The Washington herald., 1911-11-08
FT. STEVENS MARKS
STAND OF LINCOLN
Memorial Bowlder Unveiled
On Historic Spot.
BLUE AND GRAY IN TRIBUTE
Veterans of Both Armies Present
mt Exercises Under Auspices of
Fort Stevens Lincoln Military
Park Association - Confederate
General the Orator of the Day.

Under the same battle-scarred nag that
forty-seven years ago unfurled its colors
to storm of bullets, a general OF the
Confederate army being the orator of
the day, nd-in the presence OF scores
Of Union veterans, as well as a delega-
ton from the thin gray line, a beautiful
tribute was yesterday paid the memory
Of Abraham Lincoln at the unveiling Of
the bowlder memorial to Lincoln on the
parapet OF Fort Stevens.
Where Lincoln stood.
The memorial is erected on the spot
where Lincoln stood exposed to the Con-
federate fire during Gen. Early's attack
on Washington, in July, 1854, and the
only time that Lincoln saw the troops in
action.
This memorial was placed by the Fort
Stevens Lincoln Military Park Associa-
ton. The wish Of the association is to
see the Federal government purchase
Fort Stevens and make of II a military
park.
In the presence OF Maj Gen. Leonard
Wood, u. S. A, of the members of the As
sociation Of the Sixth Army Corps, the
Grand Army of the Republic, the Loyal
Legion, the Women's Relief Corps, and
other patriotic societies, the great bowl
formal and the formal celebration Of the
placing of the memorial will be held
probably next July, on the anniversary
of the battle. The bowlder, which
weighs two and a half tons, was taken
from the Walter Reed Hospital grounds,
which were used during the battle by the
Confederates as a point from which to
attack Fort Stevens.
Blue and Gray Unite.
Between 400 and 500 friends Of the asso-
ciation, including veterans of both
armies, gathered on the site OF the bat
tIefeld, where rustic benches had been
provided.
president of the Second National Bank,
called the assemblage to order and
briefly told of the energy Of the associa-
tons treasurer. Lewis Cass White,
whose indefatigsbIe efforts have made
the erection of the monument possible.
A choir of $50 school children sang
Columbia, the Gem OF the Ocean"
Dixie" and other patriotic airs.
Col. John McElroy, OF the G. A. R.,
told of the strategic Importance Of the
battle OF Fort Stevens, saying that upon
its result depended the maintenance or
capitulation of the National Capital and
the speedy termination of the war.
The roll call OF the forty-six Union
soldiers killed in the battle and who are
buried but few yards from the monu-
ment was read by Col. E. F. Bingham.
As many names Of Confederate dead as
could be ascertsined were read, and their
memories euloGzed by the secretary Of
the association, Maj. A. s. Perham.
Touchingly referring to the heroes Of
the blue and gray, DR.. Thomas M. Vim
cent gave some data as to how many
OF the veterans who had saved Washing
ton are still spared to enjoy the fruits
of their valor.
Gen. Kings Tribute.
The orator Of the day, former Congress
man Floyd King, OF Louisiana, who COM
manded the artillery division of Gen.
Early's army that attacked Washington,
,eulogized Lincoln, chasing him as among
the really great men Of the world. He
spoke Of the martyred President as one
Of the stanchest friends of the South,
and said that to-day he was heartily
glad that Early's troopers had failed to
capture Fort Stevens.
Sculptor Richard Seek, OF Tennessee,
himself a Union veteran, unveiled the
bowlder. The exercises were closed with
benediction by Rev. ]. d. Bloodgood and
singing of America" by school children.