The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-02-26
THE LAST OF EARTH.
Gen. Sherman Reaches His Last Camp
ing Ground in the City of the
Dead.
An Imposing Military Pageant, in Ac'
cord With the Last Request Of
the General.

No higher tribute of reverence, love and
regret could be paid any hero in any
cline.
The hearts Of the people were saddened,
and with one accord all manner of men
abandoned their earthly pursuits and assem-
bled along the line of the funeral process
sion to do homage to the honored dead.
The day was all that could be desired, so
far as sunshine and o cool, clear air were
concerned. Discomfort prevailed only un-
der foot. A recent snow, followed by sew
eral days of rain, left the streets where there
were no granite pavements in thoroughly
muddy condition. And to this rain storm
is due largely the meager mourning decora-
tons. But the bad condition Of the streets
and roads could not prevent the people Of
the city and of tho country for miles around
from doing honor to the remains of the
great commander.
At the union depot and in all the streets
in the immediate vicinity the crowds OF
people were just as great as farther up
town.
THE FUNERAL TRAIN
arrived at $50. AS it crossed the bridge a
salute from nearby battery announced
its approach. Emerging from the tunnel,
it was compelled to proceed slowly while
the police cleared the tracks of people. The
train entered the station on the track near
est Poplar street, and stopped with the
funeral car opposite the carriage entrance
on Poplar street. On the platform was
Gov. Francis, with his staff and the men,
bers Of the general reception committee,
headed by Messrs. James G. Yeamen and
Henry Hitchcock.
AS soon as the train stopped Gov. Francis
boarded the car Lancaster and paid his re-
spects to Generals Schofield and Howard
AND the other military officers accompany
ing the funeral party.
Meantime outside the military companies
were moving into position. The caisson on
which the body was to be borne from the
train to its resting place was on Poplar
street, at the entrance Of the carriageWay.
1t was from Battery E, First artillery, and
was under Lieut.. Wilson, with Sergeant
Cannon in immediate charge. It was drawn
by six bay horses. The riders were the men
who worked the Hotchkiss gun at the battle
OF Wounded Knee creek during the recent
Indian war. They belonged to the Seventh
cavalry, known as the 'Fighting Seventh"
Their names are: Privates Mallory, Ryan
and Krauss.
THE BODY BEARERS
were eight sergeants, four of them-Ser-
geants Connolly, LANCE, Hennessey and
Ziegher-were from the Seventh cavalry.
The other four sergeants-
Lavay, French and Donough-were from
Battery E, First artillery. In front of the
caisson on Poplar street was the TIVE lfth
infantry, from Fort Leavenworth, under
command of Col. Townsend, drawn up in
line facing the depot. On the opposite side
of the street were the members of Ransom
post, who were to act as guard OF honor.
The horse that was to be led behind the
caisson, equipped with the dead generals
saddle, bride, boots and spurs, stood next
the caisson. He was black horse belong
ing to Troop D. Seventh cavalry, Of Fort
Riley. Kan, and was brought from there
especially for this purpose.
At 1915 an open barouche drove into the
carriageway. All the floral pieces brought
from New York and those received during
the trip were put in this coach to be con-
veyed to the cemetery.
Gen. Merritt and staff arrived at the de-
pot at 1890. At this hour the adjacent
streets and the Twelfth street bridge were
fairly black with people. The police had
all they could do to keep room enough for
the procession to move in. Immediately
after the arrival of Gen. Merritt and staff
preparations were made
TO REMOVE THE BODY FROM THE CAR
where it had rested during its long Journey.
The eight body bearers took up positions at
the car door, tour on each side. Directly
hah ci c,lo
orary pail bearers. They were:
Military-Maj Gen. John Pope, Breyet Mai
Gen. Amos Beckwith, Brevet Maj Cen A. J.
Smith, Brevet Maj Gen. John w. Turner. Brevet
Maj. Gen: Willard Warner. Brevet Brig Gen.
John W: Barriger. Commander Charles s. Cot.
ton U. S. N.
Citizens--Judge Samuel Treat, Col George
fEe Leg Col. Charles Parsons. Byron Sherman,
Esq, Thomas E. Tut, Esq, Il. P. Tansey.
Ranged in line on each side Of the car
rage entrance were the military and public
officials who accompanied the remains from
Now York, Gen. Merritt's staff and Gov.
Francis and staff. Three comrades of Ran
som post, G. A. R., entered the funeral car
and assisted the sergeants in charge to lift
the casket out through the door to the
shoulders ofthe waiting body bearers. AS
the end OF the flag covered oaken box was
passed through the door every head was
uncovered, and silence reigned supreme.
Slowly AID carefully tho burden was
taken from the car and placed on the
shoulders. Of tho stalwart sergeants. As
they started with slow steps out through
tho carriage way to tho waiting caisso n.
the Twelfth infantry presented arms, flags
were dipped and the regimental band
played Psyl's we'll known hymn.
MANY HEARTH WBRR TOUCHED
by the sight and veterans and comrades of
the dead general could DO seen crying on
all sides. Generals Howard and Slocum
were so overcome they could not speak for
several minutes.
The caskst was placed lengthwise on tho
caisson and strapped in place. On it were
placed tho hat and sword Of him who Law
inside. The delivery Of tho remains to the
St Louis body guard relieved the six SER
geants who had accompanied it from New
York Of all further care.
When the fastening Of the casket was
finished Col. Townsend gave the order to
march, and the Twelfth infantry wheeled
into limo and marched up Eleventh. street.
to the corner OF Clark street. Hero thew
halted. Tho open carriage with tho floral
offerings followed close behind. Then the
order was given by Lieut.. Wilson, and the
cafsson with its sacred burden moved slow
~ up Eleventh street to place next the
carriage containing the flowers. On each