We only claim that as it fell to our lot to really undergo the test which we did and maintained the honor, dignity and adherence to principle that was incarnate in every true Confederate soldier and which has won the admiration of the world. We would not pluck a laurel from any brother comrade and only ask that the history of our endurance, fidelity and torturous treatment may be accorded its rightful place among the illustrious deeds that crowned the glory of our Southern Confederacy.
Secretary Murray made the following report of progress of the bill before Congress for the relief of the Immortal 600:
After much hard work I succeeded with the help of Comrades Maj. Carrington, Chandler and Grayson in getting into shape such bill as would be legal, respectful and just to present to Congress. The bill was introduced by Hon. James Hay, of Virginia, and referred by rule of Congress to the war claims committee where it still remains unreported, but I am sure next Congress will pass the bill.
There was, of course, much objection to this bill by members of the war claims committee. All the minority members, Democrats, of course, favored the bill. There were some elimination of words demanded which I made at the suggestion of Hon. James Hay, who has been the patron and friend of our bill. I have tried time and time again to have our bill reported, but the Republican chairman will not make a report and I give it as my opinion he fears the protests of the G. A. R., who are all powerful for themselves, but against all things fair and just due Confederate soldiers. Yet I do believe our bill will be passed by Congress and justice rendered us who suffered, and by such action the South will be vindicated from the slanders of inhumanity to prisoners of war.
The members of Congress we are indebted to for help in our bill are Hons. James Hay, Virginia; D. R. Thomas, North Carolina; Thomas Spight, Mississippi; W. A. Ditson, Mississippi; Hull, Mississippi; R. Bruce Macom, Arkansas; Senators Taylor and Frazier, Tennessee, and Senator Bailey, of Texas, all promise their support of the bill. All Democratic members pledge help. To post members of Congress I gave away about sixty or more books of the Immortal Six Hundred which were more effective in posting members than talking with them. Judge John S. Southern, of Inde-
