davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20

LOUISVILLE. KY. May IS lS9i
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
Ny heart has been set upon being In
monument 10 the soldiers and sailors Of
the Confcderacy unveiled, and To meet
the survivors Of those who were my
comrades during the days of 1S6l-'GJ, but
l find that it VIII be impossible. | wanted
10 see the dear old city once more, when
her streets and hOspitabc homes shall
be crowded with the beautiful women
and gallant men of Virginia and of her
sister Southern States
1t is proper that the most imposing
monument yet erected to commemorate
the hlroism and patriotism OF our sol
diers and sailors shall crown one Of the
hills upon which is built the capital city
of the Confederacy. in defence OF which
so many OF these heroes gave up their
lives.
Richmond. rich in the memories and
traditions OF the past, beautiled by the
monuments and memorials 10 the great
and good men whose characters and lives
we all reverence and cherish viii In
coming years be the Mecca 10 which
those who love the South and her glorious
history VIII turn their steps in order tha,
they may gain fresh inspiration in their
patriotic devotion.
trust that this monument viii stand
FOR ages, to teach coming generations
that this world has never known more
unseltish patriotism than was disnlav ed
by the soldiers and sailors who FOUGHT
ana d!ed IN defence OF the great princl.
pies for which the South contended
with many regrets that | cannot no
win you to take part In the interestinc
ceremonies OF the SOth | am. most sln'
'e'e!' JOHN ECHOLs.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
J. l.. BRENT.
Honor Ourselves in Honoring Them.

WASHINGTON. j. C., May 10. 1891.
| To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
II would give me great pleasure 10 be
with my friends and comrades on the
| Both instant at the unwilling Of the
monument erected in honor OF the SOL
d.crs AMI sailors of the Confederacy,
but for the fact that on that day | have
20 be at Sharpsburg TO meet a delegation
appointed by the Governor of North
Carolina at the solicitation Of the An
tietam Board. Of which ] am a member
This delegation from the Old North State
viii meet on the battlefield to point out
the places where their several organiza-
tions did their hardest fighting on that
memorable 18th Of September. 1862. and
on the places so designated tablets mark
ing these positions will be erected.
Dear old Richmond. associated with so
many pleasures OF my boyhood. youth.
and early manhood-her hills and wales
are all dear to mc-and above all re-
cogniZe and feel a pride III the virtue Of
her women and the energy and worth
Of her men, who have from her ashes Of
1853 made her what she now Is. one Of the
most beautiful and prosperous cities of
our beloved South. BY the erection Of
this handsome granite column to the sol
diers and sailors of the COnfederacy. Nir-
Gina, in honoring them, honors herself
Though not with you in person. | am in
spirit. And TO my old comrades In arms
who will assemble on that occasion |
wish to say in the language of the poet
soldier:
comrades known by faith the dearest.
Tried when death was near ana nearest,
Bound we are by ties the dearest
Brothers evermore to be;
And If spared and grow older
Shoulder still in line with shoulder
And with hearts no throb the colder,
BrOtherS ever We viii be"
Very truly your friend and comrade,
IL. HETH
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Pretty Good Men, What There Were of
Them.

AUGUSTA. GA. May IS, 1894.
To the EDITOR of the Dispatch:
/ greatly regret that cannot be present
IN person on the occasion Of the unveil-
Ing Of the monument to the soldiers and
sailors OF tn, Confedcracy, and to meet
once more with the old comrades among
whom the bonds Of affection grow dearer
a'd stronger a. our numbers diminish,
and To- tread once more the hills OF glo-
Tious old Richmond, which. | think, would
surely know our footsteps, and think to
echo a-din 10 our cheers | cannot be
with YOJ, but | would hike to b. remem-
pcrcd by those Of the Old Army Of North
cin virginia who are there. \ on ask for
some Incident or sentiment associated in
my mind with this army. | have heard a
story of an awkward mans compliment
to tne butter on the table OF his ho.tcss
which. II has often seemed to me. might
be- p1raphrased into the verdict which an
impartial history Will finally pass upon
the soldiers and sailors Of the whole Con
fcderacy when all our gatherings are
over. The awkward man said: Pretty
good butter. what there is of it,"
think history may fairly say Of us.
and we may bc well satisfied with the
cpitaph: pretty good men. what there
were OF them"
Very truly yours.
T.. T. ALEXANDER
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Worthy to v" Our Countrv's G'orv.
BALTIMORE. Md. May 10. 1894.

