CLARKSVILLE CHRONICLE
Clarksville, TN
January 3, 1868

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CONFEDERATE DEAD AT CHICKAMAUGA.

The subjoined letter, with accompanying list of names, was furnished to the Memphis Appeal, by that eminently pious and great man—Bishop Quintard, of the Episcopal Church.

How pleasing must it be to the immediate friends and relatives of the deceased to know that, their remains are to be cared for, and their graves become the shrines of a grateful people. And shall not every Southern heart share in this feeling. Those silent sleepers, in yielding up their lives on the field of battle, left their names and deeds as a rich legacy to the Southern people. Let us then keep not only their memories fresh in our hearts, but see that “dumb forgetfulness” does not settle like a pall of night over their graves.

Here is Bishop Quintard’s letter:

ROME, GA., July 9, 1867.

I enclose for publication in the Appeal the names of such Tennesseans as are still to be traced on the headboards, which remain on the field of Chickamauga. I obtained it from Miss Mary Green, one of the trustees of the Georgia Memorial Association. An effort is being now made to remove the Confederate dead from the battlefield of south Chickamauga to a cemetery recently established in Marietta. About one hundred and fifty graves can be identified. A religious duty invites our people to help forward this good work. Our people have little consolation beyond the thought that their fallen ones fought bravely and perished nobly. They were champions of a cause to which the Southern hearts clung with unshaken faith, until the last whisper of hope was hushed, and the “conquered banner” was lowered in the shadow of despair. It is our duty before God, and for the sake of the living to five our boys rest in a fitting burial place. I trust that Mrs. Pickett, Mrs. Dr. Taylor, Mrs. Galloway, and Mrs. Law, of Memphis, will make some effort to assist the ladies of the Georgia Memorial Association. Mrs. Dr. Porter, Mrs. Dr. Cheatham and others, of Nashville, would, I am sure, help forward the work. I beg that you will do all in your power to call the attention of this matter through the columns of the press.

I am, dear sir, yours truly,

C. T. QUINTARD,

Bishop of Tennessee.