The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 39, July 1935 - April, 1936 Page: 1

THE
SOUTHWESTERN HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
VOL. XXXIX JULY, 1935 No. 1
The publication committee and the editors disclaim responsibility for views expressed
by contributors to THE QUARTERLY
CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAM BLOUNT AND HIS
MEMOIRS
Lois FOSTER BLOUNT
I
"Captain Blount, if you please."
And captain he was by actual rank and achievement in the
regular Army of the Confederacy. Such was his pride in his title
that he never allowed himself to be called colonel or general. No
title by local courtesy for him! He would laughingly remark that
he was the lowest ranking Confederate veteran at their annual
meetings. All the others were now generals or colonels, at least.
It was his belief, and his proud boast, that he was the first
"Texian" to enter the service of the Confederacy. His life was
active, colorful and romantic. While delighting his hearers he
thoroughly enjoyed recounting his recollections of the men and
events of Texas in the early days of the Republic and State, but
recalling his experiences in the Army of the Confederacy pleased
him more.
Captain Blount had the charming and courtly manners of a
gentleman of the Old South. He was witty and a brilliant con-
versationalist, quick at repartee until his hearing failed him only
shortly before his death. Although he enjoyed recalling the old
days, he retained his interest in the present, and even to the day
of his death, asked of the happenings of his country and of
Europe. Nor did his wit and humor desert him. In his last
illness he could joke. He was a close friend of the Reverend Mr.