Valley Virginian

To-morrow is the sad anniversary of the death of Virginia's bravest and best loved son. To-morrow three years ago, Stonewall Jackson, the Christian, the Soldier and the greatest military genius of the age, passed from earth to Heaven. And it is but meet that the people of his loved Valley should consecrate the day and hold it sacred--devoting their minds, hearts and hands to the work of decorating the graves of his soldiers and paying proper respect to his memory. The Ladies Cemetery Committee call upon the people of Augusta to join them in this "labor of love," and we feel confident that, though the notice is short, the demonstration will be worthy of old Augusta. Let our farmers aid the ladies, and let evergreens and flowers be brought in by wagon loads. Over two thousand "dead heroes," from every State in the South, lie uncared for and unnoticed in Thornrose Cemetery. Brave hearts and true, they lost all, even life, for us, and it will gladden the hearts of many widows and orphans in the far distant South, to know that the remains of their loved ones are not neglected by the fair women of the Valley.

In the more Southern States, the 23rd of April, was devoted to this holy purpose, but by common consent the 10th of May has been set apart in Virginia to preserve and perpetuate the memory of our martyred dead; to freshen their graves and to renew, from year to year, these offices of love and attention that make green the memory of those who once "trod the path of glory." Our Merchants and business men will observe the day by closing their places of business, and it is hoped that all will unite to pay that respect due those who gave all for their country and their principle.

It is but little that is left to us of the South, but surely we can devote one day to the honored memory of those that sleep in soldiers' graves. Then cover their graves with flowers; make the barren hill that disgraces our Cemetery, for one day at least, "blossom as the rose," and give an earnest of what you intend to do, to beautify and adorn the last resting place of our best and bravest. Come, if only to shed a tear over the graves of those, who for you, now lie in that neglected spot; come, they have "crossed over the river," but do not "rest under the shade of the trees;" come and see

"How deep the brave who sink to rest
By all their country's wishes blest!
When spring with dewy fingers cold
Returns to deck their hallowed mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than fancy's feet have ever trod!

By fairy's hands is their knell rung;
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
There honor comes--a pilgrim gray
To bless the turf that wraps their clay,
And freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell a weeping hermit there!"

Last week our citizens were astonished by seeing a telegraphic dispatch, stating that Mr. Trumbull had presented a petition to the U.S. Senate, from 145 citizens of Staunton, praying for the return of troops to protect Union men. That 146 citizens of Staunton, or even ten, ever signed such a petition is false, and we suppose it is the same petition that was secretly circulated over the county some time ago. Never has this town and county been so orderly and quiet as it has been since the troops left, and even the negroes rejoice at the change. No Union man has been molested and all have received justice from the civil authorities. The friends of the originator of this petition, apologize for his conduct on the ground that he is crazy, but the fact that he has been tolerated in our midst so long, is the best answer to the statements made in the petition. There is an old saying "that if a man can't do any good in a country he should leave it," or at least try to do no harm, and there is a point, where "forbearance ceases to be a virtue."

The remains of that noble hearted boy and gallant soldier, Thomas M. Garber, color bearer of the 12th Virginia Cavalry, were brought to Staunton from Upperville yesterday week and re-interred in Thornrose Cemetery. He was mortally wounded in the Cavalry fight near Upperville, in 1863, and died soon after. He was universally beloved by his Regiment, and though not of military age, he volunteered at the call of his State. Peace to his ashes.