
 the friends and admirers of the Confederate soldiers who, 
 having no government to look to, were dependent on the 
 liberality of their friends. Then was presented to the 
 world a sight that has never had its equal in the history of 
 wars, and I thank God it was left for American soldiers. 
 
 Phil Kearney Post, G. A. R., stepped to the front, and, 
 extending the right hand of fellowship, said : " Lee Camp, 
 we belong to that grand army that for four years thundered 
 at the gates of your beautiful city ; time and again you 
 repulsed us, and only when there was not men enough left 
 to man your guns did you fail to drive us back. We know 
 the material you are made of; we know your proud 
 spirits will not ask us for aid; but we have come in that 
 spirit of brotherly love— for are we not all Americans at 
 last? — and all have done so much to make American valor 
 illustrious, we will help you to build your soldiers' home." 
 And help us they did. It was at their suggestion and with 
 their endorsement that the circular was sent to the G. A. R. 
 posts. The example set by Phil Kearney Post was fol- 
 lowed by others, and letters of fraternal feeling, enclosing 
 substantial aid, came from the North and West until $8,000 
 
it 
 
 was raised. And, sir, there comes to my mind the name 
 of one man that I feel justified in paying tribute to. That 
 man was Corporal James Tanner, of Brooklyn, a man who 
 by the misfortune of war lost both legs, but what he lost 
 in legs was made up in heart. This man came from his 
 home to this city and opened the bazaar with a speech that 
 most of you remember. 
 
 Then came a grand old man, tottering under the weight 
 of years, with a smile of charity on his face, and said : 
 " Lee Camp, I watched your course for four years ; I saw 
 you wage an unequal contest; I saw your armies go down 
 to rise no more, and knowing you are still suffering from 
 the effects of war, I want to do my share out of my abun- 
 dance " ; and the Hon. W. W. Corcoran handed us his check 
 for five thousand dollars. 
 
 The example set by this great and good man was fol- 
 lowed by others, until the total sum collected amounted to 
 fifty-two thousand dollars. 
 
 Some of you may wish to know how your Board of 
 Visitors have spent the money ; if so, go to the Soldiers' 
 Home, see that beautiful spot, with its home-like cottages, 
 with its happy and contented veterans; you will then have 
 all the answer you can wish. 
 
 Mr. Commander, I cannot better illustrate the growth of 
 Lee Camp than to compare it to an old and familiar saying 
 that each of us learned in our boyhood days—" Great oaks 
 from little acorns grow." The acorn was planted by these 
 seven veterans; they watched it tenderly; they saw it put 
 forth its tender leaves, and they have lived to see its mag- 
 nificent proportions. 
 
 My friends, it has grown until now seven hundred men 
 constitute its massive body ; its branches spread from the 
 Atlantic to the Pacific, and under the shade of its beau- 
 tiful foliage one hundred and thirty old veterans find 
 protection and a home. 
 
 As Lee Camp grew to man's estate, that desire, born of 
 Divine command, to increase, multiply and populate the 
 
12 
 
 earth, came in its heart. So when its offspring arrived at 
 age, they were sent on their mission of peace. 
 
 The first son, wandering to the historic fields of Frede 
 ricksburg, established Camp No. 2. 
 
 The second son marched up the Valley of Virginia, 
 every foot of whose soil could tell a tale of valor, suffer- 
 ing and death, until, entering the town of Winchester, 
 where so many gallant men had found a resting place be- 
 fore, pitched his tent and Camp No. 3 was established. 
 
 The third son, crossing the Blue Ridge, and as the sun set 
 in the west over the beautiful town of Charlestown, West 
 Virginia, determined to accept the hospitable invitation of 
 its people, and Camp No. -1 was established. 
 
 The fourth son, launching his little boat on the bosom of 
 the historic James, gently floated down the stream, passing 
 the banks of Drury's Bluff, and remembering with pride 
 the oft-told story of how Lee and Tucker with their sailor 
 boys and a few old guns had belched forth defiance at the 
 famous ironclads, and forced them to retreat under the 
 guns of Fortress Monroe, until reaching that grand harbor 
 of Norfolk he was welcomed to land, and Camp No. 5 was 
 established. 
 
 The fifth son, seeking a warmer clime, fountj his way to 
 the orange groves of Florida, and in the city of Jackson- 
 ville Camp No. 6 was established. 
 
 The sixth son, having heard his father tell of glories 
 won on many a field by Hood and his gallant Texans, 
 wandered away to the " Lone Star State," and in the city of 
 Austin Camp No. 7 was established. 
 
 The seventh and last son, having heard of the wonders 
 and glories of the western world, turned his face to the 
 setting sun, and on the golden shore of California found 
 congenial spirits and Camp No. 8 was established. 
 
 Thus you see, my friends, that the number of its off- 
 spring corresponds in number with the seven true and 
 brave men who originated R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1. 
 
