| The Origin of Decoration Day |
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| In an address given by Rev. G. F. Eaton of Waltham, the following interesting account of the origin of Decoration Day is given: |
| It will be seventeen years next Saturday since the Grand Army of the Republic first decorated the graves of their heroic dead. The honor of inaugurating this impressive and touching ceremony belongs to Gen. John A. Logan, who, as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army, issued an order for this service in May 1868. |
| If we should, however, go back of this written history, and, without detracting in the least from the honor due to Gen. Logan, inquire, how came this order to be written? What suggested and gave birth to this beautiful thought? We should likely find that we owe very much to the loving heart and persuasive example of woman. |
| IN the National Tribune, Feb. 21, 1884, is a communication headed, “The Mother of Memorial Day.” In this communication it is stated that Mrs. Sarah Nicholas Evans, then just deceased, was one of four ladies with whom the observance originated of what has since become our National Memorial Day. On the 13th of April, just one year after the fall of Sumpter, she, with Mrs. May, wife of the chaplain of the regiment, and her two daughters, Josie and Etta, gathered wild flowers and strewed them on the graves of those who had been their schoolmates and neighbors at home. But they did not stop there, but continued their sublime work until the graves of all the heroic dead at Arlington had been decked by the loving hands of those noble women. In May, of the next year, the same tribute of love was paid to the graves of our soldiers sleeping at the same place, and again in May, 1864, at Fredericksburg, never thinking that their sweet, simple service would grow to be one of national importance. |
| This day is now observed in nearly every town and city in this republic. More than four thousand Grand Army posts, besides Sons of Veterans and other kindred organizations, unite in this tribute to patriotism every year. In the original order given by Gen. Logan, he said: “It is the purpose of the commander-in-chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades.” |
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| Regiments Losing the Most Men |
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| After the war I was appointed clerk in the war department, and my duties were to go over the rolls of each regiment and obtain the number killed, wounded and those who died of wounds. Below you will find a correct list as I found on the records in 1867: |
| 5th N. Y. (mustered in U. S. service for the term of two years)—Number of men sworn in, 1508 ; killed, wounded, or died of wounds, 719. |
| 83d Pa. (three years regiment)—Number of men sworn in, 1798 ; killed, etc., 684. |
| 104th Pa. (three years regiment)—Number of men sworn in, 1149 ; killed, etc., 432. |
| 55th Ill. (three years regiment)—Number of men sworn in, 1171 ; killed, etc., 348. |
| 15th Mass. (three years regiment)—Number of men sworn in, 1348 ; killed, etc., 467. |
| The heaviest loss in any one engagement for the time engaged and for the number of men engaged was the 5th N. Y. at 2d Bull Run, 1862. The loss was, killed, wounded and died of wounds 310 out of 490—[B. F. Gilman, 32d Mass., Boston, in National Tribune.] |
| The percentage of losses in the five regiments was as follows: 5th New York, 47 2-2 per cent ; 83d Pennsylvania, 38 per cent ; 140th Pennsylvania, 37 1-2 per cent ; 15th Massachusetts, 34 2-3 per cent ; 55th Illionois, 20 2-3 per cent. It will be seen that in the percentage of losses the 15th Mass. regiment stands fourth. At the battle of Antietam, the regiment, then under command of Lieut. Col. J. W. Kimball, lost 57 per cent of the number actually engaged. |
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| CARLISLE |
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| There were a large number at the Wed. evening prayer meeting, Miss Lottie Adams in the chair. We hope to have other ladies in the chair soon. |
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| ACTON |
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| Rev. Rhoades is having his vacation. He went last week to Brooklyn, N.Y. to visit his brother, who is also a minister. It is expected that he will attend the anniversaries at Ashbury Park, N.J., which lasts from May 24 to June 2. |
| Fred W. Reed has secured a position in the milk business in Somerville. |
| The military spirit is very lively here among the boys. |
| Mrs. Jonas Handley was buried in Woodlawn cemetery Tuesday p.m. She died in Lowell. |
| Dr. Francis O. Nash of Hollister, Cal. was a visitor here last week, the guest of F. C. Nash, Esq. |
| Mrs. E. Hall visited in Newton last week. |
| Rev. Samuel W. Whitney of Stow supplied the pulpit of the Baptist church last Sabbath morning. The text, Prov. 20, 29—“The glory of young men in their strength.” An excellent discourse. |
| The C. L. S. C. met Thursday evening last week at Mrs. E. H. Hall's. |
| The Star Mission Circle will meet this (Friday) afternoon with Miss Lizzie Robinson. |
| Law business called F. C. Nash, Esq. to New York City last week also to Staten Island, N. Y. |
| Quite a number of people from this village attended the “Graduate's Organ Recital” given in Boston last Saturday by Miss Emma C. Hall. Prof. Tourjee speaks in the highest terms of her musical attainments and ability. |
| Those who have flowers to contribute for Decroation Day are requested to bring them to the Baptist vestry to-morrow (Saturday) p.m. at 2 o'clock and arrange them for use the following Monday. |
| Julia and Carl Rhoades find pleasant entertainment in the family of Charles H. Burroughs while their parents are away in N. Y. and N. J. |
| Memorial services at the Unit. church in South Acton next Sunday p.m. Rev. Geo. Dustan will address the meeting. |
| A delegation of citizen soldiers of Acton met the committee on claims yesterday afternoon to advocate such action of the Legislature as may secure them the bounties which the town is willing to pay them, have voted to pay them, and received permission from the Legislature to pay them, but which they have not yet paid, as the Supreme Court has decided that the money so voted in 1864 was a gift, and the town has no right to pay it. General Butler was expected to be present and make the argument. The committee waited until 5 o'clock. Colonel Thomas W. Porter of Boston, formerly of the Fourteenth Maine, took charge. He reviewed the history of the case, and asked the committee for a bill authorizing the State treasurer to pay these thirty-one men $125 each. The committee will meet at 10 o'clock Wed.—[Globe.] |
| Rev. Mr. Osgood of the Centre church has indicated his intention to close his labors with it on June 27. |
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| BEDFORD |
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| Chalmers Leavitt and wife of Providence, R. I. are making their annual visit at the Stearns mansion. |
| Bedford friends dined with Mrs. Cyrus Page at the Red Rock House, Lynn, Mass., one day this week. This worthy lady always extends a hearty welcome to our people. |
| Again the ardor of the seekers for antique furniture was dampened by the rain of Tues. but the sale went on. |
| The slate slabs in the old burial ground have been straightened and the yard presents a more creditable appearance than for years. |
| We have received a letter from Henry Wood which will appear in our next. It is dated Danville, Cal. |
| A variety of specimens of fruit from Mr. Henry Wood, now in California, have been forcible reminders of the sunny land of the Pacific slope. |
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