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
I acknowledge the receipt Of your kind
Invitation to be presnt at the unwilling OK
the monument to the Confederate soldiers
and sailors. and, fearing that ! may be
unable 20 crafty myself by attending,
beg TO express my approval OF your
work
II IL a patriotic idea to raise monu-
ment 10 commemorate the soldiers ana
sailors OF the Confederacy. IL we desire
10 take an account OF the sum or excel
lence OF a race. We must reach our totai
from It's masses and not from It's chiei-
tains, and no higher average OF intelligent
devotion. OF heroic courage. ana OF un-
selfish patriotism was ever attained by
any people than by the Confederate SOL
diers and sailors, who not only resisted
countless Europeans, attracted by high
nay and unexampled bounties TO the
Union standard. In numbers that doubled
our entire rank and file, but, more diff
cult STILL held for so long time UNI
shaken lines against the stubborn and
steady assaults of native Americans or
the same race, who achieved no conquest
over their brethren. though only one
fourth Of their number. until hunger. ex-
hausted resources OF every kind, ana
skeleton lines OF battle. succumbed TO
overwhelming numbers. drawing supplies
and recruits from all nations of the
earth.
The monument about to be unveiled
commentaries 'heroism which Is worthy
10 be the glory OF one common country.
and the time will come II 1t has not al
ready arrived. when every riGht-thinking
American will sympathize with the senti-
ment of that typical man Of the republic.
President Abraham Lincoln. who. when
visiting Cemetery Ridge. warmly ex-
pressed his admiration for the valor OF
the Union soldiers. whose mistaken lines.
on the very crest OF the ridge. had re-
coived the fierce assault Of Picketts d.
vision and had driven II back a shattered
wreck. and then, looking down upon the
sharp activities OF the ascent and the
exposed and unsheltercd slopes and fields
up and over which the assaulting lines
advanced. and intelligently approaching
the difficulties overcome TO even reach the
crest OF the ridge. exclaimed with glowing
eye and heightened color. And those men
who came up here, they. too. are our
men"
Yours cordially, J. l.. BRENT.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
The Men who Made the Generals.

ADMISSION, ALA, May II. 1891
1t would afford me very great pleasure
to be present at the unveiing of the
monument to the soldiers and sailors Of
the Confederacy on the 30th OF May. but
my engagements are such that it wiz be
impossible for me to be present. | am in
hearty sympathy with this move, and |
would rejoice to see such a monument In
the capital of every one of the Confede-
rate States. The memory of those gallant
men who dared all and gave all 10 their
country must be preserved, and the rising
generations taught 10 revere the memory
OF their gallant ancestors-whosc bones
and whose blood enriched the soil OF gor-
Gus old Virginia.
During the war I found many warm
friends in Richmond. and my recollcctions
Of the city are very pleasant. My recol-
lection Of Garnett Farm. Savage Station.
and Malvern Hill are not quite 50 plea
SAINT. but not regretted. Two Of Rich
mOnd's sons were on my staff-Dr John
J.. jackson, my brigade surgeon, and his
brother. Captain Thomas @. Jackson, my
aide-de-camp. both gallant men. always
ready for duty. and true. loyal friends.
| wish you God-speed in this and every
thing that can be or may be done 10
perpetuate the memory OF the glorious
dead or the gallant living Confederate SOL
der.
Regretting that | cannot be with you
on the Goth, and sending a soldiers greet
ing 10 his old comrades / am,
Very truly yours.
GEORGE T. ANDERSON.
AS sentiment, | give you: The Private
Soldiers-the men who made the generals.
q. T. x.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
May They Serve AZ Silent Monitors,
ALEXANDRIA. VA, May 10.

NiH%N y .Nl'lslN, ~, NdN ~, 1871.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
l hasten to express my regrets at be-
ing unable Thy reason of partial loss of
sight, and pain, and difficulty experienced
in using the pen). to comply with the
request contained in your letter.
Though absent in person / shall be
with you In spirit, my sympathies being
as keen and my feeling and convictions
as strong az of OLD. perhaps strengthened
by observation and experience of the past
thirty-Odd years.
| congratulate your citizens upon being
possessed of the several works of art
that adorn their beautiful city, and serve
to recall the great and good men OF all
degrees who took part in the memorable
struggle for constitutional rights and
self-government.
May they serve as silent monitors TO
warn our legislators and guardians of
public instruction against the introduce
ton of any false doctrine heresy, or
schism.
l remain. yours. with respect.
j. A. DE LAQCEL.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20

hunger. and suffering no soldier ever en-
tered the city OF Richmond without re-
Joicing nor left IL without making a
fresh resolve 10 defend 1t With his life
our cause was defeated, orr proud
banner forever furled, and our glorious
capital city draped in mourning and
hdthed In fire, but not until the last
soldier Of the Army Of Northern Virginia
crosses the dark river" aud his los
tcrlty ~ lost in the ocean Of humanity
which is 10 roll over the hills of I;ich-
mond and food the State and the South
with other memories. will our beautiful
city cease to be honored and loved as
the home of the Confederats soldier when
dead.
Let our monuments rise "memoria in
aeterna" OF the Lost Cause.
Respectfully. THOMAS l.. ROSSER.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Let Richmond's Monuments Ri..

