DISPLAYING THE NATIONAL FLAG.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

UNDER the auspices of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, the American ensign was displayed for the first time, June 17, 1861, from a staff attached to the Monument, and rising above its apex. The association of the day and the act created an unusual degree of patriotic interest, and the citizens of Charlestown and Boston were present to witness the ceremonies in very full numbers, official notice of the exercises having been previously given in the newspapers.

At nine o'clock the members of the Association and the invited guests assembled at the residence of the President of the Association, Hon. G. WASHINGTON WARREN, on Monument Square, where they remained a short time, Gilmore's band, meanwhile, stationed in the garden, discoursing patriotic airs.

His Excellency, GOVERNOR JOHN A. ANDREW, with Colonels Sargent, Lee, and Wetherell, of his staff, Adjutant-General Schouler, and COLONEL FLETCHER WEBSTER, who was specially invited by the Governor to attend him, Lieutenant-Colonel Holmes, the HONORABLE COUNCIL, and other State Officers, were conducted from the State House to the President's by Hon. F. W. LINCOLN, Jr., Hon. STEPHEN FAIRBANKS, and B. T. REED, Esq., a Committee of the Directors of the Association. The sword which was borne by Gen. PUTNAM, in the Revolution, and a few relics of the battle of Bunker Hill, were here exhibited to the company.

At half past nine o'clock a procession was formed under the direction of Hon. JAMES DANA, Chief Marshal, assisted by Messrs.