The Antietam Cemetery
Summary
Trouble at a meeting of the Antietam Cemetery trustees when it was realized that its charter called for burial of both Union and Rebel soldiers; decided on separate part of the grounds for Rebels.
Transcript
The Antietam Cemetery.
The Washington correspondent of the Boston Advertiser writes:
The trustees of the Antietam National Cemetery held a meeting here on Friday evening, and had a rather warm time. The character of the charter is only just becoming generally known, and it appears that the document was so adroitly worded that the cemetery is intended for Rebel dead just as much as for the dead of the Union army; express provision being made that the Rebel soldiers shall be separated from the others, but that the remains of all should be gathered with equal care. Many Northern States have given money to put the ground in order and pay the expenses of the cemetery, and it was claimed by their representatives at the meeting last Tuesday night that they would not have made these appropriations had they known the character of the charter, and the use to which the funds would be put. It was necessary, however, under the terms of the charter to set apart at this meeting a certain portion of the grounds for the burial of Rebels, and it was accordingly done. The trustees are talking about making a detailed statement to the country.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Valley Register
Publication Date: December 20th, 1867
Page/Column: 3A
Town: Middletown, MD
County: Frederick
Subjects
- Civilian Divided Loyalties
- Aftermath of War / Reconstruction
