The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-07-23

half an hour and trayel in north westerly
course, pass by the town of New Oxford and
at LIS arrive at Gettysburg, after ride OF
seventeen miles.
The town presented very lively appear
ance during the past few days. Thousands
of visitors from all parts have focked to
this memorable place. The 3rd Army
Corps held grand ri union with their old
commander, Gen. Daniel E. Sickels of n.
Y. and were encamped upon east Cemetery
Hill for several days, and a more jolly set
of fellow comrades You scarcely see, being
encamped under different circumstances
from those % years ago. They were young
and ruddy, in the sprIngtime of life, ready
and willing to lay down their lives for their
country. Now, great majority haye quite
passed the meridian, and we are enjoying
the blessing of a free'happy unbroken Union.
The first place that attracted our attent-
ion, was the Soldiers National Cemetery,
which is situated on the south side of the
town on very high and commanding posi-
ton. Part of our army was driven back 10
this position through the town on the first
day of the battle, and planted their guns
and entrenched themselves on the crest of
this hill, and which is no doubt the most
sacred spot upon the whole battle field
AS we approach the arch gateway, the
imposing statue of Ger. Reynolds meets our
view. The pedestal is 10 feet high and 7
feet square at the base, the statue which
surmounts it is feet high and faces to the
west, in the dir ection of the part of the field
where he was killed about which we shall
speak hereafter.
The ground appeared almost hallowed as
we rassel up beautiful shaded avenue, to
the centre of the Cemetery. The far famed
National Monument stands out prominently.
The grounds of the National Cemetery
were consecrated on the 9th of Nov. 1868,
when and on the identical spot President
Lincoln made his immortal speech. 1t is
said that Edward Everett who delivered
the Grafton on that occasion after listening
to the President, said he would have given
his whole 40 pages, to have been the author
of those 20 lines. He spoke from the heart
and felt what he spoke, which is the found
alton Of all true eloquence. AS you stand
upon this consecrated spot sad scene is
presented. The immense semicircle
sweep of headstones, having the numbers
only, but only occasionally the Names
Three thousand six hundred are buried
here. Our memory quickly turned to that
portion OF the cemetery which contained the
remains of the fallen comrades of our old
Brigade Of the 18th corp, commanded by
Gen. Kane, the Goth Connecticut, 123rd
New York, the 111th Pa. along which we
marched many weary days and nights to
South Mountain. Antietam, Fredericksburg
and Charlottesville, each have a part in
this great bivouac of the dead. Ny sympa-
thies were more drawn out than ever when
l saw before me, 979 dead of the Union Ar
my marked unknown" as to state, or regi-
ment A neat white marble stone marks
their last resting place. God grant that
when the drum corps of Heaven shall sound
the long roll that they may have part in
the first resurrection.
The National Monument is one of the
most beautiful works of art in this country.
The entire hight is 65 feet, and made Of
light granite. The pedestal is 25 feet square
at the base and is crowned with white
marble statue the Genius Of Liberty. She is
gazing westward in the direction of Lees
retreat, and holds in her right hand
wreath of laurel, while her left hand is
clasping a sword. There are four buttresses
each supporting an allegorical statue, rep
resenting War, History, Pace, and Plenty.
Our time and space does not permit of de-
scription of this piece of art. 1t was cut in
Italy of fine marble, Rodgers of Maryland
experimenting the work. The corner stone
was laid July 4th in the presence of fifty
thousand people, Gen. Meade the hero of
the battle unveiled the monument. Time
warns us that We can't rema here long, as
We tlke last look upon these hist O mounds
the stanza of the patriotic poet comes to
mind.
"On flames eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread
And glory guards with solemn rounds
The bivouac of the dead "