Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-21
Gen. J. E. B. Stuart.

On the northeastern slope OF NIL IN
the south central portion of the ceme-
tary, overhung by forest trees, is the
grave of Gen. j. Z. B. Stnart, who died
on the 18th of May, 1864, of wound re-
ceived at Yellow Tavern the previous
day. In determined and successful
effort to save Richmond from the ad-
vance of the Federal cavalry, he periled
and lost his life. The manner Of his
death, not less than his brilliant talents,
daring and chivalric courage and his
pure character, render his memory dear
to the women Of Virginia. On an ocea-
sion like this, when the ladies of Rich
mond had assembled to do honor to de-
parted worth and valor, it may be well
believed that the preur cavalier, the EN-
bodiment of all that is admirable in pa
triot and soldier, was not forgotten.
His grave, marked by simple head
board of wood, bearing the dates Of his
wound and death, lies with the head to
the south. 1t was strewn with tiowers,
tastefully arranged, and chaplets of cy-
press laurel.
On the centre of the grave reposed
singularly beautiful and appropriate
floral tribute, contributed by the ladies
of the family Of Colonel E. Fontaine, of
Beaverdam, Hanover county, consisting
of ST. Andrews cross, the arms defined
by red and white roses, on a ground of
laurel and other evergreens, whilst the
centre bore crown of golden lilies.
This blending of colors and emblems,
suggesting beautifully the devotion of the
cavalry hero to the banner under which
he fell, and conveying the thought which
will ever connect the name of Stuart, in
the hearts of Virginians, with all that is
glorious, and elevating and ennobling.
But the gem of the great celebration,
the cynosnre of all eyes, was the bust of
the great cavalry soldier, lent for the
occasion to the ladies of the Hollywood
Memorial Association by the maker, Mr..
Edward Valentine, of this city. This
bust, which is an admirable and striking
likeness of Gen. Stuart, was placed on
a pedestal some ten feet east of the grave.
1t was raised on pedestal so that the
head was about eight feet from the
ground, the face being turned to the
South. The pedestal aud lower part of
the figure, from the military jacket,
downward, were hidden under clusters of
most beautiful flowers and tastefully ar
ranged evergreens. Living violets and
heartsease clung in masses about the
plinth Of the bust Over the whole and
rising from the earth from behind the
bust, and towering high above the hero's
head, was a stately alcove or niche, cum
ningly and artistically wrought, Of afbor-
vite and mountain fir, by the hands Of
Messrs William and Mann S, Valentine.
The arch of the niche was surmounted
by an elegant cross composed of laurels
and evergreens contributed for the pur
pose by the Misses Clopton, daughters of
the late lamented Judge Clopton. A
cavalry sword, beautifully made of flow
ers and evergreens hung on the west side
of the niche A delicate wreath, con-
tributed by the daughter of Mr.. James
K. Caskie, and intended for the brow,
but which was not so applied, for fear of
the effect Of the face, also
hung against the side of the niche. This
structure formed pleasing and classic
back ground for the beautiful and grace
ful head of the figure On the plinth, in !
letters Of box roses, the words, Stuart
dead, yet alive-mortal, yet immor-
tai Richmond Times.