The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-28

HE ACCEPTS AN INVITATION TO BE PRESENT
DECORATION DAY.
The Committee Invitation OF the Associated Vet
Grams OF the Mexican War sent letter some time ago
to General Gideon J. Pillow. OF tennessee, inviting
HIM to participate in the ceremonies on Decoration
Day at the Worth Monument, in this city. The iol-
lowing reply has been received from the Generai-
MEMPHIS, Tenn, May 10, 1878.
GENTLEMEN-Your polite invitation 10 attend, Win
the veterans oil tho Mexican war; The reunion OF tho
Crane Army vi the Republic and The ceremonies on
Decoration Day, tho BON inst., is received.
IL Will Afford me great pleasure 10 greet once more
the gallant soldiers who through SO many hardshlps
perils aud through many suIerings bore aioit
ana in triumph the glorious tag OF this government
many battle fields OIL MEXICO. The great body
OF those veterans conferred Immortal honsr upon
the flag OF their country have passed away, whie mo
lew VINO remain are neglected. II not forgotten HIS.
Iurnishes no Instance of IN army 90 small nav
ing ed so numerous victories over numbers 50
unequal, and having gained Tor tho country an
empire OF territory extensive ana SO rich IN
ali that constitutes nation's wealth. THAT
gallant army, actuatrd by no motive but love OF
country and sense OF duty fought l.s way through
Iorlned clues, over mountains and their fortified
delles, aud captured the eneiny's capital, defended
by army OF over three and hall times It's own
number protected by double lines oi deiences ana
with strong iortresses svcry approach. ana en-
tered the Guy with loss oil over nall ITS numbers
The OF their daring and sacrifice OF blood nov
constitute the nations greatness. IL shed bright
nalo OF glory tho American arms Tnirty years
marked the CROWN OF the great COnleu-
cracy Of States to national greatness uncquaied by
any otner Power upon the lace OF tho eartn. There
yet remain Tow oil tho spartan band OF heroes who
uccomp ishcd these great achievements Dui tney are,
With u lew exceptions, living ia poverty, anu tread
ing upon the verge oil another world, and u not a0-
soueiy forgotten are uncareu LOT ny ths Dusy Sen-
GRAFTON.
In accepting tho invitation OF the Grand Army OF
tho Republic TO unite with them in decorating tho
graves and honorlng the memory and achievements
OF The wen fell In the war between the States
you but honor the brave and The patriotic. Tho men
aLlonai strife. On both sides they oDcysd their
sense ol duty and PATRIOTISM The great battles and
achievements OF these armies are the common her-
tage Of manly courage ana patriotic DEVOTION They
people are capable. DIVIDED. their conflicts OF arms
shook the earth beneath their tread united, they
could rcsst the world IN arms
Tho writer has several other occasions united
with the Grand Army OF The Republic in paying ike
tribute OF respect and admiration TO the graves aud
memories oil she gallant OF the federal army.
He Will do 50 again, II ~ DO possible l0r hlm
from his scanty means, to meet the expenses
trip. Honoring no does The federal and Con-
icderate dead, and honoring and loving his OLD COM
accepting your invitation 10 be present on tho 30h
inst.
II he should not be able to be with you in person,
your committee Will please accept his warmcs; greet
ings nnd for the veterans he once led 10 VIC
tory and glory, aud 10 the officers and men oil the
re- pecis and admiration Of the Grave men 10 whose
memory and achievements the floral offerings OF
Decoration Day arc justly due. Win great respect
your obedient servant, GID. J. PILLOW
Gibson, Colonel q w. N. Leanard, Colonel W ililam
Coigau, Major John Is. Branans, Captain Jeremiah
Sherwood, Captain Charles NJ. Brewer and Captain
Charles J. Murphy, Committee on Invitation