Morning journal and courier., 1881-10-08

their lives to their common country at the age of 6fty-fve years. The one stricken down too early in the conflict to have had be- slowed upon him the admirals rank, created after his death, and which he would have re- ceived had he lived a few months longer; the other. promoted to be admiral after having most gloriously earned the title, but not long surviving his wounds, and the honor won by the victories of Donelson, Fort Henry and Island Number Ten
 Now, what desire to say in conclusion is, that deem it the duty of each and every one of us, whilst doing what we can to secure the placing of suitable statues at the Capitol of our State, in honor of Lyon, Mansfield and Sedgwick, of the. army, to also make equal effort to secure the same recognition of merit for Connecticut's equally distinguished sons-Ward and Foote, of the Union navy. (Great applause).
 THE RANK AND FILE-Response by Judge Alfred B. Beers (6th 0. V.). of Bridgeport When we gaze upon building, beautiful in it's design, finished and stable in it's con struction, and elegant in it's surroundings, we naturally ask who was the architect, and | who the master builder, and to them, un- l thinEngly. give the need of praise for the beautiful and durable structure. We think not of the humble workmen to whose un- ceasing diligence, strict adherence to the plans of the architect and cunning work manship we are indebted as much as to the skill of the architect and care of the master builder for the elegant structure which l pleases our eye and excites our admiration. l So, too, when we call to memory the battles fought and the victories won in the conflict that is past, our thoughts turn first, and naturally, to the great leaders 1n that strug- | gle, and to them we offer homage and praise, | and crown them with the honors due the saviors of the republic. l While it is proper that the great leaders, Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and ' | receive the plaudits of the nation for their services; yet it should be ever remembered that below them came that vast army, whose patience, perseverance, bravery and uncom promising fidelity to duty made victories pos sible, and but for whose 1abors the best laid plans of the most skillful officers were use less-the rank and file of the armies of the Union.
 To but few of them could promotion and public honors come. Their deeds of valor, ''be they never so brave," could not be her aided to the world they had no pride of rank or well grounded hopes of advancement te stimulate them to deeds of daring; yet, the best generalship in the world could not have been substituted for those who backed the knapsack and carried the musket, persevering through mud and dust on the weary march, ol breasting the combat, firmly and unhinch ingly contesting the advance, or pursuit, ol |
 ing the old flag back to it's original position and if falling in the strife. dying none the less gloriously because carrying musket in stead of commanding a. division or leading g brigade. (Applause.)
 It is related that during the advance of the army upon Petersburg, when, in an endeavol to establish new line, desperate attempt was made to break the rebel lines, that in the headlong charge upon the enemy's works z youthful fair-haired soldier of the colol guard of 8 Connecticut regiment, who was 1 bearing the national flag pressed far in ad
 vance of his regiment, holding the old ban ner proudly aloft. The deadly fire of shot and shell poured over and around him and the advancing forces, ini a storm that nor
 tai men could not endure. halt was called in slightly sheltered spot, and an eff
 fort made to hold the ground that had beer gained. Far in advance of the line stood the color-bearer, the staff of his flag thrust into the ground, and he, with rife in hand
 pouring shot after shot into the enemy's lines The colonel of his regiment, eager for his safety and the safety of the flag
 called to him: ''Bring the colors back to the line Bring the colors back to the line!' | The color bearer turned, and in voice tha
 was heard above that tempest of war, re
 piled: Bring the line up to the colors, Col
 onel Bring the line up to the colors l'' An6 with mighty surge up went the line to the colors, and the ground thus gained was held Such were our volunteers
 The nation which they died to save may forget them, but God never forgets Thil
 generation may not be worthy to lift monu
 ments which shall perpetuate the memory O. their heroic deeds, but generation yet to be shall "Glean up their scattered ashes intt history's golden urn"
 Other toasts and speeches, highly accepta
 ble, were as follows:
 OUR DEAD-General Erastus Blakeslee G<1r Cr,. TH
 Clark, Yale, Major Michigan Cavalry.
 OUR JAIL BIRDs-Capt. John C.. Kinney.