HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 369

colored pedestal which supported them, presented to the imagination of every beholder an object of the most pleasing admiration.” * * * “Fleets of small craft were seen industriously plying to and from the city, extending from the southerly point of the city to Corlaer's Hook.1 Pleasure-boats, with their colors waving half-mast high, and streaming far out in the wind, were sailing swiftly up and down the stream. Minute-guns were fired from all quarters. At a distance were seen volumes of smoke wheeling up the sky, succeeded in short intervals by the roaring of the cannon. The arms of the military glistened in the sun from the heights of CorlaerÕs Hook; and on the bills of Brooklyn crowds of ladies eyed with serious contemplation the vast grandeur of the scene. The waters of the East River foamed beneath the oars of a thousand boats, the sails of a hundred vessels swelled to the breeze, and a mild sun seemed to smile benignantly on the interesting scene.”

At Brooklyn ferry the procession formed again, and being joined by many citizens and ladies2 of Brooklyn, marched to the tomb of the valiant. “It is impossible to describe the interesting effect of the procession marching over the green hills of Brooklyn.3 The colors of the military waved in the wind, changing and turning to the sound of slow and most impressive music. High floated the flag of America, as if triumphant that the stain of ingratitude was this day to be wiped away. The procession streamed along the valley and over the hill, and arrived at the tomb of the martyrs amidst a vast and mighty assemblage. A stage bad been here erected for the orator, trimmed with black crape. The coffins were placed in front, and the pall-bearers took their seats beneath the eye of the orator. The Genius of America, ‘high upon the car,’ stood on his right. The Tammany Society arranged itself before him, and citi-

1 Foot of Grand street, East River.

2 “There, however, was displayed a lively mark of female patriotism and affection, as well as ingenious portray of fancy in the circumstance of arranging a beautiful group of ladies in the train of the Genius of Liberty. These fair daughters of Columbia gave the tear of sensibility to the memory of the brave, and exhibited the undissembling testimonial of virtuous hearts.”—N. Y. Public Adv., May 27.

3 The ground around the present Navy-yard was, at the time of these ceremonies, quite high; and there were several eminences in the neighborhood, such as “Vinegar Hill” and “McKenzie’s One Tree Hill,” any one of which would have formed advantageous positions both for the artillery and the spectators.