The Governor Introduces the orator.
Governor O'Ferrall here arose, and introduced to those assembled
General Bradley T. Johnson as the orator of the day. The Governor spoke substantially as follows:
Ladies of the Confederate Memorial Literary Society, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I think I can say boldly that the bloody strife of 1861 to 1865 developed in the men of the
South traits of character as ennobling and as exalting as ever adorned men since the day-dawn of creation.
I think I can proclaim confidently that for courage and daring chivalry and bravery, the world has never seen the superiors of the
Southern soldiers.
I think I can assert defiantly that the annals of time present no leaves more brilliant than those upon which are recorded the deeds and achievements of the followers of the
Southern cross.
I think I can proclaim triumphantly that, from the
South's beloved
President, and the peerless commander of her armies in the field, down to the private in her ranks, there was a display of patriotism perhaps unequalled (certainly never surpassed) since this passion was implanted in the human breast.
But, as grand as the
South was in her sons, she was grander still in her daughters; as sublime as she was in her men, she was sublimer still in her women.
