Sandra-
"Some of these stories are so misleading. Although his tombstone describes him as a soldier, the article clearly states that Richard "attached" himself to the unit as servant to/cook for one of the wealthy soldiers in the unit. He was not a soldier, though he remained a prisoner of war along with others taken at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Nevertheless, it was an interesting read.

Regards,
Sandra"

***

Yet read on....the next days issue-

Petersburg-Index Appeal

May 24, 1886
The Funeral of the late Richard Poplar,

the colored Confederate soldier,

a sketch of whose life was given in the last issue of the Index-Appeal, took place from the Union Street Methodist Church, on Sunday afternoon and was very largely attended, there being a great number of white people in attendance including many ladies. The coffin was covered with beautiful flowers. The funeral service was conducted by the pastor of the church, whose remarks were both touching and appropriate.