Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-09-03
SPIRIT OF JEFFERSON.
TuEspAY MoRNINa. sgPTEMBER 9. lsas.
The National Confederate Me-
mortal Association.


Notwithstanding all that has beer
said and written concerning the Ma.
tional Confederate Memorial Associa'
ton proposed by Mr.. Chas. Broadway
Rouss there appears to exist to some
extent miscoDception of the scope
character and purpose of that institu-
ton. We present a history of thai
great and patriotic undertaking from
| its inception down TO the present
time. In November 1894, Mr.. Rouss
addressed the following circular let
ter to the Confederate Veterans,
through the commanders of the diff
ferent camps of the United Confed-
crate Veterans:
New YORK CITY, Nov. 1894.
Conarade-More than 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 Civil War, but few remain In
short time the last of those who
wore the Gray will have passed to
the other shore. Upon the few that
remain devolves the duty of perpet-
uating the memory of our gallant
comrades who sleep beneath the sod.
Nearly 500 ''Veteran Camps "Me-
mortal Associations Historical
Societies. and sold Soldiers Homes"
attest the loving and loyal remem-
brance of the Confederate soldier for
the cause that he served so we'll.
This question is forced upon us:
What is to become of these institu-
tions and 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 prowess in
the field are scattered broadcast over
the country. Should they not be
collected and provision be made for
their preservation as a rich inner
itance for our children and patri-
otic object lesson for generations TO
come? Is it not reasonable for the
surviving Confederate Veterans, act
ing in brothely concert, to form an
association having for its object the
collection and preservation of these
records and relics and also gallery
of portraits of the great leaders who
added so much lustre to our cause
This would be labor of love to all
and it would necessitate but a small
contribution from each. A general
support would insure success while,
as experience has shown, the main
tenance of local institutions has De
come burdensome to the constantly
numbers OF veterans upon
whom they depend. Large numbers
who have not been able to connect
themselves with local camps would
be glad to contribute to the estab-
lishment of Broad National Institu-
ton. The desire to perpetuate the
glorious memories of the past IS
strong and universal, and there
should be no difficulty in giving II
substantial expression. have dis
cussed the matter with q number or
Confederate Veterans and have re-
ceived promise of hearty co-operotion
and support. The offers of contribu-
tions haue been liberal.
1t has been estimated that S2O0, ,O00
would he amply sufficient to purchase
a suitable property for such an insti-
tuition as is contemplated and to ere
ate a suitable income for its main
tenance. The popular idea seems
to be to organize Confederate Me-
mortal Association and Depository
somewhat of the nature of a joint
stock company with shares of such
moderate value, say not to exceed
$40 each, so othat all could participate.
1t is thought that board of admin
istration composed of z or 8 of the
surviving Confederate officers of the
highest rank would prove acceptable
to all.
1 trust that this matter may receive
your favorable consideration and that
YOU will unite in an effort to perpetu-
ate the glorious memories of the past
AS Gen. Gorden has said so elo-
quently: "To cherish such memo
ries of the past whether crowned with
success or consecrated with defeat,
is to idealize the principle and
strengthen character, in tensifyloVe
of country and convert defeat and
disaster into pillars of support for
future manhood and nobler woman
hood. / have addressed the heads
of the various Confederate organiza-
tions, soliciting an expression of
opinion in regard to the object that
/ desire to secure. Will you kindly
give this matter your attention and
favor me with the views of your COM
rades and yourself
Fraternally yours,
CHAs. BROADWAY Rouss,
Ex-Private C. S. Army.
In December 1894. the first circu-
lar was supplemented by the follow
ing:
Comrade-Some time since l adj
dressed a circular letter Copy en-
closed) to the commanders of the
different Veteran Camps in relation
to the establishment of a National
Memorial Association. The respon-
ses to that letter have been SO num-
erous and so strongly favorable as
to leave no doubt of the success of
the undertaking as outlined. Veter-
ans from all parts of the country
urge expedition of the work.
II. 49, anr,