Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-08-20
Rebel Malignity.

A CORRESPONDENT of the Boston IrGgel-
ler recently visited Andersonville, and after
describing the horrible character OF the
water which the prisoners were compelled
to drink, and otherwise confirming the ac-
counts of their cruel treatment heretofore
published, says:
"In an open spot, short distance to
the northwest of the prison pen, the last
remains of the murdered ones lie sleeping
their last Sleep Side by side the twelve
thousand five hundred now rest, while over
them wave the stars and stripes of that ma
ton for which they died. Simple graves !!
A little sandy mound a white headboard
bearing the name-and the story OF their
resting place is told. When we neared
the gate through which the visitor must
pass the high board fence which sur
rounds the cemetery, we were surprised
to see quite large party OF ladies and
gentlemen down in the northwest corner
of the cemetery under the shade OF the
trees, throwing flowers upon the graves.
While we were standing by the Flagstaff
and contemplating their movements, an
other party entered the gateway, and pass
ing near us, walked on toward the other com
pany, and as they passed us, a lady
dressed in the richest attire, and poss 3ssing
really handsome features, stepped little
wav from her companions, and with ges-
lures indicating the deepest disgust, scorn-
fully spat upon the grave of Michigan
soldier. There said she, / said would
do it, and have Her ompanions laughed
approvingly, and the party passed on,
leaving us in state of humiliation and
rage such as we never experienced
before. What we might have done
in our anger we know not, had
we at that time been aware as to who the
scoffers were. For when we found that
the graves they came to decorate were
those of the rebels, we could not control
ourself, and walked out of the cemetery
and down into the forest to regain our
selfpossession. Down in the forest we
found large variety of wild flowers. From
these we selected the varieties which
pleased us most, and with an armful re-
turned to the cemetery and laid them one
by one upon the graves. The little mound
which had. been. spit upon we covered
with wreaths and bouquets OF our own
make, hanging long sprigs OF roses and
tulips over the headbOard. Then taking
our seat upon the grassy mound at the
foot of the flagstaff, we waited for the
party to return. After while they came,
laughing and joking, unmindful OF our
presence; and one of them proposed to
kick over Yankee headboard. We felt
as if we should like to see him do it, just
once; but when they came up, the lady
who spat upon the grave uttered an ex-
clamation of surprise, and pointed at the
flower-decked head board. Who did that p
exclaimed one, just as the company caught
sight of us. AS if by one accord the whole
party followed the example of the lady,
and stared at us as though we were some
thing supernatural We said not a word f;
but, slowly rising to our feet, folded our
arms and stared at them hard in return.
We were then, for the first time in our
life,t spelling for fight but they turned
away at once, and, hanging their heads,
walked out of the cemetery in silence"