The whole monument is about nine feet high, and stands over the center of the broad grave where the remains of the patriots repose. A peachtree shades its eastern side. Around it, in oblong form, is a massive stone wall five feet in height, covered with stucco. Upon the four sides of the pedestal are appropriate inscriptions, * somewhat defaced by the villain-hand of wanton destructiveness, or the marauding relic-seeker.
Here, far away from the hum of towns and cities, rest
* The following are the inscriptions: North side.—"The atrocious massacre which this stone commemorates was perpetrated by British troops under the immediate command of Major-general Grey." West side.—"Sacred to the memory of the Patriots who on this spot fell a sacrifice to British barbarity, during the struggle for American Independence, on the night of the 20th September, 1777." South side.—"Here repose the remains of fifty-three American soldiers, who were the victims of coldblooded cruelty in the well-known 'Massacre at Paoli,' while under the command of General Anthony Wayne, an officer whose military conduct, bravery, and humanity were equally conspicuous throughout the Revolutionary War." East side.—"This memorial, in honor of Revolutionary Patriotism, was erected September 20th, 1817, by the Republican Artillerists of Chester county, aided by the contributions of their fellow-citizens."
The Dead of Paoli.—Journey to West Chester.—Departure for the Brandywine Battle-ground.
"A sacred band;
They take their sleep together, while the year
Comes with its early flowers to deck their grave,
And gathers them again as winter frowns.
Here let us meet, and, while our motionless lips