The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-05-28
Peoples Forum
A Patriotic Suggestion.

Ed,,or r-onstitut,on-For some time past I
have been thinking of writing letter to the
southern people through your paper. In regard
to the care of the graves OF the brave con-
federate soldiers who died in the military prison
in this city IN 1864 -65. As Is well known IN
the history of the civil war. Elmira was
one of the three principal military depots or
New York state, and many thousands OF rcd
eral soldiers were assembled here before being
sent to the south. In the fall of 1864 the
government ordered the construction of a mil
itary prison for the confinement OF prisoners
captured in the south. The prison was con-
tinued until the close of the war. and In that
period a total of 1916 prisoners of war were
confined at the post. Many of these men
were sick when received. others contracted Ill
ness after arrival and IL is said that there
were many who actually died from home
sickness more than any other cause ot
these brave fellows total OF 2,99O died anu
were buried in tho soldiers burying grounds
at Woodawn cemetery. The greater part or
the soldiers dead represented men from North
and South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia,
while there were many from all parts or the
south. The soldiers plot contains ABOUT three
acres Of land and is admirably situated Inc
graves were first marked with white board
markers, bearing the name of the soldier and
other information, but in 1876 the boards had
began to show the marks Of decay. After
very careful survey map was MADE OF the
plot, the headboards We're removed ana the
plot converted into a beautiful green Inc
federal government assumed control OF the
soldiers plot and erected a handsome flag staff
in the head OF the confederate graves Inc
strangest part of the history to me is the fact
that although thirty-five long years have
passed since the close Of the civil war. YET
only about six bodies OF the confederate soldiers
have been sent for and removed to their south
ern homes and 1 am informed upon reliable
authority that the inquiries from the south
concerning missing ones were never very erea.
in number. / do ne think this Is due 70 a
lack of care for their dead, but that IL ~
because of the fact that many OF the people
of the south have never learned OF the WHERE
abouts of their relatives. who enlisted IN the
cause of the confederacy and never yeturned 10
their homes. Many of these same boys are
sleeping the hong sleep in Woodiawn ceihe-
-,
one of the objects of writing you Mr.. Edi-
tor is to endeavor to create an Interest among
the people of your part Of the states IN giving
some expression OF regard 70 their soiuler ueslu,
who have laid sleeping for thirty-nVe years
without a token of respect from their own
people of the south. for whom they freely
gave their lives. l ask any fslr-ninded person
IS Il right? In number of the confederate
cemeteries of the northern states the people OF
the south have erected monuments in honor or
the soldier dead. have established some
permanent mark OF their respect.
Memorial decoration day in New YORK
state falls on May 3Oth. at which time the
members of the Grand Army OF the Republic
and the National Guard with the citizens, dec
crate the graves Of the northern and southern
soldiers alike. l present this subject with sim
certify and with the hope that some action may
be taken among the people of your part OF the
SOUTH and knowing The Constitution is read by
a great multitude OF people each day. 1
would be pleased TO answer any inquiries re-
garding the Woodlawn military cemetery At
any time and to assist any one In search of
long lost soldier relatives Tree OF cost eAcep'
postage. BURR III LBERA.
Evening Star Ed. Dept. Elmira n. y