The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-06-08
FLAGS ON BOYS RAW
Pathetic Scenes Caused by . Confed-
crate Vetern at Grave of His Son
on Federal Decoration Day.

|
A pathetic little incident. which
served to show how well The bond be-
tween the north and the south mas
cemented under the Stars and
Stripes, occurred yesterday in Glen
GOD cemetery.
The graves of the men who had
fought in the service Of the United
States during the days that tried
mems souls had been decorated with
flags and overs, n the Grand Army
Of the Republic men and others who
had participated in the ceremonies had
departed.
About 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
while the carriages and automobiles
were crowding through the gates, q tall
man with a bronzed cou~ntenance ap-
peared. In his hands he carried a
small bunch Of DAISIES, which had been
sold in front of the entrance to the
cemetery.
With a firm tread he walked into the
office n asked where grave - plat
-, was located. Only the superin-
tendents of the cemetery knew that in
that isolated spot rested the body of
one who had fallen under the stars
and Bars
One Of the grave diggers, acting as
a guide, showed him to the lot and
pointed out the grave. With tears
streaming from his eyes, the old fellow
walked forward and deposited the
bunch Of daises. Then reaching down
in the inside pocket of his coat, he
drew forth a flag. It was old, tattered
and torn, and its center showed where
the banner had been pierced by bull
lets.
1t required a few moments to bring
the furls out properly, as the flag had
to be it would fall to pieces.
Then the man walked out n pick
ed up a small twig and wrapped the
end Of the flag around it, and return
ing to the grave planted the flag at the
head. An instant later the STARS and
Bars" We're unfurled.
The cemetery was filed with people,
and among them were several men,
bers of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie. Finally they came across this isO-
lated spot and saw the Confederate flag
tying.
whats hat flag doing there?" ask
ed a northern man.
The old southerner Strengthened up,
One sleeve Of his coat was empty, but
there was a look Of defiance in his eyes
which seemed to a There is nc
man going to remove that flag Then
carefully removing his wide white hat
he said: Il came up here to see
whether this grave was going to be
decorated or not. You fellows have
forgotten him. He was killed in the
seven days fight around Richmond
He was my boy, the only boy I Eve
had; my names Amiss, and I thought
you would overlook this grave, but I've
bowed down to the Stars and Stripes
and would fight for it today, but there
is no one ever going tc remove this ole
flag under which he died Until tbs
Stars and Stripes are placed there
And then three men, whose days are
numbered in this world, tried to out.
race each other to get a flag, and wher
they brought back a small one anC
planted it IN the grave together witt
a large wreath, the old southerner go
up and shook hands and then CAREFUL.
wrapped up the flag with which he hac
decorated the grave.
Well take that" said one of tn
Grand Army Of the Republic men.
mo you won't" said the old man
THAT was my regiment flag in tn
Stonewall Jackson. brigade. It WASH
taken away from me then, and it won
be given up now, and with words o
thanks and tears streaming from hi
eyes he walked away, and one of tn,
northern men said: mo wonder W,
had to NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Post.