The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-10-29
YORKTOWN CENTENNIAL.

two OF the Surrender OF Lord Corn
wallis - Interesting Addresses by
President Arthur, Max Ontrey, Mar
quIa de Rochambsau and Others
EOnOrs TO the British Flag Etc.
YORKTOWN, Va, October IS
The boom OF cannon at the camp near the
old Moore House at an early hour an
nOunccd the dawn Of the first Centennial
day. A light rain had fallen during the
early night, and in measure laid the dust.
As the sun rose, the harbor presented
grand and imposing spectacle. The river
at this point is one Of the broadest and most
beautiful on this coast, and magniicently
calculated to display the grand fotilla
which now floated in peace where the fleet
OF De Grasse lay at anchor one hundred
years ago. The seven great war-ships and
other vessels Of the navy were anchored in
line extending along the entire river front
OF the town, and forming a strong contrast
with the white upper works of the steamers
at the wharves and the sails OF the thousand
smaller craft Of an sorts and descriptions
scattered through the whole, the masts and
rigging of all being covered with profu-
sion of flags and streamers OF all colors and
descriptions.
steamer Excelsior, with members of the
United States Senate, members OF the
House Centennial Committee, the Governor
OF Maryland and staff, and other distinguish
ed guests arrived, and was received with
salute OF thiIty-eght guns from all the ves-
sells in the fleet. Other vessels with dis
tlnguished visitors arrived In rapid success
sion, and were received with similar honors,
the sailors in the yards and In the rigging
cheering as only sailors can cheer as each
party passed down the line.
The distinguished guests, including the
descendants Of Lafayette and Steuben, the
Governors of the States and Congressman,
began to arrive at Lafayette Hall about
eleven O'Clock. General Hancock arrived at
noon, and paid his respects to the Governor
of Virginia. The two passed some time in
pleasant chat, and then many persons were
presented to the General, and he warmly
shook each by the hand. At about 1880
President Arthur, accompanied by Secre-
tarles Hunt, James and Lincoln, was driven
TO the entrance of Lafayette Hail. and they
were received by Master of Ceremonies Cor
bin. The President shook hands with the
distinguished persons present, line was
then formed, and the party marched to the
grand stand, where the ceremony of laying
the cornerstone of the Monument was to
take place, under the auspices of the Ma
sonic fraternity.
The Masonic procession looked imposing,
with tylers with drawn swords, stewards
bearing white rods, Master Masons, Dea-
cons, Secretaries and Treasurers, six abreast,
followed by visiting brethren and the Grand
Communicates OF Virginia and other States.
All these were but the escort TO the Presi-
dent OF the United States, Cabinet officers,
congressman, National guests, aud army
and navy officers, who were attended also
by all the troops of all arms OF the service
in camp. President Arthur was loudly
cheered by the crowd during the march to
the grand stand.
When all had taken the places assigned
them, the ceremonies were opened with
prayer by Rev. Robert Nelson, grandson OF
Governor Nelson, who commanded the Vir-
ginia militia at Yorktown. He thanked
God for one hundred years of blessing
Vouchsafed this country, for Washington,
for our allies, and for our victory, and
prayed that the people of this land might
not pride themselves too much upon their
own achievements and prosperity, but that
they might thank and trust the Lord. He
prayed for peace among all Nations and for
fraternal concord among all sections Of our
common country. He prayed for the rulers
of the land, that they might be pure, and
for the people, that they might learn TO love
and serve the Lord.
At the conclusion Of the PRAYER the band
played "The Star spangled Banner" with
artillery accompaniment. Governor Holli-
day, of Virginia, then delivered an address
of welcome. The Governor has fair
presence, clear voice and an earnest man.
ner, and was frequently applauded, espe-
cially by the distinguished gentlemen who
sat around him. Ills illusions to the unity
OF sentiment, purpose and destiny Of all
sections Of our common country were greet
ed with enthusiastic applause.
Unie States Senator j. W. Johnston. OF
Virginia, Chairman Of the Congressional
Commission, then made q few appropriate
remarks, in which he sketched the history
OF the surrender, read from original docu-
ments an account Of the action OF Congress
at the time, exhibited the sword voted to the
messenger who bore the news of the surren-
der, and alluded to the fact that w. w. Henry,
grandson of Patrick Henry, and Rev. DR..
Nelson, grandson OF Governor Nelson.
were on the stand. In conclusion, he said
that the column now to be erected was to
commemorate not only a victory of the Colo
MES, but the part taken in that victory BY
France. Recognition and acknowledgment
of the aid given by France to this country
in the hour OF its need was a solemn duty
left by the Continental Congress to its sue.
cessors; and now, after the lapse of one
hundred years, the Congress of thirty EIGHT
States and fifty millions of people, the
Congress of Nation which stretches
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, is fulfill