New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-10-24
YORKTOWN CELEBRATION.
AIARGE ChOWD PREsENT.

yorLtovn Yesterday was a complete success.
Tl.re Wa, a large gathering of military COM
NAMES aud of visitors and spectators oa-
iutcs were fred from the feet at
anchor in the harbor. Governor Hol-
Iday went ashore and WAS escorted to
the speakers stand with ceremony. Speeches
were made by the Governor, by Oenerai
Taliaferro. Captain Hope Mr.. Goode, and
large number of others. resolution WIS
adoptcd looking to the raising OF FUNDS 10
rcnair the fortunes of William ana Mary
College.
LIVELY DAY IN THE OLD CITY.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS OF YotNlowN-NB-
sre,crs oF TIE RiMAEKs or rnr SEVERAL
srr,Af.s-wifLIAM AND MARY CpliiGr.
YorErnwN Va. oct. 23.--Ihis morning York
tow, prcsenird scene of hustle and activity such
a. ha. NOT bc,n witnessed since the early days Of
the war;
This ancient town Is situated on a hgh bluf nj
bend Of the river. u commands inc Vow Of the
1iver 70 the westward. and down 10 its mouth.
,bout ten miles distant. and far out mo the bav
II Gnc location FOR large city. Its founders
10 doubt intended IL to reach that dignity; but,
although over 200 years have passed since lis set
Element. Yorktown presents to-day the appearance
of slow country town. having only hotel, court
house. half a dozen stores and two score of houses
of more or less pretensious. Ii has population OF
about $50 inhabitants, many of whom obtain
livelihood by fishing Oystering and following the
water IN various ways.
The river in front of the town Is n mile in width
md about sevent feet In depth widening as 10
approaches the bay, where bar makes out, over
winch vessels drawing thirty-six feet OF water cen
pass al low tide. On the surface OF this bay-hNe
sheet of water. not unlike New-lorE Bay below
ell. 1 LII
Eatan the steamers Kearsarge and Marion, and the
trainiug-ships Saratoga and Portsmouth. of the
North Atlantic Squadron. which are to take part in
the celebration to-day.
There are many objects Of historic interest in
this ancient village. one of which Is the CORVALLIS
Cave II is az the foot of the blum, and near The
river shore. During the late war a traverse was
thrown up IN front of It, and 1t was used rs
magazine. for which purpose IL was admirably
adapted. IL is about eight feet high and sixteen
feet long 10y twelve broad, while to the right of II
is another and smaller room with which II Us con-
nected The cave IS protected by brick-work in a
remarkable state OF preservation. In thcessteru end
of the town Is large square house built of English
brick. known as the Nelson House, aud occupied by
Lord CORVALLIS his headquarters during the
siege THIS was naturally "a special target for tlc
cannon Of the besieug forces, AID Tine eastern face
shows the marks OF several canuon-shot. Iibutc
to the skill of the American and French asiio
Near the Nelson House stands another old
Lnglsh brick building for many years used
as the County Court-IIouse OF York County
aud remarkable from the fact that it was the
first Custom House ever erected IN the United
States On the bluff iust above the cave is the Old
Nelson Burying- ground which contains many old,
curiously carved tOmbstoncs 10 the memory OF
past generation. One u two titled English colo
nsts are buried here.
just outside the line OF earthworks erected dur
ing the late war and half a mI,e east If the town.
lies the United States National Cemetery, IN which
repose ne remains of about 200 Union soldiers
who died from disease or were killed in this
vIcmlty. The cemetery comprises four acres of
land, and has lodge for the superintendent, dis
abl,d soldier named Schirely. who keeps 1t m good
order.
Handsome marble heAdstoncs have been supplied
by the Government and here rcposc the bodies ~
the heroes, within few et of the spot where the
surrender occurred which established the indop Ii
dcnce OF the colonies.
sINTTEN COMPANIES U>pTR ARMS.
At 10 O'Clock to-day a National salute was fired
from toe flagship pOwhatan. few inmates later
the steain-yacnt Ocean Gem moved uptO the wharf.
having ON board Governor Holiday and stat. Adj
iutaut-General Latta, of PcunsJ wanna, ". l.. Lin
coin, OF Massachusetts. General Cameron, OF Con-
necticut, and Others.
I;y this time the visiting militia end the dctach-
incnts from the regular Army and Aavy had arrived,
and We're formed in line so receive the Gov
eru0r There were present five companies
of artillery from Fort Monroe, under command of
General Getty, and accompanied by the post band:
three companies OF marines from lhe North Atlantic
Squadron; the Old Dominion Guards, of Ports
mouth Norfolk Light Artillery Blues, Norfolk
City Guards; Richmond Light Artillery Blue. I;
Company c. Isl Virginia Regiment. of Richmond;
Wise Light Infantry, of WILLIAMSBURG Pcnin>ular
Guards Of Hampton, Va. and the Webster Guards
youths OF the Webster instituted. of Norfolk.
Upon landing the Governor met by DR..
Power, president Of the Committee Of the CenteD-
nal. and was presented to Admiral Wyman. General
Getty and the officer present.. The march was then
taken up TO the speakers stand.
The stand. which had been erected in va
cant field the village, beautifully deco
rated with flags and flowers aud occupied by
the Governor and other distinguished visitors. The
troops were marched i'm front of the stand aud visit
or to the number of 5000 or 5000 gathered
about TO hear the addresses.
WELCOME ny GOvTpNOR HOLIDAY.
After an appropriate PRAYER by the Rev. Dr. o. l..
Horrick Post Chaplain United States Army. DR..
Powers made a short address of welcome, IN winch
be briefly referred 10 the ODcc, of tie ceicbIa-
ton.
Governor Holiday, of Virginia, was then INTRO
duccd and welcomed the visitors and regular and
State troops in a short address. In the course OF
his remarks he said
NV couuirvmen ana conntrvwomen. from whatever
part Of the Republic you may come soldiers ana sail
or 81 the United states, aud citizen soldiers,
/ Did YOU welcome To the scene when witnessed the
close o. the Revolution Thcconict of arms Ia chert
ended here. The between the Colonies and Great
Brtaiu was brought Ca a termination and new c.1