The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-06-01
FHK GRAND REVIEW.
Splendid Cavalry Pageant--ThO Vet
eran second Ohio.
WAsHnaroN. MAY 25. 1865.


WASHINGTON, May 25, 1865.
EDrToRs LEGDER:-The great military
spectacle of the age is over. It was every
way worthy of our victorious armies, and
fills a brilliant page in the wonderful his
tory of the Republic. Your readers are
already familiar with general descriptions
of the two days glory, and we only Pur-
pose to speak briefly of
THE CAVALRY REVIEW.
The cavalry broke camp near Blsdens-
burg at 4 A. N, on the morning OF the re-
view, and massed inscolumn in Maryland
Avenue, east of the Capitol. As the troops
of Sheridan moved out of camp there
must have been the feeling throughout the
corps that this was their last march as an
organic ton, for, whatever be the future
of the cavalry, it is hardly possible that
this splendid corps of vsteran h0rsemen
will be kept together. Indeed, in twenty
four hours after the cavalry passed in re-
view, the Michigan brigade of herritfs
division was on board cars bound for 81
Louis.
At 9 A. NJ. the head of the column pass
81 the Capitol, led by Generals Meade
Merritt and Custer. The cavalry marched
in platoon columns, at two thirds distance
with drawn sabres. Clusters division,
which had the advance, was the chief at
traction, and its appearance wssthe signal
for vocifsrous cheers and continued aP-
plsHse.
CUSTER AND HIS CAVALIERS.
Throughout the army SIS well as among
the people, the dsshing and never-fanlng
Custer is regarded as the Murat Of the Wsr,
and we'll has he earned the title. Ohio
has reason to be proud of many things-
rot least should she be proud Of her golden
haired Custer-.he full Msjor General at
twenty six-the right arm of Sheridan
the glory of the old Third Division.
The dsshing appearance Of Clusters csV'
alters was much enhanced by the fact that
every officer and trooper wore the scarlet
scarf, so long a distinguishing mark OF
their gallant commander.
Nothing could be grander-nothing could
give q civilian q better conception OF the
apomp and circumstance o: glorious wa"
than this cavalry pageant.
Bouquets were showered upon the col
umn as the eonquering horsemen rode
along-a pl~esssnter shower than the lesden
onrs through which Sheridan's E%qusdrons
had so often and so boldly rode.
CUsTER's LAST REVIEW OF THE BOYS.
After passing the reviewing officers, the
cavalry struck the trot and turned up Ak"
street toward camp. About q mile from
the Avenue Clusters division formed in
brigade column in an open field, and pre-
pared to take leave of the young and gal
liant General whom they had learned to
follow with 8 + perfect confidence of victory,
snd had learned to love as few command
ers have been loved by coolheaded Ameri-
can soldiers.
Custer had been ordered west Of the Mis-
sissippi TO sid Sheridan in closing out the
Confederate concern, and it became his sad
duty to turn over the command of his
division to Brigsdier General Uspehart.
Custer approached the right of the line
accompanied by his wife, 70 beautiful
daughter of Michigsn), mounted on q
spirited horse, and followed by his colors
and staff. The General uncovered his
head, leaving his hat with an orderly, and,
with his yellow curls waving in the air,
gsnoped down the front line.
The soldiers knew that this was their
last chance to cheer for their Custer, and
as he approached each regiment three
times three such cheers as none but veter-
ans know how to give, rent the air, and
though their hearts were heavy their hats
went up like mad.
HIS TOUCHING FAREWELL
After the General had passed by each
brigade he took position in front of the di-
vision. GOficers' cslP' was sounded, and
the officers of the division formed a square
about him. Removing his hat, and chok-
ing with unfeigned emotion, the Genera
spoke a few feeling, soldierly words to those
who had shared his dangers, his victories
his glery. He thanked them-and, through
them, the mentor their unfaltering BRAY.
4 cry WHICH uhu Wtu v W 0AhAaAOA ~ On Va
able q name-for their loyalty to the great
csuse-for their kindness to him. He as.
sured them that in the coming years
whether in the army or in civil life, one
could not make q higher claim 20 his friend.
ship and esteem than to say he served in
the Third Cavalry Division. He conelud.
ed al shall now leave you for another
Geld, but before doing so 1 take pleasure in
transferring this standard, which you have
so bravely followed, to the hands of Gen
ersl Oapehart, than whom you cannot ask
q more gallant and capsule commander
Farewell God bless your
TRANSFER OF THE coLoRs AND SAD DE.
PARTURE.
As he spoke of the division colors he
took them from the Color Sergeant and
placed them in the hands of General Cape.
hort, who replied for himself and the
division in appropriate words. During
this short but touching ceremony Mrs
Custer sat proudly on her chargers few
PAGES retired from her husband. The off.
cars crowded around the General for a mo.
ment, then dispersed to their regiments
with heavy hearts.
Custer rode off towards the Capitol, with
MS escort, b q BLOW pace buu tno ulNlslOn
bands played, solemnly, "Auld Lang Syne.'
The veterans of the Wilderness, the Val
ley, and the Appomato1 gszsd in perfect
silence after their commander, and a thou.
sand bronzsd cheeks were wet with tear
of a real grief. This unsssuming spects-
Gle, to those who felt its real significance,
was worth far more than the psgesntry Of
the Avenue. AS Custer disappeared in
the distance the bHgles sounded forward
and the Third Division moved sway. Nc
one felt inclined 10 talk-the division felt
that its heart was gone. "God bless him"
in an undertone came from many q soldier
in the column.
SECOND OHIO CAVALRY AND CUSTER
The famous Veteran Second Ohio hsd
won the wsrmes regards of the gallant
Custer. He had repeatedly said that the
Second was his best regiment, and his
Gmsin stay il q tight plsca" The feeling
between the Second and General O. has
slwsys been most cordial, and the cheers
which the boys gave him at his farewell"
when the brave NettletOn said, "Boys
- - fz- CnsfarU ~aro 1910