CHARLOTTESVILLE VA. May 10, 1894.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
AS Memorial-Day approaches. when we
are to lay sweet flowers on the graves of
those who died in defence OF our dear
Southland; also. the day for the unwilling
OF the monument In our capital CITY
erected In memory OF the soldiers and
sailors who wore the gray and fought
and died under the Starry Cross, which
We all SO dearly loved. our thoughts 20
back TO the dark days OF battle, biyouac.
and suffering. and our faces are again
turned towards Richmond.
feel to-day as l have often before
felt. that II IL were in my power I would
make Richmond what Pericles made of
Athens. "a fortress Of strength, a city
OF palaces. an abode OF refinement, and a
temple Of the gods"
Richmond forms the background Of all
battle traSedies Of Virginia, Maryland,
and Pennsylvsnis enacted In . long and
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
The Glory Of the South.

WASHINGTON, ID. C., May ~ 1871
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The condition of my health at the pres
ent moment is such as to forbid my ac-
ceptance of your very cordial and kind
invitation to be present on the occasion
Of the unwilling OF a monument to per-
petuate the fame OF the rank ana lie OF
the Confederate army and navy on the
3Oth. instant, but II l shall be strong
enough at that time. II VIII give me
great pleasure. and I should esteem II
an honor TO be present.
Meanwhile, permit me to congratulate
the people of Richmond and OF VIZ
g.nia upon the erection OF monument
that shall-lct us hope. for centuries To
come-tell the story of the heroes who
fought for their rights. ana II secure Tor
them the commercial independence the
Confederate government was organized
to assert and maintain.
The glory OF the South Is In the deeds
of the rank and file of the Confederate
army and navy.
with sentiment Of esteem, believe me,
dear sir. always faithfully
Il. II. ROBERTSON.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
No stouter Patriots and Heroes.

OKANGE, VA. May 10. 1894.
To the Editor OF the DisDaich
From Thermopylae and salamis. down
through the struggles OF the human race
for Independence and freedom. down IN
our supreme American triumph ri York
'o"h' ana 10 our own era, there were
great soldiers and heroes. but none y,ho
reproduce to us real likeness OF the
private soldiers and sailors OF the CON.
federate South. These Confeeierates hat
Ting In want and hunger and rags. amid
disease and wounds and death, fighting
without pay and without hope OF personal
fame or reward. yet not only endured
uneauailed privations and tolls and per-
formed deeds OF unsurpassed vaIor. but
through four years OF direst war stood
TO their colors with unfiinching fidelity
% duty. " ogdsr, and " law. 1hsy con.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Thanks from Every True Heart.

SAN ANTONIO, TEN. May TO- l89i
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The heart Of every true Confederate
soldier will throb with thanks to the noble
people who have built the monument I'm
Richmond 10 the Confederate soldier and
sailor, and with emotions OF gratitude.
that he has been permitted 10 see the day
tina, the beautiful and enduring emblem
OF their affection and love for the CAUSE
and us defenders will be unveiled befors
the world. II will ever tell the story TO the
passer-by that their cause was right. and
thai their death In It's defence shed a
lustre. ever TO grow brighter. on the
chivalry and heroic virtues which char.
acterized the solder OF the South.
HAMILTON +. BEE.
Ex-) Briga dier-General Confederate States
Army.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Richmond Peoples Kind Attention.

GORDONSNILLE, VA, May 70. lS9L
To tho Editor Of the Dispatch:
l congratulate the good people OF Rich
mond on the completion Of their grand
and noble efforts in erecting a monument
70 the soldiers and sailors Of the Confcdc-
rate States.
| remember with gratitude the Kindness
| received at the hands Of the citizens Of
Richmond when. in the days that tried
mems souls, / came a wounded soldier In
their midst, and but FOR their kindness |
don't believe | would have gotten well.
Especially do | remember the Kindness
or Mr.. Robert Richardson and other
members Of the Ambulance Corps from
your city, at Hamilton's Crossing May
!. 1863.
| hope You will have n bright day ror
the unveiling ceremonies and this NAV
prove equal to similar occasions in the
past.
Hoping 10 be present IN person. remain
Yours truly. WILLIAM INCOME.
Commander Of Tenncssee Brigade.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Brings Back Flood Of Memories.

