The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1868-05-19
Decorating the Graves of Union Soldiers


HeadQ'rs Grand Army of the Republic,
Adj't Gems Office, 446 Fourteenth-st.
Washington, D. c., May 6, 1865.
General Orders, No. IL:
I. The 30th day Of May, 1868, is designat>
ed for the purpose of strewing flowers or other
wise decorating the graves of comrades who
died in defense Of their country during the late
rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost
every city, village and hamlet church yard in
the land. In this observance no form of cere~
mony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will
in their own way arrange such fitting services
and testimonials Of respect as circumstances
may permit.
We are organized, comrades. as our regula>
tions tell us, for the purpose, among other
things, "of preserving and Strengthening those
kind and fraternal feelings which have bound
together the soldiers sailors and marines who
united to suppress the late rebellion" What
can aid more to assure this result than by cher
ishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead.
who made their breasts . barricade between our
country and its foes. Their soldier lives were
the reveille Of freedom to . race in chains, and
their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in
arms. We should guard their graves with sa-
and taste Of the nation can add TO their adorn>
ment and security is but q fitting tribute to the
memory of her slain defenders. Let no wan
ton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.
Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going
Of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let
no vandalism Of avarice or neglect, no ravages
Of time testify to the present or the coming
generations, that we have forgotten as = people
the cost of free and undivided Republic.
Ifother eyes grow dull, and other hands slack,
and other hands cold in the solemn trust, ours
shall keep it we'll as long IS the light and
warmth of life remains in u.s.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather
around their sacred remains and garland the
passionless moulds above them with the choic>
est flowers of spring-time; let US raise above
them the dear old flag they saved from dishon-
or; let Us in this solemn presence renew our
pledges to aid and assist those whom they have
left among US q sacred claim upon q nations
gratitude, the soldiers and sailors widow and
orphan. - ss
II. tis, purpose Of the COMMANDMENTS
Chief to inaugurase this observance, with the
hope that it will be kept up from year to year
while . survivor Of the war remains 10 honor
the memory of his departed comrades. He
earnestly desires the public press to call atsen-
ton to this order. and lend its friendly aid in
bringing il to the notice of comrades in all parts
Of the country in time for simultaneous COM
pliancs herewith.
III. Department commanders will use eve,
ry effort to make this order effective.
BY order of ~~ JOHN A. LOGAN,
. - s~4 @s* Commander>in-Ch Chief.
N p CnIpAAN. Adj't Gen. Official: w. s.
COLLINS A. A. g..
The following doggerel is in circula-
tion in Washington concerning the
venerable Gideon Welles:
"Johnson had little lamb,
It's feecs was white snow,
And everywhere that johnson went
The lamb was sure TO go,
Shouting the battle-cry Of freedom" 6
Avermont paper says that 'the sugar
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