The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-07-18
Second Days Exercises.

Second Days Exercises.
The actual reunion Of the veterans Of the
Army Of the Potomac and of the Army OF
Northern Virginia began on the second day
with memorial exercises, under the charge OF
the First Army Corps, on the scene Of the
first days fight. Probably one thousand
Of Lees men were present, camp
ing in the tents furnished by the Govern.
ment, and every train that came in from the
of Fraternization" on the following evening.
Thirty special trains, loaded with veterans,
Grand Army men and National Guardsmen,
had already arrived, and no crowd so
vast had been seen in or about the town since
the last day of the battle.
Religious services were held in the morning
at the National Cemetery rostrum. Chaplain
Sayers delivered the sermon. During the
morning monuments of the Seventy sixth,
One hundred and Forty. seventh. Ninety
seventh, Fifty fourth and One Hundredth
One Hundred and Fifty-frst Pennsylvania,
and First New Jersey Cavalry, were dedi-
Gated by veterans of the various commands.
Reynolds's Grove was throng OF humanity
for an hour before the memorial exercises Of
the First Army Corps were begun. During
the gathering Of the audience General Long
street was escorted to the stand and hundreds
Of veterans Of the blue shook hands with
him. The overcrowded stand gave way
without moments notice, and 500 occupants
fell several feet without any one being hurt.
stead, president Of the First Army Corps As.
sociation, opened exercises and introduced
Bishop Newman, of Washington, who in a
fervid invocation gave thanks for the bravery
and heroism displayed here in the mainten-
ance of constitutional liberty.
General John G. Robinson, orator of the
occasion, thanked General Beaver for his
cordial welcome extended the First Army
Corps veterans, and complimented the
keystone State on her constant and sub
stantial testimonials Of appreciation of the
soldiers.
George Frederick Smith, the war Governor
of New Hampshire, counted it one Of the
most important events Of his life to be
present, and after brief remarks closed with
the expression that he should never cease to
hold in highest regard the men who had
saved this great country. -.
Governor e. ]. Ormsbee, Of Vermont, said
he did not come here as war Governor, but
as one who had taken part in the battle,
having had command in Stannard's brigade
Of Vermont troops.
General L. A. Grant, who in this battle
was Colonel of the Fourth Vermont Regi-
ment of Stannard's Brigade, considered
Picketts charge the grandest ever made in
the world
Judge W. g. veasey, late colonel Of the
Sixteenth Vermont Regiment of the same
brigade, paid the First Corps a compliment
by saving that not only the glory Of opening
tie battle belonged to them, but also that OF
closing it, as his brigade, which fired the last
shots, was temporarily attached to the First
Corps.
street was next introduced and received with
hearty cheers. He said he was not on the
field to witness the engagement between the
First Corps and the troops Of the South. He
was glad to be- present and participate in
these exercises, for he saw in them the de-
yelopment Of sympathy such as was
born in the heart Of all brave men. After
speaking Of the advantages Of the Federal
position. he said that here the Southern
army met its fate, but not for want of valor,
fortitude or faith. In paying tribute to that
valor he said that Pickett's charge had not q
parallel in the annals of war.
General Fairchild, Of Wisconsin, followed
General Longstreet, and the band started in
IN WYankee Doodle" ayes, twenty-five
wears have passed, y said the General, when
Won can sandwich in Confederate and q
Yankee between Dixie Land and Yankee
Doodle.'" Then he made witty impromptu
speech on old and new war topics.
Other speakers were J. 81. Stine, the his
torian of the First Corps General Joseph
Dickinson and General j. P Rea, Com
mander.in Chief of the Grand Army Of the
Republic. Bishop j. P. Newman. Of tho
Methodist Church, pronounced the benedlc-
ton.