The Weekly constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1881-1884, October 25, 1881, Image 7

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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION, OCTOBER 25, 1881 l ON THE FIELD WHERE LORD CORNWALLIS SUR RENDERED. ???The Celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Hattie of Torktown???An Interesting Sketch of the Xvent???The Brilliant Programme Enacted on the Grounds Yesterday. .???jKfittl to The Constitution. 'Vobktoivs, Octolicr III.???Ono hundred years sjgo this morning, American iinlcjien- eienec was wtablialieij and tlie republic of the fJnitcd States was born! On the hill sides and slopes in front of me, sis I write, just a round century ago, the nl- Jlcd French and Americans rested on their ttrins, while fl???Ilaru tendered to Washington the sword of Cornwallis. Tlie exact sjsit on which the lending events of that day, fateful in ho man history, occurred, are pointed out ???with ammranee that carries conviction. The Sines of fortifications and earthworks of the revolution have been obliterated 8>y * the years, hut on every side Xhe linos of a later and more dreadful wurure visible. Hundreds of men who are here to celebrate tin- centennial of our independence, fought less than twenty years ago, Americans against Americans, behind those very ritle pits, and on tl??is sacred field where full hu man liberty had its birth. It is testimony to tin-renl union of American sentiment, and the common regard for our common country, that tlie heart of every spectator to-day turns -gratefully to the yientory of 1781, and that every eye is lifted above tiie scenes of It is impossible in a newspaper sketch to give even a synoptical history of Vorktoivn??? its siege, its strategics, and the surrender, < >11 the 30tli of .September tlie investment of <lse English army at Yorktown began. By ???sea and by land, coming together with thoox- aictiie.ss of a machine tiie French and Ameri can Sore'-, blocked in the fated army. Owing fo the imperfect advantages a Horded tiie armies in those days, it was tlie 5th of October before the scigo was fairly established. ???On the Utii the eanmuiadingopened and some few outlying Itritish redoubts were taken. Two redoubts only 000 yards from the main Jine of the Itritish were begun, anil Lord Cornwallis seemed to understand for tlie first <iine that there was real danger. A historian isavs of the fighting after this: The solemn business of the siege was now <o begin. Outlie filii of October .Major Lilt- <-olu and the Fomctcdc Yioincnil commanded an I lie trenches, witli troops from their re spective divisions to guard them. At three o clock the Touraiue buttery opened tire, and Jit taethe American lmtterv on the extreme fight- In (lie latter Washington is said to have applied the lirst match, and, according ???to some of the journals of the siege, tiie shot which he fired did no insignificant damage. ' The Itritish were surprised, if not dismayed, at the sudden vomiting ???of tlscm. ji falsi! >f flame on two sides Wrapt in a pride which gave them ???nse of security they had reaiiilv be lieved. on the statements of supposed loyalists, that the allies were destitute of artillcfv. and Morgan, the spy, whom LaFayette liud early sentto tliem, had done ail tlrat he could to ???confirm that illusion. Tlie cannonade was ???continued during the night, and on the next ???day there was added to it tlie voice of every hattery along tlie parallel, Governor Nelson jiniiiiated the gunners witli his own zealous spirit and set the army an example of tinscl- -*i-li patriotism. Nosooner had tlie cannonading begun on tin* American side than he entered the trenches and carefully took aim at his ???own mansion, u conspieuoua mark among tlie low roofs of Yorktown. To tlie gunners he offered a guinea for every shot which hit it. Soon it was pierced through and through, anil t ???ornwallis prudently removed his flag anil headquarters to a???iqiot nearer the intrench- ; nenls and lietterprotected. In the forenoon the British tried to Ikinkthe French position by sending transports up tlie York river and funding a strong detachment west of the Touraiue l??aucry. Tlie Comte de Viomenil -ordered a strong tire to be directed against them and compelled them to return to their moorings under tlie Itritish works. About aimu on the 10th a powerful French battery was opened near the centre of the parallel -ind proved so effective that the lire of the Itritish soon begun to slacken. Tiie trenches ???each day were so tilled with idle lookers-on, ???fuseminted witli the spectacle of the siege, ???that measures had to Oo taken to exclude In the evening the frigate Gtiadaloujio, eitherutiempting to repeat, witli more suc cess, the maneuver of tlie transports, or else finding the French lire too severe, started up the river, hut was forced not only to turn ibout hut to abandon her former post. The I rharon, which had not moved, was riddled I with red-hot shot, and soon burst out into I 'lames. The siege, already tine, became nuig- I .???uiiieent. The night was dark, and every I cinder from tlie conflagration he came an | erratic star. There were moments of titful I illumination which revealed the whole laml- I 'cape, witli the frowning forti float ions and I tlie beleaguered town, while the opposing I forces seemed to gaze at each other spell- 1 bound and aghast. The aspect of all things I was changed and made more dreadful, in I ihe river every transport which was near the J < ???baron was seen hurrying away. The shores land the water contrasted strongly in tlie I lurid sheen of the one and the sliarp- I <y defined shadows of the other, land from every portliole of the fatal I "vessel vomited thiiucs and smoke. Atone I (time her spars and cording were literally of I (ire. and from hull to masthead she was com- I plctely enveloped. On the left of the Anier- I iean line and the right of the British, the I firing ceased entirely, and there seemed a I tacit truce while the conflagration lasted, lx hells from the American right and center, I however, were still discharged, and some of j hciu. overreaching the town, could be fol- | owed by the eye until they fell into tlie river. 