[235]Scenes of the Union triumph.
These shifting crowds on Pennsylvania Avenue, watching the Grand Review on May 23-24, 1865, seem like visions evoked by Bret Harte's lines. Part of the multitude of visitors to this most imposing fete day in American history are gathered near the reviewing-stand, before which the lines of men in blue are marching with military precision. Below the majestic elms and horse-chestnuts cavalrymen are trotting to the martial music of the band on the double-quick in the rear. The weather was perfect. Scores of bands filled the air with familiar tunes, and the choruses of When this cruel war is over, When Johnny comes marching home, and Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the boys are marching, were sung lustily by the enthusiastic onlookers. Popular leaders were received with the most boisterous demonstrations. When Meade appeared at the head of the column, his pathway was strewn with flowers, and garlands were placed upon him and his horse. On the second day, Sherman was eagerly waited for, and he had advanced but a little way when flowers and wreaths almost covered him and his horse. When the bands at the reviewing stand struck up Marching through Georgia, the people cheered wildly with delight. This was no Roman triumph. It was the rejoicing over the return of peace and the saving of the nation's life.
‘The cheers of the people who came to great’
‘I seemed to hear their trampling feet’
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Review of Reviews. New York. 1912.
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