34 Norru Carorina Troops, 1861-’65.

not with ignominy ; no stain blots its escutcheon, no blood can
tinge your face as you proudly announce that you have a part
in the past history of the Army of Northern Virginia.

“My comrades, we have borne together the same hard-
ships, we have braved the same dangers, Wwe have rejoiced
over the same victory ; your trials and your patience have ex-
cited sympathy and admiration and I have borne willing wit- .
ness to your bravery. It is with a heart full of grateful emo-
tion for your service and ready obedience that I take leave of
you.
“May the future of every one of you be as happy as your
past career has been brilliant and no cloud ever dim the
brightness of your fame. The past looms before me in its
illuminating grandeur. Its memories are a part of the past
life of each one of you; but it is all now over. The sad, dark
veil of defeat is between us and a life time of sorrow is our
only heritage.

“You carry to your home the heartfelt wishes of your Gen-
eral for your prosperity.

“My command, farewell!
“R. F. Hoxz,

“Major-General.
“Headquarters Hoke’s Division, near Greensboro, N. C.,
1 May, 1865.”

On 2 May, 1865, we fell in ranks for the last time
and our paroles were given to each man and dividing
into squads, we took our several ways to our homes, where
“amid departed hopes there lingered (for many) the melan-
choly attractions of the grave.” Those days have passed, so
has our youth. The Juniors are now more than Seniors, but
while one of our regiment remains, he will always say with
pride “I belonged to the Second Regiment of the North Caro-
lina Junior Reserves.”

Davin E. McKinnz.

Princeton, N. C.
2 May, 1901.