Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-22
The Women,s Monument.
Stanton, Va, August Il, 1871.

stanton, Va, August II, 1871
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The subject Of erecting at some time
in the near future a monument 10 the
women of the South seems to be revived
with new interest among the "old Con-
feds" and a call on the comrades
from Mr. Jen. Il. Ruhin, an Old Rock
bridge Artillery man. I'm your Confederate
Column of Sundays Dispatch, 10 COM
memOrate with a suitable monument
their patriotism and devotion has eiici-
ted much favorable comment among
those who wore the gray.
The writer would say. for the en-
couragement of Comrade Ruflin, that he
had the honor of introducing In the
Grand Camp during its session at Alex
andtia, q resolution pledging tho cO-ope-
ration OF Virginia Confederates in the
undertaking. when the jefferson Davis
monument should be completed. which
resolution was enthusiastically adopted.
On a recent visit to r. +. Lee Camp
no. /, I'm your city, the subject came up
and q strong feeling favoring such a me-
mortal developed. There was also some
opposition manifested. which seemed TO
be based chiefly on the sentiments eX-
pressed I'm d published card from Mrs.
Norman Y. Randolph. which reflected
so much credit upon the unselhsh and
patriotic feelings Of that lady and those
associated with her. But the views ex-
pressed i'm Mrs. Randolphs letter only
increase our admiration for the devotion
and self-abnegation Of our noble Con-
fcderate women, and make us all the
more anxious TO see the monument rise.
They say they want no monument and
prefer only TO be held In memory for
what they were able 10 DO for the cause
and those who upheld II. / submit that
our nOblest soldiers and statesmen whose
valor and eloquence and craftsmanship
are now commemorated in marble and
bronze would have no monuments had
IL been left to them. Among their viz
tues. notably in the case of Lee and
Jackson, was that Of modesty,
and 10 one believes, had either
one Of those patriots or others l could
name been consulted as to whether they
desired a monument that they would
have favored the scheme. II is not
fair to the women Of the Confederacy
for us 20 leave 1t TO them. or even to
consult them as 20 whether they should
have a monument 1t is not fair to the
Confederate soldiers. who were en-
couraged by them to take up arms for
their country's sake, TO endure untred
peris and hardships, were clothed and
fed by them and nursed often back to
life; it is not fair TO these men, whose
hearts are full Of gratitude and admira-
ton, and anxious TO manifest IT, for
these idols OF theirs 10 come I'm TO the
discussion and express an opinion. They
should be ruled out OF order. and the
point made that the living have never
beon and should not be consulted as TO
whether they should have monuments.
and let the discussion, as far as they are
concerned, end there. The monument
will be built in good time. The subject
VIII not down. The "old Confed." will
have It, and let it be Of marble, white and
pure as It women It stands for, with
stature upon IL OF a southern matron.
also in a hOmespun dress. making with
her own dear hands garments 10 clothe
naked soldiers; or knitting socks for their
bare feet or, perhaps pointing with deli
cate finger TO the field OF battle and
honor. n. c. MORTON.