370 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

zen behind citizen covered the plain and the hill as far as the prospect extended. A detachment of the military marched to the southeast bank of the East River with the cannon, from whence they fired minute-guns for some time; and were answered by the thunder of artillery from Corlaer’s Hook, Fort Jay, and other military posts. As soon as the firing ceased, a solemn silence pervaded the multitude, and expectation sat on every countenance—the tomb was open to receive them—the remains of American Martyrs were about to be honored with the rites of sepulture.” Amid the impressive silence which reigned, the Rev. RALPH WILLISTON addressed “the God of Battles” in “a most solemn, eloquent, and pious supplication.” Dr. BENJAMIN DEWITT then delivered the funeral oration which he had prepared at the request of the Tammany Society, in a style and manner dignified, pathetic, and eloquent. “He described the heroic fortitude with which the martyrs endured indescribable misery, and while the audience listened to catch the relation, tears of sympathy bedimmed their eyes. It was a solemn and sublime hour.”

At the close of the oration, the coffins were deposited in the tomb, the ceremonies were closed with the solemn benediction, “To the King Immortal, Invisible, the All-wise God, be glory everlasting. Amen!” and the procession returned to Brooklyn ferry, from whence its passage to the city was pleasant and expeditions. It was formed there again and proceeded to the Park, where a circle was formed, the Car of Liberty and the standards of the different societies were placed in the centre, and an air from the band was performed; after which, by a signal from the Grand Marshal, the procession was dismissed.

Thus ended the solemnities of a funeral procession which had excited more interest than any other that had ever taken place in America; and which was, as the event proved, as grand in promise as it was empty in result.

For awhile, after the temporary interment of the bones of the martyrs, there seemed to be no doubt that a nation's gratitude would be converted into the gold which should build their monument. Tam. many Hall flamed with excitement. Committees were appointed to collect money, individuals proffered donations, the State itself con-