4.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
| congratulate your city on the COM
pletion Of the monument to be unveiled
on the Both. 1t is a fitting tribute 10 the
rank and hle, who counted not their lives
as Of any value I'm the South's defence
What flood OF memories the bare men,
ton Of your grand old historic city brings
back.
Mingled with the music OF the dance.
the faces Of lovely girls. is the roar 81
distant cannon and the groans OF the
wounded and dying.
To the Confederate veteran Richmond
Will ever be a peculiar city. not bullded
OF common clay and mortar. but OF glo-
rlous deeds and heroic sacrifices. cemented
with blood and suffering. Since the day
or her humiliation. | haven't trod her
streets. As | cannot be there on this oc-
casion. | send these greetings
Very truly, L.. ID. JOHNSTON.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Tho Home Of tho Soldiers.
49,. MAJ 10


To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
rejoice TO hear OF the completion OF 'ne
monument 10 the soldiers and sailors Oh
the confederacy. and hope TO nave '"e
pleasure OF being present at the uhVeii'ne'
Every Confederate officer owes aeo'
of respect and honor TO the memory ol 'ns
private soldier Without the stimulus VI
public notice and applause. win no nope
or thought OF personal fame the Con-
federate private marched ana endurei'
fought and suffered. knowing thdt tns
laurels which his bravery ana nuc'i,y as
sisted in winning would entwine aho''Tr )
brow. Surely this monument Is put Pis
due. " 49,
1t seems 20 me most htting mat the
monument should stand In consplcu )us
positlon in the city of Richmond-the cl,y
so ready. during the years OF war 10
offer it's unbounded care and Kindness 10
every soldier of the South, 10 the humDltst
private as cordially as TO the most cH-
tinguished general-the city where nos
pltality since the war has been. on nther
occasions Ike the present. so sweet and
so invigorating 10 every Confederate Ne'e-
ran. Yours truly
LAWRENCE s. BAKER.
Brigadlcr-General Cavalry, G. ;. n.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Al s AND GOVERNORS SEND GRE

memen,o Of a past period Of Confederate
arecutIvs power OF this far-famed metro
poltan city of Richmond. whose s s.,a'
have won evergreen laurels ON the Da''''-
field. a.,,o,,on
In recognition OF the untir'ns ae' ,,s,r
OF the fair ladies' OF the SCUM 70 u,,a
sick and wounded defenders, &c. "s s,,.
,astno monument enshrined In southern
pn,s a"or nointjue its sacred spire TO-
gards tho star-clad celestial realm.
ssr.,ornaIIv DANIEL RCGGLES'
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20

WASHINGTON. y. C.. May 70, 1904
70 the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Responding TO your. very polite and
generous letter. just received. ! beg to
say that | rejoice at the honor which IL
IS proposed TO confer upon the private
soldier of the Confederate army. II was
he WHO bore the bruut Of the battlc-the
heat and burden of the day. and he IS
the real hero OF that army. Nothing has
been done to mcmOrialize his sacrifice.
lcrls. and prOwcss so betting as that
which is 10 Dee done in Richmond on the
oUth Of the current month. II reflects
credit upon the promoters. while il 81
lcntly tcStiii"s TO the exalted esteem in
which IN" modest unpretcnding hero Is
hoii. Inc appropriate testimonial viii
cause 10 vihrat" the tcndercst and most
grateful cord of the heart of the old sol
dicr. and an who love virtue and value
service faithfully performed
Yours truly, MALONE.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20

FLORENCE, ALA. May Il. 1894.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
1t would afford me great pleasure to
be III your city on the Both instant ana
meet my old comrades on the occa sion
or the unveiling Of the monument 10 the
private soldiers and sailors OF the Com
iederacy' but circumstances will not al.
NIT OF my being present in person.
| VIII be there, though. i'm spirit 40
always am when recognition in any form
Is made Of the valor. devotion. and heroic
services of those who. three decades aro
wore the gray and battled for the cause
Of the South.
| doubt not the monument is n grand
majestic shaft. such column as might
appropriately be raised anywhere I'm thu.
broad land In commemoration OF t6e
splendid virtues Of the best type Of pa
triot and soldier and sailor that America
has produced
Faithfully, ". ". ALLEN.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Worthy OF Honor and Reverence.