1 Bursting with a great noise, they threw into | tiie air immense columns of water, likened bv an eye-w itness to "the spouting of mon- of tlie deep.??? In tlu* strange light the i-spray was of a thousand hues. ; | .On the following day tlie advance was made an the same order as mnn Williamsburg. ex- j*cept that some unimportant changes had oc curred in the brigades. The new intrencli- kuents w ere eoinpietcd and new batteries were U'egun. General Lincoln and tlie Marquis de I'Niint edmon were the ottioersof the day. The lEnglish resumed their cannonade and killed j>i.\ and wounded eleven of the French. On Fhe extreme right of the allies, almost over- ???Jianging the river, were two redoubts, 300 [yards in advance of the main fortifications ind commanding the new position of tlie allies [by the right think. The second parallel could lot lie eftective until they were captured, and t was resolved to carry them by storm. This tloriousduty*was equally divided between jthe American and French armies. While the pignal tor assault was impatiently awaited, a Jt : ritie fire was eoneentrated on the walls of jt i ???works, and its effect was closely watched. [Washington and Roehamlicau stood in ex- jp ????sl positions surrounded by their staffs. The utaron de Viomenil, exasperated at the slow kirogress of the cannonade, approached the Inter and urged an immediate onslaught. The ???tiein\???a guns were responding, but feeblv. J h???iotnenir fancied that a breach had already L. i n made The French commander-in-chief ilid not share in this opinion, and, in a man kier calculated to rebuke its inconsiderate ex pression, exclaimed. I ???You assert that tlie redoubt is already pnmatted. 1 will go and see.??? Tlie order was given to cease firing, and K-haniheuu, accompanied only by his son, e Vicomte de Boetiantbeau, descends from the battery intotlic ravine. Viomenil, whose impetuosity is tiie cause of this imprudent venture of his chief, is not accorded the priv ilege of sharing it, and watches from a dis tance. full of remorseful apprehension. The two distinguished scours reached tlie foot of the escarpment of the encmie's redoubt am! mount it ill the view of both armies almost to the parajiet, while the English, stricken witli amazement and stupefaction, do not even at tempt to punish their magnificent audacity. The count and vicomte look about them, ex change a few observations, and then, more calmly, more slowly than they went, returned to tlie'ir own lines. When they are once more beside theBaron dc Viomenil, the commander merely says to him, without a touch of bitter ness or reproach: ???Tlie abatis and palisades are still in good condition. In order to demolish the parapet <>ur fire mast he redoubled. To-morrow we shall see if tlie pear is ripe,??? The 14tli wax fixed upon by General Wash ington as tlie day for tlie taking of the re doubt. Tiie intervening time was without incident in the cainp of tlie besiegers except the killing and wounding of a few of the al lies. The Marquis de La Fayette and tlie Vi comte de Viomenil commanded in the trenches, and tlie latest works were very near completion. At night the cannonading on tlie part of tlie allies became more ami more deafening and tlie air was filled with shot and shell. On the morrow the command of the trenches fell to Baron Steuben jmd tlie Baron de Viomenil, and the guard was drawn from their re.-jicctivc corps. The storming parties, each numbering about 400 men, were com- tiosed of tlie light infantry of thcGatenaixand Dcux-I???onts regiments and chosen battalions from LaFayctt's division. The hitter were tiiose commanded by Gimat and Hamilton and a part of,tliatof Laurens. La Fayette, desiring to honor particularly his aide-de-catup, wholiad joined the army the same year as himself and to whom he was greatly attached, had bestowed on him the immediate command of the de tachment. but Colonel Alexander Hamilton, as field officcrof the day, entered a protest and claimed it for himself. It was accorded him by Washington, and Major Nicholas Fish, of New York, led his battalion in his stead. This was composed of three Connecticut, two New York, and one New Hampshire company, two of which had been taken from ScammcU???s old corps. To Gamut's aattalion, as the oldest light infantry in the service, was given the place of honor, the first rank. A party of sap pers and miners, under Captains Gilliland and Kirkpatrick, was detailed to remove whatever obstruction might prove to he in the way of the assault. The remainder of the light infantry division was drawn up as a re serve. asccond one, composed of two battalions of tlie Pennsylvania line, being placed in its rear. The grenadiers and chasseurs of tiie Gate- nais and lteux-Ponts regiments had been, for this occasion, formed into a single battalion by tlie Baron do Viomenil, and its conduct was confided by him to the Comte Guillaume de Ueux-Ponts, a brave and enthusiastic