The New York herald., 1874-07-29
M o N M o u T H.
North and South FraterniZing on
the Old Battle Field.
THE FIFTH MARYLAND RECEPTION.
The Union, Now and Forever-One
and Inseparable.
FREEHOLD, Monmouth County, n. j., /


the South, looking to the complete reconciliation
OF the TWO sections under the "od nag' OF the
Union. 1t has been day at Freehold and on the
famous old revolutionary battle field of Monmouth,
which, to the end OF their lives, will be remem-
bered with pride and pleasure by all who partici-
pated in this days proceedings here, in behalf OF
the Union, ana by all who were among the patri.
otto spectators OF these fraternal festivities be-
tween soldiers OF the North and the South.
Among these soldiers there were many
who were arrayed against each other IN
the terrible struggle OF our late civil war;
meeting here as brethren around a common
family altar. to pledge themselves anew to the
common heritage and interests OF our common
country In the presence Of this fact and of the
general harmony and good Will which marked this
days interesting proceedings here 1t may truly
be said that this was great day for New Jersey.
In pursuance OF arrangements the Fifth Mary.
land regiment left Long Brancn this morning, at
near eight O'Clock, by special train for Freehold
the capital, as IT may be called, of Monmouth
county. by another train, a half hour earlier,
Governor Parker, OF New Jersey, and a
number OF civil and military officers came
up, tine Governor being intent upon a
punctual and harmonious execution OF all the de-
tails OF the days programme. He was attended
by Governor Groome, Of Maryland and each was
surrounded by "brilliant military staff" Gov
ernor Dix, in behalf OF New York, was not present
but from his staf his representatives ana In
behalf Of the Empire State, We had Generals
Morris, Heath and Dunn.
With the arrival OF the Fifth Maryland at Free.
hold Governor Parker and these attendants and
others entered the train, which then, under the
Governors special Instructions was moved out to
particular point on the Monmouth battle field
through which the railway passes, about mile and
ha afadn Inf Z
train stopped, and the regiment. preceded by the
full Marine Band from Washington, descending
IRON the train, entered clover field. There, after
forming into marching order by fours, the regi-
mens, headed by the band, playing lively air. the
drum major leading the way, passed into large
field from which had lately been harvested q crop
or rye, and through all apple orchard in this field
shade Of little grove Of locust and apple trees,
the regiment and all Its attendants and fol-
near MS0' ss S soy Ct 5
battle Of Monmouth, from this commanding point
Of the field. The landscape from this point ali
round us IS pleasant to look upon. The scene OF
this important battle-ground Is that OF gen " un.
dulating country OF fertile fields. from some
grass mad been gathered, while others were
beautiful TO contemplate in the rich green
here and there, scattered about, were COM
Portable cottages and patches OF lorest and in the
iously preserved as Revolutionary relic and bear.
Ing still the marks Of the great battle which en-
braced it.
Governor Parker opened his story OF the battle
to the Marylanders. by saying that we are here,
gentlemen, on the glorious Revolutionary field Of
New Jersey troops and the Maryland line fought
side by side. From this nappy introduction the
which, though not resulting In complete victory to
the Americans was decisive battle, because, II it
been the loss OF the independence OF our country
The Governor explained how this de-
ye er in 9a sae neor o Sew fought AWAY S
winter OF l777 General Washington and his army
were at Valley Forge, and how that army suffered
there from cold and prvatons you all know. In
the spring the OF an alliance offensive and de-
fensive between france and the United States and
the intelligence OF the approach OF II French feet
under Count DEstaing to our assistance, alarmed
Sir Henry clinton, who, with his army, was in oc
cupauon of Philadelphia. and Tor the safety OF his
British forces IN New York by way OF Sandy Hook,
where ,d hees w8ua awat aWr n% He com
with his army. from Valley Forge was
soon upon his track. On the 27tn of June the two
hood the British at Freehold and the Americans
over those hills near linglshtown. During the
quentlv WITHIN hearing of each other, and it was
evident to botn sides that there must be a battle
attack at daylight, and soon after the dawn Gen
eral Lee was sent forward with mis- column to feel
the enemy. tie was driven back III confusion.
! Governor Parker then pointed out the
was arrested In mis- wild retreat by
Washington, and he told how by the intrepid
bravery, skill and inspiring example OF WasDng-
ton order was restored and now the day was
saved, and how the British, driven back TO Free
hold retreated under cover OF the night, and how
Washington and his army slept upon the battle
field An And tue historian o, the day pointed out
fought, ana where tic British colonel Monckton
was killed; andthe hill occupied by the artillery
Mol ritcaer imnortaIized herself ana secured
rom washin yton heutenant's commission
account of the battle right here Oh the field in all
us details, was intensely Interesting. But not less
ineresting was ms appncati4n 9d inns meeting
brothers on tins battle field after the lapse or
nlnety-sX years, and comparatively fresh from
the conflict OF our great civil war. The spirit
which marked this union OF Northern and Southern
soldiers, TINS spirit Of fraternity ana harmony,
was essential to the maintenance OF the Union.
and he was now inspired with the cneerIng con-
victlon that this spirit pervading the whole coun-
try would soon give us the Union completely re-
stored.
Governor Groome, OF Maryland. was next called
out, and though he was unprepared for TINS great
occasion, from promise that he would not be
called upon. he instantly warmed up to MS sub
ject, and made really eloquent speech on the
by Governor Parker; and then coming to our late
sectional conflict, he said That Maryland was in
regard their highest allegiance due to
had learned to believe their first and highest
allegiance dIe to their State. But all this was over
now, and Union soldiers ana confederate soldiers,
Northern men and Southern men. we stand here
together on the broad and common platform OF the
Union. And without this spirit Of brUtherly con-
cord among us all we cannot have the Union 1t
should be. But with TINS harmony among our
people OF all sections our Union Will become the
glory and pride OF the world. As was the speech
of the Governor OF New Jersey, the response of the
Governor of Maryland was repeatedly and heartily
appauded.
The Rev. Mr.. Cobb, OF the Revolutionary Tenuent
church, hard by then offered up an appropriate
and touching prayer, concluding with the Lords
Drau In ~ % hn anf
and by the general audience around him. The
whole assemolage united In singing the Doxology,
and then, alter the music from the Marine Band
OF ''lIaii Columbia" and "YanKec Doodlen the pro-
cession returned to the tram and the train TO
Freehold.
Meantime long line OF carriages OF all kinds hao
gathered along the railroad from the country round
about, adding largely 10 our audience; and the
ladies OF the ncighborhood mile iurther on, had
prepared refreshments for the regiment but time
was too precious Tor iurther delay.
Arrived at Freehold, there was the Jersey