Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 29.djvu/337

 Rest at Ml. J<i<-kson. 321

[From the Richmond, Va., Dispatch, April 29, 1901.]

REST AT MT. JACKSON.

Confederate Dead in Beautiful Shenandoah Cemetery.

THEY APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE.

Daughters of the Confederacy Would Erect a flonument Over These

Fallen Heroes Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia,

and Alabama Troops Sleep There.

To the Editor of the Dispatch :

The Shenandoah river, in the Valley of Virginia the garden spot of Virginia was called by the Indians " Minneha-ha," or, laughing waters. Situated on the bank of this beautiful stream is the town of Mount Jackson.

This little town had its numerous experiences during the war be- tween the States, from i86i-'65. It had its joys and sorrows. Around it clusters many sad recollections and the memory of many daring and chivalrous deeds which will never be forgotten by those who survive.

The people in the neighborhood were in the Confederacy heart and soul. The Confederate army established a large hospital here for the Southern soldiers. Many, many, were ministered to by the ladies of Mount Jackson and vicinity, and oft have they heard the sighs heaved by dying soldiers for loved ones at home. Those were trying times.

HUNDREDS SLEEP THERE.

Within a mile of this town 'is " Our Soldiers' Cemetery," where lie the remains of 500 or 600 Confederate heroes, who sleep their last sleep. Most of the Confederate States are represented by the dead sleeping there brave men who died in a cause they knew to be right; soldiers who gave up their lives defending their country from an invading foe. They all had homes and friends somewhere, and their names should not be forgotten.

The very cause for which they died is an appeal to us, their sur- vivors, to keep green the turf upon their graves and guard their last resting place from desecration.