spirit and the second officer of the regiment which Imre his name. It was a distinction that had been eagerly desired, and tnc baron deemed it enough simply to say to him, ???Je compte sur vous.??? The Baron de l???Estrade, of the Gatcnais regiment was to be his lieu tenant. The French were to attack the redoubt on the left, the Americans the one nearest the shore, and the signal fora simultaneous ad vance was to he the firing of six shells. The Touraiue regiment and the troops of De Choisy before Gloucester were in the mean time to attempt a diversion of the enemy???s attention. In the afternoon a last rcconnoissancc was made. Viomenil, with the two lieutenant colonels and two trusty sergeants, approached the left redoubt, following carefully the route to he traversed after nightfall. llnchambeau at the same time entered the trenches to address his chosen band. His words were of that simple and familiar char acter which find their way so quickly to tlie heart of the F'rench soldier: ???To-night, my children, I have need of your aid. You have not forgotten,I hope, that we have served together in that brave regi ment of Auvergne sans taehe, a surname which it has ever well deserved???? ???Promise that our old name, the Royal- Auvergne.??? shouted the battalion, ???shall be given hack to us, and we will die to the hist man.??? Tlie promise was made. Rocliatnheau in his memoirs says: ??????they kept their word, charged like lions and lost a third of their number.??? Tlie comte was a faithful witness to their heroism, and the king with his own liaml wrote upon the order for tlie restitution of their name.??????Bon pour Royal-Auvergne.??? At the hour fixed upon, the signal was heard l>y the soldiers of both the allied na tions with bounding hearts. LaF'ayette on the previous evening had been asked by M. de Viomenil ???what could he hoped from the American troops.??? His answer was spirited: ???We are, I confess, young soldiers; but in this instance our tactic is to fire our musk and go straight ahead with the bayonet.??? The more prudent part of this promise was not kept. The Americans did not fire. At dark, as soon as the six shells were seen ca reering through the air. Hamilton led for ward his column. Laurens witCi liis two companies had been ordered to make a cir cuit and attack tlie redoubt in the rear. A forlorn hope of twenty men under Licuten aut John Mansfield steadily kept the advance. Not a vestige of irresolution, not a tremor was observable in the ranks. The discipline was superb and evere movement was made with the precision of a parade. It did not take long to cross the ravine and soon this silent approach through the thick shadow: was changed to a swift onset and tlie enforced calm to t iie wildest excitement. The soldiers, refusing to wait for the sappers and miners to break down the abatis, climbed up and over them and scrambled into tii ditch without an instant???s delay. Captain Stephen Olney, of Rhode Island, witli the first company of the main column, followed close after Mansfield, and, under the heavy fire which tiie surprised enemy directed against them, the parapets were sealed by each division of the party at almost the same mo ment, Laurens and Hamilton meeting in the center of tiie works. Ten minutes had scarce ly elapsed from the time the Americans left the trenches before their task was accomplish ed and all the British who had not escaped had laid down their arms. Major Campbell, who was in command, surrendered to Colonel Laurens, whose two companies still bore in bitter remembrance the wanton murder of Scammell, their beloved chief. A captain of a New Hanqishirc regiment rushed forward and threatened the life of Campbell, and but for the interposition of Hamilton, would probably have killed him. Colonel Annand, marquis de la Roucrie, afterward famous as a cavalry officer, and three officers of his com ntand,' distinguished thetnselvesas volunteers, setting a magnificent example of impetuous daring. Lieutenant Colonel Gimat, Major Gibbs, Captains Olney. Hunt, Kirkpatrick and Betts and nine soldiers were wounded. Nine others were killed. LaFayette in the exaltation of liis victory gave a playful proof of it in the message wiiici ne immediately sent to the Baron de Viomenil who had questioned the mettle of his troops. ???Ask hint,??? said he to aide-de-camp. Colonel Barber, ???if he has need of assistance. Tell him I am in my redoubt and find out if he is yet in his.??? On the way the messenger was wounded, but he seriously fulfilled his mis sion. The baron smiled, thanked the colonel for his bravery and replied, "Tell the marquis that I am not yet in mine, but will be in fiv minutes.??? A new battery was unmasked in the second parallel on the 15th and the line of intreiieh- ntents was completed. The success of the previous night had filled the French with too absolute a confidence and the soldiers who manned one of the redoubts at the center of the second parallel were found to he entirely off their guard when in tlie evening they were spied upon by some hold scouts front the British lines. Sentinels had been placed at only rare intervals and the men of the Agenais and Soissonna???s battalions, the former of whom had shared the glory of tlie previous night, did not even take tlie trouble to guard tiie trenches, hut were gathered in groups, where they recounted to each other the dra matic an<i comic incidents of the assault. When tired of this they lav down to slunibCT. In Yorktown in the meantime, BOO picked men were marshalled under Lieutenant-Colonel Ambcrcombie, and