382 Southern Historical 8ocie.li/ Papers.
a body. They were given seats on the platform and at the proper time the memorial was read in a most impressive manner by Colonel Charles Coffin, of Arkansas, after which he made a very enthusias- tic address in behalf of this movement. During the reading of the memorial there was frequent applause, and at each of the closing sentences, recalling the privations, courage and endurance of the women of the South, during those trying times of war, the applause was deafening. General Gordon's indorsement was most heartily given and that of the veterans by a rising vote and enthusiastic cheering.
The memorial was as follows:
General John B. Gordon, Commander-in- Chief United Confed- erate Veterans. Dear Sir: Throughout the South are scattered Memorial Associations, who have not relinquished their original organization, and whose work is solely memorial and monumental. These associations (some of which were formed as far back as 1865) by the most assiduous efforts have removed our sacred dead from wayside and battle fields, placed them in cemeteries of our own, and builded monuments that will bear lasting testimony to the courage, endurance and patriotism of the Confederate soldier. We bring to you more tangible demonstration of work done than any other or- ganized body of Southern people men or women. We propose to organize or combine these Memorial Associations (embracing as nearly as possible every one in the South) into what we call a "Con- federation of Memorial Associations." We are not willing to lose our identity as Memorial Associations, nor to merge ourselves into the younger organization, Daughters of the Confederacy. We hope by this federation to commemorate our efforts, and stamp the work upon the hearts of those who come after us, and thereby insure its continuance.
We would esteem it a privilege and a pleasure to have our dele- gates meet at the same time and place that the United Confederate Veterans hold their annual reunions, if agreeable to them. Of course, we do not ask a voice in your councils, but we would like to meet with you. Many of us are veterans, veterans as much as the gray, battle-scarred old soldiers, though we bided at home. While they stood amid the smoke of battle, we stood amid the smoke of burning homes; when they fought, we wept and prayed; when they were hungry, we had only a crust at home; when their clothes were wearing threadbare on the long and weary march, we were busy with
