The National tribune., 1889-12-19
A UNIQUE CELEBRATION.
How the 4th or July, 1868, was Spent in Libby
Prison.

HNlhDus
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: That 4th was
q red-etter day for the American people,
Loyalty TO the Union flag was mt high tide,
and patriotism kinded bright fires upon her
affairs. This was notably the case at Gettys-
burg, Vicksburg and Libby Prison. If put
Libby Prison last IL is not because the boys in
their confinement displayed any loss devotion
to the Union than any of their comrades in the
grand army of tho red, white aud blue.
Many a poet and orator has celebrated the
virtues of the soldier who first mounted ram
part, or first entered the enemy's lines, or led
forlorn hope. Let me tell of the heroism of
those who have been called to endure the or
deal of capture, and who dragged out misera-
BILE existence in prison-pens, choosing rather
to starve TO death before they would liston to
the overtures of treason.
Let us sec how these heroes celebrated the
9TH of July in Libby Prison in 1863 Ii is GER
tninly tho most pathetic celebration ever re-
corded in the annals of American history. As
the day approached. it was felt that the occa-
sion must not be allowed to pass without some
kind of demonstration. Consequently, COM
mittees were appointed to arrange program
and select the personnB dramats. As perfect
ly as possible the Declaration of Independence
was to be recited Orators were to oxpatiate
on the history and memories of the day. Chap
lain McCabe was charged with the responsible
ity of the musical entertainment. Thus far the
work of the committees was quite simple and
satisfactory.
The great thing wanting, however, was
suitable stand of colors. " How can genuine
flag be procured?" was on the lips OF all.
There were few Union flags, captured in bat
tie, in the rebel office below. Could not one Of
these be obtained2 If love failed, might not
money secure one2 But where was the money
All suggestions aud plans look ing in this direc-
ton seemed futile. At length happy thought
occurred: LET us make our own flag" But
where was the bunting or other material for
this purpose2 All the stores, except of Yankee
ingenuity, were about exhausted Punch
says: A Yankee baby will creep or fall out of
his cradle. take a survey of il, invent new
style, and apply for patent before he is six
months old" This is the time to verify the
saying. After a careful search, or invon-
tory, one of the prisoners exclaimed: Take
the flap of my neither garment" No soone.
said than done. 1t was tho dernior res
sort. Threads drawn from the same stun
supplied the sewing. Ii more nimble fin
gers ever manufactured a flag, certain are we
that no moro loyal hearts ever guided the
operation. Material, such as IL was was con-
tributod for stars and stripes, and the work
went brissly forward.
The glorious day came but too tardly. No
1ublant boom Of cannon nor other demonstra-
ton of JOY in and about Richmond ushered its
dawn. In the midst of the awful stiffness in
this Sahara OF Rebodom. tho only oasis of 10y
atty to freedom was Libby Prison There the
day we celebrate received merited attention
The arrangements for the occasion were duly
prepared. This was in tho upper west room,
where were quartered Col. Streight and his
officers, on this occasion reinforced by the un.
fortunate officers Of Con. Milroy's command,
who occupied tho room below. At tho proper
time, aud in the presence of crowd nearly
frantic with excitement tho newly made flag
was hoisted into position amid "salvos" of
manly voices. The enthusiasm knew no bounds
the cheers and tigers somewhat suppress
ed ut first, soon broke out into thundcrous APP
plauso. Men wept and laughed, and stamped
aud ciappcd and shouted. The old walls echoed
and tTcmbled, aud for while like those OF an
cicnt Jericho, seemed ready TO tumble down.
But the patriotic demonstration was per-
haps, too boister0us. If not the head Mt least
the tail of the copperhcad treason had been
stepped upon. just as Chaplain Eberhart was
about TO open proceedings with prayer Dick
Turner accompanied BY guard, strutted into
the audience. The exercises were interrupted.
Dick seemed 10 DO bssildered at the sight
Could he believe his own eyes Was he indeed
in the presence of u Union flag which, in the
rebel Capital noated triumphantly, deaantIy,
IN tho very face of tTeason2 Had there been Il
spark Of manhood left in him. he would have
turned back in shame TO hide. ut least for tho
With dercciy. blasphernous words he shouted
" Who put that thing up there7 Take IL down
Mt oncel" Silence prevailed. The order was
repeated. with more oathsand threats. These
were met with gentle iemonstrauce 1t was
claimed that anch celebration was "A right of
prisoners OF war. At least in civilized country.
BY this time Dick was furious. He ordered
his guard to tear down tho flag and as II had
been fastened to n high beam under the roof,
the taking down WAS attended with some dtii.
Guilty. At last the arrant Turner held in his
sacriicgous hands the emblem of Nations
pride. Bat he could not wrench from the hearts
OF those nndaunted prisoners what 10 them was
priceless bo0n-loye TO God aud country
Had not these men In them the stuff of which
heroes are mado2 No one. surely. will ever
contradict this assertion that no dag ever had
more unique history. aud that no 4th Of July
ever witnessed q more loyal denomination
LOUIS n. BEAuDRY Department Chaplain,
G.A.R, State OF New York. Albany, N. Y.