Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1850-07-25

an1l4ont1 o. Rre1-acAA IaSAeFa EaAoraAs
Various descriptions have been
given Of the Funeral Of President
Taylor. Although there has been
great deal given upon this subject,
we cannot forego making the fol-
lowing extracts from the Washing
ton correspondence Of the New
York Tribune, which give the best
account we have seen of the cere-
monia!s on the occasion Of the fune-
raj:
THE CORPSE.
The body looked almost as naru-
raj as in health, when moving, as /
have frequently seen ii, through the
now gloomy apartments Of the Pres
idential mansion. The features
were full and firm, with no signs Of
decomposition whatever. Its preser-
walton was no DOUBT referable to the
refrigeratory process 10 which it
had been subjected. 1t may be said
to have been literally frozen.
THE COFFIN.
The remains were placed in a
neat mahogany coffin. The shroud
was trimmed with huted satin Of
snowy whiteness, which showed
very neatly through a pane large
enough to expose the entire face,
neck and breast. The coffin was
lined first with thick lead sheeting,
and then with white satin. The ex-
terror of the coffin was covered with
fine black broadcloth and ornamen-
ted with eight silver eagles. Over
the coffin was thrown pail, OF the
same material, trimmed with heavy
silver fringe, and heavy silver tassels
attached TO the corners. To the
coffin eight heavy mounted silver
handles were attached-iour at each
end, and two on each side. On the
top OF the coffin was the usual me-
mortal plate. presenting the dates
oil birth, death, &c.
THE FUNERAL CAR.
The Funeral Car presented heavi-
ly and long coupled running gear,
with wheels carved from solid blocks
of wood. The Car body was twelve
feet by six in dimension, all covered
with black. On il was arranged a
Dale, Tor the support Of the Coffin.
From this was raised a canopy, COW
cred with broadcloth, surmounted
by magnificent gilt Eagle. From
the canopy hung curtains Of black
and white silk in alternate festoons,
with rosettes, lringes and tassels.-
The pail was arranged in like man.
ner, sweeping TO the ground, hiding
the car from view, completely. On
the Coffin was thrown en- negige the
sword and martial costume of the
departed, and a proiusion ol emble-
matte flowers, culled and arrayed
with appropriate garlands.
THE HORSES.
The car was drawn by eight
white horses. They were richly
but not gaudily caparisoned, and
led by eight careful grooms. These
were exclusively white men,
They were dressed in plain suits Of
black, without any livery.
OLD WHITLEY AND THE GROOM.
The venerable war-steed followed
Immediately behind the remains Of
his devoted owner. He was richly ca
parisoned, and wore his accustomed
saddle, surmounted by the holsters,
&c. He was led by Mr.. Schwartz
man, a clerk in the Post Office De-
partment, who claimed the honor in
consideration Of past associations
He served thirteen long years with
General Taylor in the Indian Wars
part Of the time as an Orderly
Sergeant. The old war-steed was
an object oil peculiar interest 10 the
more curious of the multitude, who
gazed upon the pageant.
COST OF THE FUNERAL
When it is remembered that the
pail of the coffin alone was orna-
mented with eight tassels, at cost
Of ten dollars each, some idea OF the
cost of the whole arrangement may
be formed. The coffin cannot have
cost less than five hundred dollars;
and the expenditure on the East
Room alone must have cost at least
a thousand dollars. From a hur-
ried estimate | do not hesitate TO
venture Over one hundred thousand
dollars, as the cost, direct and COL
lateral, Of this pageant, including, OF
course, the removal Of the remains
to Louisiana. This may seem large
until the nature Of the case is con-
sidered. OF course, Include the ex-
pendimre at all the Forts, Arsenals,
&c, transportation Of troops to and
fro, &c, &c. The telegraphic bills
alone of the government will amount