The Wilmingtonian, And Delaware Register

Commemoration Groton Massacre,—On the 6th inst, nearly 10,000 people from all parts of the country assembled on Groton Heights and vicinity, to commemorate the battle of Fort Griswold; opposite New London, Ct. Citizens of both sexes, young and old, vied with the numerous and elegant bodies of the military, in patriotic feeling and in manifesting at once their lively and grateful recollection of those intrepid and dauntless spirits, who, on that awful day, sacrificed their lives at their country's shrine and in equal admiration of their valour, and abhorrence of the traitor's savage barbarity. A most splendid and numerous procession, escorted by the various military corps, marched to Fort Griswold, while minute guns were fired by the garrison of Fort Trumbull. The exercises of the day were introduced with prayer by the Rev. Mr. McEwen; an oration, patriotic and most eloquent, was pronounced by Wm. F. Brainard, Esq, and the services were concluded by the Rev. Mr. Tuttle. The day was closed by the report of Mr. Perkins, from the committee appointed for the day, and also to prepare some plan for the more permanent perpetuation of the deeds then commemorated, which was unanimously adopted, and a committee of 38 appointed to effect the object. It recommends the erection of a Monument, which "shall be for a memorial unto our children forever." Among the military, the fine appearance of a company, called the Ledyard Volunteers, was particularly distinguished. The most interesting scene of the day, however, was a little groupe a little distance from the committee and Orator's stage, consisting of eighteen venerable and respectable men, the survivors of the massacre. "Immediately in the rear of these ancient and living monuments of our misfortunes and our glory, (says the New London Gazette,) were seated nearly a thousand females—worthy rewards of republican patriotism and valor. The whole scene was solemn, affecting and impressive, where more tears than mirth prevailed."