Mobile Register

July 11, 1861

Page 1

DISINTERMENT OF MAJ. WINTHROP—A correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch writes:

An incident occurred one day last week of the most touching kind. The remains of Maj. Winthrop, of the Federal forces, who was slain in the memorable battle of Bethel, had been committed to the earth. His brother, under a flag of truce, came after the body from New York. It was disinterred by order of Col. Magruder, and sent on to the lines under escort of the Charles City Cavalry, Capt. Douthat, and a detachment of the Howitzers.

In silence this guard of honor moved onward till they reached their destination, and met the heart-broken brother, who had brought on a metallic coffin to receive the mouldering form of him who should have fallen in a better cause. When he saw how Southern men could feel and act, and must have contrasted their high toned courtesy with the brutal and fiendish conduct of such men as Butler, it is said by those who were present that he bowed his head, overcome with emotion, and said in choking tones to Capt. Douthat, “I did not expect this.” Will this simple incident find its way into a Northern paper? I doubt it.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]