The Van Buren press., 1873-06-17
Dedication of the Confederate Cemetery
at Fayetteville
FAyErrEyuLLr, ARK June IL, 1873.

FAyrrrEyILLg, ARR, June H. 1919.
Mn. EpIroR;
Allow me to give YOU hasty account OF
one of the most interesting performances
/ have ever had the good fortune to witness
/ You and your readers will remember that
twelve months ago the ladies of this place, to
the number of some twenty perhaps, formed
! themselves into an association, known as the
"Southern Memorial Association having for
il, object the removal OF the remains OF Con-
/ fedeIate dead aud the decent interlnent OF
them in a Cemetery, to be set apart exclusive
| ly for that purpose,
| There being so little money in the county
these brave ladies were met, on all sides, with
prophesies OF failure, but in the face of all OPP
position and under the frowns Of good loyal
people, they pushed the good and pious work
and have purchased two acres of ground that
is beautifully located near this town. over
looking II, had the lot fenced, fence painted,
and have had removed to it three hundred
bodies and have them buried in Beautiful or
der. There are four divisions IN one are bu-
rcd the fallen heroes from Louisiana, in an
other those from Texas in another those from
Missouri. in another those from Arkansas
These all centre upon an open square, upon
which "a monument is to be erected in memo
~ Of the sleeping inmates. This association
has collected, by any and every means, over
$1,000, and have faithfully expended It all.
! Yesterday was the day appointed tor the
dedication of tho Cemetery and the decofa-
tien of the graves. For three davs prior to
Tuesday IL had rained and Tuesday opened
with rain and promised anything but fair
day. In spite of all ths, these noble women
went ahead in their labor oflovc and determ-
ined that nothing should defeat the object for
which the day had been set apart From
early morning until 10 o'clock. vast numbers
were arriving from all parts of the county
and the adjoining counties. At 10 the multi
tude met as per arrangement at the old Col
lese Grove now called the White Walker
Grove, and there were judiciously formed in
procession by Col, Stirman and his assistant
marshals. The procession was led by the
Fayetteville Cornet Band and also a Martial
band. First came the little girls, then the
DDN :, IltII iHS lllSulDtIs Ol lut hSSDtldt
then old confederate soldiers-nfantry and
cayalry-citilen in buggies and carriages etc
then wagons. In this procession, which moved
through the principal streets, were counted
over 5000 people. After passing through the
streets, the crowd moved to the Cemetery,
where it was estimated at least 500 were add
ed to the 5000, making grand concourse Of
about $500 people. The crowd first entered
the Cemetery, where prayer vas offered by
Rev. DR.. Wech, OF Boonsboro, and a more
eloquent prayer | have never heard. After
this Major Earle, also of Bconsboro, delivered
the Dcdicatory Address, which was we'll con
ccvcd and delivered with fine effect Then
came the scattering Of wrcaths OF tlowers on
the graves. While this ceremony was being
performed, the Band played solemn dirge,
and all else being perfect silence, the scene
was most impressive, and hard indeed would
have been the heart that refused to melt. No
dry eyes were to be foHnd after this decora-
ton was ended. The last sad rites being per-
formed, the crowd moved to a grove near by
to listen TO addresses from Granville Wilcox
"iiN L we is''hN. Nv oN'h' h'' 'NN' Wv
pared for, perhaps, centuries, for it was II
rock left by nature for the use OF
the children of earth. Judge David Walker
presided and here, as at the Cemetery, made
a few very appropriate opening remarks and
then introduced Col. Wilcox, who spoke for
some twenty-five or thirty minutes, Prof
Looney was then introduced and, in his usual
ly happy manner, entertained the audience
for half an hour. All seemed well pleased
with the various performances. After this
game bountirl basket dinner--all had pen-
ty and the crowd dispersed at will.
The people of North West Arkansas owe a
debt of gratitude to the ladies of thi. town.
and they cannot better discharge it than by
aiding them in their future hbors. They
have collected a good deal OF money, done
good deal of work, but all the money has been
spent and there Is much yet to do There are
other bodies to remove and monument to be
erected To do this, money must be had. |
am sure the people Of Van Buren, and Fort
Smith will not hesitate to contribute liberal
ly. Can't you put in word
In haste yours PM.