To the Editor of the Dispatch:
regret that | cannot be- present at
the unveiing Of the Soldiers and Sailors
Monument at Richmond on the Both in
slant.
My service as Confederate soldier was
rendered on the coast Of North and South
Carolina, and In the Western Army under
Generals Bragg Johnston, and Hood. !
never had the honor OF service In the
Army OF Northern Virginia. but my gal
liant brother, TheO. l.. G.. Capers. Of the
Palmetto sharpshooters. fell at the Second
MaI.assas. as ala my wfes brother,
Major +. G.. Palmer. Of the HOlcourt
Legion. 5. G. V. Others Of my near kins-
men died for the South in Virginia, and
are, with my brother ana brother-in-law,
buried IN your soil.
The noble monument you are 10 unveil
on the Both commentaries them and the
thousands who gave their lives for their
principles. Mortal man can do no more.
and their sacrifice is worthy of the honor
and the reverence Of all true men.
Most respectfully. ELLISON CAPERS.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
A NOBLE ARMY or MAFrr
Mrs. Davis PAYS Beautiful 1r..
the >outh's Brave -oidi,...

Mrs. Davis PAYS "A Beautiful 1r
the >Outh's Brave -oidi,...
Mrs. jefferson Davis. % 4..
OF the same letter sent t1 f..
and Governors was mailed.
following touching trhut. A.
heroes.
NEW NORk. Nll
To the Editor OF the Drplt.
The completion anI uI.t
monument 10 the soldiers a.I
the COufedcracy - an o.c.
evokcs my sympathy aul 81.
alleged pleasure The fierce a.l
trials OF L stormy lite have l..r
yigor 10 combat disease. AMI
has steadily declined in the a..
that 30 not feel able a. belr
and excitement incident e.
dear old friends In tie c,I
the 5)th instant hut / siu,...s
could bear the journey.
THEIR SPLENDID CDrHt.
Remembering the oycrwL...
opposed 10 Us. | recall With l...
our entire dependence upon Oh.
and valor OF our troops O. m.a
deficiency IN numbers. Tl.r
courage rendered them DID, o.r .
vincihle.
Now We know our soldiers s.i
were a noble army az mIsisr
cause OF constitutional liberty A
is LETT for US is 10 honor AM chess.
memory. and this our people.
OF the ashes Of their fortunes a..
nave nobly achieved
MEMORY OF THEIR pEi-<
When the fleet OF guubosts c...
doring up 10 the Instructions W
river. and II seemed only - rt.
Few hours before they would $50
and lombard Richmond. there $751;.
ceptIon at our house. The pie-
called out 10 hear The bad
passed me on hts return. AMI
tirely calm and confident utun..
pered the truth - ms w hA-
done%' l asked. lie an~wcrrt.
just cause, and n the obstrulu
way. our troops will repei TIE
Ills faith In their gallantry never
ana he was never disapp0lntsd.
We're crushed out by force ,of
and all was lost except our t
ardently longe,i To have the msm
their deeds perpetuatod Could D.
lived 70 see this monument you o.
TO unveil. much OF the hltterutas
feat would have been sweegened g..
With profound reverence Tor our
liant dead. and for the people W.
cherish their undyins iS.At
Your faithful countrywoman.
". JEFFERSON DAVE
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Appropriate; In the Right Place.


To the Editor of the Dispatch:
Your letter has been by ms for some
days. during the time l have endeavored
10 recall some incident suitable for the
proposed occasion. 1t was not my for
tune 10 serve with the Army OF Vir-
sinia." l was in Richmond but one day
during the war. Arriving there under in
structions from General r. Kirby Smith,
/ found orders to return at once to Knox
Vile and move his headquarters across
the Mississippi river. and there remained
until the end
i can think. in these days Of monuments.
or none more appropriate than the one
you purpose unwilling to the soldiers and
sailors OF the Confeieracy. nor could il
b. more appropriately located
Believe me. sincerely yours.
W. X. BOGGS.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-20
Gordon Sends Greetings.
WASHINGTON. u. C.. May 10, 1894
t-as... A. nt-..,cA.

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
thank you sincerely for the invitation
10 be present on the Goth instant at the
unveiing OF the monument 10 the soldiers
and sailors OF the Confederacy. i deeply
regret that my engagements arc such as
10 deprive me Of the privilege or being
with you. but I commission you 70 greet
my old comrades in my name ana 10 cx-
press my profound sympathy with the
purpose which cOnvenes them. No monu-
ment. however costly or enduring can
ever sufficiently indicate the gratitude OF
the southern people 10 the brave men
whose services this column is intended to
commemorate.
Ira:ernally yours,
J. r. GORDON.