Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-06-13

MemOrial Day at Winchester.
.cial Dispatoh 10 he Baltimore San.

Special Dispatch 10 the Baltimore San.
WINCHESTER, VA. June 6.-Memorial servi-
css held here to-day in honor of the Confeder.
ate dead in StonsEall Cemetery was most sue
cessfully carried out, Notwithstanding the in
cessant rain this morning. The usual exer-
cises were conducted in the courthouse hall
instead of the stand erected within the ceme-
terry for that purpose. The trains this morn
ing brought large crowds to the city and the
attendance from this and surrounding coun-
ties was larger than expected in consequence
of the rain. At u o'clock the exercises open
ed by music from the Chapel Grove Band
As the Confederate veterans and military en-
tered the courthouse beautiful and appro-
pirate prayer was offered by Rev. 7. D. D.
Clark, pastor of the Baptist Church. Capt.
John ]. Williams, commander of the Gen.
Turner Ashby Camp, introduced Capt. VIM.
n. Mcdonald, formerly an ordinance officer OF
the Turner Ashby Brigade, who delivered an
interesting eulogy on Major James W. Thorn
son, who had lost his life while leading cav
airy charge at High Bridge on General Lees
retreat from Petersburg. After giving sketch
of the life of Mr.. Thomson, Captain Mcdonald
said his martial spirit was perhaps first dis
played at Harpers Ferry during the John
Brown raid in 1859. In company with his
father, who took part in the fight that occur
red there between the citizens and the insur-
rectionists as they came near the engine-house
which Brown Yves holding, Hon. John A
Thomson, his father, directed him to shoot
from under cover. mo sir" replied the boy,
mo lodging for mo. l go right along with
the rest" At the conclusion of Captain Nc
Donalds address the Friendship Military Band
of Winchester PLAYED "Dixies Land" when
the crowd yolled themselves hoarse.
Congressman Hooker of Mississippi, was
then introduced by Captain Williams and was
received with applause. General Hooker
apologized for not having manuscript, saying
that it was a task for him to write since the
loss of his arm. He appeared dressed in Con-
federate gray, as did General Early, who de-
livered the annual memorial address here IN
1880 His empty sleeve was conspicuous and
LOT IILy minutes HclQ dbtShhO' - N-->
audience and was frequently interrupted by
applause He declared that during the late
war the South was battling for 'home rule
and State rights" and while apologizing fol
nothing, he spoke in generous terms OF the
bravery and heroism of the Federal soldisS
He paid a tribute to General Grant forrefusing
to allow General Lee to be indicted and i'm
prisoned General Hooker's speech made
profound impression upon the citizens of thi:
vicinity.
At 3 pollock the parade was formed, compos'
ed as follows Major S. ]. c. Moore, of Clarke
county. chief marshal, and aids the Friend
ship Fire Company, headed by the Friendship
Military Band, 100 strong the Sarah Zan'
Fire Company, so men several companies o
the Second Virginia Regiment, the Confeder
ate Veterans, Camps of Martinsburg, Charlie:
Town, Berryville, Strasburg and Winch ester
and Sons of Veterans, headed by the Chape
Grove Band. The procession marched t.
stonewall Cemetery, and after several dirgei
by the bands the graves were decorated.