Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/400

 392 SotUhern Historical Society Papers.

THE QTH OF JUNE.

The 9th of June, by reason of the memorable battle fought on the very limits of the city, in which Kautz*s raiders were defeated and driven back, is justly regarded as a sacred day in the annals of the city, and it is the anniversary which has been selected, and has ever since the war been observed by the Ladies* Memorial Association and by the people at large to commemorate the deeds of Confederate valor. Many of our citizen soldiers were wounded on that eventful day, and many were taken prisoners and carried away to Northern prisons, where they were confined for months. Among these were Honorable Anthony M. Keiley, who, while in prison, wrote most of his book entitled '* In Vinculis.*' Mr. Robert A. Martin was among the wounded, and Doctor W. E. Harwood lost an arm.

HISTORICAL.

Hardly more than a year alter the surrender at Appomattox, when the graves of Confederates around Petersburg were scattered in farm- yard and in field, on hill-top and in ravine, while the Federal troops were encamped at the Fair-Grounds and there was no pretence or form of civil government, the Ladies' Memorial Association was organized.

THE FIRST ORGANIZATION.

Some time in May, 1866, a call for a meeting was published in the local press, and there was a hearty response. The Virginia women who then assembled determined to unite in a permanent body, and this was the organization which they agreed upon twenty-four years ago:

President — Mrs. W. T. Joynes.

Vice-Presidents— Mrs. S. B. Paul, Mrs. William Mahone, Mrs. W. S. Simpson, Mrs. T. H. Pritchard, Mrs. Charles F. Collier, and Mrs. John Miller.

Recording Secretary — Mrs. Stephen Fenn.

Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. John Wyche.

Treasurer — Mrs. A. M. Keiley.

THE WORK CONTINUED.

Time has brought about some changes. A few of those who com- posed the original body have died or else have removed from the