Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-25
From the Norfolk Herald, September 20.
CASTLE CALHOUN.

Stone of CASTLE CALHOUN, the following ac-
count Of which friend, who was present, has
at our request, obligingIy communicated Tor
ourpaper: -
Major General Brown was on visit OF IN
spec.ion at Fortress Monroe, and IN commemo-
ration of his gallant services at the sor'ie OF
Fort Erie on the 18th Sept 1914, he was re-
ouested by Col. Gratiot, the commanding En-
gineer, to oficiate on the Anniversary OF that
day in laying the foundation stone OF this I'M
portant Fortress.-A: o'clock T. M. Gen.
Brown, accompanied by the Officers OF the sta
ton, and large assemblage ofladies and citl-
gems, embarked in the steam boat Hampton
from Fortress Monroe, and proceeded to the
site of the Castle AT half past the ceremo'
MES commenced by most pathetic and appro.
pirate PRAYER from the Rev. Mr.. WEsTwooD, oil
Hampton. He portrayed in lively colours the
blessings of civil and religious liberty, enjoyed
by our happy country, and invoked the pro'ec-
lion of Divine Providence on this work, as one
ofthe means, under bis favor, fpreserging that
boon unimpaired, which had been bought SO
dearly by the blood OF our fathers. The power
ofhis appeal was marked on every countenance,
aud the lofty strains of the Military Band which
then struck up "Hail Columbia" produced an
effect more easily imagined than described
presented him the working tools, accompanied
with the following concise but neat address:
"GENERAL-On this anniversary OF The sor-
tie from Fort Erie, and to commemorate that
eyentful day, permipme to request ofyou, as the
leader on that occasion TO officiate on this, and
90 Law the first corner stone of this great nation
al work Of defence. Inow present you with the
tools necessary to perform the operation"
n .ol tLotI saf alt Aatta hx
the honor that had been conferred on him, and
received with pleasure the presented tools lie
then handed them to Mr.. Heating, the master
mason, and addressed to him and Mr.. smith,
the Master carpenter, few appropriate re-
marks on the~magnltsde and importance OF the
duty con6ded to them, turning to the military,
he observed-"In thus assisting my brother
Officers in LAYING CORNER STONE of this great
work, in honor Of the 18th Sept. 1914, | must
be permitted, in gratitude to our common pa
rent, piouslyto remember those exalted spirits,
who. on the 18th Sept, the 18th August, and
on every other day during the siege OF Erie, en-
deavoured TO sustain the moral power of their
country"
The massy stone was laid in due form, and
when the last stroke from the Generals ham,
mer announced the consummation of the act,
banner rising in majestic grandeur through the
dense canopy of smoke that oerhung the isl
and, proclaimed to the world the birth day Of
another bulwark of liberty. The salute was an
swered from Fortress Monroe, and the compa-
nv withdrew to the cheering strains of f" Yankee
Doodle" to partake of splendid collation. pre-
pared by order of Col. Gratio'.
AT past they returned 10 Fortress Mon
NJ A do To
provided by Mr. Holiday, at the Officers Mess
Room. Col. Eustis presided, assisted by Col.
Gratiot and Major Heileman as Vice Presi-
dents. After the cloth was removed the Presi-
dent addressed the Board as follows:
GENTLEMEN, Before | announce to you the
sentiment am about to propose, l must be
permitted briefly TO recalllo your remembrance
the glorious exploits Of the left wing Of the
Northern Army during the campaign of 1914:
The passage of the Niagara Straight-The
capture of Fort Erie-The victory at Chippe-
wa-The sanguinary battle at the Cataract
The protracted defence; and the Bloody, the
deadly repulse of the midnight assault on Fort
Erie-And last, though not least, that splendid
Sortie, whose Anniversary we celebrate.
The master Spirit who guided the movement
and directed the energies of that chivarous
band, is now seated atyour board-our much
respected Guest.
Gentlemen, now propose to you this senti-
ment: "Health, prosperity, and long life to Ma
ior General Brown
The General replied
Gentlemen: In return for the honor conferred
by the very aattering manner in which-you re-
ceived the sentiment just given, permit me to
drink your very good healths: Under your au-
spices may the Artillery School of Practice be-
come what you are SO capable of making it, an
honor to your Country and yourselves.
By Lieut. Vmton, aid to Gen. Brown-Our
Artillery Possibility stand forth on the bold
promontory of our maratime frontier, as the
centinels of our freedom, and the castles of our
power! May the invader ever find them equal
ly vigilant and impregnable.
BY Col. GRArIoT-The Memory OF Gibson,
Wood and VILLAINS, Patriots who did not sur
vive to partake the honors of this Anniversary
by--The memory of Brigadier Gen.
DAVIS, who gloriously fell at the head OF his
command, at the sortie of Fort Erie
py Lieut.. BERKE.-General PETER B. PoR.