Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-04-25
The Old Flag Restored to Fort Sumter.

w bho avn VI AAPiHt JN'N 4SN'
after it was hauled down to give place to the SYM
Dol Of momentary triumphant treason, the flag
which Gen. Anderson in these years Of terrible
war has guarded with reli ious care and devotion
vas restored 10 its old place over the ruins of that
now historic fort. The demonstration was most
imposing, and the ceremonies we're most solemn
and impressive. Below we give, condensed from
the correspondence of the New York Times, an
interesting account Of the exercises
1.-THE great event Of to day attracted large
numbers Of visitors to Charleston. Since yester-
day thousands from the North have been arriving
filling the hotels to repletion. At an early hour
the note Of preparation was sounded, salyos OF
artillery we're fired, and every vessel in tho harbor
put on It's gayest attire. The naval feet excited
the liveiest admiration, 'ery gunboat and moni
tor being dressed with profusion of bunting
The national ensign foated from all the principal
torticatlons, with the exception Of Sumter, where
was shortly 10 take place scene never to be for
gotten.
The whole forenoon was occupied 10 transport
ing The immense number of visitors to Sumter,
which was entered on the northeast side by
flight Of wooden steps, leading to the demolished
parapet, facing Charleston, which portion Of the
fort is the best preserved externally the remainder
is but mass Of debris composed Of concrete,
brick and sand in which were imbedded tons OF
iron mssels thrown during the terrible conflict
That treason ever held at this point, bolts which,
although they destroyed and puverzed added
strength to formidable walls. Thousands Of ga
bons, filed with sand, are found inside The
bomb-proofs constructed by the enemy remain in
good state OF preservation in spite Of the pound
ing they received.
!, was not until noon that the last landing was
completed. Standing on the crumbled and de-
molIshed parapet overlooking the dense crowd
assembled IN the parade ground, and viewing the
fleet of gunboats and monitors and steamers wing
but short distance of, dressed in their brilliant
regalla, the scene was beyond the touch Of The
+ painters pencil. In the centre Of the parade
ground was the stand from which Rev. Henry
Ward Beecher the orator Of tie day, was to de-
liver his address. 1t was slightly elevated plat
form, incosed with boughs OF myrtle standing
underneath a temple Of liberty, festooncd and
enwined with bunting and wreaths OF flowers.
1t is estimated that at least 5000 people were
present, one-sixth being ladies'. There we're also
large attachments OF white and colored troops,
marines and sailors serving as guards Of honor.
/ The ceremonies OF the occasion commenced
G with the singing Of a song and chorus entitled,
/ victory Of asst which was received with raptu-
Gus applause then followed the reading Of por-
. ton Of Scripture by the venerable Chaplain
liarrls, Of u. ). Army, who made the prayer at
/. ne raising OF The flag when MAJOR Anderson re-
} moved his command from Fort Moultrie to Fort
0 Sumter, December 81 1850, followed by ieryenI
q and impressive prayer by the same gentleman
n during which the utmost silence was observed
Rev Dr. S'ors, Jr., OF New York, then read the
l26h, 47lh, 9Sth ADD part OF the 10Th Psalms
Inc last IN the reading Of which be was joined by
D the assembly. Maj Gen, Townsend then, in cleal
G voice, read MAJ Anderson's dispatch dated steam
+. ship Baltic, OIL Sandy Hook, April Is, 1861, an
0 nouncing the fall Of Fort Sumter.
Preparations we're now made for hosting tn,
9 flag, which was no sooner brought forth to view
y than there was aroused burst of Joy. few
: minutes and everything was in readiness Step
/ Ping forward, Gen. Anderson, on whom deyolve
the pleasurabe duty Of restoring to it, origina
place on the fort the identical flag which, after a
honorable aud gallant defence, be was compeIle
to lower to the insurgents, made the following
= remarks
- hHSh VT pENs hNbEhoONs
= al am here, my friends and fellow citizens AN
10 brother soldiers, 10 perform an act OF duty who
} is dear to my heart, and which all OF you preser
= appreciate and feel Did listen to the promp
ings Of my own heart, would not attempt
1t speak but have been des red by the Secretai
Of War to make few remarks By the consi,
10 crate appointment OF the honored Secretary
c. War 10 fulfill the cherished wish OF my hea
u through four long years OF bloody warto restol
ls to its proper pl ce this very hig which hOatt
here during peace before the first act OF this cru
be rebellion-l thank God have lived 10 see III
to day, applause to be here to perform this pc
haps the las, act Of duty to my country in til
ty lie. My hear is filed with gratitude to Almigh
cd God for the signal blessings which he has give
us-blessngs beyond number. May ali Il
ST. world proclaim glory to God in the highest,
ae earth peace and good will toward men,"
ns At the conclusion Of his remarks he seized Il
by hayards, and with firm and steady pull ran ale
the old flag No sooner had it caught the bree
al than there was one tumuuous shout. 1t VAS
81, inspiring moment, grand and sublime, never
by be experienced again. Our flag was there,
rn crimson folds tattered, but not dishonored rege
Grated aud baptized anew in the fires Of liberl
ca. Gen Anderson could hardly res rain his emotion
Z Tears Of JOY filed the eyes of nearly every OIL
ms present
When the tl,g reached ia height it was salut
or with 100 guns from sumter aud with nation
by s,lute from Fort Moultre and Battery Re
the Sullivan Island Fort Putnam on Morris Island
on Fort Johnson on James Island, places conspcuo
H. the Inauguration OF the rebellion and eminent
ing appropriate for them to take part not less pro-
ure nent IN the national rejoicing the resorati
TO Of national authority. National airs we're al
ted played by the band, which was followed by
hen singing of the Star Spangled Banner, with an
,or- feet that was thrilling.
Previous to the raising Of the flag, the steam
Planter, Capt. Robert Small which, il will
he, remembered, run the rebel gauntlet in 1862, cal
o,to to the fort loaded down with between 1000 a
a,e. 5000 of the emancipred race, Of all ages
siz.s. Their appearances was warmly we.c1m
inn Capt. Small was subsequently introduced to ma
Il - distinguished gentlemen, to whom be nara
h's interesting adventure with lively satsIsc,i
~" We have room for only the concluding por
few Of the exceedingly profound, instructive aud {
que1t address Of Mr.. Be, cher, whch We 2
below;
' What then shall hinder the rebuilding Of {
'e'! r'pubHc9 The evil spirit i est out; why shot
ius not this nation cease to wsnder among ;ombs c
in tiog itself? Why should it not me clothed a
-. in its right mind 10 sit at the feet Of Jesus
It feared hat the government will o2prew
'd'' qnrcd states? What possible motive
With the government to narrow the base of that ~
n at mid ca which It's own permsnenoe standsp l.
~, feared that the rights Of the states will be vi
'"O hed9 The South Is no more jealous Of Vt
ym- rights than the North. State rights, from
inY earest coluna dave, have been he neculiar M