Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-09-27
R,m,u,,eeuces of an Old Cili1eu soldier.

Reading the account of the celebration of the
Rattle Of Lake Erie, at Putin Bay, on the 10th
of September, reminded me of incidents Of those
olden times in which l was personal actor
They arc now fresh in my memory. Time, with
its unerring aim, has entOmbed nearly all the
actors in those scenes; the few who are left will
remember some of these "reminiscences.
Com. Perry, soon after his victory on Lake
Erie. visited his native State of Rhode Island.
After receiving due honOrs there he visited BOs-
ton. need not describe the great excitement
amongst our citizens in this troublesome time of
war: none can realize it but those who witness
ed it. All parties, however, united in paying
honors to Com. Perry. He was in the prime of
life, and surpassed only in appearance by the Ia
HeDted Lawrence, of the il-fated' Chesapeake,
whom Iwell remember, as he passed down State
street, on his way to his command Ofthe Ches-
apeake. thought then, as ever have thought,
| that H e was the nOblest specimen of noble man
I ever saw. Com. Perry was nearly equal
Boston Common in 1918 was not Boston Com
| mon in 1883 Then it was 4 COW pasture with
| only the ssGreat Elm" in its center-it was the
parade ground for the military of Boston; and
| mere must put in a word on the subject of the
military of Boston, and what it was under our
old commander during the War of 1872 There
are many now living, who, like myself, were
members of the Independent Companies" of
Boston, who will bear me out in the full express
| ion that no nation on the earth at that time,
could bring into the field better disciplined In
fantry, Cavalry and Artillery, than those which
composed the Boston Brigade at the time Com.
Perry visited Boston. Many will remember our
march to Dedhsm, Under the orders of General
Crane, for the first review. The absurd name
of Tigers would have brought response from
"Capt Henry Sargent" not very harmOnioust to
the old "Boston Light Infantry" Nick-names
Iabhor. State street will never witness feU
de zoe like that on the morning of the news oi
Peace, when the line extended from the old
Pump, at the old State House, to Long Wharf
but am DEPRESSING.
ItwIs ordered by the governor that militia
" display Of all the uniform infantry of Boston
should be given to Com. Perry on Boston Com
mon; the whole was under the command o
Capt Henry SARGENT, Of the "Boston Light In
fantry," one of the best officers of the day.
The morning clme, and all was animation
1t was beautiful day. The Governor was seat
ed in his chair, on the Common, in front of tht
State House. Com. Perry on his right, with al
the general officers Of the day and prominent
citizens. The Common was staked out, anC
within the bounds a splendid line was formed o
the "Boston Light Infantry" New Englanl
Guard" "BOston Rangers" "Winslow Blues,
Boston Fusieers," Washington Light Infant
ry,r aud for hours these companies maneuveret
before Com. Perry, and l will venture the asser
ton that Boston has never seen such perfec
display Of military manGuyres and discipline
as was seen on this day-and 1 well remembe
the satisfaction and remarks of Com Perry, a
being the ''mOst beautiful sight of the kind b
had ever witnessed" The position Of the "ln
dependent Cadets" on this occasion, l have for
gotten. We cannot forget the 'Boston Sei
Fencibles," :" composed of the hardy sea captains
and commanded by Capt. WinslOw Lewis; thei
gun house was at the bottom of the Common
nor that splendid troop of horse-the "BOs
ton Hussars," commanded by Capt. Samuel D
Harris-whOse uniform outshOne anything o
the kind ever seen. OF all the commissioned
officers who commanded on this occasion oRl
one to my knowledge remains with us-CaPt
Henry Rice, who commanded the Boston Ran
gers
"Perry's Victory is deserving of MOnu
ment / have some personal incidents IN afte
years, with the old sunken vessels in Enc har
Dor, and the men Who rowed the boat, witt
Com Perry, from the Lawrence to the Niagara
West RoxbuIy, Sept. Is. G. NJ. +.