The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-09-11

4 . Z.
rected. and believing. as members OF tho
Patriotto Order. Sons OF America, that
patriotism is one Of the highest and
noblest affectiona OF tho human soul ard
INIT ny disseminating sentiments OF
patrintiam and creating feeling Of de- Z.
Votlon to country, wo make the hrtters
citizens Of orr people; and believing that
" In our duty as Americans to perpetuatc
Tho memory of these great uien who by
their sacrifices contributed so largely to
the blessings and privileges whlch we
now enjoy. therefore, be 1t
Resolved. THAT this state camp ali-
8 thorize the executive committee to APP
point n committee, to he known as the
Lee birthplace memorial conlmittee,' I.
consisting of as many members and nn-f
der such conditions ns the executive
committee may elect for the purpose of
purchasing the homestead known MS
Strntford. and raising money to pay for
the same; be II further
Property of People.
Resolved, That 1t is the purpose Of this
committee to have Stratford purchased
by the people. and remain forever the
property of the people. to refurnish 1t
in the style of the period when these I
great men were born; to build a wharf.
and make II n place where patriotic ci.i- +
2ens may gather and refresh their mem
DRY with the great deeds performed by
these heroes OF the past Be II further
Resolved. That we invite the people Of
this country. and all organizations inter- (
ested, to subscribe any amount up TO
I, 800 tsmali subscriptions being preferred
In order that more may have the oppor-
~ tnnltyss TO scontribute)i The name OF
every contributor whether person orr
ganization) Shall be permanently and
publicly preserved. All giving 800 to
constitute the roll of honor, the name
to be recorded in the order in which the
contribution is received. The names OF
all contributors TO be so arranged TINT
all vlsitorsJ may know the individuals
and organizations to whom the country
is Indebted for the preservation of this
most historic spot.
1t Is learned that the camp has
verbal option on the property, which
option will probably be put In writing
and laid before the body before th,
are not willing. in advance OF obtain
ing the written option. to name tn.
figure at which they can buy the prop
erty.
Endorsed by National Camp.
Stratford, as 1t now stands includes
twenty-five acres of land immediatel!
the old burying ground Ii
Lee family. The camp will also &C
quire the right of way to tho Potomac
River, with all the riparian rights
which Will give the purchasers Thu
privilege OF building wharves and max
ing the place boat landing that II
time will become as famous and a
often visited as Mt. Vernon, higher vi
the river.
1t is the purpose OF the Sons, as Sc
forth In the resolutions. to raise thu
for the purchase of the propert,
by small popular subscriptions and ii
the movement they are heartily Indoors
ed and backed by the national camp.
1t is more than likely that tn
National Camp at Its meeting to b.
held here the latter part of this montl
will take decided action In the matter
Other Places of Note.
In this way the Sons have preserved
many places of historical Interest
their efforts the grave o
Mollie Pitcher has been saved. and
to this heroine of the Rev
olution has been erected there. Like
wise Washington's winter headquarter
at Valley Forge have been held intact
and the old camp has been made
ma gnificent park. which has been pre-
sented to the state of Pennsylvania
on condition that 1t shall forever b.
preserved as 1T now Is. 1t Is the pur
pose OF the Sons. If they acquire STRAIT
ford. to restore 1t as 1t was in the day
Of Light Horse Harry Lee, and thel
present 1t TO the State of Virginia. l
the State Will accept It on terms SINH
lar to those made with Pennsylvania
Valley Forge