Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/493

 The Monument at Munfordsville. 483

I have to express the satisfaction that not only the remains of all Mississippians lying on and near this battlefield, including those of the noble and ever-gallant little band— the Ninth battalion of sharp- shooters, that by inadvertence were not mentioned, yet in spirit are embraced in the resolution of their State Legislature — have been dis- interred and their bones deposited within this inclosure, but that suitable white marble headstones which a grateful State made provi- sion for, have been erected, one each to the dead of the several com- mands engaged in battle here.

With many acknowledgements for the munificence, the patriotism and public spirit which are exhibited here, not for the first time, by our noble-hearted benefactor, and with profound regard and rever- ence for the sentiment to be commemorated, I shall now, with the assistance of my young lady friend, a daughter of our noble host, and by birth a Mississippian, proceed to the unveiling of the monu- ment, which I feel all will say crowns the giver of it with honor ; does honor to the skilled sculptors of it, and reflects imperishable honor upon the State of Mississippi and her brave sons who fell here twenty- two years ago.

REMARKS BY MR. WATTS.

I have been deputed by my friend Mr. James Smith, under whose auspices I have come from old Scotland to take part in this most touching ceremony, to tender to Mr. Woodson, on his behalf and on behalf of his family and friends, their warmest thanks for the great interest and trouble he has taken in connection with the proceedings of to-day. I can readily believe from Mr. Woodson's well-known sympathy with the cause and with the occasion of our gathering, that he looks for no return; but we feel that we could not separate with- out recording in the strongest terms our appreciation of his noble and generous conduct. And while on my feet will you allow me to ex- press how profoundly impressed I have been with to-day's proceed- ings; for I had the honor of Colonel Robert A. Smith's acquaintance, and little did I think when last he was in Scotland, and we wandered amidst the western highlands of my native land and climbed the hills together, that I was never to see him in the flesh again ; that my first visit to this great country should be a pilgrimage to the scenes of his early death. But so it was ordained to be. " Whom the gods love die young." And, as oftentimes in the past I have shared in the joys and pleasures of my dear friend, Mr. James Smith, so now I am thankful to have the privilege of standing by his side on this — to him