Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-07-02
GETTYSBURG REUNION.
Thousands Of Veterans "Tentins on The
Old Camp Ground"
Religious Services Lend Impressiveness
to the Scene.

GETTYSBURG, Pa, July /.
The sun shone brightly on the battlefield
today All last night the streets were crowd
ed with visitors, some seeking lodgings and
others out for good time. All today's
trains arrived till the streets were filled with
mass of humanity. Boarding and lodging
are at the highest possible premium. At
30 the veterans formed and led by the
F-ankford band marched to the national
cemetery and on through this to a vine clad
rostrum where religious services were held.
The scene was unusually impressive. When
chaplain Sayres finished his sermon more
than l 900 voices joined in singing ''Ameri-
ca. In the evening the usual dress parade
was observed. Immediately after the pa
rade sacred song service was held and the
band gave its usual evening concert. The
camp presents charming appearance to-
night with Numerous electric lights illumi-
mating it and little knots OF veterans gather
ed before each tent discussing the great
conflict and the part they played in it.
The road from the town to REYNOLDS
Grove was crowded at p NJ. with carriages
and pedestrians on their way to witness the
exercises of the first corps. Just as the
strains of the band leading the procession of
prominent men, who were TO take part in the
seminary HILL the platform which was crowd
ed gave way with crash and dropped TO the
ground. The fall was but two feet and no
one was injured. By the time order had
been restored the procession was entering
the woods and the cannon of the United
States light battery Numbered forth salute
to Gov. Beaver. Bishop Potter opened the
exercises with an eloquent prayer and then
Maj +. j. Halstead, president of the asso-
cIation of the first corps, introduced Gov.
Jas. A. Beaver, who delivered an address
of welcome. Ex-Goy. John c. Robinson,
resting on crutches, responded in behalf of
the corps. Frederick Smith, war governor
OF New Hampshire, spoke. He was fol-
lowed by Gen. Longstreet, who, in the course
of his remarks spoke as follows:
Amidst these formidable surroundings,
these rock bound slopes and heights REIN
forced by ball of lead and iron. and ribs of
steel and American valor, the gauge of bat
tie was pitched, and here the great army of
the South, the pride and glory of that sec
tion found itself overmatched and arrested
in its march of triumph, forced to. stand AMI
recoil, but not for want of gallantry or for.
titu ude.
The battle of the second dsy by McLane's
and Hoods division and part of Anderson's
was AS spirited as some of the dashing ef-
forts of the first Napoleon, but before the
end, it was found TO be work TO upheaye the
That of the third day by Pick
etts division and Trumbles, marching 100
yards un Ter fire of 100 cannon AMI lJ.00)
uiusketry has no parallel nor is likely TO have
IN the annals. Gallant Pickett, at
the heal of my own division and TrimbIe,
ever bearing like soldiers on parade, holding
their men to their desperate work, the set
features of the veteran brigadiers, Armstead,
Ganett and Hemper, vigilant of their COM
pact files and the elastic steps of troops,
whose half concealed smiles expressed
pleasure il their opportunity marked the
period S.lat should fill the measure of sol
diers pride, and well they did meet their
promise OF their parting salutatons with that
confidence that commands success where it
is possible. Their hammered ranks moved
steadily on till, marching up face to face.
they fell, their noble heads at the feet of the
foe who. standing like their own brave hills,
received with welcome the shock of this well
adjusted battle. Such is the sacrifice some
times demanded by armies arrayed for bat
tie.
But the times have changed Twenty
five yean have softened the usages of war
A"O'N hV"hihs htiShts nave tutlT
savage tenes and our meeting for exchange
of blows and broken bones are left for more
congenial days, for friendly greetings and
for covenants of tranquil repose. Ladies are
here to gface and lend serenity to the occasion
and quicken the sentiment that draws us
nearer together. God bless them and help
that they may dispel the delusions that came
between the people and make the land as
blithe as the bride at the coming of the bride
groom.
Mr.. Fairchild was next introduced. He
said that 20 years. had made it possible to
sandwich the!ankee and confederate between
yankee doodle and Dixie.
The men the north did not love the men
of the south less but they loved the old flag.
The men of the south did not love the old
flag less but loved states more. This Mr. |
Mr.. President, think tell the whole story
The old flag stillremains untouched and they
all they say amenfromthe Gulf to the Lake. |
Prof. Williams, representing Gov. Sprague
of Rhode Island followed The assembly |
was addressed by other members of prom
inence in the tirstcorps About five o'clock
the meeting broke up and the crowd dis
persed. During the day the s3rd and other !
New York regimere dedicated their monu-
ments on the battlefield. Orlando B. Potter |
delivered the address.