Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-06-19
Dscorataon Day At rosus.

- SO E0ttoT o. tSe Aenneoee Jokrndt:
Decoration Day in the National Military
Home at Togus has come and gone, and the
order of exercises, - they appeared in Sat-
urday's Journal was fully carried out. At
ESQ P. NJ, Cutler Post No. 48, G. A. R.,
fell into line under the command of Com
mander Goodwin. and the other officers of
the Post, numbering altogether about 100
men. Then there was the firing and the
saluting party, armed as guard Of honor to
the Post flag; and headed by the Home Band,
under the leadership of Prof. Theme, they
marched to Gen. Stephenson's beautiful resi-
dence, and received the guests of the day,
escorted by Gen. Stephenson, Maj. Cobaugh,
Drs. Miller and Elwell. The line of march
was then taken for the cemetery, and it was
astonishing to see the precision and military
bearing of the old veterans, as company after
company fell into line, numbering between
1900 and 1900 men. Had there been total
absence of the veterans companion" name
ly, the crutch and cane, a stranger might
have thought it was 1861 instead of 1885,
As the inspiriting and martial strains of the
band reached their ears, their step seemed to
be more firm and buoyant, their eyes grew
brighter, and with their grey heads thrown
back they appeared to be able and willing to
face the old music again should an occasion
arise for their services. 1t is estimated that
there we're between 20OO and 5000 visitors at
the cemetery, and they were all loud in their
praise Of the beautiful manner in which all
the ceremonies we're conducted. There are
about 700 marble headstones, and at the third
volley from the firing party every grave was
decorated at the same moment. The veter-
ans listened to the beautiful and instructive
Grafton of Hon. H. NJ. Heath with the closest
attention, and every time favorite leaders
name was mentioned with praise and eulogy,
despite their surroundings, the applause
would break out, especially at the names of
Grant, Mcclellan, Mead, Sheridan, Shields,
Kearney and Thomas. The names of Lin
coin and Garfield were received with uncov-
cred heads and reverent silence. In strolling
through the Home your correspondent saw
beside the Standard Grand Army Star large
number of medals and honors presented by
the United States government, and by States,
for cases of individual bravery in the field.
These are mostly gold and silver, and the
designs beautiful. One of these struck me
as very peculiar and appropriate. 1t is worn
| on the breast of Teuton Hercules, who
h. Tn.s al
"Kearsarge" in her memorable fight with the
rebel pirate Alabama. During the action q
shell landed from the Alabama on the deck
Of the Kearsarge, near an ll-inch pivot gun;
| the fuse was burning; few seconds meant
death, destruction and defeat, when the Ger
man giant rushed to the she'll, seized it and
eXclaiming Jesus save me-" landed it safely
over the side. In recognition of his bravery and
pre- ence of mind the gov rlment voted him
q large sum of money which he refused, say
ing he had only done his duty. They also pre-
| scented him with large silver shield beauti-
fully chased and engraved. On the front are
| the words, Jesus save me-; on the diverse
side name. ship and date. Every one of
them suppose has similar history. In
walking through the grounds, the visitor is
struck with the beautiful surroundings, the
trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns. are laid out
with the greatest taste and skill, and four
| large and highly ornamental fountains throw
| ing cooling AMI splendid spray-showers, make
the Home look very attractive indeed. | I'M
derstand they are going to commence the
erection of large Soldiers Monument in the
cemetery this week, but visit to the Sol
jiers Home is not complete without going
outside little to the East, and examining the
work of some of the inmates in the capacity
of squatters. They have gone to work with
| no tools but an old broken shovel and crooked
bayonet, with very little material but boxes,
packing cases and old boards; but still they
| have beautiful cabins built with every con-
venience, stoves, chairs of their own make
and their gardens are well worthy of a visit
| As the hands of the beautiful church clock
pointed to $50 2. NJ, Mr.. Theme and his
| splendid band commenced the evening con-
cert, and the veterans all maintained that
he actually surpassed himself, that it was his
greatest effort. Itis scarcel, right, where all
are first rate artists, to make personal men
ton, but Mr.. Spross in cornet solo and MIR.
Nolan in a baritone obligato, elected storms
Of applause. The concert closed the cere-
monies, thus bringing to pleasing end a
very pleasant and happy day. ID.