Franklin County: "Disgraceful," by Unknown, April 10, 1872
Summary: This newspaper article complains about the lack of honor shown to General Robert Anderson "of Fort Sumter fame" by refusing him a soldier's burial.
The "powers that be" have disgraced the nation by the neglect to render proper honors to the memory of General Robert Anderson of Fort Sumpter fame. His remains were removed to West Point, and buried there one day last week. The Sun states that no ceremonies were accorded to them; no troops drawn up, no music, no salute, and not a man raised his hat. The caisson on which the coffin was placed was drawn from the steamboat landing by four spavined horses, one of which nearly died before reaching the academy grounds. General Roger stated to the Sun reporter that he had special orders from the war department to pay no funeral honors to General Anderson at West Point.
In reference to this affair the Philadelphia Post (Radical) has this to say: "Robert Anderson was a too much neglected man while he lived. He was the modest, big-hearted Christian gentleman, and he was pushed aside by military braggarts who were large in their own conceit. And now the nation will be pained to know that the ceremonies, which are positively ordered upon the burial of a soldier, were deliberately omitted, and that he was consigned to his grave with a want of respect that was disgraceful. When alive, he bravely faced the rattling of bullets and was undaunted by the shrieking of shell and booming of cannon; when dead the tribute of respect that the musket speaks should not have been witheld. Though his companions and fellow officers seemed to forget the noble Anderson, in the hearts of a grateful people he is enshrined, and they treasure his memory with gratitude."
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Valley Spirit, April 10, 1872, p. 2, c. 1
