The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-06-08

as such, 1t seeNed to the members OF his order
regard No monument had been erected on the
spot where he fell in behalf OF his country, and
measures were, therefore, instituted fer this double
purpose;
Charlestown, in 1888, and from it's funds m0nu-
mental column erected to the memory of War
rem, 10 1874, on land given by the Hon. James Rus
sell. II was composed Of brick pedestal eight feet
square, rising ten feet from the ground, and support
ing a Tuscan pillar, Of wood, eighteen feet high
This was surnq qy BY q siit urn bearing the in
sonic emblems. On the south SIDE Of the pedestal
was the following inscription
Erected A. D. MDCCXClv.
BY King so!omens Lodge Of Free , MasOns.
In Memory of
Msjof General JOSEPH WARREN,
and his Associates,
who were slain on this memorable spot June II,
None but they who set just value Upon the blessings
Of liberty are worthy to enjoy her In vain we toiled
in vain fought bed in vain; II you, offspring,
want valor to repsl the assaults Of her invaders.
Charleston settled, 1928
Burnt, 1875. Rebuilt, l776."
This column stood without the redoubt, and on
the spot where Warren was believed TO have fallen.
Il remained for forty years, and was SO much
defaced by time that it was removed when the
present granite structure was contemplated. The
remembrance at il will be cherished by those
who were familiar with it from distance, Jr near
at hand
The erection of a substantial monument on this
summit had long been desired and contemplated
II thought to be due tribute OF respect
TO The hs IN an ssGy Gay OF s
duals, fearful hazard, for the good of their
common country. We must suppose and believe
that the awful strife. amid the shrieks and
OF battle, and in sight of the homes which these
patriots loved, better feeling than that OF brute
courage, or thirst for blood, animated them How
much Of their iortitude they borrowed from the
conviction that their country would honor their
spot where they suffered, we may only imagine -
The objection which many conscientious persons
feelto such commemoratou, seems to De iounded
perpetuate the feelings Of aoimo,ity and strife be-
tween the descendants OF the contending parties
But his is error and the dIsapprobaiion Of mo-
nu'nentsl structures, founded upon such miscon-
cepon, would equally apply TO all histories and de-
lineations of battles. We wish TO express CRATE
full sense OF the devotion and bravery of those who
bore severe suflerlngs to relieve Of lighter bur-
dens. All that we desire to CONNER by the
towering PILE now reared on the battle field is pat
rotism and sell sacrifice. We believe the cause
was Just; the Brton may regard it otherwise; but
we may alike stand upon the spot and honor the he.
rosm of its Victims without the rising Of one venge-
full feeling.
1t was the general opinion that il any monument
were 10 be erected, it should be q substantial one,
which should do credit TO its builders AID to their
fathers and instead of being reared at the expense
of few wealthy men, al public cost, should be
free-will Offering from all the citizens OF this
Commonwealth, and OF It's sister Commonwealths,
according TO their means The result has been
sucr as make il probable that there is not struc
ture IN this country which the free contributions
of so many individuals have been expended as upon
this. Subscriptions were FIRST asked for in the year
1924. An Association, called "The Bunker Hill
Monument Association" was formed, membership
Of which was be enjoy ed by those who subscribed
five dollars. An engraved diploma was their certi-
fcate. and their names were inscribed upon the
parchment records deposited within the corner
stone.
Some incident or circumstance which should
connect an enthusiastic feeling with The commence
menr OF the work, was felt to be necessary. An
occasion and opportunity for this presented itself
the visit OF the Marquis de La Fayette, our honored
General, 10 this land, whose battles he had fought
perty him to the last day of his life In the
midst OF his triumphant progress through the
country, his services were enlisted in this work.
Though the. plan Of the structure had not at
this time been decided upon, yet it was
thought most desirable that the ceremonies
of laying the cornerstone should be performed by
Accordingly, on the 18th of June, 1926 it being the
fitleth anniversary OF the battle, this desire was
grati6ed In the midst OF an immense Of concourse
Of people, the ceremonies were performed. BY ad-
vertisrme ns and invitations previously inserted in
the ewsp apers the veterans who survived the day
Of slaughter were earnestly desired, tree OF all
charge to themselves, to come from their homes,
however distant, and present .nemsei IVES IN one
offering of free people, the first Jubilee OF the
battle In the multitude that answe red these invita-
tons the number of those who were actually en-
gagged in the battle could not be scertalned, as
some were OF the achievements, who DID not en-
ter the field some belonged TO regiments or compa
MES then at hand, blu, ordered for the OCCASION
aud others were near distant pectators Of the
ton. Enough there were OF the true remnant TO
show their scars and recount the scenes the memory
of which the lapse of fifty years had not dmned
The younger survivors Of the band professed them
sevesstil ready tor service, should like occasion de-
nand il nor, among those whose feeble limbs tot
tered under the heaviest burden OF years, was there
one whose chilled blcod did not glow over the sods
of the battle. field, while the starting tear told thai
they were thinking of their companions in artns
They were eoquently and touchlusy addressed BY
the Hon Daniel Webster, the orator OF the occasion
La Fayeue, standing as one in that group Of survi
vors and regrettng that the honor did not Of rig h,
belong to him, laid with his own hands the cor ser
stone OF tue projected monument. Masonic cere-
monies were connected with the occasion.
we cannot, however, attribute to La Fayette the
honor OF havinga aid the cornerstone Of the present