at five o???clock in the morning, when tlie dawn was gray, they sal lied forth. Crossing the Intervening hollow with stealthy rapidity they mounted the epaulement liefore they could lie challenged by the drowsy sentinels, and fell ttjion them, d???estoc at de tulle. Those of the French who were awakened were too bewildered to offer immediate resistance, and the British succed- ed in spiking the guns of the battery with bayonets. They then attacked another on the right, which was guarded by a Massachu setts regiment. Major-General Lincoln and General de Ciiastelleux were in charge of the trenches, but neither of them learned of _ _ the sortie until the mis chief had been done. The Marquis de Noailles, who commanded the reserves, heard the Britisii shouts and immediately charged at the head of his grenadiers, raising the cry of ???Vive le roi!??? The assailants were quick ly repulsed, and retired without any useful advantage. The guns which, they had at tempted to render unfit for service were un spiked ami at the end of six hours ware'ngain belching their destruction upon Yorktown. The gallantry ??f the English won the praises of tlieir enemies, and especially that of a sergeant of the king???s guards, whose death was so noble that he was buried in tlie para pet of the battery that lie had stormed. There were found also in the trench thirty- seven wounded, twenty-one of whom were of the allies. Tlie siege was nearing its climax, and the interest and excitement had. grown so great among tlie allies that the eomniander-in-ehief found it again necessary to repress the curios ity of those not actually on duty at tiie front. Tiie whole of the allied line was now mount ed with mortars and cannon, each of which was constantly working. Aim was taken at every embrasure in the enemy???s fortifications, and many of liis guns were silenced, while the parapets in several places were almost en tirely beaten down. The noise of tlie firing so terrific that tlie whole peninsula icemcd to tremble. Lord Cornwallis had relinquished almost his last hope of avoiding a capitulation. His expected reinforcement, according to the promise of Sir Henry Clinton, should have sailed from New York about the 5th of Octo ber and ought long before to have presented tself outside the capes. Whether it had or not lie did not know. hut there was good rea- iti to suppose that it could not possibly effect in entrance, as tlie French fleet still lay at an- hor, barring the passage. He therefore re lived upon a supreme effort to escape. The greatest liaroc. liad been wrought in the works and they were no longer tenable. Many of the guns were shattered and dis mounted anil no spot within the town was secure from the marvellous firing of the American artillerymen. Cornwallis??? own description of his attempted flight will uffice. ???I had to choose,??? lie says, between preparing to surrender next day or endeavoring to get off with the greatest part of the troops, and I deter mined to do tlie latter, reflecting that though it should prove unsuccessful in its immediate ihject, it might at least delay the enemy in the prosecution of further enterprises. Six teen large boats were prepared, and upon other pretexts were ordered, to he in readiness receive troops precisely at ten o???clock. With these I hoped to pass the infantry dur ing the night; abandoning our baggage and leaving u detachment to capitulate for the town???s people and the sick and wounded; on which subject a letter was ready to he deliv ered to General Washington. After making my arrangements with the utmost secrecy, the light infantry, the greatest part of tlie guards and part of the Twenty-third reg iment landed at Gloucester; hut at this ritieal moment the weather, . from being moderate and calm, changed to a most violent storm of wind and rain, and drove all tlie boats, some of which had troops on board, down the river. It was soon evi dent tiiat the intended passage was impracti cable, and the absence of the boats rendered it equally impossible to bring hack the troops that had passed, which 1 had ordered about two in tlie morning. In this situation, with my little force divided, the enemy???s batteries opened at daybreak; the passage between this place and Gloucester was much exposed, hut the boats having now returned they were or dered to bring back the troops that had pass ed during the night, and they joined us in the forenoon without much loss.??? o???clock, and that the troops surrender their arms at two in tlie afternoon. Cornwallis obeyed. When the sun was at its meridian the* allies took possession of Yorktown, an American and French detachment???the one led by Colonel Butler and the other hv the Marquis de la Val???each occupying a re doubt on the left of the works. Tlie surrend er of tlie arms and standards was doubtless one of tlie most imposing and affecting spec tacles ever witnessed in warfare. The field chosen for it is about a mile from York, on tiie Hampton turnpike. It is a wide plain, descending in long, sweeping undulations to ward the York river. Tiie way thither was lined by the allied troops, the French on the left and the Americans on the right. The former were gallantly arrayed, their white uniforms, plumed hats and gilded standards gleaming famously in the anient snn. Tlie Americans presented a som bre, though soldierly, appearance. Their dress was not uniform and was much worn. Their heads were proudly erect and every eye beamed with gladness. Tlie French and American colors were unfurled near the front of the columns???the one the golden fleur de