Sylvanius Jackson Quinn

“ But, with the generous aid and cordial cooperation of those who have suffered less, but who feel as deeply as we do on this subject, we confidently hope to accomplish far more—to purchase and adorn a cemetery, to remove thither the sacred dust scattered all over this region, and to erect some enduring tribute to the memory of our gallant dead. ”

“ An act of the Legislature of Virginia will be obtained, incorporating our Association, so that the property may be held perpetually dedicated to its sacred uses. We solicit such contributions as the appreciative sympathy of friends in all parts of our country, and of the world, will extend us. As soon as sufficient means are obtained our Association will proceed to purchase and improve grounds appropriate for a cemetery, and remove thither the remains of the honored dead. ”

“ Volunteer Militia — The Confederate Cemetery — The National Cemetery — The Confederate Veterans — The Sons of Confederate Veterans — The Schools, Private and Public, &c.
In times of peace and quiet, in free America and even in conservative Virginia, it is necessary that cities should have some military organization that can be called upon to protect the citizens in their persons, rights and property in case of any emergency that might arise. ”

“ The school kept by Mr. John Goolrick, in the small, brick building on the lower end of Main street, now occupied by Mr. W. Snowden Hitt, was famous in its day, and in that school were educated some of our substantial business men and accomplished women. He was assisted in his school by his son, George, who was an accomplished teacher and cultured gentleman. George Goolrick succeeded his father in the conduct of the school and continued it for many years.
Mr. Thomas H. Hanson, who came to Fredericksburg from Georgetown, D. C, was principal of the Fredericksburg Male Academy. ”

“ The remains of the Union soldiers were taken from their temporary graves and conveyed to the cemetery by a "burial corps," consisting of a large detail of Frederal soldiers and a few veterans employed by the superintendent. The work was continued for three or four years, and it was thought that all the dead had been cared for, but even now remains of soldiers are sometimes found in different places and turned over to the superintendent for interment. ”

“ In addition to these schools of high grade there were many excellent primary schools for girls and boys, which succeeded well until the public free schools were opened, which became popular because of their graded system and the thoroughness of their instruction. Since then most of the private schools have been abandoned, yet some few are yet conducted and are doing well.
THE ASSEMBLY'S HOME AND SCHOOL.
The Assembly's Home and School was founded by Rev. A. P. Saunders, D. D., then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Fredericksburg, in 1893. ”

“ All auxiliary societies, which may be formed, are requested to correspond with our Association; and, should they desire their contributions to be specially appropriated to the graves of any individuals, or of any particular State or section, the trust will be sacredly discharged. ”

“ Ramsay sold the college and property to Rev. John W. Rosebro, who had just become pastor of the Presbyterian church in Fredericksburg. He is a gentleman of rare ability, and, with his corps of able assistants, is making the college worthy of the confidence and support of the public. A bright and prosperous future is predicted for the institution under the management of this scholarly gentleman. ”

“ In a land stripped of enclosures and forests, desolated and impoverished as ours, we cannot, without aid, guard these graves from exposure and possible desecration; we can only cover them with our native soil. ”

“ In the year 1876 the schools were graded, and the funds received from the city and State were largely supplemented from the Peabody fund, which enabled the school board to adopt a ten months' session. By this arrangement the efficiency of the schools was greatly promoted; they grew in public favor, the citizens patronized them, and soon they became so large and popular the town was compelled to provide larger buildings for the accommodation of the pupils. ”

“ As no State, and scarcely a town or county throughout the limits of the late Confederacy, is unrepresented on these battle-fields, may we not hope that the cooperation required in order to accomplish our holy work will be as universal? ”

“ In response to the appeal of the Association, liberal contributions were received from all the Southern States, with which the ground was purchased, the present cemetery laid out and the remains of all the Confederate dead, who were killed and buried throughout this community, gathered together, transferred to the cemetery and the graves marked with cedar posts. ”

“ The building was partially destroyed by fire during the Civil War, and finally, in 1880, was removed to give place to the Presbyterian Memorial chapel.
For a number of years a school for girls was conducted by Mrs. John P. Little, first at her residence, on Princess Anne street,. and then for some time at Federal Hill and at the Union House which is now used for the public schools. She was assisted in her school by an accomplished French teacher by the name of Guillet. ”

“ It met the General and his suite at the old Wilderness tavern, escorted him to Fredericksburg, and, when he left, accompanied him as far as Aquia Creek, on the Potomac river. It did not last long as an organization.
The first company remembered by the oldest inhabitants, which lasted any length of time, was the Fredericksburg Guards, which was organized many years before the Civil War. It is not known exactly when it was formed or who was its first commander, but it is remembered that at different periods it was commanded by Captains Wm. A. Jackson, Wm. ”

“ The monument stands on a mound about five feet high, and is five feet and six inches high without the statue. With the statue it is twenty feet in height. On the west side, cut in the granite, are muskets; on the south side, a castle with battlements; on the north 190
History of Fredericksburg, Virginia side, sabres; on the east side, cannon and the inscription "To the Confederate Dead." On each corner of the monument is a column of red granite, with gray granite plynth and base. The cornerstone was laid on the 4th of June, 1874, by Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., Grand Master Wm. ”