Lost by River and Bayou,
We mark their graves, remember their names
Brave Confederates who died
At Fort Butler, June 28, 1863
The above words are those of Mrs. B. Donald Boltz, member of Fairfax UDC Chapter #1410, Fairfax, Virginia. Mrs. Boltz was the winner of the monument inscription competition.
An especially moving part of the day's ceremonies took place on the river side of the levee. The Texas Cavalry rode their horses across the levee and then slowly descended to the spot where the actual mass grave of the Confederate soldiers was found. The riders dismounted and shared a portion of their canteen of water with their faithful horses for carrying them safely through the day's battle. After a small sip for themselves, each man poured the remainder of his water on the unmarked gravesite to share a drink with his fallen comrades. Many times water was the last act a soldier could perform for his friend.
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