Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1866-06-02

|
MONUMENT AT sUNBURY, Pa, MAY l6tt
IN HONOR OF THE MEMBERS OF co. &c,
47TH PENN'A. VETERAN VOLS, WHO sAcRl
FIcED THEIR LIVES IN DEFENCE OF THET
COUNTRY.
Published by request.
Ladies and Gentlemen .
appear before you on this interest
ing occasion in obedience to the invitation
of the committee, to perform duty thougl
neither coveted nor anticipated, yet, iron
its worthy character, willingly accepted.
NY soul burns with the grandeur of thi
event. 1t is on an occasion OF this kind, tina
the heart of every American citizen, (whos,
history during the struggle of blood through
which we have passed is unimpeachable
can beat with high and rapid strokes of jo.
and patriotism; and / could wish for th,
power and eloquence of Demosthenes, tina
might express in words, the high wrought
emotions of every lover of liberty here to
| day.
! We are here not to worship, but to dc
honor to the memory of our noble dead, ano
| though we come to raise lasting memento
over their dead bodies, yet, this is not ar
event of grief, but one of joy.
Our hearts pulsate with gladness, not that
the departed are gone, but for the glorious
triumph of the cause for which they died
for the fragrant memory they have left be-
hind, and for the happy privilege OF con
tributing to the perpetuation OF their honor
ed names and deeds.
Something, however, precedes all this dis
play and ceremony, which is so intimately
connected with the occasion, that we will
DC required to take notice of it.
A brief review of the history of our grand
and ever to be perpetuated Union, previous
to the first sweep of the angel of war, will
engage your attention. Nor will 1t be eX.
expected that IN this, oIin whatever else
may say, that you will hear what is new
the truths must of necessity be patent to
all.
The object in the repetition of past events
is to produce such chain of circumstances,
as will lead all to recognize more fully the
high position of the soldier, and to give
him that place in the memory OF grateful
people which he justly merits.
The position which these men occupied
when battling in good cause, has never
been exalted to the prominence it deserves
to give the soldier what he has faithful y
won amid the smoke and blood OF battle
rank and position have too often been the
conditions but what shall say, and surely
it is the intention of this occasion, will De to
give the men who have borne the burden
and trial of war, the glory and honor that
should ever wrcathe their memory.
1t must be conceded by all that the his
tory of no nation on the face of the Globe
is wrapt in the interest that attends our
own. From its beginning until now II has
been nation OF wonder and power, declar-
ing in its events as they followed each other
in rapid succession, that its founding and
workings were all under the special care
of Gods providence.
The omens that have attended its growth
and progress, declared as they flashed with
increasing brilliancy upon the national sky,
that its mission was alone, and could not be
accomplished by another. Now, it is seen
better than then, that the landing of the
Pilgrims on Plymouth rock was the back
ground of the grandest picture that has ever
risen above the horizon of nations.
The all. conquering tide of our influence
and power swept on until met by British
oppression.
Great Britain observed that a foundation
was being laid vn which must rise nation
and government, unfriendly to her crown
and more than ordinary in power
Jealous for her own glory, and opposed 70
the heaven-born principles of civil and re-
ligious liberty, she drew the sword, and in
proud defiance pushed her embattled ranks
on the field of carnage.
But the God of nations was in readiness
for the unjust onslaught, and though NOT
without sanguinary struggle, victory final
ly came. After full exhibition of all the
sorrows incident to such a struggle, the
clouds of war were rolled back, and heavens
fair bird of peace, covered a newborn
nation with her wings. Then it was that
the soldiers of America, first, fully exhibited
their love of country, their affection for
liberty, their self denial in the maintenance
of right, and their military proves.
The part which these unassuming warriors
played in the first rise of liberty, is of such
vast importance, that without their deeds
of valor and devotion, we could not he
where and what we are to-day; nor would
our history be arched with that halo oi
glory which adorns it.
Hence the appropriateness OF ever reverine
! their fadeless memory. When the tumul
had subsidized, and order was brought out o.
the confusion, the grandest government
that the providence of God and the intellec
of man ever originated, was brought into
being. ...-
Soon stai after star was planted in th'
brilliant constellation that now beauties
our banner. .-s rr-.s. ..r...
A Constitution was written and adopted
and the new government commenced 1T
triumphant march; radiant bow spannet
the national heavens, apdethe predictions
men were of the most hopeful character.
But evil is ever present with the good
nothing here is perfect, and it was not lon.
until the glory of the Republic was sullied
and its on-going progress retarded. l
is true, as a nation, we rose; with our Torn
of government we could not do otherwise
art and science advanced, the power an'
intellect of the nation were expanded NOR
or less under the wisdom of those who stoo'
at the helm of the great ship of State; bu
as with the ill-fated vessel that rocks o.
the deep, there were breakers ahead; aSains
these rocks the great ship was thrown an
her fate decided. ;,
Agitated in all quarters the waves role
high, and as time marked our progress an
growing corruption, the final issue loome
up, the volcano, long the prison OF smother
ed fires, swelled and roared, until the roor
was too small for its fiery bowels. A go'
ernment embodying in her very principle
the spirit and blessings of freedom, becam
L nn.t 1totl mn M 1lGh 10