Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1840-12-17
From the FhlladelPhiaInq Inquirer.
THE MERCER SoLEMNITIEs IN PHlLA.
pELPETA.


The imposing ceremonies connected with the re.
intermsni Of the remains Of Gen. HueH MEReER,
took place 10 Philsdel phia yesterday The solem-
mites produced an unusual sensation Ia our conl-
muniy aud we're conducted throughout ID grave,
formal aud appropriate manner. The Church in
/ Washington Sqsare crowded with citizens and
strangers, while the flags at hali-masi, the tong Of
muflsd bells, the discharge Of cannon at intervals.
ogeher with The display Of military, served give
effect 10 the scene, once calculated to touch
the feelings the moment, and TO carry the mem
DRY back to that eveniiul period OF our history,
when all Of liberty connected with this Republic.
depended upon The btayery Of few gallant and pa
trolic spirits. The coffin enclosing the remains "a
Gen. Mercer was placed IN the Church on Wash
inston SqHale, in front of the pulpit and covered
with flag, which was borne hy number Of Penn,
sylvania volunteers the very battle in which Gen.
Mercer lost hts lie. The galleries Of the Church
were crowded with ladies, while the lower floor
occupied exclusively by gentlemen.
The religious exercises were conducted BY the
Rev. ALERT BARses, Immediately before whom,
and the coffin were number Of the officers OF
the Army and Navy Of the United States, Governor
Porter OF Pennsylvania, Gov Gilmer, OF Virginia,
several other eminent Strangers the Mayor, Recor-
der and city authorities and the Societies Of ST. An
drew and the Thistle. An address prepared for
the occasion, was delivered by WILLIAM b, REED,
ESQ II was, in our view, OF his happiest et-
iorts and in the very beat taste, both as regards
manner and matter. After a brief feeling and APP
propriate introduction, MIR Il. alluded TO the early
life 0f General Hugh Mercer, who--born in the
north Of Scotland-adhered with fidelity and sup
ported with valor her ancient kings. He commence
ed bis public life surgeons mate in the ranks OF
the ehiyalric army that rallied round the standard
of Prince Charles Edward-partook of the varied
fortune Of that unhappy Prince. and fought brayely
under his banner, until the fatal field of Culeden
drove him into exile, and sealed the. Fate of his
family, so faf as related to the Scottish or British
crowns--for The chaste yet vivid pictures
OF the fearful that desolatcd both the high
lands and lowlands Of Scotland--the enthusiasm of
Prince CHARLIE. followers--the events that pfece
ded the field Of Culloden--the romantic fight and
extraordinary escape Of the Prince, and the devo-
ton with which General Mercer served his native
country, were either described or alluded to IN
a chasie yet glowing manner. About year after
the fight Of Culloder, the youthful Mercer came 10
this country, and ook up his residence in the inte-
rior Pennsy lyana. But before proceeding to his
career in the New World, the speaker gave rap
id yet forcibe and interesting sketch Of the then
state OF the American Colonies-rasaged as they
we're on their borders, after Mr. MERGERS arri-
val by the French and Indian warm which the
military experience aud acknowledged bravery Of
young Mercer, rendered him both useful and dis
tinguished. His gallant conduct was then the
theme Of general gratitude aud admiration; and at
ter the oraior had referred the defence OF Fort
Du Qaesne the suffering and fortitude Of the gar
rison the well.known AID disastrous expedition for
its relief under General Braddock. and the earliest
acquaintance of Mercer with Washing ton--he allu
ded to the events that led Immediately the Amer
lean Revolution. He stated that Gen. Mercer was
OF the first to urge resistance against oppres-
SION and to tender aid in the way OF men and aims
AT this point ofihe address, thrilling and touch
nf the e. rlul
diton of society in that early period OF American
history. A contrast was drawn between the then
and the existing privileges enjoyed and blessings
experienced. An eloquent appeal wes made 10 all
classes and some udicious reflections followed, as
to the manner in which the children should appre-
ciate the efforts of their ancestors. The devotion
10 country Of that day, was described wholly un-
like the sel6shness Of the present Then patriot
ism seemed to form the paramount feeling and obii-
CATION in every mindand al the blessings Of pence,
of home Of family aud of iire-sids were freely and
promptly abandoned at the first call TO arms. lie
designated the ceremonial, the tribute OF great
fu country to the honOred dead. And as hs point
ed to the coffin before him, he said that the stars Of
the national flag would shine brightly above the be-
roe grave lie then alluded IN thrilling detail, TO
the events OF the revolution, the wisdom in council
as well as the bravery in OF Gen. Mercer, hs
iatinacy with Washington, the sufierings and de-
spondency OF the American Army--betore the bat
lie and movement in whish General Mercer had
warmly concurred--and in an effort 70 carry out
which he had in the midst Of victory, lost his is
His advice and conduct were glorious ior as cqun-
try--iatal for himself.
He closed with M affecting and eloquent epos-
trophe to the memory of General Mercer, and spi-
rited and soul stirriag exhoriation to patriotism -
But as we indulge hope that the Address viii be
published length, we have only alluded to II In a
brief and incidental manner. The ceremonies IN
the Church were then closed with solemn prayer
and the coffin was borne from its temporary resting
place on the shoulders Of number of marines. and
surrounded by distinguished officers OF the Army
and Navy palbearcrs.
When the coffin made ts appearance from the
Church, several discharges from cannon took place
in Washington Square.
The display throughout was imposing, effective,
and credible IN the highest degree. The appear
ance Of the military excited general admiration
The windows Of the houses in the streets through
which The funeral passed, were crowded, while the
side walks presented mulrindes extending to thou
sands. The final ceremonies at Laurel Hill, were
also witnessed by considerable number ofpersons,
and the arrangements throughout, were In spirit
at once appropriate and judicious.