Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-07-25
CORRESPONDENCE.
Lieut.. VIM. 81. II. Rice.
Ma. knIrnR

Ma. EplroR
As in your last weeks issue you ex-
pressed regret at not having received more
full account of the funeral services OF the
lamentei Lieut.. Rice have thought that a
few words additional, from one who was
present, might not be out Of place.
As before stated his enbalmei remains
were met about mile from the village, by q
large procession Of our citizens, eager to do
honor to one who had 50 bravely given his
life for his country. Preceded by Band
Of music playing sad dirges, his remains were
escorted to his late home, Of which he had
long been the JOY and idol, There they were
permitted to rest in the bosom OF the stricken
and heart-brokcn family until the closing
hours Of the following Sabbath. AT FIVE
O'Clock on Sabbath evening the same process
sion. only increased in numbers, accoma-
MED by the same sad music, attended the re-
mains Of Lieut.. Rice to the Congregational
Church, which was filed, with all its ap-
proaehcs, to its u tmost capacity.
The services at the Church consisted in
singing. reading the scriptures, prayer and
brief remarks, in which all the clergymcn Of
the village participated. In these solemn
services all hearts bad the privilege of giving
to their respect for the dead, their
sympathy for the living and their humble
submission to the will Of God.
At the grave the Opportunity was enjoyed
Of looking on the familiar countcnance Of
our friend 50 peaceful in death and then it
was hidden from our sight till the morning
Of tharesurrectiJn.
These solemn and imposing services I'M
had two-foli significance. The
bear; ef pFtriotism was stirred in the com
muuity, aad there was a spontaneous desire
fcl. to IL honor 10 one who lad given his
heart 50 molly to his country cause and had
shed his blood SO CALAMITY in its defence
These services were the uttcrance Of the deep
conviction of the whole community that it
is noble t. live and die for one country
Bat this was not all-young Rice was uni
versally respected and beloved in this com
muoity. Before he had fairly placed bis feet
on the threshold Of manhood, he was called
to responsibilities and duties far in advance
Of his years. These responsibilities he met
these duties he performed with a spirit 50
cheerful, 50 unscldsh, 50 manly, so noble, that
he Won universal regard. As 4 son, as
brother, as i friend, he was dutiiul, afItc
tomato and true. Underlying his whole
character anu the basis Of it, were princ
pl.s Of integrity, truth and honor, which are
sure, sooner or later, to secure due rccosni-
tiun. These priucip les were intensified in
his heart ami made controlling by deep
reverence Cor col his truth and his will. 1t
was NJ, TRANCE that the call Of his country
for the young and the brave, should have
fired hi- patriotic enthusiasm, and that be
should have promptly expended to that call.
Nome WING knew him were SUI r.lCd 10 hear
that he rose rapidly. both in estimation and
position. 1t WAS characteristics Of Inn b.
rise IS he did from a SEX Id. to riFd him
self i9r The field Of conflict wlere lie s,
bra,elY FL. Many hearts have isen madc
sad, many hopes have bcen crushei BY bis
early aesth. " ith loving hauis and fearful
eyes eEata brought lowers II h. burial,
and we vail Keep his alea'ary gyse'. ~ org
hearts. Gov.