Evening journal., 1913-06-02
DUPONT POWDER TRAIN
OVER SAME TRAIL 100 YEARS
AFTERPERRY' ERIE VICTORY

Drawn by six dapper grsys, and es-
corted by four picked troopers from
the Fifteenth United States Cavalry.
the ConestoFa wagon. made memoir
able by the late Howard Pyle, artist,
who so aptiy depicted the original
team on it's way to Lake Erie in May,
1872. with duPont-powder for Commo-
dore Perry. that made possible the
victories OF American seamen over the
British. started on its five hundred
mile journey to Erie from the DUPONT
Powder Mills on the Brandywine at
noon today.
Like the team of the early days, the
wagon was filled with wooden pow
Ger kegs but they were empty today.
A sign on the canvas cover of the
wagon bore the words:
Carrying dupont Powder 10 Perry,
Wilmington, Delaware, TO Eric, Pa,
1S12-1913."
To add realism to the scene at Ris-
ing Sun today. the residents OF that
village turned out in full to see the
team off When the start was made
there was a shout and much applause
Tar different when the original start
was made. with the dangers from In
dians. the allies of the British, lurking
along the roads and waylaying the
team.
In those days the powder train con-
sisted Of several wagons and a de-
tachment Of troops Then tho resi-
dents OF the little village along the
Brandywine we're not apprised Of the
arrival Of the team at Eric until
Perry's famous message was received,
I'VE have met the enemy and they are
our. Two ships, two hrigs, one
schooner and one sloop.'
Just who we're the drivers OF those
days is unknown. but many OF the
older residents along the banks Of
the Brandywine today while waiting
for the wagon to leave the Yards Of
the powder company told OF the
perilous-trips Of their day.
The route from the powder mills
70 the Hotel DUPONT today was one
continuous path Of enthusiasm While
the wagon was not proceeded BY any
brass band or other attraction. seldom
/ IL ever did a parade or display in this
city attract more attention. The
wagon train and its escort passed ul
Market street from Front street, and
4 4. and other streets traversed were
black with people On every hand
American flags we're seen. Those
who had not suspended the National
colors from their windows had small
children waving them from the door
steps as the-Ragon passed along.
The wagon train will participate in
the centennial anniversary Of this
Battles Of the Great Lake 10 be held
/ in Erie. Pa, and other lake cities
next month II is in charge Of Sam.
uel Wesley Long the magazine writer
and Frank c. Stjdham. Of This city
was brakeman. Harry Immel Of Len.
caster. who servedin the ouartermat
tiers Department. Of the T. s. A.. in
! the Philippines. Ia the driver. The
four troopers with the wagon are
Sereeant Joseph l.. Smith. Troop q
Fifteenth Cavalry: Private Marcus Q
Giles. Troop A. Private George Stat
ham. Troop r. and Private Byron w
Peyton. Troop D. Fifteenth Cavalry
All have made honor records in tn
4 Governments service, both In m
Philippines and elsewhere. The
wore blue uniforms copied from III
Government models of the period o
1S12-14. similar TO those worn by III
escort of the original powder trail
that went to the relief Of Perry.
Their side arms were sabres an'