Page 87 - Arkansas Confederate Women

78 Confederate Women of Arkansas

enterprizes in Fort Smith and particularly is she always inter-
ested in matters concerning the South.

In her old age she remains a true daughter of the Old South,
and to quote her own words is "Unreconstructed still." She

finds much pleasure in recalling the days of 1861-65 at Fort
Smith, when the sewing circle and daily visits to the temporary
hospitals took up all her time.

Mrs. Beard, mother of Willie Beard, a Confederate Soldier,
was frequently her companion and is very happily remembered

by the old soldiers. Mrs. Sophy Kannady, Mrs. J. K. McKen-
sie, the Gookan girls, and many others were among those who

bore a distinguished part in passing events.

JEFFERSON DAVIS' SUGGESTED INSCRIPTION

FOR MONUMENT TO WOMEN OF

CONFEDERACY.

(This inscription is practically Jefferson Davis' dedication

of his "Bise and Fall of the Confederate Government," but
somewhat altered.)

TO THE WOMEN OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY.

Whose loving ministrations nursed the wounded to health, ;
And soothed the last hours of the dying;

Whose unselfish labors

Supplied the wants of their defenders in the field,

Whose unwavering faith in our cause
Showed ever a guiding star,

Through the perils and disasters of war;
Whose sublime fortitude

Sustained them under every privation and all suffering;
Whose floral offerings

Are yearly laid upon the graves of those

Whom they still honor and love;

and
Whose patriotism

Will teach their children

To emulate the deeds of their Confederate sires,
But who with a modesty excelled only by their worth
Have ever discouraged

This tribute to their noble virtues.