The Charleston Daily News

The Confederate Dead.

Mr. Editor: Please allow me space in your valuable journal to make some further suggestions relative to the decorating of the graves and commemorating the names of our once brave but now departed soldiers.

In the first place, I beg to disclaim all idea or intention of saying one word in my former article that would in the least influence the cold shoulder against the patriotic move that the Ladies' Association is now making. No, no! My wish was and is now to show them a "more excellent way" than that contemplated in their resolutions.

I admit that it may be greatly beneficial for us to often visit the receptacles of the dead, and shed the tear of affectionate memory over the hallowed spot, which sometimes acts as a soothing balm to the widowed heart. It is there that we can behold ourselves as mortal beings, and that there, too, is a place appointed for us all. We well know that, by an irrevocable decree of the Great Maker and Disposer of events, these mortal remains, when thus deposited, must return to the dust from whence they come, and cannot return to us on earth again; therefore, they need not our care.

But the living, the destitute widow and orphan, we have with us, and are now in want; hence, if we desire to decorate the graves, and ever remember the dead, let us throw the arm of protection around the distressed widow, which will be ornamenting the grave of her departed husband with flowers whose fragrance will be more sweet than the Otto of Roses.

Do we desire to perpetuate the names of our once brave and distinguished Johnson—the high-toned and invincible Stevens—the gallant Elliott, and a host of others, their compatriots in arms, who, as brave and gallant privates in the ranks of our army, went forth to do battle and now fill a patriot's grave? then let us look up their once loved little ones, now homeless orphans, and so educate and cultivate their minds that in them we can have restored to us those high-toned principles and shining intellects that enlarged the hearts and swelled the bosom of their fathers.

Thus, ladies, you will in the most lasting manner commemorate the deceased braves in the adorned minds of those children, which will be a monument that will reflect with transcendent splendor your benevolent and devoted love for them.

In conclusion, allow me to say that, however insignificant my pen may be, the object is superlatively grand, and I have endeavored to discharge my duty, except to contribute as God in his Providence may enable me to do, towards its consummation, I beg most respectfully to suggest that when the ladies' association meet on the memorable day, and at the sacred spot where they have resolved to meet, and shall have completed the object contemplated in their resolution, that they then and there resolve themselves into an association, and recommend the ladies in the several districts of the State to form similar associations (auxiliary to the Ladies' Association of Charleston, if you please), whose object it shall be to thus care for the before-named widows and orphans, whereby the time shall come when "their children's children shall rise up and call you blessed."

Fear not, the want of money which may be necessary for your success. You have only to put forth your united influence, which will act upon those who have the means like the "rushing of a mighty wind," and so touch their hearts that they will exclaim, Ladies, "what shall we do" to aid you in your noble undertaking? and in the end, a monument will have been completed that will continue to rise higher and higher, and shine both here and in eternity with resplendent grandeur.

PHILO-PRAEDON.