Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/250

 242 Southern Historical Society Papers.

branch ? Grant this, sir, so that the prayers of wives, mothers, and children may ascend to the Throne of Grace from the deepest re- cesses of their hearts, not only for the welfare of the country, but also for your long life and prosperity.

"You would feel that you had not only committed an act of jus- tice, but mercy, to release one whose days are numbered, whose feet are already chilled by the breeze from that unseen, undiscovered country, and to hear in your dreams (as in your waking moments), borne upon the wings of the howling winter tempests, the whispered zephyrs of spring, the hum of the summer's life and the soft, dewy airs of autumn, the prayers from millions of hearts ' God bless him in time and eternity, for his mercy endureth forever.'

" YOUR PETITIONERS." V. E. Davidson, Petersburg, Va., July 4, 1896.

[From the New Orleans Picayune, July 19, 1896.]

WINCHESTER KIND TO LIVING AND DEAD.

Deserves a Place Close to Louisiana's Heart.

A LIST OF THE STATE'S HEROES WHO SLEEP THERE.

Valuable Relics Added to the Confederate flemorial Here. Interesting

Reminiscences of the Unveiling of the Monument After the

Richmond Reunion.

Unparalleled in the history of great wars, Winchester was the scene of three battles during the rebellion. It has been declared the most patriotic city of the South. Nearly all the troops it furnished the Confederacy belonged to the unflinching, unyielding "Stone- wall ' ' Brigade. But its women have a record for bravery and devo- tion that history loves to linger over. When all the men were absent on the field of war the women nursed the sick and buried the dead. Many a brave boy from Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana owes his life to the women of Winchester. After each of the great battles, and the numberless skirmishes which crowded upon each other in - the valley around the beautiful little city, the women of