The Magnolia gazette., 1888-04-28
Decoration Day.

On Thursday. 26th inst. the graves
of the lis Confederate soldiers ia the
cemetery here, were visited by a large
concourse of peeple-old aud young
aud beautifully decorated with towers
and eyergreens. The veteran soldier,
the motherly looking housewife, the
patriotic young men, the lovely young
ladies and the pretty little boys and
girls, were there. all of when took a
lively interest in the exercises Of the
day. Tho toral offerings were of the
rarest beauty and fragrance, fit emblem
OF the generous. grateful aud Affection
ate tribute to the memory of those, who
at the call OF duty, went boldly 10 the
front and laid down their lives for us.
After every grave had been decorated.
the astemblage repaired to the speak
ers stand aud uni'ed in singing soul>
stirring song-then joined Capt. Lams
kin in prayer.
HoH. J. . Erriugton. rising young
lawyer of Hazlehurst. was then intro,
duced aud delivered an excellent adj
dress, citing many historical fscts TO
prove that the gallant Confederate SOL
diers who gave their lives for us, were
in every way worthy of our remem-
brance. His address was delivered IN
fine style and made deep impression
on dis audience.
Another soag was sung, at the con-
clusion Of which Mr.. ID. NJ. HUFF, editor
Of the GAZETTE, was introduced and de
liyered an address, covering about thirty
minutes, in which he suggested that
monument be erected TO the memory OF
the chiyalrous sous OF Pike county, who
lost their lives in the late war. He was
followed by Capt. Jno. =. Limkiu, who
heartily approved of the suggestion ia
brief, but eloquent speech. Capt. Lam
kin stated that the survivors Of Ca. E.,
3rd Miss. Regiment. would be- glad to
cooperate with any who might under.
take the work. He paid a beautiful
tribute to the memory of those who
sleep on the field of honor aud glory
aud declared that they should never be
forgotten.
Col. s, q, Packwood was then
called for aud responded III his usual
eloquent style. He uaid it wonld be
like ad ding perfume to the violet, for
him to say anything. He stated how.
40 hat hn
made in regard to erecting a monu-
brave men and boys who left their
homes in THE county, when the clash
of arms rcsounded DER tins beautiful
land never to return. He thought
that meeting should be held and an
organization perfected with the view OF
carrying out the suggestion ix sys-
tematic and successful manner.
The exercises were then brought to
close by fervent prayer by the Rey,
j. IL. Laus. pastor of the Baptist
church, when the congregation disper-
Fed with many pleasant recollectious--
ot the past rnd present-for memery
TO cherish.
at is we'll that we give this express
sion OF our undying regard for the
confederate dead-for what did they |
u OF give Us? what was there dear in |
t he bomes they left behind---uever to |
be visited agMn, or what was there |
precious in the ties OF affection snn-
lered--never to be renewed on earth |
again, which they did not sacrifice for |
us? what wan there of privation or
peril in the camp, on the march, on
the bloody field of battle ar iu the |
hospital where they languished when
tae battle was over. which they dio
not endure for Us?
Sleep in peace, dear old soldiers.
We can never pay the debt va owe
you. but we can cherish the recollec
lion Of oil that made you worthy of
our love. We eau treasure ycur
names and embaim yonr memories
with all our hearts can giye-our
praises and our tears"