The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-05-11


who have undertaken the care Of the graves of
the Confederate dead had designated the 10th
ofMay, the anniversary Of Stonewall Jackson's
death, as the occasion to deck the graves of
the fallen with floral offerings. The tenth
falling on Sunday, this solemn ceremony was
performed last Saturday. Every arrangement
had been made to secure full attendance Of
those who honored the. dead Of the lost cause.
Extra trains were run on both the South Caro-
lima and the Northeastern Railroads, and be-
fore the hour appointed for the ceremony to
commence, the little hedge enclosing the Con-
fsderate burial ground was surrounded by an
attentive audience Of about three thousand
persons, large proportion of whom were
ladies. A number Of carriages, wagons and
private conveyances we're also on the ground,
and the occupants from these elevated posi-
tions obtained good view OF the impressive
scene. In the centre OF the burial ground
cross had been erected which was draped
with moss, and at one angle Of ehedge there
was temporary stage crowned with mossy
arch, under which the venerable DR.. Bachman
took his stand. The ceremonies were opened
with prayer by the Rev. DR.. Bachman, after
which an invocation hymn, composed for the oc-
casion by the Rev. G. s. vedder, was sung. The
iadies OF the association, assisted BY their at
tendant cavaliers. then proceeded to lay their
floral tributes on the graves. Every headstone
was crowned with wreath, some Of them e3-
tcemely beautiful, but the majority were taste
fuiis formed Of laurel and cedar, while the body
Of the graves were decorated with crosses,
wreaths boquets, and other floral offerings.
The tombs of other Confederate soldiers who
were buried in private lots were also visited,
and the same tender care was lavished upon
them. That of Captain Mitchell, the son Of
the distinguished Irish patriot, was beautifully
adorned. This tomb is one Of the principal
points OF interest in Magnolia, and was visited
/ by large number of persons. After the cere-
mony Of decorating the graves had been con-
cluded, the visitors walked slowly through the
burial ground, and read the brief record
which was placed on each headstone-
the name Of the soldier with his COM
pany and regiment. One row at the
east end of the enclosure caused many to stop
and gaze sadly at the simple word unknown" !"
which was the only inscription on the stone.
The unknown dead we're, however, not neg
lected, and the flowers were literally strewn
over their graves.
The return trip Of the cars was fixed for half
past six O'Clock, which allowed ample time for
q stroll through the beautiful City of the Dead.
The graves of Colonel Washington, and those
of his torical fame in the recent war, were sew
orally visited, and many silent tear was
brushed away as the last resting-place OF the
Confederate dead was passed. The shrill
whistle and the lengthening shadows reminded
the crowd that it was time to turn their faces
homeward, but it was with lingering steps that
they left the hallowed spot. The cars we're
soon freighted, but, notwithstanding the extra
accommodations furnished by the two roads, it
was found necessary to make second trip be-
fore all of the visitors were borne back to the
city.
In the different grave yards attached to the
churches in the city the graves Of the soldiers
were not forgotten, for tender and loving
hands had crowned them with laurel wreaths.
Calhoun's grave, in st. Philips Church yard,
and that of Mr.. Peter Manigault, in the Hugue'
not Church yard, an old veteran, who lost his
life at the close Of the war, were profusely de-
corated with flowers and wreaths. The day
was bright, clear and beautiful, the air being
pleasantly cool and refreshing.