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From: "Fran Warren" <>
Subject: [AR-CIVIL-WAR] Van Buren Press June 17, 1873
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 11:39:26 -0700

Van Buren Press , Crawford County, Arkansas

June 17, 1873

DEDICATION OF THE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY AT FAYETTEVILLE-

Fayetteville, Ark., June 11, 1873

Mr. Editor:

Allow me to give you a hasty account of one of the most interesting performances I have ever had the good fortune to witness.

You and your readers will remember that twelve months ago the ladies of this place, to the number of some twenty, perhaps, formed themselves into an association, known as the "Southern Memorial Association", having for its object the removal of the remains of Confederate dead and decent interment of them in a Cemetery, to be set apart exclusively for that purpose.

There being little money in the country, these brave ladies were met, on all sides, with prophesies of failure, but in the face of all opposition and under the frowns of good loyal people, they pushed the good and pious work and have purchased two acres of ground, that is beautifully located near this town, overlooking it, had the lot fenced, fence painted, and have had removed to it, three hundred bodies and have them buried in beautiful order. There are four divisions: in one are buried the fallen heroes from Louisiana, in another, those from Texas, in another, those from Missouri, and in another those from Arkansas. These all center upon an open square, upon which a monument is to be erected in memory of the sleeping inmates. This association has collected, by any and every means, over $1,000, and have faithfully expended it all.

Yesterday was the day appointed for the dedication to the Cemetery and the decoration of the graves. For three days prior to Tuesday it had rained and Tuesday opened with rain and promised anything but a fair day. In spite of all this, these noble women went ahead in their labor of love and determined that nothing should defeat the object for which the day had been set apart. From early morning until 10 o'clock, vast numbers were arriving from all parts of the county and the adjoining counties. At 10 the multitude met as per arrangement at the old College Grove, now called the White Walker Grove, and there were judiciously formed in procession by Col. Stirman and his assistant marshals. The procession was led by the Fayetteville Cornet Band, and also a Martial band. First came the little girls, then the boys, then the members of the association, then old Confederate Soldiers, infantry and cavalry- citizens in buggies and carriages, etc., then wagons. In this procession, whic!
h moved through the principal streets, were counted over 3000 people. After passing through the streets, the crowds moved to the Cemetery, where it was estimated at least 500 were added to the 3000, making a grand concourse of about 3500 people. The crowd first entered the Cemetery, where prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Welch, of Boonsoro, and a more eloquent prayer I have never heard. After this, Major Earle, also of Boonsboro, delivered a Dedicatory Address, which was well conceived and delivered in fine effect. Then came the scattering of wreaths of flowers on the graves. While this ceremony was being performed, the Band played a solemn dirge, and all else being perfect silence, the scene was most impressive, and hard indeed would have been the heart that refused to melt. No dry eyes were to be found after this decoration was ended. The last sad rites being performed, the crowd moved to a grove near by to listen to the address of Granville Wilcox and Prof. Looney. The stan!
d had been prepared for, perhaps, centuries, for it was a magnificent rock left by nature for the use of the children of earth. Judge David Walker presided and here, as at the Cememtery, made a few appropriate opening remarks and then introduced Col. Wilcox, who spoke for some twenty-five or thirty minutes. Prof. Looney was then introduced and, in his usual happy manner, entertained the audience for half an hour. All seemed well please with the various performances. After this came a bountiful basket dinner- all had plenty and the crowd dispersed at will.

The people of North West Arkansas owe a debt of gratitude to the ladies of this town and they can not better discharge it than by aiding them in their future labors. They have collected a good deal of money, done a good deal of work, but all the money has been spent, and there is much yet to do. There are other bodies to remove and a monument to be erected. To do this, money must be had. I am sure the people of Van Buren and Fort Smith will not hesitate to contribute liberally. Can't you put in a word?

Fran Alverson Warren

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