Daily national Republican., 1865-07-06
TIIE FOURTH OF JULY AT GET
TYSBURG.

Among the joyous celebrations of Inde-
pendence Day, that which took place at Get.
tysburg was one Of the most interesting. Tho
ride through the country from Baltimore on
the previous day recalled many exciting
scenes. We passed over the ground where
yOar ago HARRY GrLMoR, cheered and en-
eouraged by tho widow PERRISE and other
sympathizers with the rebellion was raiding,
but instead Of hostile bands and the smoke
of burning dwellings, we only saw pleasant
landscapes, and farmers gathering their har-
vests. Along the pleasant valleys of Mary
land all was serene. The cattle were stand
ing belly deep in the cooling streams, chew
ing the cud Of contentment; the hCllyhocks
were blooming, and pole-beans climbing in
the cottage gardens. Sunshine and peace
shoue over all. Farther along, in York
county, Pa, we came into more open, more
slightly, more panorama" country. The
broad acres upon the great slopes of the hills
were teeming with rich crops of wheat, corn,
oats, and hay. What country for the de-
spoilers to riot in, could they have carried
out their plans TWO years ago
We reached Gettysburg at 2 o'clock p. m,
and found the town all astir with prepara-
tions for tho celebration. There had been
quite an Influx Of strangers, and our train
added somewhat to the number. General
-H0wARD, the orator ofthe day, and MILES
0'REILLY, the poet, were with our travelling
party. General HOWARD had left his oraticn
in Washington, and was preparing himself
for an impromptu address on the next day If
his stan officers should fail to get his we'll
prepared and eloqusntly written oration
brought to him before the hour. He did not
sesm at all disconnected, but one could
plainly see that his mind was at work, as he
rode along through the fields of Pennsylva.
mia, In "throwing up defenccs, 4" as it were,
for the following day, should his manuscript
fail him. Tho valuable document came
safely to hand next morning, however, and
the General was spared the extra labor
(Which he could have performed excellently)
of making new Oration.
Gettysburg was gay on Monday afternoon
and evening. We looked around. We scru-
tiniEed this grand theatre of the battle which
was the most decisive of the war, and was in
reality the turning point Of the rebellion.
What a country for fighting in Here was
the place for armies well seasoned in fighting
to meet and try their ultimate conclusions
How few Of our countrymen realize fully the
Importance of the Gettysburg battles. This
was truly a turning-poin in the war. If the
rebels had succeeded in carrying their forces
beyond that point into the rich fields of
Pennsylvania the moral effect at home and
abroad would have been such that separation
and the Independence of the South would
have been secured. But our great Destiny
and Abe Army Of the POtomAc-an army that
had been toughenod by experiences and vieis.
Situdes enough, heaven knows-an army that
had been reorganized and disciplined by
HOoKER, one Of the most thorough soldiers
amongst all our glorious caPtains-Our good
Destiny and the Army of the Potomac won on
these fields Of Gettysburg the most important
battle reeofded in the history of modern
times.
We oan sec in Gettysburg to-day how
ever, scarcely any traces of that mighty
struggle. The magnificent landscape sur.
rounding Cemetsry Hill like q panorama
shows no scSfs, of battle. Nature has covered
II tboSg cruel voars with foliage rich and