Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1881-10-28
YORKTOWN.
The Centennial Celebration at York.
town, Va.--Laying of tho Corner-
Stone ofthe Monument Comm emora-
tive OF the surrender of Lord Corn-
Hallis-1ntcresting Addresses, Etc.

1.-Two u tnc surrender Ot Ef0T0 tOrns
wallis interesting Addresses, Rtc.
YORKTOWN, Va, October 10.
The boom OF cannon at tho camp near the
old Moore House at an early hour an
nounced tho 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 a
grand and imposing spectacle. The river
at this point Is one of the broadcst and most
beautiful on this coast, and magnfcently
calculated to display the grand notilla
which now floatcd in peace where the fleet
Of De Grasse lay at anchor one hundred
years ago.
Tho distinguished guests, including the
descendants OF Lafayette and Stoubon, the
Governors OF the States and Congressman,
began to arrive Mt 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 a
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-
taries Hunt, James and Lincoln, was driven
W tuc vi LuiUNtttt mus anu tUeV
were received by Master of Ceremonies Cor
bin. The President shook hands with the
distinguished persons present. A 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, and army
and navy officers, who We're attended also
by all the troops OF all arms of the service
In camp. President Arthur was loudly
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-
gnia militia at Yorktown. He thanked
God for one hundred years of blessing
vouchsafed this country, for Washington,
for our allies, and for cur victory, and
prayed that the people of this land nigh,
not pride themselves too much upon theil
own achievements and prosperity, but that
they might thank and trust the Lord. He
prayed for peace among all Nations and fol
fraternal concord among all sections of oul
common country. He prayed for the ruler.
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 bant
played "The Star Spangled Banner,n will
artillery accompaniment. Governor Holli'
day, Of Virginia, then delivered an addres.
of welcome. The Governor has a fai
presence, n clear voice and an earnest man.
ner, and was frequently applauded, espe.
cially by the distinguished gentlemen wht
sat around him. His allusions to the unit,
of sentiment, purpose and destiny of al
sections OF our common country were greet
ed with enthusiastic applause.
Unilcd States Senator j. w. Johnston, Of
Virginia, Chairman of the Congressiona
Commission, then made a few appropriat,
remarks, in which he sketched the histor,
OF the surrender, read from original docu
ments an account oLthe action Of Congress
at the time, exhibited the sword voted to th
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, n grandson of Governor Nelson
were on the stand. In conclusion, he sait
that the column now to be e.ected was tC
commemorate not only victory of the Colo
nies, but the part taken in that victory b,
France. Recognition and acknowledgment
OF the aid given by France to this country
in the hour of its need was solemn duty
left by the Continental Congress to its sue
cessors; aud now, after the lapse of on,
hundred years, the Congress Of thirty -eigh
States and fifty millions of people, tn,
Congress of Nation which stretches
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, is fulill
ing that duty. Three millions of people
and thirteen Colonies accomplished thu
great work, and now fifty millions of peopl
and thirty-eight States are celebrating it
Participating in this celebration are repre-
sentatives Of the French Nation, here at tn
invitation of this Government. Again
French soldiers tread American soil ant
French vessels again ride York River. A
model of the Monument to be erected |
here before us. Thirteen female figures
representing the thirteen Colonies, seem t,
support ON their shoulders the column In
scrlbed with the names of thirty egh
States and crowned with the tigur,
Of Liberty. This embodies the ide
that from thirteen Colonies grew thirty
eight States and sprung the trues
and most thorough and genuine liberty eve
enjoyed by any people. On four sides of tn
base, and carrying out the original design o
the Continental Congress, are emblems o
the alliance between the United States ant
his most Christian Majesty, and a succinc
narrative of the surrender of Earl Cornwall
lis. And now, as an appropriate opening o
our celebration, the cornerstone of tn
Monument will be laid with all the gran,
and solemn ceremonies befitting so great al
occasion by the order of Ancient, Free an,
Accepted Masons, OF which Washington
himself was chief member"
Workmen, under the direction of tn,
Grand Master of Virginia, then laid tn
cornerstone according to the ancient an,
honorable rite.
Judge Il. r. Wexford. of Virginia, tn
|
dress, at the conclusion OF which the cere
monies ended.
Immediately afterward President Arthu
and party left for the steamer Despatch
The steamer bearing the French Commits
sion, Secretary Blaine and others was IN tn
stream some two hours and a half befor
they were first discovered from the shore
ana while the cornerstone was being laid
Secretary Blaine came to the Governmen
dock and sent word to the authorities Il
charge, but 1t was too late, as the ccremo
nies were completed, and the party returne,
to the Tallapoosa.
The box for the corners stone OF the Cen
tennial Monument Is handsome piece O
workmanship. 1t is made of copper, highl
Furnished outside and plated inside. IN
box is two feet six inches long, two fee
wide, and one foot eight inches deep. 1t
perfectly plain, with silver plate on on
OF the sides bearing the following inscrip
tion:
Cornerstone OF monument to com
memorate the surrender OF Lord CORNWALL
and the forces under his command TO Tn
American and French troops at yorktown
Va, October 10, 1881. Laid on the invita-
tion OF the Congressional Commission
4 -.