lis on a white silk ground ami the. other the simple hut beautiful stars and stripes. At tlie head of each army was its cnnimander-in- eliief, mounted upon a magnificent charger. Surrounding each were liis staff and liis gene ral officers. As tlie positions were being taken tlie French hand discoursed its most inspirit ing strains of martial melody. Washington was magnanimously solicitous that liis fallen foes should not he insulted, and requested liis soldiers to refrain from cheering. Posteri ty would give them sufficient applause. ???A vast concourse of citizens,??? says a his torian, ???almost equaling in numbers the mili tary, was assembled from the surrounding country to participate in tlie joy of the event. Universal silence prevailed as the vanquished troops slowly marched out of their entrench ments and passed between the combined armies.??? They had on the previous day been given new uniforms, and tlieir loi g files ap peared in all tlieir scarlet splendor; hut, as the Abbe Robin observes, ???ail tlieir finery only served to humble them tlie more in contrast with the miserable appearance of the Americans.??? The eye-witnesses of tiie scene dwell upon the lively expectation which was felt by all the allies of seeing Lord Corn wallis, whose name anil qualities had inspired them with respect and admi ration. They were keenly disappoint ed, however, for he did not come, being opportunely indisposed. General O???Hara led his army and bore his sword. The British moved in it disorderly manner and did not attempt to hide thoirsuilen discontent. The appropriate tune to which they chose to march was ???The World Turned Upside Down.??? Adjutant-General Duinarf directed General O???Hara to the spot where General Lincoln was stationed, whom Washington had designated to receive the surrender. Tlie latter???salute<l him and placed l.imself on liis left. General O???Hara asked: ???Which is General Ruehambcau???? Dumas answered, ???On our left, at the head of the French line.??? O???Hara then hastened before Rochambeau and tendered him tlie humble sword. The French commander, however, simply designa ted to him General Washington, who sat upon liis white steed immediately opposite, telling him that as the French army was only aux iliary to tlie American the formal honors of the surrender belonged to tlie latter. O???Hara approached Washington and was about to draw the sword from its scabbard to present to him. The latter made a negative sign and exclaimed: Never from so brave a hand! In giving the order to lav down arms sonic of the British subaltern officers and many of Cornwallis??? plan, if he succeeded in cross ing to Gloucester,'was to disperse the troops of De Choisy with Taileton???s cavalry, mount his infantry on horses captured from De Lnu- zun???s legion or others that might he seized in tlie neighborhood, anil by rapid inarching ;ain the forks of the Rappahannock and Po tomac. Thence lie would force his. way through Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey amt join Clinton at New York. It was a desperate hope, and it the elements had not been against him it is not probable that the English general could have broken so easily through the allied lines in the rear of Gloucester. At .Ml events liis course could probably have been delayed until Washing ton could have sent reinforcements to De Choisy. In the allied camp the news of the attempted flight found everybody in expectation of being ordered forward toa general assault. In every heart there was ardor for the combat and impatience for tlie end. The English themselves were tired of a resistance which brought them no glory. Their hospitals were full and their magazines were near empti ness. At 10 o???clock on the 17th of October, tiie anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a dnnnmereiad in scarlet climbed upon a part of the parapet which still re mained mtaet and commenced the beating of a parley. Ilardiy an English gun was work ing. hut the American cannonade was still incessant, and drowned all other und. But tiie drummer was seen, if lie was not heard. and very si Min there was a lull in the brazen tempest. A blindfolded officer was led to tlie American headquarters, and delivered to General Wash ington a polite letter from Lord Cornwallis, asking a suspension of arms for twenty-four hours and the appointment of joint commis sinners to settle upon terms of capitulation. The earl???s expressions were not entirely clear and Washington in reply demanded to have written and explicit proposals as a basis of treaty. Hostilities were resumed. At four o???clock another flag of truce crossed tlie lines, convoying an express prayer for terms of sur render. Washington granted a susjiension of arms. He appointed Colonel I .a Vi rens as his repersentative, while the Comte de Roeliambeau named the Vicomte de Noailles and the Comte de Grasse, the Commandant de Gruucliain. Lieu tenant-Colonel Dundas and Major Ross were sent by Cornwallis. The commissioners met in a liouse owned by Mr. Moore, about one mile southeast of the village, near the bank of the river. One of the demands of tlie van quished was that they should receive tlie honors of war and be sent to England on tlieir parole that they would not serve again during the present war against either America or France. Washington and the majority of liis generals seemed inclined to deal witli them as mildly as was consistent with public inter est and were averse to imposing on them any needless humiliation. But as tlie ques tion was about to be determined LaFay ette arnica red