The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-04-22
The Celebration At Fort Sumter.

unS AOnu0ACu al olsc lAtIl6 anu b10soA~
celebration at Fort Sumter and the ran Oh
Mobile-either OF them sufficient in ordinary
times to thrill the national system In every
nbre and nerve OF its beine-have fallen still
born upon the public mind. 1t may be prop
ar. however. to gather up few incidents
con,ected with the restoration of the flag at
snmter. though cur space will not allow Of
the extended account Of that affair. We con-
dense from the letter-writers.
The celebration was held on Friday, April
IA. Large numbers Of people had been at
tracted to the spot The identical flag that
was lowered four years ago was raised with
appropriate ceremonies. At an early hour the
note Of preparation was sounded. Salutes Of
artillery were fred, and every vessel in tho
harbor put on its gayest attire. The naval
display excited the liveliest admiration. Ev-
cry gunboat and monitor was dressed with a
profusion of bunting. The national ensign
hoated from all the principal Notifications,
with the exception Of Sumter, where was
shortly to take place scene never to be for
gotten.
The whole forenoon was occupied in trans
porting the immense number OF visitors to
Sumter, which was entered to the northeast
side by flight of wooden steps, leading to
the demolished parapet facing Charleston.
which portion Of the fort is the best preserv-
ed externally. The remainder Is but mass
of debris, composed Of concrete, brick and
sand, 10 which was imbedded tons Of iron mis-
siles, thrown during the terrible conflict that
treason evolved.
It was not until noon that the last landing
was completed. Standing on the crumbled,
demolished parapet, overlooking the dense
crowd assembled in the parade ground, and
viewing the feet Of gunboats, monitors and
steamers lying but short distance off, Dress
ed in their brilliant regalia, the scene was be-
yond 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 the day, was TO deliver his adj
dress. 1t was slightly elevated platform,
enclosed with boughs Of myrtle, standing un-
derneath tample of liberty, festooned and
entwined with bunting and wreaths of
flowers.
DIR. Mackey, OF Charleston, the eminent
Free Mason, who has never swerved from his
fealty to the government during the trying
hours of the rebellion, was present with his
wife and two daughters. The wife and chill
dren of Gen. Anderson and the daughter Of
Gen. Dix were also on the stand.
1t Is estimated that at least three thousand
people were present, one-sixth being ladies'.
There were also large detachments of white
and eolored troops, marines and sailors, serv-
ing as guards OF honor
Massachusetts, was represented by the Gath
colored regiment. whose gallant and noble
Colonel lies in hero's grave on the shores Of
Norris Island.
The ceremonies Of the occasion commenced
with the singing Of song and chorus entitled
Hvictory at Lastl" which was received with
rapturous applause. Then followed the read
ing Of portion Of Scripture by the venerable
Chaplain Harris of the United States Army,
(who made the prayer at the raising Of the
dag when Major Andersen removed his COM
mand from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, De-
cember q, 1907 followed by a7ervent and
impressive prayer, by the same gentleman,
during which the utmost silence was observed.
Rev. DR.. Storrs, Jr., OF New York, then read
the hundred and twenty sixth, forty-seventh,
ninety-eighth, and part Of the twentieth
Psalms-in the reading Of the last Of which
he was joined by the assembly. Adjutant
General Townsend then In clear voice read
Major Anderson's dispatches, dated "Steam-
ship Baltic, of Sandy Hook, April lS, 1851"
announcing the fall Of Fort Sumter.
Preparations were now made for hosting
the flag, which was no sooner brought to
view than there was aroused burst Of joy.
A few moments and everything was in readi-
ness. Stepping forward, Gen. Anderson, on
whom deyolved the pleasurable duty Of re-
storing to its original place on the fort the
identical flag which, after an honorable and
gallant defense, he was compelled to lower
to the insurgents, made the following re-
marks:
81 am here, my friends aud fellow citizens
and brother soldiers, to perform an act Of du-
ty which Is dear to my heart, and which all of
you present appreciate and feel. Did listen
TO the promptings of my own heart, would
not attempt to speak; but i have been desired
by the Secretary OF War to make few re-
marks. By the considerate appointment Of
the honored Secretary OF War, am privileged
TO fIild the cherished wish of my heart
through four long years Of bloody war, to re-
store to its proper place this very flag which
hoated here during peace before the first act
Of this cruel rebellion. Thank God, have
lived to see this day! tspplause,) that have
lived to be here to perform this, perhaps, the
last act OF duty to my country in this life.
My heart is filed with gratitude TO Almighty
God for the signal blessings which he has CIV
en- us-blessings beyond number. May all the
world proclaim -"Glory TO God in the
highestl On earth peace and good will TO
menl" sho q
On the conclusion of his remarks he seized
tbs halliards and with firm and steady pull
ran aloft the old flag. No sooner had it caught
the breeze than there was one tumultuous
shout. 1t was an inspiring moment-grand
aud subnme-never to be experienced again.
"Our flag was there''--its crimson folds, tat
tered but not dishonored, regenerated and
baptised anew in the fires Of liberty.
Previous to the raising of the flag the
steamer Planter, Capt. Robert Small, who, 1t
win be remembered, run the rebel gauntlet in
1862, came to the fort loaded down with be-
tween 1000 and 5000 Of the einancipated race,
OF all ages and sizes. Their appearance was
warmly welcomed. Capt. Small was subse-
quently introduced to many distinguished
gentlemen, to whom he narrated his interest
ing adventure with lively satisfaction.
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher then delivered
an appropriate address, which has been pub.
lished in full. They who have read it gener-
ally concur In the Judgment that II did not
rise to the level Of Mr.. Beecher's ordinary
efforts.
The day following the celebration, meet
ing was held in Charleston in behalf of the
Freedmen, which was addressed by VIM. Lloyd