Large Funeral Procession for Brig Gen Samuel Garland

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023

This historic Confederate Civil War 3pp. letter was written by James Henry Reid, Sr. who was the treasurer of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad Co. prior to the Civil War.Civilian Confederate letter, datelined Lynchburg , September 19 [62], Friday, 5 P.M. In part, "Finding it impracticable to make my intended visit of tomorrow, I write to mention the causes of disappointment which I am sure you and my dear friends Mr. & Mrs. Smith will appreciate and excuse the failure. ... . The next day was the appointed "Thanksgiving" with sermons in all the churches. In St. Paul's at 10½ A. M. & 4½ P. M.-a more deeply devotional day I never witnessed anywhere. ...In the morning, a report circulated that Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland of this city (son-in-law of Mr. [John G.] Meem) had fallen in a recent battle. The evening cars brought his remains and at 3½ P. M. a funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Kinkle at St. Paul's to a house perfectly packed. The funeral procession very large. ... These two days have been much occupied, and, with an accumulation of business as usual after such an absence and unfinished matters with our President now here, I do not think it possible for me to go out tomorrow morning. ..."President Jefferson Davis set aside Thursday, September 18, 1862, as a day of Thanksgiving to celebrate the victory over Pope's army at Second Bull Run.Brig. General Samuel Garland was killed in the fighting at South Mountain. "Garland's remains were escorted home to Lynchburg by his cousin and aide-de-camp Lieutenant Maurice Garland. By order of the City Council, his body was to lie in state in the Lynchburg Courthouse for a period of 24 hours. On Friday, September 19, 1862, Garland's funeral was conducted at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with interment following at Lynchburg's Presbyterian Cemetery. Garland was buried in the Meem family plot alongside his wife and young son. By resolution of the Lynchburg City Council, all business establishments were closed, all churches were ordered to toll their bells, and all soldiers then in the city were detailed to march in the procession.

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