New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-07-02
GENERAL PRESS pIsPATCH.l

GETTYSBURG, July 1.-The morning opened
clear but sutry and every prospect for good weather
So thronged the town that many had TO walk the
streets ali night Strangers were busy engaged in roam
ing around the battlefield and listening TO the stories OF
the progress of the fight gazing upon trees shattered
by artillery The in the Cemetery is greatly
admired. 1t has already been described by many
writers for the press that repetition unnecessary The
object Of the Committee having the erection In charge
has not been much 10 commemorate the igreat aud
most important victory mark the place OF the re-
mains OF those who eln batteo honor their memories
to sanctfy their example and in accomplishing this OBJ
feet the Board have endeavored 10 avoid everything In
these memorials which might perpetuae the animosity
which produced the Rebellion.
The procession formed about 10 o'clock and after
commenced the march for the Cemetery, headed by
military escort under command OF Gen. Humphreys.
The escort consisted Of companies OF infantry from
York and Chambersburg, land one from Utica. n Y.
On reaching the Cemetery the military stationed
at about the foot Of the monument Facing the front OF
the monument large covered platform, which was
soon filed by the Of the day. invited guests and
their ladies' Upon the platform was also seated the
Aron Musical Association OF Baltimore, which opened
the proceedings by singing hymn from the Cantata OF
Esther entitled "Once the spot with solemn awe
we tread"
David Wills, President Of the Commission, then called
the meeting order and announced that the Rev Henry
Ward Beecher would pronounce the opening prayer Mr.
Beecher then appeared and said;
THE REV. Mr.. BEECHER's PRAYER.
Let rs unite in prayer Lord God Of fathers, We
thank thee that Thou been God OF this land that
Thou has inspired our citizens TO frame wise laws aud lay
the foundation OF intelligence and OF virtue and OF pety
We thank Thee that Thou hast ordained among us lnst
their formation and amid all the struggles through
which they have passed Thou hast been the side Of
thS goor ana and We thank thee Lord
God that when times OF strugsle oc came Tbo ON
ddst at last raise up opposition, and didst call rom az
places that should assert again lne efeIihhsIus ou
human right and human liberty; ana Sheh agsression
broke forth battle Thou oh Lord God OF our fatners
dlst call forth from all fields from towns, and from
cities muttudes innumerable who stood especially 70
defend this nation and maintain its integrity unmpared
people unto victory We arc gathered again TO renew
association and derive further instruction. ana mana
roc devotion which were given. Grant, we beseech
Thee, Thy blessing to rest upon all who are gathersd
those that rest in seep-n death round about U.S. whom
Thou hast blessed. we humbly trust IN Jesus christ ~
the Immortality OF another. better land But Oh Lord
remember that all our hearts yet bleed f0r them reem
Der those whose homes are poorer since tHey uGe ha
Land is richer oh, Lord. bless those fathers whose
sons lie buried here and mothers into whose hearts the
slam thereby Remember the orphan children OF those
that silent here aud We 6eseech OF dnee tnaa,
wherever they are, and under whatever circumstances
surrounded that they may feel not ohy tue yP ine6
degree may Thy Providence smile upon them May
soldiers children never prove unworthy OF nS s Jove Of
name. May they grow into true herosm anu to,S y,
their native land, did their fathers. LeI tnSn
he willing to shed their blood, 10 Jay lLIo
for the sake OF their country. Let TINS Oesslns
Df the Lord rest upon my serna t tneI ami
whose life mercfully has been spared through nterven
ng wears since be here again under circumstances
iierent Long may his life be spared. and those OF me
household and may the blessing by which Thou ddsi
make him instrumental for the right and for the gOOd
ne whole land come back in measure upon nun anc
1is Remember all that here associated Win nun
N command not only so many as are now present. pu'
hose that are detained from this ground whoever
re may the blessing Of the Almighty God rest upon
hem and their families. Remember, on Loru. tls
oldera who fought here every where we pray 10,
nthelrs that Gods blessing may attend them 10 tne
dol from snares ana templatlOhs uIBnf
ar than their yrture; and grant that IN all true nan
ana noble endeavor they achieve yet more bhab
Contained In the record OF the past We beseech Ihee
ord cod 10 grant thy blessing upon the whole nation ne
eased 10 unite together the hearts OF the once dVIueS
mr. now united people. Unite their hearts together ana
gitb these new foundations OF liberty universal inteu
ence and liberty and virtue and purity may te Union
row than it could nave oeen ana
non oh we have been shaken with q mighty shaklDRi
lough with red-hOt plOwshare Thou mast passed
,ro IN our fields grant that the harvest may DO more
bundauty mOre-than 10 could have been without my
10 mon the President the United States, and ell that
~ assocated with him IN administration. May their ne
nd health be precious In Thy sight May dlocreuOn
, given 70 them from on high. May 2 prosperous
sue be given all the work OF their hands undeIaken
behalf OF the land Bless Oh, Lord, the ArDy ana Nav
the United States. In al their abors aud eHolts may
ey sti uphold the banner OF their country not 10
irit OF pride wanton aggression Dut may enTy
our flag Justice, order and liberty for an prospect
th virtue, until round and round tho world asef"S