The National Republican

The Flag Raising.—A large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled in the President's grounds on Saturday afternoon, to witness the flag raising which had been announced to take place. Over the musicians' stand, directly opposite the south part of the mansion, a neat canopy of alternate blue and white had been erected, the flag-staff protruding through the centre thereof.

About four o'clock, the New York twelfth regiment, Colonel Butterfield, accompanied by their fine band, and a company of the third infantry, U. S. regulars, with the Marine band, arrived and took position, forming a hollow square reaching to the Executive mansion. A detachment of Griffin's battery was also stationed in the reservation, immediately south of the grounds.

Seated on the platform were the President and lady, several members of the Cabinet, Gen. Mansfield, Rev. Dr. Pyne, and others. After a very impressive prayer by Dr. Pyne, the President ran up the flag to the top of the staff, amid the vociferous cheering of the immense throng, the Marine band playing the Star-spangled Banner, and Griffin's battery firing a salute of thirty-four guns. Just as the flag reached the top of the staff, General Scott made his appearance on the portico of the President's mansion, and was greeted with the most intense enthusiasm, amidst which the twelfth regiment band struck up "Hail Columbia." The President and his party then retired, amid hearty cheers from the vast concourse, and thus the ceremonies ended.

The flag is the same one which floated from the mainmast of the war steamer Freeborn, under which the gallant Captain Ward was shot.

The affair was under the direction of Mr. W. S. Wood, the Commissioner of Public Buildings, who deserves much credit for the judicious arrangements.