The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-06-10
PFTRRsBuRa, June 9, 1868.

PETERSBURG, June 9, 1868.
Though the ladies have already had two
memorial celebrations, yet this is the day
above all others set apart for the perform
ance Of the touching ceremonies paid to the
memory of the Confederate dead. It was on
this day four years ago, as your readers
may remember, when General Kautz, at
the head of 1900 cavalry, cautiously APP
preached Petersburg on the east-so eau
tiously as to allow the reserves and militia
time to meet him on the line in front of the
Riyes House. With the exception of few
officers and ex-oficers, not o man of them
had ever met the enemy; but they
stood their ground like veterans, and
though numbering only one hundred and
4 twenty five, finally succeeded in repelling
the assault. The defence was conducted
by the gallant Lieutenant Colonel F. Il.
/ Archer, who had already seen service in the
war. The city was thus saved from capture
and pillage almost as by miracle; but
eleven of our best citizens were either
killed or mortally wounded on that eventful
| day. 1t was eminently fitting and proper,
therefore, that the 9th Of June should have
been selected above oil other days Of the
calendar for memorial services. This is the
third celebration that has taken place-the
first, perhaps, being the most imposing, from
the freshness and novelty Of the occasion /;
but it is not perceived that the ardor of
those engaged in the work has suffered any
abatement. All the indications Of to-day,
and for several days past, point to most
successful issue. At the bidding of the ladies
the young men have been busily engaged in
dressing the graves at Blanford cemetery
several and--preparatory to decera-
ton; IN 6eamense number Of flowers have
been gathered, as if from the four quarters
of the State; business is suspended, and
the stores are closed and thousands of old
men and matrons, young men and maidens,
and school boys and school girls, are crowd
ing the sacred precincts of the cemetery,
depositing their tributes on every grave,
however humble, known or unknown" Of
the latter there are, unfortunately, many
we grieve to say it; but considering the al
most daily strife, the marching and counter
marching, it is wonderful SO many names
should have been saved from oblivion. 1t
is to be hoped that none thus rescued will
ever be suffered to be lost. There is, in
deed, but little danger of it while the pre-
servation and decoration of the grounds are
under the care of those guardian angels
who initiated the movement. 1t is woman
who, in far higher degree than man, re-
presents the affections; and as there is
scarcely O household which has not been
bereft of some member, relative, or friend,
the beautiful custom of paying honors to
their memory on every annual return of the
floral season can scarcely ever fall into de-
suetude.
The celebration will not be over till night
fall, long after this letter should be on the
way to its destination. 1t will, therefore,
be impossible to give the finale, but as the
weather is oil that could be desired, no &C
compartment is wanting to make the whole
pass off in the most satisfactory manner.
Itiscurrently reported to-day that Messrs.
Digger g. Stainback, brokers, have sus-
pended and made an assignment of their
effects.
Messrs. Rives s. Spratley, commission
merchants, announce dissolution of part
nership this morning, with the view of
winding up their business. They discon-
tinue, not from any losses or cmbarrass-
ment, but solely on account of the dizziness
of trade >.