Columbus
New-York Daily Tribune
May 1, 1865
Serial and Government Publications Division, Library of Congress
7:30 O’CLOCK.—We are now at the Columbus Railroad depot. Crowds of spectators are in the immediate locality.
The Committee of Arrangements begin at once to carry out the programme and place the funeral party in carriages.
The military officers are executing the orders for the procession, and much activity is everywhere exhibited by others in the same connection.
Soon the solemn strains of a brass band are heard, and we see the general military officers in open lines, with heads uncovered, and before them the coffin is slowly carried to the hearse, which is neatly festooned with black cloth, trimmed with silver fringe, and the roof adorned with black plumes.
The coffin is elevated so that ever one may see it plainly from any position. The flowers contributed in other cities lie upon the lid of the coffin.
The procession is formed, the 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry acting as the military escort; then follow the officiating clergy, pall bearers and others, on each side of the hearse. The Veteran Reserve Corps are the guards of honor.
The escort accompanying the remains from Washington are in open carriages three abreast. They are followed by Major-Gen. Hooker and Brevet Gen. W.P. Richardson, each with his staff, and all mounted; also the Provost Marshal General, Col. Wilcox and staff, Brig.-Gen. Wagoner, Gen. Swain and staff, all in open carriages.
The rotunda of the Capitol was draped in mourning. The coffin was approached by five steps. It rested on a mound of moss, in which were dotted the choicest flowers. At the head of the coffin rested a large floral wreath, while directly behind the latter were flowers in glass and china vessels, contributed by ladies. At the corners of the platform, on the floor, were large vases filled with flowers. The walls were adorned with a naval picture representing a scene in the life of Commodore Perry, and with various banners which had been carried by Ohio troops during the war, torn and riddled by bullets in many a deadly conflict. No confusion whatever was occasioned in entering and retiring from the Capitol, owing to the admirable arrangements; and for about seven hours there was a constant line of spectators passing before the remains. Bands of music played during the afternoon, on the terraces of the Capitol. Most solemn dirges, and guns continued to be fired at intervals during the day. Maj.-Gen. H. Wilson, who had charge of the escort from Washington, will accompany the remains as far as Indianapolis.
