Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1863-07-28
Communicated
Celebration at vicksburg.


Mr.. CovER:-The anniversary of Amer
lean Independence has again been cele5rat-
ed throughout the entire North, and, am
happy to saw in some parts Of the South.
But no place in tie South more glorious
| Ia than at the city of Vicksburg. II will
be long remembered by both North and
South, and will add fresh luster to the gIo-
ry of the day. Many years from now when
the birthday of our country is celebrated,
the fall of Vicksburg will be remembered,
and will aid Union and freedom loving
millions to celebrate the day with more
pleasure and earnestness. Fifty years
from now hoary headed men will tell their
grand children the story of the present re-
bellion, and the fall Of VicksLurg- tell
them that on the fourth day of July, 1868.
the traitor sheet was torn from its resting
place, aud the glorious old Union Banner
hoisted in triumph over the rebel city and
notifications They will tell Of the hosts
Of starving, disappointed, homesick traitors
that focked around their camps, and were
altogether surprised to meet with the kind
treatment which they received from the
hands Of those they had been told BY :s;;eir
leaders, wo1!d shoot them de~n, or muir
der them in some cruel manner if taken
prisoner. They will tell Of 10000 starry
ing, sick and dying prisoners that received
nourishment, care and kind treatment
from brave Union boys of the North
boys that were not afraid to face the rebel
bullets, shot and shell, and at the same
time ready and glad TO share the last hard
cracker with those who had tried hard to
take their lives. They will tell how they
shared the;r rations with rebel prisoners,
and saw the tears glisten upon their eye
ids as they pressed the donors hands with
gratitude, and more, thar they would never
fire another shot at those who fought I'M
der the old flag of the Union. Glorious
fourth of July / hail the day with pleas
ure, and those who have fought at the siege
of Vicksburg, and survive the dangers of
the present rebellion, will certainly hail the
day with more than usual delight, and re-
joice that they had the honor Of fighting
in the ditch during the intolerable heat of
the day. digging rifle pits and planting bat
teries after night. facing showers OF bull
lets, shot, and shell, capturing the strong
hold of secession, taking 10000 rebel pris-
oners. and raising the Union Banner over
a rebel city to move gracefully and glori
ously like the brood wing of the good an
gel Of Mary over prodigal. Who does
not hail the downfall Of Yicksburg as glo-
rious omen of good, and the dawn of a
brighter day upon American soil? Who
does not see the hand Of Providence dis
played In the chastisement of wicked and
rebellious people, and the final overthrow
OF the cursed institution of slavery. The
of Vicksburg is day long TO be
remembered, and carries with it. the scale
upon which turned the destiny of the
Southern Confederacy. Whether soon
- 49, s'--.-f,il ~ the great Southern
fabric is inevitable. The chleI corner Stone
is now removed by the naut ve -.e,-.l.s-,
and Heaven speed the day when the entire
structure shall go down with mighty
crash and the glorious light Of liberty
shine with all its splendor upon the ruins
thereof, and hide from our sight forever the
National disgrace and curse Of sldrery.
]. A. BRowN.
U:olveh,,ro, Nice Julu 5th 1919