Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-06-12
Correspondence of the esprit of Jotferson."l
The Tribute to the Confederate Dead.
WINCHESTER, VA.

WINCHESTER, VA.
Wednesday, June the 9th, will long be re-
membercd by the people of our battered town,
Tor 1t will be pleasant in our sadness to recall
it. 1t was the day set apart for quiet floral
tribute to those who fell in the Lost Cause
and who lie all around us, on nearly dozen
battle fields. All the adjoining counties, ey-
cry town within thirty miles, every brigade
that helped to make up Blackstone foot cav
airy" every regiment were represented here
on that day,-to unite in our most fitting GER
emonies. Early in the morning the streets
began to be crowded. From every road. came
in horsemen and people in carriages, wagons
and on foot. 1t was pleasant holiday with
sad memories, for all the stores, with one or
two exceptions, were closed, and all devoted
the day to our dead. Never has Winchester
held as many flowers, in wreaths, boquets
crosses and banners never has as much ev-
ergreen been carried through our Streets
By the hour appointed for the forming Of the
procession, the town was filed with citizens.
countrymen and strangers. Notice was given
to assemble at the Episcopal Church, but
Water street itself hardly contained the mass
OF ladies', men, horsemen and carriages. A
prayer was there offered that Providence
might look down upon and bless our cere,no-
MES, and the procession was organized. Mr..
A. NJ. Smith, an accomplished gentleman.
Chief Marshal, and dozen efficient assistants
soon got the march beautifully under way
First the band-composed of old soldiers
then group OF young girls, draped in pure
white, with flowers, selected to offer their
gifts over the Unknown Dead-then the sur
vivors Of the StOnowall Brigade, under the
gallant Col. Moore,-then Ashby's remnant
and other soldiers, who were glad to honor
their fallen cOmrades-thcn another gro1p of
fourteen representing each State of the South
then the immense and beautiful line of la
dies, always foremost and noblest in noble
works-sthen the citizens generally, and then
about dozen colored persons, male and fe
male, some of whom had been in the army.
and all OF whom asked permission to Law their
floral offerings upon the graves of our dead
Confederates, aud who mingled with the
throng at the graves, and even dropped their
honest tears upon them. 1t was u grand, i'm
posing. impressive sight-four thousand per-
sons Of all ages and conditions, marching Isl
lently-to perform that sacredsauty. l know
OF no language lit to describe the feelings of
all on the occasion, and will not attempt it.
The procession moved from the Episcopal
Church to the old Episcopal graveyard, where
an hour or more was spent in strcwing the
flowers over the many graves. Just imagine
the scene, Tor cannot show it to you
Thousands OF people, scattered through a field
OF graves, shedding roses and evergreens over
the mounds, until the whole field was gar
den OF fOwers-the desert blOemed as the
rose. And all these flowers watered with ten
thousand tears.
The procession then took its course through
town, winding through the principal streets,
and as it passed the house of Mr.. Philip Will
hams, whose wife was the founder of the
Stonewall Cemetery-crape was seen hanging
on the doOr-for death had entered the house.
aud just the day before lovely daughter had
been carried to the grave. The old soldiers
lifted their hats in silent respect and sympa-
thy for the great grief of their friend. On
through town, delicate and tender girls tramp
ing on YEARLY but cheerfulIy, went the long
column until it reached the Stonewal Gem
etcry-thc spot set apart for the collection of
the Confederate dead who fell in the battles
around Winchester. Here the scene was
thrilling, yet sadly solemn Willie the SOL
diers of the Stonewall Brigade were deployed
all around the Cemetery, the ladies thew thus
enclosed and protected strewed flowers over
their fallen companions, and the band PLAYED
requiem. On the center stood a venerable
gentleman, Mr.. Sherrard, with his lovely
group of fourteen young girls, streWing their
floral offerings upon the circle devoted to the
- OGS saw Lu6t scene. he can
never forget it. What crowding recoIiections
it revived
After the ceremonies were over the crowd
gathered about the beautiful stand that had
been erected for the speakers The MARSHALL
then introduced in order, Major Wright, of
Van Dorm 'staf-SIajor Hunter, of G0rdon's
staft-Major Douglas. of Jacksoa's staff. and
Col. Holiday, of the StonewaIl Brigade
With the short speeches Of these gentlemen.
the duties and pleasures of the day. closed,
and the mass dispersed.
:. Thesuccess was complete Nothing marred
1t. No one offered to disturb it, We have
paid our tribute to the dead. and as left
them to their sInmberS and their dreams,
thought of the lines of Tcnnyson- :
They wear a trucr crown
nan any wreath that man can weave them
But speak no more of their rcnown.
lay your horaf offerings down,
nd IN the vast enclosure leave thcn
God accept them. Christ receive them
p. B.