Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1866-10-20

Dear Madam: 4 letter from gallant
and esteemed young friend who fought IN
all the battles around Winchester, informs
me that some time in the ensuing month,
there will be dedication OF The cemeIe-
ry which has been set apart under the
auspices of the ladies Of that town and It's
vicinity, for tho Confederate dead VINO
fell in the lower Shenandoah Valley. In
the distant city Of Mexico read ihe &C.
count Of the steps inauguraled by The Ia.
dies OF Winchester, for collecting The re-
mains and marking the graves OF tie brave
men who lost their lives III defence al
their country in and around the letter
place, and II is impossible for me to give
EXPRESSION 10 the emotions OF gratitude
I and admiration excited in my bosom on
reading that account. / knew that many
Of those whose remains were 10 be thus
cared fer, fell while fighting under my
manG-among them being number
of valued personal friends-and this sad
and touching tribute 10 their memories al
fecled me very deeply. Since theh !
have snxiously desired an opportunity to
convey TO the noble women of Winches.
Ter and the lower Shenaddoah, the eX'
preston Of nv heartfelt thanks, not only
for their care for the remains OF the dead.
but for their devoted kindness and alien
rion 10 the sick and wounded OF my com
mard, and now beg leave TO DO so
through you. fully appreciate the self
sacrificing virtues displayed by all my
country women during he var. bpi there
are peculiar reasons why should enter
tain sentiments Of the warmost admTa-
ton for and gratitude to the ladies' OF " IN
chester. Ii was The fortune OF the troops
under my command TO relieve thai place
from the presence Of the enemy three
times during Tho war, and had abun-
dant opportunities OF ascettaInIng, ss well
the heroic (prti,ude with which the ladies'
' endured all The horrors Of its occupation
: BIZ our most cruel and vindiCi.ve foes, as
the unwaverng fidelity TO our cause
which they maintained under clrcums!an-
ces Of more than ordinary temptation TO
succumb. was also fully apprlsed OF
The care taken by Them 10 honor our dead
and provide for our wounded, not only
kwhen we were successful. but also when
reverSes compelled US 10 leave them IN
the hands Of The enemy. When many OF
nv connrymen. in ignorance OF 'he great
Disadvantages under which labored al
the tine OF my reverses, Judged me
Iharshly, II was from lady of Wnc6es'
tershst | received a message sent through
the lines Of he enemy, that, wha'ev eT
others. might DO, the ladies OF that place.
who knew the tremendous odds With
which | bed TO contend. slsched no
blame TO me. II is not 10 be wondere5,
therefore. that feel so deeply towards
Them. God knows how well love my
native State and all her unfortunate SIS
ters Of tho Soaih, and how cheerIuliy my
life was ri.ked and would now be yielded
in their defence. but 10 all OF Us, there are
some spots peculiarly sacred with me,
the first among them is ihe place where
was born and where now repo'e the
remains of my mother the next. IS Win.
chester. the plains around which were
altered by the blood OF So many OF my
brave comrades, and where now so many
true omen weep over the graves OF the
fallen. II is sad, sad indeed, 10 be an ex.
lille from nv country. and still ssdder 10
mourn the loss Of The most just and sa-
cred cause for which man ever l"ught {;
Ibu, there is some comfort in knowing that
the struggle which devoIved so much he
roism on the part Of our soldiers and so
many virtues in our women has mol oeen
in vain and wherever ! may wander,
will bear with me tie proud consolation
derived from the knowledge that my
country women, WI o were so faithful and
devoted during all the trials and VIcIssl.
iudes OF our Dreadful contes' for Indepen
dence, now that IT has gone against u, re-
main true 10 he memories OF The dead.
Power end money may procure costly
monuments and testimonials 10. connem.
orsie ihe names Of those who fought Tor
the successful party, boi al the power
and wealth OF the world cannot command
so rch tribute as lpaI paid 10 The mem.
cries ofthe herorr dead nG the Confeder.
ale armies by the tears OF The women
of The South.
beg ,hstycu will communicate ihi.
expression Of ms feelings TO the Isdies Of
Winchester and lhe lower Valley. and
tmay the choicest blessings CT Heaven rest
tupon YOU and them.
Very ruIy and respectfully,
o. Your cb't servant.
i l. J. A. EARLY.