in the council and protested warmly against such indulgence as was asked. He revived the chagrin and vexation which had been caused by Lincoln's surrender at Charleston, when the American troops were compelled to march out of their works with colors rased and to tlie music of a British or German tune. The logic of retaliation pre vailed. and Cornwallis was obliged to accept the articles of capitulation almost literally as they were first dictated by Washington. They were fourteen in number. On the morning of the 19th Washington sent them to the earl, accomjianied by a note in which he requested that they be signed by eleven the soldiers, in obeying it, betrayed their vex ation of spirit. A few even shed tears, and one bit his sword in silent rage. At Gloucester a similar ceremony of surren der was repeated, the garrison defiling before Generals de Choisy and Wecdon. The prisoners were 7,198. One thousand of these, being sailors, were together with the shipping in the harbor, surrended to the French admiral. Two hundred and seventy- four cannon, 7,320 muskets and 457 horses were taken. The colors of 28 regiments were delivered. By death, wounds and desertion the enemy liad lost previous to the surrender 552 men; tlie French 5!) killed and 125 wounded; the Americans 27 killed and wounded. Immediately after tlie surrender three aides- de-eamp in the name of Washington, of Rochambeau and of LaFayette, presented themselves at Cornwallis??? quarters to express a polite solicitude regarding his health. On the evening of the22d, he was invited to dine witli the Comte de Rochambeau, but all the delicate efforts of liis hosts could not dispel liis melancholy. Similar attentions were shown the other captive officers. The French particularly were untiring in tlieir courtesies, and won the esteem and gratitude of those who hut lately had execrated them. Thatcher describes the appearance of York town three days after tlie signing of the ca pitulation. ???I have this day,??? he says, ???vis ited the town of York to witness' the de structive effects of the siege. It contains about sixty houses, some of which are ele gant. (Many of them are greatly damaged and some totally ruined, being sfiot through in a thousand places and honeycombed,ready to crumble to pieces. Rich furniture anil books were scattered over the ground, and the carcasses of men and horses, half covered with earth, exhibited a scene of ruin and hor ror beyond description. The cartli in many places is thrown up in mounds by the force of our shells, anil it is difficult to* point to a pot where a man could have resorted for safety.??? Such is the history of Yorktown, gleaned from various sources, and synopsized briefly. As unimportant ns the details may be in tlie light of tlie tremendous war since fought on American soil, it is doubtful if the records of history furnish a parallel in far-reaching ini- precious legacy which our fathers left to us, the love of liberty prompted by the law of that historic scene we here celebrate. Xo feat ure is more prominent and none more touching than the {nirticipution of our gallant allies tram across the sea. It was their presence which gave fresh and vigorous impulse to the hopesof our countrymen, when well-uigh disheart ened by a long series of disasters. It was their no ble anu generous aid extended in the darkest oeriod of the struggle which sjied the coming of our tri umph and made the capitulation at Yorktown pos sible a century ago. To their dc seeudants and representatives who are here present as honored guests of the nation, it is my glad duty tooffer a cordial welcome. You have a right to share with us the associations which cluster about tlie day when your fathers fought side liy side with our fathers in the cause which was here crowned with success, and none of the memories awakened by this anniver sary are more grateful to us all than the reflection that the national friendship here so closely cemented have outlasted the mu fil iations of a changeful century. God grant, my countrymen, that they may ever remain unshaken, and that ever henceforth with ourselves and with all the nations of the earth may be at peace. The president was not interrupted during the delivery of his address, but there was great enthusiasm at its close. Marquis de Rocliembeau also made a grace ful response in French, and Baron Steuben in German. Tlie centennial ode was then sung, after which Honorable Robert C. Wintrop, of Massachusetts, delivered an oration, lie was followed by James Barron Hope, of Virginia, who read liis centennial jioem with fine effect. At tlie conclusion of tlie cremonies of tlie monument a reception was held LaFayette hall to which the general public was admitted. Secretary Blaine acted as master of ceremonial and General Joe Hawley, of Connecticut, introduced tlie peo ple to the president. In the line were all the governors of the states present, their stafisand the widow of President Tyler. Secretary Blaine at the celebration to-day read an order from President Arthur directing that in recognition of tlie friendly relations now and for so long subsisting between the United States and Great Britain, at tiie close of these ceremonies the British flag shall bcsaluted by the forces of the army and navy of the United States now at Yorktown. Randolph Disbrow, of Trenton, New Jersey, had hotli arms blown off' by the preniatuijp discharge of a cannon, while preparing to fire a salute to Governor Ludlow. Several dispatches received here to-day in dicate that reports have gone abroad that disorders, attended with