The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-08-14
THE EVENTFUL DAY.
The Blessed LAY Of the Blue and GRAY

The Blessed nay of the Blue and GRAY.
During the early part of this eventful
day, there was a cOpiOus shedding OF
tears from the unseen being among the
clouded drapery of the heavens.
AS the dawn began to be more per-
ceptable the shower of tears began TO
cease, and the people of our little city
began to make preparations to leave
their abiding places to honor the dead.
The preparations made the tears
ceased; the drapery of the heavens re-
malnd; the clouds las if mindful of the
day. hanging at halfmast, waving in the
breeze from the Northwest, tanning into
life every little spark of pure whole
sOuled patriotism of manhood and wo-
manhood, both old and young to pay
tribute to the hero of our Nation.
While the procession was forming for
the march, one of the marshals Of the
day rode up and down the street, re-
questlng all old soldiers who were not
members OF the Grand Army post to re-
port to George III. Clark, who would
form them for the march.
The squad of old soldiers was soon
formed and marched to the place as
signed them in the procession, causing
some amusement to u few young boys in
consequence Of the squad being 80 small
and obeying the orders of their COM
mander 80 readily and with such soldier
ly bearing and precision and unison OF
movement. "Chey must have q flag"
was loudly understood by their actions,
for soon tho marshal, who had request
ed them to join the procession, came rid
ing by and they signaled him. He rode
up closely and perceptably gave the de-
sired information. for, Immediately one
of the noble squad flor such they were)
started off on a double quick march
going toward the East, and in a short
time returned with an old and tattered
flag, faded in color as If to produce the
blessed ray of the blue and gray, the
sunshine of the world.
bearer in the noble squad, 80 the flag
might be hoisted little higher for the
name and fame of the old commander
they had come to honor. Others seeing
the old flag could not withhold them
selves from getting under its protection
(The flag was carried by theSth New York
cavalry during the war;
The drums were muffied, the dirge of
peace was sung by the silvery voiced
and the prayer went up to
heaven from all the people by the mani
of their actions, q prayer that
will long be remembered in our little
city of Mankato.
The commemoratiOn over, the parting
salute was gwen, and the progression |
wendell its way back to headquarters, to |
The cheering music of unmuffled drums |
and lively song from the silvery voiced |
,ongsters echoing in every heart:
IT'S done:
Our chief has gone to rest
With those who went before,
Upon the tOpmost crest.
The sad rite was ended; the sky be-
,ins to clear; the requirements were
stacked away, and all dispersed, seeking
olace in peaceful home, knowing that
The crown OF glory holds
The noble brave, beyond the grave,
The hero OF the folds,
Both Blue and Gray the Blessed Ray,
The Rainbow Of our Grant;
Pure Love.
Dedicated to the noble squad OF old soldiers
who hoisted the old flag OF the 9Th New
held at MankatO, Mimi, Aug.s 1885.
The Soldier General.
HOIST THE FLAG.
The flag was hosted at half-mast,
Tue Nation mOurned as ono,
For him who fought unto the last
To still the warning gun.
lie wore badge upon his breast,
That's worn by all the boys,
All North and South. al East and Wcst.
peaceful home for Joys.
He also wore another token,
or the Loyal Legion,
Telling of a faith unbroken,
In the Heavenly region.
He fought for peace in time OF war,
He fought for us In peace,
And left to us bis own memoir,
Then gave up bis life-lease.
rhe day Is past and all Is quiet,
The hero is al rest
The flag is here and we will fly 1t
Upon the tOpmost crest.
He's gone to George and Abraham,
TO share with them the glory
Which Is due TO every man.
That helped TO tell their story
Washington, Lincoln and Grant,
They live beyond the grave;
History cannot supplant.
Our country's noble brave.
Hoist the flag a little higher,
Write his fame above,
Write his name little higher,
Blend Il with Pure Love.