Connecticut western news., 1886-06-02
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1886.
MEMORIAL DAT.

AS0Vh0 S. SO"Aes IT Osts N O. OOs w. Az A~' David s. Cowles Post met promptly at a. m. at Armory hall. About 7.30 o'clock they proceeded to the lower cemetery where i've blush as we record the fact) they found none of our village "home guard" waiting to receive them, but they did find the graves of several patriots and on these they placed floral offerings while they paid fearful and heartfelt tribute to the memory of their departed comrades. Robert Pendleton, resident of South Canaan, was the only person waiting at the cemetery to receive the Post, and to his credit be it said he went the entire round of the different cemeteries with them during the day and was present at the exercises in the church at Ashley Falls.
 From the lower cemetery the Post visited the other cemeteries in the fol lowing order and profusely decorated the soldiers graves: East Canaan-here they found eight citizens and IT schol- ars waiting to receive them. Canaan Valley-here were assembled some 35 men and women and large number of children. Here also large quantity of flowers were furnished by the citizens. Several of the children manifested their patriotism by following on foot to Ash ley Falls. Clayton-three citizens had sufficient patriotism to gather with the Post at the cemetery.
 At Ashley Falls
 men, women and children turned out en nsasse to honor the Post and other vet erans and unite with them in decorating the soldiers graves and paying tribute to their memory. After decorating the graves in Evergreen cemetery all repair cd to the spacious and shaded lawn of Past Post Commander Van Deusen, where long tables groaned beneath the weight of sumptuous collation. gener- ously provided by the patriotic ladies of Ashley Falls. The Post took seats parallel with the tables, while on the right flank were seated the "Sons oi Veterans" and on the left flank the sDaughters of Veterans. A simulta. nsous attack from three directions was thus made on the provisions, many o1 which event down" during the ''hand to mouth confict;" but after half hou, or more engagement the attacking party retreated without surrounding all the provisions, although capturing large numbers. Volunteers were then called for and they fared the same as the vet erans, but the provisions still held out whereupon the drum and fife sounded { retreat and all repaired to the cemetery near the church, where the Post halted in line while . detail of their numbe accompanied the "Sons of Veterans and Daughters of Veterans" and dec erated the soldiers graves, after whicl Post Commander Briggs read the gen eral orders from headquarters and Re, D. F. Barlow offered prayer. The bal ance of the flowers were spread in al open space on the ground in memory o the Union soldiers who are buried i unknown graves at the South. Tn Post then marched into the church an occupied seats reserved for them. Ever seat was quickly taken, benches wer brought in, the church was densel packed and yet many were unable t gain admission.
 Exercises at the Church.
 Music by the choir, after which Pos Commander Briggs in few wen-chose words introduced Rev w. H. G. Fem pie of Sheffield, who delivered unique allegorical, patriotic and impressive ad dress, at the conclusion of which tn choir again finely rendered patrioti and appropriate selection. Past Pos Commander Van Deusen read an affect ing letter written during the war by lady giving her son permission and Go, speed to join the Union army in defenc of his country. Music by the choir Benediction pronounced by Rev E. F Barlow. While the audience were leay ing the church the choir struck u1 ssAmerica" and all joined in that soul stirring anthem.
 A Sad Reality.
 To Illustrate how the ranks of the vet eran regiments are yearly falling befor the "King of Terrors" it is only neces saxy to mention that among 25 veteran present 19 different regiments were rep resented.
 THE ORIGIN OF BILLIARDS.