bloodshed, have oc curred here. Nothing of the kind has hap pened. Tlie feature of the day was of course Win- throp???s speech. It was full of patriotic and eloquent points anil was applauded heartily. The scene on tlie stand was impressive including as it did tlie president and cabinet, the glittering French officers and naval and military officers. President Arthur???s reception was surpris ingly warm, and the allusions to him were cheered to the echo. He looked dull and heavy on the stage, hut became affable and bright at his reception and had a pleasant word for almost every one who shook hands with him. Blaine was the favorite figure with the crowd, Arthur anil Lincoln dividing honors for the second place, ltiaine was strikingly sad, and sat witli drooped head du ring the whole exercises., suggesting that his mind was with the dead president rather than with the crowd in front of him. The seenein Yorktown bay isa brilliant one, being filled with men of war, ships, sloops, yachts and bouts. The collection of troops is the largest seen in America since the war, and the military and naval re view set for to-morrow is looked for with interest. There is the greatest scarcity of food and water, both being sold for high prices. The Excelsior, to which the surgeons had been assigned was overcrowded, and the governor???s staff' went into camp, while he and friends went to Old Point Comfort for the night. There is universal complaint, but no remedy. There is great interest felt here in tlie At lanta exposition, and great crowds will attend it. Governors Blackburn, of Kentucky, Hoyt, of Pennsylvania, Jarvis, of North Car olina, and Huygood, of South Carolina, will certainly attend it. Governor Cornell, of New York, is trying to range so as to go, and hopes he can PINKHAM???S VEGETABLE COMPOUND. MBS. LYDIA E. PIHKH&H, OF LYHH, USS., do so. Governor Cullom, of Illinois, and Farnhain cannot go.. General \V. T. Sher man will certainly go. The other governors have not yet bcenscen, but it is hoped several will go. All express the greatest interest in the exposition, and those who can possibly go will do so. I shall he able to report to morrow definitely, who may be expected. II. W. G. BRAMBLE. portance andsigniticanee to the battlAlcscrib- rres poll ed, and tlie scenes of which your dent overlooks at this hour. * ?? Cornwallis showed beastly taste surrender- ig at such a place as Yorktown, when lie had such a pleasant precedent as Burgoyns???s surrender at Saratoga. At such a place as this is one would have though he???d prefer death to surrender. It is so bleak and inac cessible that one hundred years find it less than it was when lie laid down his arms. But to-day???s scenes made even Yorktown an interesting place. At eleven o???clock this morning the French and German delegates, escorted by Seeretary Blaine, were received by President Arthur in Lafayette hall and formally welcomed amid much enthusiasm. After the exchange of greetings the procession formed, headed by President Arthur, with Sec retary Hunt, followed by Secretary Blaine with the foreign guests. G*enefal Sher man and staff,General Hancock and staff, and the distinguished visitors inrrehed to the grand stand. Here Bishop Harris opened tlie proceedings with prayer. After prayer and singing the Poindexter centennial hymn. Secretary Blaine introduced President Ar thur who addressed the assembled multitude in congratulation. He was followed by Max Outrev, the French minister, in behalf of the French delegation. The following is President Arthur's speech: Upon this soil one hundred years ago, our fore fathers brought to a successful issue, their heroic strugale for independence. Here and then was established, and as we trust made secure upon this continent for ages yet to come, that principle of government which is the very flbre of our political svstem???sovereignty of the people. The resentments which attended, and for a time survived the clash of anas, have long since ceased to animate our hearts. It Is with uo feeling of ex ultation over a defeated foe that today we summon up a remembrance of those events which have made holv the ground whereon we tread. Surely no such unworthv sentiment could find harbor in our hearts so profoundly thrilled with expression of sorrow and sympathy which our national bereavemen*has evolved from the people of England and their august Sovereign, but it is alto gether fitting that we - should gath er here to refresh our souls with the content plation of the unfaltering patriotism, the sturdy zeal and the sublime faith which achieved the re sults we now commemorate, for so, if we learn aright the lesson of the hour, shall we lie ineited to transmit to the generations which shall follow the Tlie coni is reaped, the bare brown land Is sleeping in the sunshine bland Of late September; Now after harvest toil and mirth In restful calmness lies the earth, Like good lives past their prime. Ked tints of autumn touch tjie trees That rustle in the freshening breeze. And wave their branches strong: From hillside meadows loud mid clear Comes, clariou-like. a note of cheer, The thrush???s thrilling song. The busy wild bee llitteth by. Where honeysuckle waves on high. And late clematis grows: , A fair brown butterfly flees around A bramble branch that on the ground Its dainty tangle throws. The lowly bramble, taking root In common hedgerows, bearing fruit For common hands to pull; A boon to travelers on the road. It shows its gracious purple head With blossom beautiful. White flowers like pearly-tinted snow. Fair foliage red with