The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-06-30
NEGLECTED GRAVES
CONFEDERATE DEAD, IN PITS AT
BRIsTON, VA.
Rev. #. Paul ReinfeIs Calls the ATT
tention of Patriotic Alabama
ians to the Neglected
Dead.

Rev r. Paul Reinfels of st. Joseph's
Institute, Briston, Va, has in a letter
to Governor Cunningham called his at
tention to the deplorable condition of
the graves of Alabama soldiers buried
near the institute.
He has done this in order that the
State, the Daughters Of the Confed-
eracy or some other patriotic organisa-
ton may remedy. the condition by re-
cemetery or by improving and marking
the present resting place of the dead
soldiers Of the Confederacy.
The writer has displayed a laudable
interest in the historic graves about
the institute with which he Is con-
nected. His letter fully describes the
condition of the graves. with their
mai kings and 1t nay give some Ala
bama man or woman unexpected In
formation as to some one lost in the
war.
The letter in full is as follows:
Your Excellency: Buried in for
saken place. lie some of our departed.
unknown 1t seems to all on this earth.
AS present Governor of your noble
State, / appeal to ) GU to do something
TO honor the memory OF those noble
SONS who fought so bravely for cause
dear to the Southern heart.
Tie remains of these dear departed
ought to be removed to a Confederate
cemetry. or some protection ought to
be siver to their graves. l am more
than SUI prised that the Daughters of
the Confederacy, as well as the sur
rounding neighbors, have not long ago
called YOUR attention as Governor to
this sad lot Detailing the noble sons
OF Alabama
IA. tot.
personall" have taken from all that
mary remains are only marked by
sunken graves. The pits especially are
sad objects to behold
/ ar, confident that you will do all
in your power to have this message
made public. for from these graves
many an important historical fact may
- brought to light.
Praying God to bless you, and wish
Ing you many years of happiness. 1
have the honor to be
Sincerely yours.
Rev F. Paul Reinfels.
In addition he gives the following
data concerning the graves of Alabama
Confederate soldiers:
These graves lie on the grounds os
st. Joseph's Institute, Bristow. Va.
about three miles away from the rail-
road depot.
Names, ETC., found on the grave
marks of Alabama Confederate SOL
diers. These gravemarks are made of
wood, and names engraved thereon are
almost beyond deciphering. Many of
the marks are entirely rotted, and in
a few years there will be no vestige
left to mark the graves. Hence imme-
date action must be taken to save
them from oblivion.
List of Marked Graves.
r. T. G.-sth Reg. Ala.
Close to this grave there are two
pits 5x10. in which according to ap-
pearances a good number must have
been inferred. About one-half a mile
from this place in a pine woods there
are about 80 or more graves, many not
mai ked as will be seen from the fol-
lowips:
Il. E. de-? C. 3. Reg. Ala. Vol.
C. C. II Ar. AL. Vol.
B, G Co? Reg. Ala. Vol.
a v. Died Aug. 1, 1876?
L. Phi. Ii? (almost Deliberately
o N. II Ala. Reg. Died Aug. 2s,
1881, Green Co.
Y. B. F. Ala.
]. w. r. Co. I. 18th Reg. Ala.
o. F. Co. I, IL Reg. Ala
F.skridge of Marengo Rifles II Ala.
Regt. died Sept. s, =?
]. E. B. of 18th Ala. Reg. Died Sept
S. 1861.
C. Smither-7 Co. F. 18th r. Ala. Vol
S. F. D. Died Sept - 1851.
The lot in which these soldiers lie
buried is about 20 by 40 feet. There
are about rows of graves and from
to graves in each row. Any
graves cannot be deciphered. and many
are entirely without any marks.