Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1894-11-27
Eor the southern PeopIe.


For the Southern People.
The subjoined circular explains it
self. The need which It proposes to
fill is an important one aud becomes
more pressing and more difficult 70
meet as the years glide away. The
people of the late Confederate States
should possess some central and COM
plete collection of everything that
concerns the yindication and iIlustra-
ton of their cause and the struggle to
maintain in. We trust that the app
peal Will elicit a prompt and liberal
response:
NEW York, Oct. 2. '94.
More than a quarter of century
has passed away since the surrender
at Appomattox. OF the many who
bore arms in defense of the liberty of
the South in the great Cival War, but
few remain. In short time the last
of those who wore the Gray viii have
passed to the other shore. Uponthe
few that remain devolves the duty of
perpetuating the memory of our gall
liant Comrades who sleep beneath the
sod. Nearly 500 Veteran Camps, .
Memorial Associations, = .sHistori-
cal Societies and aOld Soldiers
Homes" attest the loving and loyal
remembrance of the Confederate Sol
der for the cause that he served so
well. This question is forced upon
us. What is to become of these in
stitutions and Of our records and
cherished relics when the last of our
Veterans, who are their custodians,
shall have passed away?
The mementoes of the struggle of
the South for Civil liberty and the
evidences of her glorious proves in
the field are scattered broadcast over
the country. Should they not be coll
lected and provision be made for
their preservation as rich inherit
lance for our children and patriotic
object lesson for generations to come?
Is it not feasible for the surviving
Confed Veterans, acting in broth
erly concert, to form an Association
for the preservation of those records
and relics and also n gallery of por-
traits of the great leaders who added
so much lustre to our cause? This
would be n labor of love to all and
would necessitate but small contri-
button from each. A general support
would insure success; while, las exper-
fence has shown, the maintenance of
local institution has become burden
some to the constantly decreasing
numbers of Veterans upon whom they
depend. Large numbers who have
not been able to connect themselves
with local 'sCamps" would be glad
to contribute to the establishment of
a broad National institution. The
desire to perpetuate the glorious
memories of the past is strong and
universal, and there should be no
difficulty in giving it substantial ex-
preston. have discussed the mat
ter with number of Confederate
veterans and have received promises
of hearty cooperation and support.
IOffers of contributions have been
liberal.
1t has been estimated that $780,
900 would be amply sufficient to pur-
chase suitable property for such
an institution as is contemplated and
to create n suitable fund for its
maintenance. The popular idea
seems to be to organize Confederate
Memorial Association and Depository
somewhat of the nature of a Joint
Stock Co., with shares of such moder-
off 4o
each, that all could participate. 1t
| is thought that Board of Admins
tration composed of z or 9 of the
surviving Confederate Officers of
the highest rank, would prove ac-
ceptable to all. A proper selection
of location could be left safely to
such body.
trust this matter may receive
your favorable consideration and
that you will unite in an effort to
perpetuate the glorious memories of
the past. As Gen. Gordon has said
so eloquently: ITO cherish such
memories and recall such n past,
whether crowned with success or
consecrated in defeat. is to fdealize
principle and strengthen character,
intensity love of country and con-
vert defeat and disaster into pillars
of support for future manhood and
noble womanhood."
/ have addressed the heads of the
various Confederate organizations,
soliciting an expression of opinion in
regard to the object that 1 desire 10
secure. Will you kindly give the
matter your attention and favor me
with the views your Comrades and
yourself?
Fraternally yours,
G. B. RoUss,
Ex-Privnte r. G ARMY