Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/375

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When reverses followed victories; when want displaced plenty; when mourning for the flower of Southern manhood darkened countless homes; when government tottered and chaos threatened the women were steadfast and unafraid. They were unchanged in their devotion, unshaken in their patriotism, unwearied in ministrations, uncomplaining in sacrifices, splendid in fortitude they strove while they swept. In the rebuilding after the desolation their virtues stood as the supreme citadel with strong towers of faith and hope around which civilization rallied and triumphed.

The other inscriptions, which were already decided upon, are as follows:

This monument is erected to keep alive in the hearts of future South Carolinians the virtues, services and sacrifices of the women of the Confederacy who, by their constancy, under the trials and sufferings of war by their inspiring sympathy with the men at the front by their tender ministrations to the sick and wounded; and by their material aid and unwavering fidelity to the common cause, have won the undying love and gratitude of the people of the South, and have bequeathed to their children from generation to generation the priceless heritage of their memory.