Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1889 — JEFF DAVIS LAID TO REST. [ARTICLE]

JEFF DAVIS LAID TO REST.

His funeral the Most Imposing Evir Witnessed in the Soutti. The funeral of Jefferson Davis, which took place in the Metaire Cemetery, where his body is temporarily placed in the tomb of the Army of Northern Virginia, at New Orleans, Wednesday, was one of the most imposing, and the most memorable in many respects, that has ever been witnessed in the South. It recalled to the minds of many of the older people who were present the grand outpouring of -the Southern people and the universal signs of genuine Sorrow and affection displayed on hat other notable occasion more than thirty-five years ago, when all that was mortal of another greatly beloved Southern leader, John C. Calhoun, was consigned to the grave.—On Monday morning and up to a late hour on Tuesday night the trains on every railroad leading into the city, as well as Xv teamboats plying on the river for hundreds of miles, passed out into the depots and river landings a constant stream of men, women and children, military and civic organizations and members of the Confederate Veterans’ Associations from every State in the South. The Cotton Exchange, the banks and all the city buildings were closed, and all were heavily draped, with emblems of mourning. The preliminary funeral services were held on the large portico of the City Hall, and there conducted by Bishop Galleher, of the Episcopal Diocese ofNew Orleans who was assisted by Bishop Thompson, of Mississippi; Dr. Markham, of the Presbyterian Church; Father Hubert, of the Catholic Church, and Drs. Bakewell and Martin. After the reading of the service for the dead oy Bishop Gallaher and some short eulogistic remarks from other di vines, a surpliced choir, selected especially for the occasion, sang Sullivan’s anthem, “though I walk Through the Valleyof the Shadow of Death.” Every available inch of space in the square ttnd about the buildings was densely packed with human beings, and the streets centering at the hall were impass able, though the police arrangements for the preservation of order was so complete that confusion was avoided. The City Hall itself was covered with a profusion of flags at half-mast, gracefully draped with black, whilst over the doors of the main entrance were suspended immense billows of crape. The procession was composed as follows: First Division—A detachment of city police, military escort of all uniformed organizations, the clergy in carriages, followed by the body of Mr. Davjs, which was placed on a caisson drawn by six horses, richly caparisoned. Second Division—Veterans’ Associations. Third Division—Officials of the State of Louisiana, and officials of this and other cities. Fourth Division—Masonic Order, Knights of Pythias, and other civil organizations. Sixth Division Fire Department. Seventh Division—Other organizations. Eighth Division—Colored associations. A notable feature was to be seen in that portion of the procession in which marched the detachment of veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic, a touching tribute which was cordially appreciated by all who were present. General John B. Gordon was Grand Marshal of the Day, and was assisted by a staff composed of some of the distinguished friends and associates of Mr. Davis. Upon its arrival at the cemetery the final services of the Episcopal Church were read, and several eloquent tributes were paid by the officiating clergy, after which the choir chanted “Rock of Ages.” At the close.of the ceremonies the coffin, upon which was placed the sword presented to Mr. Davis for meritorious service in the Black Hawk War, was placed in the tomb, a salute was fired by a detachment of the Washington Artillery and the door of the tomb closed upon the body of a man into whose life had been woven the black woof of tragedy.