The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-05-31

DECORATION OF THE GRAVES OF THE FEDERAL
DEAp.-On Saturday afternoon the graves ol
the Federal dead at Magnolia, about one hun.
dred and twelve in number, were decorated, in
accordance with orders from the Grand Army
Of the Republic, Post No. 1, and under com
mittee Of ladies', Of which Mrs. L. T. Potter
was president; appointed for that purpose
There was quite a large gathering, chiefly
composed OF colored persons, around stand
erected in the rear Of the chapel, and draped
with the United States colors. This stand was
occupied by prominent members Of the grand
army and noted Republicans and the ladies o
the committee. The exercises were conducted
by Commander N. K. Reid, who introduced the
-r .~i---~. -'''-e-
After the reading Of General Orders, No
21, Grand Army Of the Republic" prayer was
offered by the Rev. Mr.. Webster. Mayor Pills
bury then made few remarks, in the course
of which he took occasion to express senti
ments of good will and of generous respect fol
those who had fallen in the opposite cause. BE
was followed by D. T. Corbiu, D. 81. Chamber
lain, VIM. Quincy, Esqs., and A. ]. Ransier
colored. The graves were then tastefully de-
corated by the ladies Of the committee with
evergreens and flowers, the band the while
playing a solemn air. The ceremonies con
cluded, the Rev. Mr.. Webster read some stan
zas that had been sent for ths occasion by an
ssabsent friend" and with prayer by the Rev
Brown, colored, the assemblage dispersed.
The spot where the graves lie is enclosed by
neat paiing fence, on which the stars and
stripes we're gracefully festooned. Through.
out the proceedings respectful silence was
mair tanned, and the exercises were conducted
with becoming de,oIum.
The following letter Was received from Chief
Justice Chase in response to an invitation to
be present:
CHARLESTON, s. c., May 20. 1869.
Dear Sir-Your note inviting me to attend
the ceremony of decorating at Magnolia Gene
terry the graves OF the brave men who fell ID
defence Of the Union during the recent civil
war, only reached me this morning.
am very sorry that 1 cannot be with you
on this most interesting OCCASION; but 1t ID
now too late to make the necessary arrange.
ments.
The nation cannot too tenderly cherish the
memory OF her dead heroes, or too watchfully
guard the well-being of those who survive
And may not indulge tho hope that ere lone
we who adhered to the national cause wall be
prompt also to join in commemoratlng the
herolsm of our countrymen who fell on the
other side, aud that those who now specially
mourn their loss, consenting to the arbitra'
ment of arms, and resuminG all their old love
for their country aud our country, one and in
Invisible, will join with US in like commemo. m
ration Of the fallen brave OF the army OF tne
Union?
The dead are not dead. They have only gone
before, and now see eye to eye. Why may moi
we all borrow from their sacred graves obi.
Won of past differences and henceforth unite nit
in obe aud generous endeayor to assure D tne a,
honor and welfare OF our whole country, OF al
her States and OF all her citizens?
Very respectfully, yours, ;,
(Signod) .. l. ChAsL'
Captain B. f. MANNING.