autumn???s glow, Ripe fruit on one fair spray; Ah tne! my heart, wliat beauty lives In lowliest things that nature gives To blossom on our way. Ah me! my heart, what beauty shows In lowly lives that to their close Bloom sweetly out of sight; Sleek hearts that seek not worldly praise, That find in life???s secluded ways Dear love and deep delight. Fair lives that have a humble root. Sweet lives that hear a gracious fruit, Yet keep their spring time flowers Upon the bough where fruit hangs ripe, And where the fading leaf is type Of life???s decaying hours. We meet them in our daily path These humble souls, and each one hath A beauty-of its own; A beauty born of duty done, Of silent victories durably won, Of sorrow borne.alone. And when the frosts of death fall chill On these fair lives, that blossom still Though summer time is past; We, sighing, wish for quiet ways, i Wherein, like t..eirs. our shortening days Might blossom to the last. Cincinati Irish Citizen. Mr. Thomas Lewis, 02 Butler street, informs us that for seven years lie was afflicted with that dreadful malady, Sciatica, and being in duced to try St. J ieohs Oil, found almost immediate relief therefrom, and is now per fectly cured. Miss Frances E. Willard and other ladies of the north and south have established an associa tion the object oi which is to place an appropriate >r * * ' picture of Mrs. Polk bv tlie side of the portrait of her husband, President Polk, in the white house. VEGETABLE COMBOUNB. Is a Posit! re Care Halt of the Capital la the Loalulana State Lottery, After the last drawingof the Louisiana State Lottery it was reported that Mr. John Con ners, an engineeron the Louisville and Nash ville road, had drawn half the capital prize - $15,000. ???I understand, Mr. Conners,??? saida reporter, ???that you held half of ticket No. 43,713, the capital prize in the Louisiana State Lottery ? ??? ???Yes, sir. I did. On Wednesday last, tlie 7tli instant, I bought three halt tick ets of the agent here.??? ???Did you have any trouble or delay in getting your money???? ???Not a bit. On my return to Memphis I went to the Bank of Commerce, which collected the money for me. I got every cent of it.??? Mr. Conners is a line specimen of the American mechanic, broad-shouldered, well made and intelligent. There is no doubt but that he will put his winnings to good use. The next drawing is on November 8.???Memphis Ava lanche, September 20. oet!8 d&wlw for alt tho*o Fatnfbl Complaint* ani Wcntnc*??e?? bocuuimaa to our beat female population. It win cure entirely the vrorst form of Female ???pm- oil ovarian treuMee, Inflammation and Ulcera tlon, Falling and Displacements, and the consequent Spinal Weakness, and U particularly adapted to the Charge of life. It will dissolve end expel tnmors from the uterns la an early stage of development. Tho tendency to can cerous humors there is 'hccLed very *:>ccdUy fcy its use. It removes faintness, flatulency, destroys all craving for stimulants, and relieves weakness of the etomach. It cures Bloating, Headaches, Kerrous Prostration, General Debility. Sleeplessness, Depression and Indi gestion. Thr.t feeling of bearing down, causing pain, weight ami bachacho, is always permanently cured by its use. It will at oil times and under all circumstances act In harmony with the laws that govern the female system. For tho cure of Kidney Complaints of either sex this Compound is unsurpassed. LT1>IA E. PI XK IS Ail???S VEGETABLE COM POUND is prepared at 223 and 233 Western Avenue, Lynn, Moss. Price $1. Six bottles for $5. Sent by mail in the form of pills, also in the form oMoxcnges, on receipt of prico, $1 per box for cither. Mrs. Pinirham freely answers all letters of inquiry. Send for pamph let. Address os above. Mention this Paper. No family should be without LYDIA E, PINK HAM???S LIVER PILLS. They cure constipation, biliousness, torpidity of the liver. 25 cents per box. Sold by nil Druggists, -a june2&???dly sun wed r &wly nxt rd mat BROWN???S IRON BITTERS. BROWN???S IRON BITTERS are a certain cure for all diseases requiring a complete tonic; espe cially Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Inter mittent Fevers, Want of Appetite, Ijoss of Strength, Lack of Energy, etc. Enriches the blood, strength ens tho muscles, and gives new life to the nerves. Acts like a charm on the digestive organs, removing all dyspeptic symptoms, such as tasting the Ibod, Belching, Heat in the Stomach, Heartburn, etc. The only Ire- p reparation that will not blacken the teeth or give headache. Sold by all Drug gists at $1.00 a bottle. BROWN CHEMICAL CO. ' Baltimore, Md. See that all Iron Bitters ate male by Baown Cimcu Co. and have crossed red lines and trade mark on wrapper. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS. mau>4?????t*??ly nx tojor fol rd muff TROPIC FRUIT LAXATIVE. P.RESCKIBKD BY Prepared froir fcrutu A Belicious and Se- freslaiiug Fruit Lozenge, "Wliicli Serves tlie Purpose of* Pills end Dis agreeable Purgative Medicines. TROPIC-rnrrT LIXATIVE Is the best meimration in th** world lor Constipation, Rlli- dnsness, Hediehe, Pies, and all Kindred Com- nUinis. It a'ts g*ni!y, effectively, and Is deli cious io take. Clennsnur ??h*?? vystem tliorongbly. It imparts vliror to mind and body, tuid dispels Melancholy. Hypochm.rlr , 'i. Ac. <)(\e trial ron- vincts. Packed in bronzed (In boxenonly. PRICE 25 and 30 CTS. SOLD BY fill DRUGGISTS. ' feblO???d&wlv thar sat tues nx rd mat IMPERISHABLE PERFUME. Murray & Lanman???s FLORIDA WATER, Best for TOILET. BATH, and SICK ROOM. marts???pams thur sat tues&w9m rd nex mat