Civil War 1861-1865

approach, we may imagine to-day, though even now can scarcely appreciate the responsibilities of the Union commander, and understand some of the reasons for what, in the nervous anxiety of that moment, might have been considered by some as too tardy a pursuit. He was, however, on the right track ; the van of his army reached Frederick on the 12th of September, Lee, with the greater part of his command, having left it two days before.

the great cause for which they had already sacrificed so much, could have possibly sustained them.

us with success elsewhere. But on this line, too, disappointments awaited us, all the keener for the expectations thus excited. Our first reverse occurred at Cedar Mountain on the 9th of August, when the corps commanded by General Banks, arrayed unsupported against three divisions of the Rebel army under Jackson, Ewell and Hill, most advantageously posted, after accomplishing all that heroic men could against overpowering odds, was forced back with severe loss.

people. So high wrought had become the popular feeling in that connection, that the slightest indication of success or defeat in the movements of that army exerted, for a time at least, an influence on the public mind entirely disproportioned to any intrinsic importance attaching to it.

that had not returned at the commencement of the action on the evening of the 16th, but came in most opportunely to his support before its conclusion on the following day. This inference is rendered certain by other Southern accounts of the number engaged.

authorizing the purchase of a part of the battle field for the reception of its dead, and an appropriation of five thousand dollars placed at the command of the Governor for that purpose. Directly thereafter he visited the ground, examined it, and after consultation with prominent citizens, selected this spot, embracing in its view the most interesting points to the field of battle, as the proper site for the proposed cemetery. Subsequent legislation increased the State's appropriation to fifteen thousand dollars. Trustees were appointed to superintend the work.

THE ORATION OF EX-GOVERNOR BRADFORD.

Ex-Governor BRADFORD then delivered the Oration.

PROGRAMME OF ARRANGEMENT
And ORDER OF EXERCISES for the
CEREMONIES of the DEDICATION of the
ANTIETAM NATIONAL CEMETERY,
And the LAYING of the CORNER-STONE of the MONUMENT,
SEPTEMBER 17, 1867.

The Marshal and Assistant Marshals will assemble at KEEDYSVILLE, at 9 o'clock, A. M.
The Military will form at KEEDYSVILLE, at 1O½ A. M. on the pike leading to Sharpsburg, west of the railroad.

ORDER OF PROCESSION
AT THE
CEREMONIES OF THE DEDICATION
OF THE
ANTIETAM NATIONAL CEMETERY,
and the
LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE
of the
MONUMENT,
September 17th, 1867

CHIEF MARSHAL.
LT. COL. JAMES M. MOORE, U.S.A.
ARTILLERY.
INFANTRY.
GENERAL GRANT AND STAFF.
MAJOR GENERAL MCCLELLAN AND STAFF.
MAJOR GENERAL BURNSIDE AND STAFF.
EX-OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES.

SPEECH OF PRESIDENT JOHNSON.

Governor Swann then introduced to the assembly President JOHNSON, who, advancing to the front of the platform was greeted with applause. He said :