Each month, The Kentucky Explorer magazine receives literally scores of letters from our faithful readers. Whenever possible, we try to publish as many of them as possible in the 12 pages we have set aside for "Letters to the Editor."

Owsley County Native And Four-
Legged Friend Enjoy Explorer
Dear Editor:
Since retiring from the Navy in 1988, I have enjoyed The Kentucky Explorer very much. I don't know how I would survive without this fine publication. I look forward to each issue. It keeps me up on my roots.
I was born and reared on Buffalo Creek in Owsley County, Kentucky. I joined the Navy on my 17th birthday and remained in the Navy for 32 years, retiring in 1988. Since retirement I have lived in Florida. I visit Kentucky at every opportunity, in order to be near the land that is still so dear to me.
My companion, Powder, enjoys the magazine almost as much as I do. This shows that your great publication is enjoyed by a large part of the population, both the two-legged and four-legged variety.
Please keep up the good work, for your efforts are most appreciated.
Wayne Dean, NCCM, USN, RET.
13011 Saint Filagree Drive
Riverview, FL 33569

Wants Old Goose Bean Seeds
Dear Editor:
I would like to know if anyone out there has any Old Goose bean seeds to spare. Due to the drought last summer, I lost mine. I sure would be grateful if I could find some. I will gladly pay shipping and handling costs.
Ken Walters
RR 2 Box 3195
Monticello, KY 42633

Fallen Southerners Finally
Get Monument
Dear Editor:
Finally, after more than 140 years, the mass grave of 181 Confederate soldiers in the Richmond Cemetery has a proper tombstone. These men were killed or died as a result of wounds received at the Battle of Richmond fought August 29th and 30th, 1862. After the battle, Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith had to care for more than 4,403 Yankee prisoners. The dead were buried together in the city cemetery, with plans to erect a stone after the campaign was over. Due to the retreat from Perryville, the grave was never cared for. Instead, someone laid a four-inch square brick on the grave with the words Southern Dead etched in it. Thanks to the John C. Breckinridge Camp #100, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Lexington, and donations from all across the Bluegrass, a monument with the names and units of all 181 men was dedicated at the grave site at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2002. S. C. V. members from at least four states were in attendance, as well as members of several local historical societies. The Southerners destroyed the Union Army at Richmond, yet it was they who suffered the worst defeat. At least now, with the marker, people will know that they are buried there. May their sacrifice never be forgotten again.
Thank you for providing, what I believe is, an invaluable service to the people of Kentucky and descendants of Kentuckians everywhere. Our culture, heritage, and our way of life are quickly disappearing from the face of the earth. I am deeply grateful for your efforts to revive and to remember our heritage through this wonderful publication. I am putting the final touches on a book about the August 1862 Battle of Richmond. I recently learned of an article on the Battle of Richmond printed on page 47 of the July/August 1993 issue. I would like to purchase a copy of this magazine or just a copy of the article, if possible.
Michael J. Gabbard
8187 Jamaica Road
Germantown, OH 45327-8759