The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-06-15
THE GRAND ARMY.
What is Being Done by the Veterans
for the Order.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
The Observation of Memorial Day at Beau
fort, 5. G.

The Observation of Memorial Day at Beau
fort, 5. G.
On the night of May % Gen. Weissert left
Jacksonville for Charleston, 5. {. While Oh
the train at Savannah he noticed an excursion
train of II cars bound for Beaufort 5. e., filled
with colored people, going there TO attend Me,
mortal services at the National Cemetery. Oul
train arrived at Yemmassee, s e., where the
Commander-in-C Chief changed 10 the excursion
train, arriving at Beaufort about II a. M,
where he found the colored Posts drawn up III
line to meet him, the Posts as follows: David
Hunter. Beaufort; r. G. Shaw Savannah
Abraham Lincoln, Hilton Head, and Ii. C.
Beecher Charleston; also, regiment oil
South Carolina militia, commanded by Brlga-
dier-General (coloredl.
Tho boys escorted the Commander in-Chief
to his hotel, where dinner was i'll waiting.
After dinner the Commandments reviewed
the military and Posts, walking the full length
of the line, accompanied by the General conf
handing and his staff, and Commanders OF
Posts, the bands playing the Star Spangied
Banner" After review he beaded the line IN
a carriage, and the route was taken to the
cemetery. The Commander-in-Chlef and ora
tors took stations Oh the beautiful rostrum, the
military and Posts surrounding the same,
Posts in front. and the regular Memorial serv-
ice was carried out.
The unexpected appearance of the Com
mander-in- Chief necessitated his name for an
address which was in accordance with all his
other work since his term of Office began. The
boys were better for seeing him, and very much
encouraged TO hear him. There were not less
thar 5000 people on the grounds. l cannot for
get to say a word in praise of Bishop Saiter
(colored) of Charleston, S. C. His iDpromptu
Grafton was one of the grandest ever delivered
on such an occasion.
After this Gen. Weissert shook hands with
al and departed for the train, remaining but
five hours in Beaufort. Comrade Bob Smalls,
ex-Congressman, introduced the Commander
in-Chief
left Gen. Weissert at Yemmassee bound for
Charleston, and ! to my home in Macon
d. BURNS, A. A.-G., Department of Georgia,
Macon, Ga.
At Danbury, Conn.
The unvsiling of the memorial window in
the Baptist church at Danbury was accom-
plished with much enthusiasm and little cere-
popy in the presence of Commander-in-Ch Chief
Weissert aud numerous other invited guests
from all parts of the State.
The handsome memorial window was COW
cred with the American colors, and while the
audience stood facing the window the cords
which held the flag were released as the audi
ence sang America" Rev. DIR. Hubbard, the
pastor, delivered a short address. AS Com
fnsnder in-Chief Weissert stepped upon the
platform Capt. Kimball proposed three cheers,
which were given with enthusiasm. Com
rnRnder-in-Chief Weissert said that the window
was the only one of the kind he had ever seen,
and that it was fitting aud appropriate trib-
ute. He said that there was no more appro-
pirate place for such memorial than the
church, and he hoped TO see the idea followed
throughout the couBtry. Capt. Kimball deliv-
cred the address of the evening.
In the evening grand reception was ten
dered the COmmander-in Chief at the Opera
House, which was filled with guests and re-
splendent in gorgeous decorations. Among the
many guests on the stage were Gov. Morris, &C
companied by his full staff. Mayor Andrews
extended Gen. Weissert the freedom of the
city.
An Agreeable Surprise.
One Of the most agreeable surprises
sprung upon US on the morning of May 26 was
the appearance upon the streets of Birmingham
of our beloved Commander-in-Chief A. G..
Weissert 1t staggered for a moment the two
comrades who first met him, but recovering
themselves the Commander-in-C Chief was taken
charge OF. and the word sent out that he was
here. Office doors slammed shut. merchants
left their customers standing unserved, me-
chanics dropped their tools, and all fastened
TO extend warm Southern greeting to him.
Wbirl around the South Highlands was taken,
Q visit TO our Grand Army Monument in Oak
Hill Cemetery, 10 East Lake, and outlying
towns of Woodlawn Avondae, and other
suburbs, also 10 the Cyclorama of the Battle
OF Missionary Ridge aud call made upon some
Of our leading bankers and business men.
prominent amongst them many ex-Confeder-
ates, like Gen. Johnson and others. By this
time the forageTs had returned and finished
their allotted task and as we gathered around
the banquet board spread in the parlors of Paul
Gslidoni's leading cafe, the smile of recog-
milton and remembrance could readily be seen
upon the rugged faces of the old veterans as
they suited the aroma OF baked beans and the
never-to-be-forgoiten bacon. Several hours
sped by, as time was taken but little notice Of
az Teminiscepces of the past were related and
incidents Of personal experience described
Speech after speech of three minutes duration
was given by the members of Custer Post. The
Chief was attentively listened
TO for several hours and his loving words of
advice will never be forgotten. The presents-
ton to him OF a small square piece of bunting
and his graceful reply TO same was drowned
beneath the cries of Throw it out; it's a
stranger here" was laughsble. As the mid
night hour rang out from the City Hall clock,
the sound OF Department Commander MiIlars
gaVel was heard, and his wish that long live
our COmmander-in-Chief,a and that his spirit
at last would be found in the happy camp
inR-ground at the head Of the loyal legion of
the Grand Army OF the Republic there, was
received with cheers long and loud. The Post
en- masse escorted the Commander:in-C Chief to
his hotel, and there gave him which to some
may be their last farewell.-VETERAN.