The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1890-08-16
John Ericsson's Return.

John ErlCHSOn6 heCufns
The following official letter, signed by
James R. Soley, acting secretary of the
navy, and dated Washington, D. c., Aug.
I'd, has been addressed to Rear-admiral D.
L. Braine, commander navy yard, New
York:
sThe department has fixed the afternoon
of Saturday, the 23d of August, as the time
for the embarkment of the remains of the
late Capt. John Ericsson for transportation
to his native country on board the United
States ship Baltimore, and it entrusts to
you the direction of all the arrangements
connected with the ceremony.
The department has assumed this duty
in response to an intimation conveyed by
the minister of foreign affairs of Sweden
and Norway through the United States
minister at Stockholm, to the department
of state, that it would be regarded by the
government and people of Sweden with
peculiar satisfaction.
Apart from the desire thus expressed, it
is in the highest degree appropriate that
the United States, through its navy, should
pay this final tribute to the memory of the
great Swedish inventor. As the most fa-
nous representative of the Scandinavian
race in America, his name stands for that
of kindred people who have given this
country large and highly valued element
among its adopted citizens.
An officer of the Swedish army in early
life, Ericsson closed his career with the il
lustrious distinction of being among the
foremost of American mechanics. Of the
innumerable applications of mechanical
arts that are the fruit Of his genius, many
so long ago passed into general use that
they have ceased to be associated popular
ly with his name; but his achievements in
the field of naval science will remain for
ever monument to his memory. To the
United States navy he gave the first moni-
tor, and in her he gave to all the navies of
the world the germ of the modern battle
ship. For these reasons, it is the depart
ment's desire to surround the embarkation
with every circumstance that can invest it
with dignity and solemnity. All the YES
sells of war that may be available will be
directed to unite with you in paying to the
deceased the honors beftting his rank and
his distinguished name. The details will
be regulated by you in consultation with
the representatives of Capt. Ericsson and
the officers of the associations desiring to
take part in the ceremony.
The anchorage ground near the statue
of Liberty is designated as the place where
the Baltimore will receive the remains, and
then other vessels of war will be an
chored in her vicinity. The marines from
the ship and the station will form the guard
of honor to escort the body from its rest
ing place to the Battery. It will there be
embarked on board the Nina and conveyed
to the Baltimore under the escort of all the
available steam launches and pulling boats
of tho squadron, formed in double column,
the steam launches preceding the Nina.
The department has extended to the
minister of Sweden and Norway at this
capital an invitation to be present, which
will include the members of his legation
and such officers of the consular service of
Sweden in this country as he may desig-
nate. Letters have also been sent to the
executors of the deceased and to Rear -ad-
miral John L. Worden, U. s. n, the veter-
an captain of the Monitor, inviting them
to take part in the ceremonies, and to &C.
company the remains to the Baltimore
It is the intention of the secretary of the
navy to be present.
By the publication of this letter the de-
partment invites all associations composed
of the friends, companions or former coun-
trymen of Capt. Ericsson to take part in
the procession to the Battery and to report
to you through their representatives fol-
instruction as to their position in the line
and other details of the ceremony. The
flag officers who may be in New York will
be directed to cooperate with and assist
you in carrying out this program, the de.
tails of which You are authorized to modify
as circumstances may require"