Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 9.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[214] division was organized in the State of Louisiana, which we have named the Association of the Army of Northern Virginia, Louisiana Division.

This occurred in September, 1875. Since that time we have had three presidents--Major E. D. Willett, the first, Governor Frank Nicholls, the second, and Major J. B. Richardson, the third. Our objects, like those of our brethren in Virginia, are purely benevolent, historical, and non-political. Any man whose record is clear as a soldier in the Army of Northern Virginia is welcome to our ranks, whatever be his present political feeling. We have been very careful to exclude those applicants whose records were not clear to the end of the war.

The Army of Tennessee has organized a similar association of the members of that army.

During the epidemic of 1878, it will be remembered by most of you, the Army of Northern Virginia cared for its members whenever they were found sick, cared for their families, and buried their dead. But we felt always the necessity for a proper receptacle where we could put our honored braves away. Today we are able to dedicate that tomb and monument. From its outer appearance many persons may not realize the fact that underneath it we can place the bodies of 2,500 men. We have ample room for the remains of our dead who sleep in Virginia.

I deem it my duty to say to the association that to the Metairie Association we owe much. They gave to us, as a donation, this ground, and have assisted us in every way. The plan of the monument, out of many presented, was that brought to us by Mr. Charles Orleans, agent for the Kinsdale Granite Company. To his perseverance we owe much of our success. The statue is the work of that master of his art, Perelli.

Now, sir, it remains for me to say to you what my committee as a whole would express to the members of the association. At the first meeting of the committee we resolved that no living man's name should be placed on the monument, and we make this request, that no name of living man shall be placed on it. The simple inscription, “Army of Northern Virginia, Louisiana division,” tells its own story. If you wish more look on the other side of the die — there is the whole story: From Manassas to Appomattox, 1861-1865.

Remarks of President John B. Richardson.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Tomb Committee:

On behalf of the members of the Louisiana Division, Army of Northern