[102]
for the lack of generous and Christian offices to the remains of Colonel Shaw, his family and comrades, is another matter.
And the writer submits that these faults of omission are grave; that the acknowledged bravery of Colonel Shaw in life, and his appearance even in death, when, as General Hagood acknowledges, ‘his body was pointed out to me that morning,’ should have secured him a fitting sepulture, or the tender of his body to his friends.
This burial of Colonel Shaw, premeditated and exceptional, was without question intended as an ignominy.
It served to crown the sacrifices of that young life, so short and eventful, and to place his name high on the roll of martyrs and leaders of the Civil War.
Colonel Shaw's sword was found during the war in a house in Virginia, and restored to his family.
His silk sash was purchased in Battery Wagner from a private soldier, by A. W. Muckenfuss, a Confederate officer, who, many years after, generously sent it North to Mr. S. D. Gilbert, of Boston, for restoration to the Shaw family.
Only these two articles have been recovered, so far as known.
No effort was made to find Colonel Shaw's grave when our forces occupied the ground.
This was in compliance with the request contained in the following letter:—
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