Corinth National Cemetery during December 1883

George W. Blake (1841-1900) was one of Chariton's most successful hardware merchants, commemorated still by his surname embedded high in the cornice of the Blake Building on the north side of the square.

But he also was a veteran of the Civil War, wounded so badly at the second Battle of Corinth (Mississippi) on Oct. 3-4, 1862, that it seemed likely he would not survive. But survive he did, recovering sufficiently to serve out the remainder of his enlistment with Company K, 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

After the war, during 1865, he moved west from Ottumwa to Chariton, married Carrie Edginton and became one of Lucas County's best known residents.

During January of 1884, George received a letter and a package from an old friend, William Reed, originally of Blakesburg and also a veteran of Company K, 2nd Iowa.

Reed, under circumstances not explained, had visited Corinth just after Christmas, 1883, planning to travel next the short distance north to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, the Shiloh battleground and Shiloh National Cemetery. Here's the text of his letter to George, published in The Chariton Patriot of Jan. 9:

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Corinth, Miss., Dec. 29, 1883

Friend George B. --- In the express office you will find a box I sent you from this place. The dipper, shoe sole, piece of brick and piece of old hat I got myself off of our old camping ground in this place. The bayonet came from the old Fort Robinett, together with the belt, buckle, bones., &c.

Thinking perhaps you might like something of the kind I send them. I have written on the paper around each article where I got them and what they are. I have been all over the battle ground for two days; also out to the cemetery. There are 5,688 soldiers buried in the National cemetery here --- unknown soldiers, 3,890; known, 1,798. They say that on decoration day nobody but colored people attend. No whites in this country decorate a northern grave.

I want to go over to Pittsburg Landing Sunday (tomorrow) if I can. There is another National cemetery at Pittsburg; I must go there sure.

I have much I could say to you, George, if I had time; will tell you all when I come home.

The negroes in this country say that over at the old stockade, this side of the cemetery, at night when it storms and is thundering you can hear the groans and sighs of the soldiers; they say they make an awful noise. That, I think, is  superstition, but they declare it is true.

I can tell you it is a solemn looking sight to visit the cemetery here, and look at the rows of grave stones; it is enough to make one shiver.

I will write you more after visiting Pittsburg Landing, our old camping ground of 22 years ago. Just think of it, and the memories that flash over one on visiting this old battle ground. Within an area of 20 miles here it is called the "City of the Dead," and well it may be. George, I am in a hurry now and will write you more soon.

(signed) William Reed

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As many as seven young men from Lucas County are buried at Corinth, although Mr. Reed would not have been aware of that. Andrew Holmes, 21, David D. Parr, 18, and Gabriel Ragsdale, also 18, rest in identified graves. Oscar Holmes, 18, and James A. Mercer, 18, are buried among the unknowns. And Oliver Threlkeld, 24, and James D. Roach, 26, probably are buried there among the unknowns as well.