****************** Republican Advocate Batavia, Genesee County, New York State April 25-1865 The Funeral Cortege of our lamented President left Washington en route for Springfield, Ill., on Friday, and will pass through here probably between five and six o'clock on the morning of Thursday. We hope and trust our citizens from far and near will assemble at the Depot, and show their regard for the lamented dead. * For the 'Republican Advocate' The Flag at Half-Mast. The tones of rejoicing are silent to-day, The earth-rocking echoes are still, The joy-flash of glory has flickered away- And the cannon is hushed on the hill. There's a wait in the heart, and a dirge in the air- There's a sigh that the lip cannot stay, There's a gloom o'er the earth like a pall of despair, And our flag is at half-mast to-day. The pride of our country, her glorious son, Our father, the chief of our land, The God-given boon that our victory won, Has fallen by a traitorous hand. The star of his glory, high risen and clear, Burned bright in its zenith-set ray, And a nation exulted in Washington's peer, But our flag is at half mast to-day. Base hand! that would shatter the bright bowl of life, Foul heart that could sanction its aim, Did ye dream, dark assassin, the ball or the knife Would shadow one moment his fame? The stripes of our banner recoil at the deed, The stars in their blue pale away, And a nation's great heart at the centre doth bleed, For our flag hangs at half-mast to-day. Brave spirit of truth, so heroic and high, No cloud can thy glory eclipse, While our eagle's broad pinion is poised in the sky, And liberty dwells on our lips. They name, so immortal, fresh glory shall gain, As centuries circle away, And no more shall the light of they memory wane, Than the flag hung at half-mast to-day. Mollie E. ERWIN, April 17th, 1865. Bethany, N.Y. * * They never fall who die in a great cause; the block may soak their gore; Their heads may sodden in the sun; their limbs Be strong to city gates and castle walls- But still their spirit walks abroad. Though years Elapse, and others share as dark a doom. They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts Which overpower all others, and conduct The world at last to freedom. * * Death of Lieut. Col. Root.--We are pained to announce the death of Lieut. Col. Augustus I. ROOT, of the 15th Cavalry. He was killed on the 8th inst., in one of the battles preceding the surrender of Gen. LEE. Col. ROOT was for a long time one of our own citizens, and raised the first company of volunteers which was mustered into the service in Western New York. Wounded in several battles, his bravery and patriotism never wavereth, and he freely offered his life upon the altar of his country. Our whole community will sympathise with his wife and children in their sad bereavement. * * submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************