 Mr. Commander, do you wonder at its growth? Remem- 
 
13 
 
 ber, the acorn was planted in the soil of Virginia, enriched 
 with the blood of her bravest and noblest sons. It was 
 the soil of Virginia that produced Stonewall Jackson, who, 
 with his handful of foot cavalry, defeated in rapid succes- 
 sion four large and well equipped armies, and forced them 
 from his native State to seek safety north of the Potomac; 
 and last, sir, it was the soil of Virginia that produced our 
 greatest chieftain, Robert E. Lee, in whose honor we are 
 named. 
 
 Of its present condition, much can be said; but I would 
 only be saying what most of you already know. I could 
 tell you of its many deeds of charity ; of the suffering and 
 distress it has relieved and is still relieving; but I prefer 
 to remind you that now is the time for work ; now, while 
 the light lasts and health and strength is ours, work with 
 all our heart, that when we turn, as all of us must, on the 
 downward slope of life, when our steps .grow slow and the 
 silver in our hair tells plainly that old age has come and 
 we can no longer work, let us feel that we have made 
 good use of our time, and have laid aside enough to keep 
 ourselves and our old comrades from want. 
 
 Mr. Commander, the life of the Soldiers' Home is part 
 and parcel of our lives, and the same care must be taken of 
 its affairs that we take of our own. Who can tell, of those 
 who listen to me to-night — who now with health and plenty, 
 and has not given his old comrade a thought or a dollar — 
 how soon he may find himself compelled to ask permission 
 to enter Lee Camp Home? We have had two examples of 
 this in the last sixty days — two men who refused to join 
 the Camp; they did not then need it; they preferred to spend 
 their time and mony some other way ; but sickness came, 
 then want, and both are now appealing to us for help. 
 
 On many of you a kind Providence has bestowed a plenty 
 of this world's goods. Will you in the day of your pros- 
 perity forget the old comrade of twenty-three years ago ? 
 Who before me can say that he does not owe his presence 
 
14 
 
 here tonight to some old comrade who seeks admission 
 to the Soldiers' Home? 
 
 Do you remember the day your brigade was hard pressed, 
 the enemy driving you back, the left wing gave way and 
 in a moment all would be lost? But hold! a cheer is 
 heard; an officer advances to the front: " Hold your ground, 
 boys, another brigade is coming," and with a yell that only 
 a Confederate knew how to send up, they came to your re.- 
 lief, and the day was ours. Can you say that the man who 
 now asks in his old age for support is not the man who, 
 when you lay wounded on the battlefield, stopped to help 
 you and with hisl ast drop of water moistened your parched 
 lips? Remember all this, my friends, and do your duty 
 to them now as they did then to you. 
 
 Comrades, your Board of Visitors find themselves face 
 to face with a difficult problem. Our income consists of 
 ten thousand dollars, donated by the State of Virginia, 
 which was intended to support eighty-three men; by strict 
 economy and the products of our farm we are enabled to 
 support one hundred and thirty men; but the limit of 
 our ability is reached, and without further aid we must 
 close the doors to over twenty applicants, with records ac- 
 companying their applications of which any man might be 
 proud. My friends, it remains for you to say whether or 
 not the home has reached the limits of its usefulness? 
 
 I want to do justice to the State of Virginia. When the 
 bill extending aid to the Home was before the legislature a 
 member, though not a soldier, said he did not think Vir- 
 ginia should support men from other States ; then arose an 
 old gray-haired man, who said : " Sir, that is not a question 
 for debate; these men fought and bled on Virginia soil, 
 and so long as we are able they shall not knock in vain for 
 help." 
 
 I regret to say that not a Southern State has offered to 
 help us, though we have men now in the home from nine 
 States. The individual donations from Southern men have 
 amounted to but little, and if we are to judge the future by 
 
15 
 
 the past, we will have to look to the Camp and the State of 
 Virginia for its entire support. We estimate that it costs 
 one hundred and twenty dollars a year per man, and there 
 are plenty of men in this hall to-night who can afford to 
 contribute that amount towards so good a cause. 
 
 Five gentlemen have built memorial cottages at the 
 Home at an average cost of twelve hundred dollars each. 
 Four of them are citizens of Eichmond, one of New York. 
 Why cannot others do the same ? 
 
 Twelve hundred dollars is not much to some men, par- 
 ticularly those who staid at home during the war and made 
 their fortunes. The ingratitude of republics is proverbial, 
 but misfortuue often binds hearts together. Let us stand 
 together now as we did years ago, and do our duty now as 
 we did it then, and we can go on with the good work. Let 
 it not be said of us that we have forgotten our old com- 
 rades in their distress, but rather let us set an example to 
 future generations to follow. 
 
 Comrades, keep up your Soldiers' Home. Keep your old 
 veterans in plenty and comfort. Keep them as the re- 
 minder of tliat dream of a sentiment that binds the past 
 with the present. Keep it for sweet charity's sake, and let 
 the recording angel write your name high in the Book of 
 Life as "one who loved his fellow man."