The Most Brilliant and Sucessful Re-union of Confederate Veterans
this Writer Ever Attended Was that Given by Mrs. Johnson, Widow of the
Late Wm. A. Johnson, Colonel Commanding the Fourth Alabama Cavalry in the
Late 'War Between the States', at her Home near Tuscumbia, on Wednesday
September 16, 1903.
For some time it had been understood that this patriotic lady, assisted
by her gallant sons, and no less patriotic and charming daughters, and
Camp W.A. Johnson, contemplated giving a barbecue to the surviving members
of the 4th Alabama Cavalry, commanded by Col. Johnson.
So when all the necessary preparations for the reunion had been completed postal cards were sent out to all the members of the Regiment that could be found, notifying them that Wednesday, the 16th day of September, 1903 had been selected for the reunion, at the hospitable home of this patriotic family, with a pressing invitation to be present and participate in the festivities of the day, and partake of a royal feast prepared for the Veterans by the family.
To say that the day was an ideal one up to 3:30 PM for such an occasion,
would be drawing it very mildly. It seemed as if all nature conspired
to make it just such a day as the family and the veterans would have it
to be.
The sun rose clear and beautiful, the heavens seemed propitious for
the events of the day, and by 10 AM the veterans began to arrive.
The procession was formed at the court house in Tuscumbia, headed by the
banner of the W.A. Johnson Camp, and marched to the home of the family
by whom they were to be entertained.
Soon after arriving in the beautiful yard, shaded by forest oaks, the veterans were called to order by Col. J. N. Thompson, who introduced Mr. John Johnson, son of Col. Johnson, who delivered a very eloquent and appropriate address of welcome to the veterans and visitors. At the close of his remarks, Judge Wm. Richardson, of Huntsville, [Congressman from the 8th Alabama district] was introduced, who, for a few minutes, held his hearers spell-bound by his masterly eloquence in responce to Mr. Johnson's address of welcome, and in portraying the resolute and determined spirit of the Confederate soldier after his return to his desolated home at the close of the war, to rebuild his broken fortunes, and build up his country. The judge seemed to be at his best, and was frequently applauded. As he pictured the devotion of the Southern women in assisting to build up and rehabilitate our beautiful Southland, made desolate by the ravages of war, and the relentless hand and torch of the invader, he touched a responsive cord in the heart of every veteran and many eyes were moist. He seemed to be thoroughly impressed that it was through the heroism and devotion of the women that our country had grown to be what it is to-day.
At the close of his remarks, Mr. Jas. Crow, of Sheffield, was called for and made a few remarks appropriate to the occasion. Short talks were also made by Capt. J. N. Thompson, Capt. A. A. McGregor, W.P. Chitwood, Thos. M. Hammerly and I..S. Barr.
We now come to speak of the most important feature of this long-to-be-remembered and pleasant occasion--The barbecue so abundantly prepared for the veterans. And what shall I say of it ? I hesitate to begin the task for I have not the confidence in my ability to do it justice. But as I have gone thus far I will proceed.
On arriving at the residence we found a number of tables standing about the yard under the large, overshadowing trees, capable of seating from 12 to 15 each, all decorated with nice, white linen table cloths, plates, knives, and forks, and half-pint tin cups for coffee or water. When the proper time arrived the tables were quickly filled with an abundant supply of the best and sweetest barbecued meats we ever saw or tasted. Corn and light bread was plentiful, and pickles in abundance. Ice water and lemonade was plentiful on every hand.
In a few minutes dinner was announced and the veterans marched to the tables quietly, and in order, taking their seats as if at their own homes, after which they proceeded to do justice to the rich and toothsome viands so bountifully spread out before them. If any one left the yard without getting his dinner, it was his own fault, and not that of the hostess or her assistants, as they went out to find those who had not eaten.
At the end of the meat course, and the plates had been removed, various kinds of cakes and delicious ice cream were served in abundance. This closed the program of the occasion, and as a dark and threatening cloud was hurriedly approaching, the visitors bid their hostess-an-affectionate farewell, assuring her that the 16th of September, 1903, would be remembered by them as one of the most pleasant and enjoyable days of their life.
Below follows a list of the names of those who enjoyed the hospitalities of their hostess:
Those marked with the letter (X) in this way were members of the 4th Alabama Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Col. Wm. A. Johnson. When it is known that this writer was a member of the Commissary staff and issued rations to 1,000 men daily, it will be seen how rapidly they are passing away, and ere long none will answer roll-call to attend a banquet such as they enjoyed at the hospitable home of the family of their gallant Colonel on the 16th of September, 1903. --- I. S. Barr, Co. F, 4th Ala. Cavalry.