The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-05-11

The LADIES MEMORIAL AssocATIoN.-Th an
nual ceremony Of decorating the graves Of Con-
federate dead was Observed Yesterday, not only at
Magnolia Cemetery but at the private grave yards
in the city. When the Association was frat formed
tho 18th OF june tho anniversary Of the battle Of
secessonville, was chosen their anniversary but
it was thought bost to change this to tho 10th OF
May, the Anniversary OF Gen. SToNEwA1I. JAcKsos's
DEATH as this day was observed by tho associations
in Hister cltes. After due deliberation among tho
mombers, 1t was decided to mako no ostentatious
display OF sorrow, but simply to drsss tho tombs OF
tho fallen haroes with their floral offerings. In
consequence Of this retioenco their part few out
siders wcre aware that tho day had boon changed
OF that any preparations had boen' mndo to colo.
brate the occasion.
Tho ladies Of the Association bad boon busily on
gagged for several days in collecting their tribute
offowers. and forming them into tho different
ornamonts to be employed In decking the soldiers
graves. Every garden In tho CITY was taxed, but
the larger portion were furnished from the garden
OF Mf. SrnouB, tho keeper Of tho Cemetery. y,
lie DAY was bright clear, and beautiful; II
eeomed as II naturo had smiled upon the scene and
hao hded the holy Cause, by tho charm Of o balmy
air laden with tho breath OF flowers
+ ny sl4 CLOCK in tho morning many wero on tho
ground arranging tho wreatha OF flowers and i'm.
mortelles on tho several graves, but It was NOT
untii I. III. that tho crowd began to assemble,
ond In short time tho cemetery was covered with
lair maidens bonding over the last resting places
OF the gallant dead, aud tonilerly arranging tho
immortelles upon the mounds. Nearly four hmm.
dred persons wero present mud, with worry few ex-
ceptions, these were all ladies-men,bcrs OF tho
Association and othcrs, who had somo friend or
relative buried in this sacred spot No ceremonies
OF any description were observed, and beyopd
placing tho floral tribute upon tho graves, no
demonstration WAS made; no hymns wore sung or
prayers offered, except those that came from tho
heart OF hoarts, and which we're hoard only by tho
Great Being TO whom thoy woro addressed.
Tho decorations Of tho graves wero very similar
TO thoso OF last year, and sono caro- wus observed
that mono shodld escape attention. ,TEe podier's
bnfying ground shows as once tho caro- that has
Deen bestowed upon It. The head stones hayo
Doen placed at fly graves and others viii be sup
piled soon. Tho grounds have boon laid out and
are surrounded byoa aild orange hedgo,iand the
,I' whole HPpetnranee great Improvement on the
barren and desolete look II presented: last Year.
Each grave was tasteiuIy oriatnonted with gar.
lands and wreaths; and though mi some instances
tho mounds covered unknown dead, yot nll rocoiyod
: thesarae kind attention. " fs.
In other parta Of tho cemetery tho gallant soldier
.yas not forgotten; and the numerous wreaths thu,
wero TO be neen In evory direction proved tina,
thoir raemory was still greon. Among others The
grave Of n.:tAin IoHs Mrrrzs. t..o gallant son
of tho distinguished Ir!ah exile) wsa very land.