Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-04-14
marks the report Of the committee, as
Published in yesterdays LEDGER, was
adopted without a dissenting voice.
THE BLUE AND THE GRAY.
Review of the UsIfed States Troops
at Nashville by Governor Porter,
au Ex.COnfederate.

AT by Porter.
an Ex.COnfederate.
Correspondence Of the Courier-Journal.
NASHVILLE. Tenn, April II.
A most notable event occurred here
this afternoon at FIVE o'clock-an event
such as has perhaps not before hap,
pened in the history of Tennessee. 1t
was a review Of the battalion of The Six
teenth United States Infantry, under
command of General Pennypacker. at
Ash Barracks, by Governor Porter. We
hicle after vehicle, loaded down with
civilians, commenced moving to the bar
racks at noon, and did not cease until
i've O'Clock, when the review com
menced. AT this time not only the high
ways outside the gardens we're densely
crowded with wagons, expresses, buggies,
hacks and carriages, but the roadway in
side was also packed with them.
Ash Barracks is located upon an emf
hence overlooking the city, and contains
the finest backgrounds to be found in
the United States. 1t is skirted all
around by Government buildings, erected
there when the boomings of Hoods can.
mons were heard to resound o mile be-
yond the southern limits Of Nashville.
In consequence Of its convenient and
healthful location it has since been re-
tanned as a post, over which General
Pennypacker, one of the most gallant
Generals in the army, has had command
during the past four or FIVE years. It is
only doing him we'll merited Justice to
say that he has probably done more
within that time to bring about a real
spirit of reconciliation between those
who fought on opposite sides during the
war than any other officer similarly stu
ated in the South Ever courteous, libe.
raj hearted and Enthusiastically hos
pitable in his nature, he has won all
hearts and drawn the people nearer to
him.
In fine weather it has not been at all
uncommon to see two and three thous-
and people upon the grounds to witness
the Sunday afternoon dress parades,
which are made all the more. attractive
by a band that would compare fayorably
with any in the country.
Upon the occasion of the review this
afternoon, a spectacle was witnessed that
has never before been presented on the
grounds From six thousand to eight
thousand people gathered there, many
of them finding positions on the tops Of
the porches Of the surrounding buildings,
others in their vehicles, while the great
majority formed an immense hollow
square, being kept in line by guards to
prevent further encroachments upon the
space allotted for the maneuvers of the
troops. When the soldiers, with new
and glittering accouterments, moved
into the arena, to the tune Of "Hail
Columbia" the vast sssemblage mani
tested a decided disposition to give a
loud, exultant shout. The appearance
Of Gen. P~ennypacker aud Governor
Porter, and stats, through the lines of
people was a signal for another mani
festation of irrepressible enthusiasm.
The usual military salute was
then given to the Governor by the band,
and vas also heartily received. At the
close Of the review, which proved a most
attractive one, the soldiers showing
marked efficiency in drill, all the officers
Of the post we're severally introduced to
Governor Porter, when all moved into
General Pennypacker's headquarters
and were most Hospitality entertained.
Among the persons present we're Gov
ernor Porter, Adjutant General Handy,
Charles N. Gibbs, Secretary of State;
General Samuel Donelson, GeneralThos.
7. Smiley and Justice Knight. All Of
these gentlemen were officers in the Con-
federate service, Governor Porter having
been a Colonel and an active member Of
General Frank Cheatham's staff. Any
one witnessing the general good feeling
manifested on this occasion could but
be forced to believe that the last vestige
of luminosity which may have been engen-
dered during the internecine conflict has
vanished, and that the blue and the gray
have become so intermingled as to blot
out the remembrance of so unhappy an
event in our history forever. All drank
to the perpetuity of the republic and to
the nations flag. 1t was a genuine love
feast, a determination that gives a finish
ing touch to the work of reconstruction.
Immediately after his induction into
office Governor Porter showed by posi-.
tive action that he ignored the past. In
the appointment oil his staff he made no
distinction between ex-Confederates and
ex-Federals, selecting men from both
sides. He has shown in many instances
that it was his most ardent desire to
foster fraternal feeling and to bring
abont an era of real and lasting peace.