The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-05-17
BATTLE OF NEW MARKEI

IT'S THIRTEENTH MILL
TARY AND CIVIC DISPLAY-MEMORIAL
ELEGY-oRATIoN OF GEN. ECIIoI.s-LIFE
AND CHARACTER OF BRECKINRIDGE-A
DAY LONG TO BE REMEMBERED.
Not for thirteen years has the little village
OF New Market, nestled amid fertile fields,
and sliadowcd by mountains that for miles
and miles lift their rock-crowned heads like
grim scntinels watching with jealous care
the lovely valley that stretches westward
from them, been the scene of such excite
mcnt as that which it witnessed on Tuesday
met in deadly fray, and the verdure-clad
fields of the Valley drank in tile crimson
) life-tide of her noblcst SONS, has the county
of Shenandoah been the theatre of q military
and civic display so imposing, and whilst
the one was commemorative of the other,
yet the contrast is so great thai even the
lapse of time is scarce able to bridge the gulf
that separates the events.
Think OF an army of ragged and travel
worn veterans, battle-scarred and famish-
| iiiSs PlGoSiuS VIII NCdiy ACGC CiiC iluL uuSb
so soon to mingle with their hearts blood !;
of a handful OF boys marching forward with
mastery precision, dauntle SIS. even Joyous,
and eager to measure blades with foe val
liant, skilled, experienced, and flushed with
victory; OF women pale and shuddering, as
with terror-stricken faces they watched the
mad artillery rushing furiously through the
streets of the town; of the fierce conflict of
arms. when Breckenridge threw his little
army with the energy Of desperation against
the advancing legions of Sigel; of cannon
shotted and double shotted, belching forth
destruction and sounding the death knell of
hundreds and hundreds; of the dying ago
MES finding expression in the wild yell of
victory; Of field strewn with the manly
forms of those who would hear no more the
battle shock; of the pain and anguish of the
wounded of women kneeling like minister
ing angels beside the dying and mingling
their prayers with the upward flight of
soul set free-and then think, if you can, of
the same field covered with happy throng
of thousands. Soldiers in uniform, marshals
hurrying hither and thither ladies dressed
in fashions height, with faces wreathed in
smiles, and men timidly trying to conquer
single heart, or listening to the recital of a
tale they knew so well, and finding that its
those whom thirteen years before they sought
to kill. Surely Peace hath its triumphs,
and those who were once foes would have
been warmly welcomed as friends had they
been present at New Market on Tuesday.
| THE TRIP.
The excursion train of seven cars, under
the charge OF that efficient and accommodate
ing conductor, Capt. Jno. C. Smith, left
Staunton at z o'clock in the morning. In
addition to the two military companies and
band, which aggregated about 24e, it car
ried large number of ladies and gentle
men. At Harrisonburg Capt. Smith stopped
the train at the south end of the town, where
the Harrisonburg Band and Valley Guards
met and welcomed the military and citizens
and escorted them through the town. AT
the depot three more well filed cars were
added to the train, and at every station
along the line accessions were made to the |
load, until it numbered some $50. The |
beautiful country along the route was greatly |
admired, especially by those who saw it for
the first time. At New Market station, car
riagcs, hacks, &C., were found in readiness |
to transport the visitsrs to the town, some |
three miles distant. So great was the crowd,
however, that accommodation could not be |
found for all, and many were forced to foot |
it, as did the military.
NEW MARKET.
| The streets of the beautiful town present. |
| ed scene of animation and hustle. The |
sidewalks were crowded with motley throngs |
of men, women and boys. The residents of |
the place were the souls of hospitality, and |
welcomed all, friends and strangers, with
cordially we have never seen equal led. Each |
private house was hotel, the host of which |
seemed animated with desire to make his |
guests perfectly comfortable and at home,
regardless Of trouble and expense. The far
famed hospitality of Shenandoah was never
so severely taxed, and it could not have re-
sponded with more unanimity and cordially. |
THE PARADE.
About IL o'clock there was grand parade
through Main street. The order of the pro-
cesslon was as follows:
Chief Marshal and Staff.
Winchester Band.
Rosser's Brigade Of Cavalry.
Assistant Marshals.
Stonewsll Brigade Band in full dress uni
form, led by Prof. Al. Turner.
West Augusta Guard, under command of |
Capt. Bumgardner.'
Harrsonburg Band.
Rice's Battery.
Orator and visitors.
strasburg Band.
New Market Band.
Stauntcn artillery, under command of
Capt. Fultz.
Carriages, citizens and crowd.
Gen. G. S. Meem was the Chief Marshal.
with the following Assistants Col. Chas. r.
O'Ferral, Capt w. Il. Rice, w. D. Peachey,
Thos. J. Meem, G.. Zirkle, G. NJ. williamson,
Col. E. E. Stickey, P. NJ. S. Bird.
The procession was nearly mile long.
SJaunton furnished the only uniformed Or
CARNATIONS, and never did they appear to
better advantage. The soldierly bearing
and splendid marching of the Guard and
Artillery excited universal admiration and
comment, and all along the line they were
greeted with smiles by the ladies and COM
pliments by the men. The band, too, in
their handsome uniforms and new helmets,
was the focus of attraction, and its music
was never more magnificent.
THE STAND.
At The northern end of the town, and on a L
beautiful green, the speakers stand was
erected. The front was garlanded with
wrcaLhs and evergreens, and at the centre of
the arch was splendid steel engraving of
Gen. Breckenridge, whilst on either side
were the pictures Of Lee and Jackson. In
front OF the stand seats were arranged. The
crowd was estimated at between 800 and
1000, many of whom were seated on the
benches, while others were streWn on the