The Lost Cause. 233
It is right to keep alive, by repeated consideration, the spirit of patriotism which inspired our Southern movement and led to the sacrifice of the brave soldiers of our cause, whose graves we will this day decorate with flowers in token of affectionate remembrance of their sacrifice and the cause for which they died. This is not incon- sistent with our present relations to government, but shows only a just appreciation of that spirit of patriotism which animated our people, and will ever inspire them under any government. Fond recollection of the dead implies no want of affection for the living. Fidelity to the Confederate government by its citizens in trial and danger, is an earnest of the same to another. He, who being of it was not loyal to the Confederate cause, may well be doubted in his profession of fidelity to another.
Sad, indeed, is our situation, and dark and gloomy the prospect before us as a people. There is everything in our present surround- ings to call for the display in the peaceful walks of civil life, of the virtues which found exemplification for other objects during the late war. Our best commemoration of the heroes of the Confederate struggle will be an imitation of their example of self denial, patient endurance of evils, courage in contending with adverse circumstances, industry and economy. These virtues, which accomplished so much in war, will bring their reward in time of peace. During the war it was not alone on the march, in camp or on the field of strife that patriotism was illustrated or heroism displayed. Foilitude, courage, heroism and patriotism were exemplified outside the lines of martial hosts. In the enthusiasm of patriotic devotion to our cause, our people vied in common efforts for its welfare. Hands unused to toil were busily employed in its behalf. Luxuries were dispensed with before necessity required it even necessaries were restricted. It was esteemed a badge of honorable distinction to be able to do most to render one independent of the adverse circumstances upon us and advance the general welfare. Beautiful female forms were seen ar- rayed in the tidy workmanship of their own tender hands and never appeared more lovely. We were knit together by a sense of com- mon interests and common danger. We were called on at home as well as on the march, in camp, or on fields of blood to exhibit the highest virtues of the soul; and while the more striking and capti- vating exhibitions were found on the battlefield in the perilous hour
" For Fame is there to see who bleeds, And Honor's eye on daring deeds"
