The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1864-04-22
aettxnhurg oerneterx.

1t affords us pleasure says the Journal and
Statesman, to lay before our readers the re
port of John r. Latimcr, Esq, the Commits
sioner appointed by Governor Cannon, on tho
part of Delaware, on the Soldiers National
ioemstery At Gettysburg. Mr., I.atiner has
visited the scene Of that sangpinary conflict,
and attended the meeting Of the Commission
era Of rhe several States held there on the 9Th |
and 7th inst, for the purpose of organizing
and such other business as was necessary
\ Mr.. Latimer has performed the duty assigned !
| to him in a manner creditable to our State,
and honorable to the loyal people of Delaware.
| No better selection could have been,ma by |
i his. Excellency.s No one could have had the
/ honor conferred on him more likely to carry
out the wishes Of those who. have so noblTl
responded to the call for voluntary subscrip-
tons to the patriotic fund for interring the
remains ofour valiant sons who fell gallant
" upholdingour coontry's banner, than Mf.
Latimer. Every impulse of his heart is for
the preservation Of the Union and the liher-
ties bequesthed to us by our fathers, and
during tho progress Of the present conflict he
has given literally Of his time and treasure
to ameliorate the condition Of our brave sol
diers aud add to the comforts of .,'ne;r fami-
lies, and to no one among tbss many who have
sustained the government in its efforts to
y crush euttreeson lad rebellion, is more praise
justly due, me following is Mr.. Latimer's
report; aa ~
wILMINoTos, April llth, 1864,
X, Ills Excellency,
4 WILLIAM CANNON,
Governor OF tie Slate Of DelapDrc.
Sin :--H aging the honor Of an appoint
! ment as commissioner of this State on the
''soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg,
would herewith respectfully report =
!, The Legislature of the State OF Pennsyl
vania quite recently passed an act incorpor.
ating this national institution. A meeting
of the commissioner of the several States
was held at Gettysburg on the 9th and 7tl
e instant for the purpose of organization anc
: such othe; business as might be properly in
!, cidept to their duties. had the pleasure tt
BE- present, and to hand into the common
fund assumed necessary to carry out the ori
, ginal intention Of those who projected thu
. plan, the amount assessed on the State q
. Delaware.
n 1t having been early ascertained that The
Is sum at first deemed sufficient would be en-
b tirely inadequate to the expectations OF 9
! generous and grateful people, anxious t.
q make the Cemetery with all its adornment'
worthy Of the memory of those who slumbei
there, we were informed that those States
: which by legislative action have responded
: to the call, have offered twice and somt
l. thrice the amount assessed upon them, ant
1t that others yet to respond would act witt
lie like liberality. In view of these facts, ven
x ture to suggest to your Exeelleney that yel
tn renew your recommendation OF the LIST Q
AZ March (which expired on the lst Of April,
J. that 'dhe Secretary Of State will continu
I to reeeiyezany sHeh sums not exceeding tw
. dollars from each contributor" for an indef
10 mite time, so that the contributions of Dele
tn ware may equal if not exceed the proirata c
he her sister States.
as This national burial place, go beautiful
h. located, just oat Of the village Of Gettysburg
m is destined to be forever halOwed in tn
IN memory of our people. In visiting it l fouu
the bodies Of the fallen heroes had been I
tenderly removed and as carefully re-interrt
~ as could have been done by the most aAe
~ tionate kindred. am unable to report Il
es exact number from our own State, whose T
n mains find sepulture in that csnsecratt
,ss ground, but correct list viii be furnisht
of me not long hence, which shall be prompt
~ transmitted.
nd Our meeting was most harmonious. "
y were all think duly impressed with the in
y. ~ portance, and also the solennity Of the Q
NJ casion, and responsible Office We were Gale
'n' to perform. =
mt We felt, also, as believe every one wi
he visits that field Of blood must feel, that IL
ng Lord fought for us on that day, and throug
til us for Liberty and the best interests Of ma
in All Of which is respectfully submitted |
al Your Excellency's obd't servant,
= JsHN r. LATIMER,
=, Commissioner.
ny STATE OF DELAWARE, |